"'Yes, as to walking, or eating whatever he pleases, or lolling in his elbow-chair, a Frenchman is free enough; but as to taxes--Ah, Monsieur, you are a lucky Nation; you can do what you like; poor we are born in slavery: we cannot even die as we will; we must have a Priest [can't get buried otherwise; am often thinking of that!]...
Well, if the English do sell themselves, it is a proof that they are worth something: we French don't sell ourselves, probably because we are worth nothing.' SHERLOCK.

"'What is your opinion of the ELOISE' [Rousseau's immortal Work]?
VOLTAIRE.

"'That it will not be read twenty years hence.' SHERLOCK.

"'Mademoiselle de l'Enclos wrote some good LETTERS ?' VOLTAIRE.

"'She never wrote one; they were by the wretched Crebillon' [my beggarly old "Rival" in the Pompadour epoch]!...
VOLTAIRE.