Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1834-08-28
AMusEMENrs or rnE srunY.

/ polfaiFs and Piron- Riralrg ef.--voltairo
+ was irrsscihlc and Jealous 60 great degree nm
instance OF which is related in an accidental in.
/ tcrview with Piron. Piron was rival vii who
! took strange delight in tormcnting him. aud
whom he consequently most sincerely hated
| Voltairc never missed an opportunity OF lashing
I his rival in the keen encounter Of wit aud ri,
ron, equally liberal left him hut few advanta-
ges to boast. One morning Noltaira called NJ
the mansion OF the celebrated Madame de PENN.
adour, and was awaiting her coming in the salon.
lie had comfortably established himself on fau-
teuil, expecting the arrival Of the lady for
although Noltaire was philosopher, he was
nevertheless akeen scented conrtier, aud seldom
neglected an opportunity of ingratating himself
with the powers that were. The door opened,
and Nollaire, arraycd ia his best smiles, spfanR
forward 60 pay his homage to the arbitfess of
patronage, when who should meet him. smrk
ing as IL were in mucSery of the poet, hut Tho
hated piton There was no retrcatng Vol.
/ taire, therefore, resolving 90 play the hero,
| drew himself up with an air Of hNuteur, and how.
ing slightly % piron. retired 60 the fsuteni from
which he bad risen, PIron ACKNOWLEDGED tho
saluiation with ga equally indifferent movement,
placed himself on a fauteuii cxacfly opposite
Nottaire. After some moments passed in ST.
lencc, the author Of uenriade took from his
pocket black silk cap which he usually wore
when at home, or in the presence Of any enc
with whom he thought he could take such
liberty, and putting Il on his head. observed in
"Je yous dcmaudc pardon, Monsieur mais mon
medeia m'ordonne de-" (Your pardon, sir il
Is the orders of my doctor y
Point du ceremonic. Monsieur" interrupted
Piron; 'fd'autant plus que mon medicin NOR
dome la meme chose" No apologies, sir my
phys oian has particularly enjoiued me 90 do
the same thing So saying he very cody put
ON his hat.
/. Voitaire stared at this unequivocal demonstra-
ton Of contempt, but MS he had provoked il, he
att Ia
therefore compelled 10 limit his Indignation TO
the expression Of his counte nance, which was
any thing hn, aniable or coneiliating, and occn-
pied himself exclusively with his own relies
lions. Piron took no notice OF him and the sit
uation Of the two poets became every moment
more embarrassing, Madame Pompedour did
not arrive, and Noltaire evidently out Of
humor. lie again applied to his pocket, and
drawing from il biscuit, he began 10 eat IL, Of
fcrng, NJ apology, that his health was delicate.
Pardon, Monsieur, mas moa mcdeciD ma com
mande dc Manager" Excuse me: my physi-
clan has ordered me TO take lunch.)
''Point de eeremonie, Monster" repeated I no
impetnbable Piron, with an obsequious bow, and
drawing from his pocket a small bottle or flask.
with which he was usually provided. he uncork-
ed il, and swallowed the contents at draught.
at the same time testify ing his approval by
smacking his lips with violence perfectly pct
riiying.
This was too much. The irrascibility Of the
philosopher prevailed. and, starting ur with in
dgnaton in his countenancc, and darling fierce
look at the uncerenonious Pron. he exclaimed,
est &C, Monsieur, sc moque dc moi ~ (s IL
thus, Sir, that you insult me)
''Excusez moi 90 mildly retorted piron, enjoy
ing the rage and confusion Of his rival; "mais
ma santc est 81 fable que mon medecin ma COM
mande dc boire." (Pmdon me: my health is so
delicate that my doctor requires me TO drink
Fortunately, al this moment, Madame de Pom
padour entered, in time 10 prevent the progress