Page:Voltaire (Hamley).djvu/169



He arrived at Berlin in July 1750. There now commenced the singular relations between the two most notable men of their time, which seemed to be, at first, so full of pleasure and advantage for both. Voltaire's reception was such as might well pour balm over the wounded feelings of a sensitive poet. He was invested with his cross and key, and lived in the most complete and friendly intimacy with the king. Frederick had always been ambitious of the fame of an author, and had several works, poetical and other, at this time in the press. To the correction of these Voltaire gave an occasional hour; the rest of his time was passed either in privacy and occupied with his own pursuits, or in playing his part in such companies, entertainments, and conversations as were entirely to his mind. No wonder he should say, "I find a port after thirty years of storms." On the other hand, the French Court began to talk with resentment of his having left it. His friend the Duke of Richelieu wrote to say so, adding remonstrances of his own:—

"You have done me the honour," replies Voltaire, "to inform me that the king and Madame de Pompadour, who never bestowed a glance on me when I was in France, have