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Lot #618
Voltaire

Voltaire quotes the classics: "Sed valeat possessor oportet, as Horace says"

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Estimate: $3000+
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Description

Voltaire quotes the classics: "Sed valeat possessor oportet, as Horace says"

LS in French, signed “Volt,” one page, 4.5 x 7.25, July 2, 1755. Letter written from his home Les Delices in Geneva, Switzerland, in part (translated): "I send you, Sir, the obligation of your mother. If I were still in the country, I would always be at her service and yours, but I am no more than a Swiss, and a sick Swiss. It is not the most brilliant state of this world. It is true that I have a nice house, nice gardens and nice views. Sed valeat possessor oportet, as Horace says. And what he does not say is that we should live surrounded by people as kind as you are. I beg you to return this little note to Mr. de Turckeim. I have the honor of being Sir, of the best of my court, and for all my life, your most humble and obedient servant, the sick man." In fine condition. Voltaire lived at Les Delices from 1755 to 1760, where he could avoid persecution from French authorities for his critical writing.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: March Auction
  • Dates: #523 - Ended March 07, 2018





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