g blessings on your Majesty.
[Collini, p. 48; LETTER, in--OEuvres de Frederic,--xxii. 305.]

Friedrich, though in hot wrath, has not quite come that length.
Friedrich, the same day, towards evening, sends Fredersdorf to him, with
Decorations back. And a long dialogue ensues between Fredersdorf and
Voltaire; in which Collini, not eavesdropping, "heard the voice of M. de
Voltaire at times very loud." Precise result unknown. After which, for
three months more, follows waiting and hesitation and negotiation, also
quite obscure. Confused hithering and thithering about permission for
Plombieres, about repentance, sorrow, amendment, blame; in the end,
reconciliation, or what is to pass for such. Recorded for us in that
whirl of misdated Letter-clippings; in those Narratives, ignorant, and
pretending to know: perhaps the darkest Section in History, Sacred or
Profane,--were it of moment to us, here or elsewhere!

Voltaire has got permission to return to Potsdam; Apartment in the
Palace ready again: but he still lingers in Dove Street; too ill,
in real truth, for Potsdam society on those new terms. Does not quit
Francheville's "till March 5th;" and then only for another Lodging,
called "the Belvedere", of suburban or rural kind. His case is intricate
to a degree. He is sick of body; spectre-haunted withal, more than
ever;--often thinks Friedrich, provoked, will refuse him leave.
And, alas, he would so fain NOT go, as well as go! Leave for
Plombieres,--leave in the angrily contemptuous shape, "Go, then, forever
and a day!"--Voltaire can at once have: but to get it in the friendly
shape, and as if for a time only? His prospects at Paris, at Versailles,
are none of the best; to return as if dismissed will never do! Would
fain not go, withal;--and has to diplomatize at Potsdam, by D'Argens,
De Prades, and at Paris simultaneously, by Richelieu, D'Argenson and
friends. He is greatly to be pitied;--even Friedrich pities him, the
martyr of bodily ailments and of spiritual; and sends him "extract of
quinquina" at one time. [Letter of Voltaire's.] Three miserable months;
which only an OEdipus could read, and an OEdipus who had nothing else
to do! The issue is well known. Of precise or indisputable, on the road
thither, here are fractions that will suffice:--

VOLTAIRE TO ONE BAGIEU HIS DOCTOR AT PARIS ("Berlin, 19th December,"
1752, week BEFORE his AKAKIA was burnt).... "Wish I could set out on the
instant, and put myself into your hands