I likewise recounted my former visit,
which I had concealed until now. Louis XV seemed greatly interested
with the recital of it; he asked me a thousand questions, and would
fain hear the most trifling particulars.
"I shall never forget," said Louis XV, "the amazing success
obtained by his '
' There certainly were some
beautiful airs", and the king began to hum over the song of
""Yes, madam," continued his majesty, " I promise you, that had
Rousseau after his success chosen to step forward as a candidate
for public favour, he would soon have overthrown Voltaire."
"Pardon me," replied I; " but I cannot believe that would have
been possible under any circumstances."
"And why not?" asked the king; "he was a man of great talent."
"Doubtless, sire, but not of the kind to compete with Voltaire."
The king then changed the conversation to Therese, inquiring
whether she possessed any attractions?
"None whatever, sire," replied the duke; "at least none that we
could perceive."
"In that case," rejoined his majesty, "she must have charmed her
master by some of those unseen perfections which take the deepest
hold of the heart; besides I know not why we should think it
strange that others see with different eyes to ourselves."
I made no secret with the comte Jean of my visit, and he likewise
expressed his desire to know a man so justly celebrated, and, in
its proper place, you, may hear how he managed to effect this,
and what befell him in consequence--but, to finish for the present
with Rousseau, for I will not promise that I shall not again
indulge in speaking of him.
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