Which occasioned great rumor in the world; and at Paris, to Voltaire's horror, reports of his death.

He himself made light of the matter: [To Voltaire, 22d February, 1747 (-- OEuvres de Frederic,--xxii.

164); see IB.

164 n.] and it did not prove to have been important; was never followed by anything similar through his long life; and produced no change in his often-wavering health, or in his habits, which were always steady.

He is writing MEMOIRS; settling "Colonies" (on his waste moors); improving Harbors.