154 174
TOTHE POET GUAZZESI
210
●
VOLTAIRE, FRANÇOIS MARIE AROUET DE. Letter Signed, “Voltaire gen-
tilhomme o[rdinaire] de la chambre du r[oi],” to the Italian poet Lorenzo Guazzesi
(“Monsieur il Cavalliero Guazzesi”), in French, thanking for sending his book [Racine’s
Iphigenie
and Voltaire’s
Alzire
, published together in 1762], mentioning that the ancient
Romans had an unrefined sense of humor and noting that he can see through his windows
the mountains that were crossed by Hannibal. The text of the letter is in the hand of his
secretary, Jean-Louis Wagnière. 2
1
/
2
pages, 4to, written on a singled folded sheet;Voltaire’s
holograph rank truncated by seal tear (but signature is not affected), complete separations
at folds expertly repaired with tissue.
Ferney, 18 October 1763
[3,000/4,000]
“
One of the greatest consolations which I have received in an infirm old age which leads me to the
tomb by an uneven road, has been reading the works you have been good enough to send me. . . . I am
not well enough to thank you by my own hand, but . . . I can appreciate all your merit.The admirable
Iphigenie of Racine was worthy of being translated by you, but you do others [e.g.,Voltaire himself]
too much honor.Your compositions are as instructive as your poetry is agreeable. . . .”
DECLININGTO SIT FOR A PORTRAIT
211
●
WELLS, H.G. Autograph Note Signed, [to artist Powys Evans], illustrated with
small ink drawing, sketch showing himself hiding behind a canvas: “No I can’t stand the
idea of it. It makes me feel like this.” 1 page, 4to,“120,Whitehall Court” stationery; folds.
[London], nd
[200/300]
210