The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-03-07

1t was his idol, the object of his alteration
and as the first law of love is reciprocity
Noltaire desired to be loved in return. His
| orders were strict, and no one dared to touch
the colt. Noltaire was happy that his wishes
had been so respected. But, alas, the Lord
OF ferney had not reckoned on the gold OF
Gibbon. The Englishman was about to tri-
umph again He induced the domestic t.
dlsobey second time the orders Of his mas
ter; English gulneas overcame the conscien-
tlous scruples Of the Frenchman, and the
porter agreed to unlock the stable door and
drive the pony down the principal path of the
park.
1t was still early, the windows Of the chateau
were tightly closed: everything seemed to
favor the hardy adventure; no ndiscreet wit
ness was present to reveal the plot The
conditions We're sealed and the price paid
Gibbon crossed the park and concealed him
self behind large tree.
On his part, he porter stole stealthily to
the stable, united the horse and started him
toward the spot where GibDon was concealed
The fresh morning air and une Apected liberty
acted simultaneously on the fiery organization
OF the Young animal. He ran to the middle
OF the garden, bounding neighing and rat
thing the gravel Of the road at every step.
Suddenly a window opened with crash, and
Noltaire appeared. red with anger and filling
the morning air with the most forcible male
dlctions. He swore he would drive every
servant from the place The bewildered do
mestics ran iG every direction, but their mas
ter cautioned them not to touch his idol.
Noltalre left his apartment. entered the
garden and followed the rapid steps Of the
pony, calling him by name and endeavoring
to coax him back to the stable. Meanwhile
Gibbon, concealed behind the tree, contem-
plated at his leisure the figure and features of
the great writer. What was his surprise to
see the author of the Wenriade, the immortal
tragedian, prince OF philosophy tightly
enveloped in long robe de chaabre his hair
arranged in long perruque la Louis XIV
ana surmounted with a night cap which
Madame Denis had ornamentcd with stream
ers of yellow ribbon. Was it thus that he was
to appear before the eyes of the great Gibbon.
cefore his antagonist, before the man who
would scott at his philosophy: But Voltaire's
mind was far from these thoughts Had not
his horse escaped? Would not the dew of
morning still fresh on the grass, endanger
the delicate creatures health
While these fears agitated his mind, Vol
talre little thought how soon his glory was to
be compromised. He continued his course,
and Ia few minutes was almost abreast of
the tree from whose friendly shade Glbbon
watched his movements. Suddenly the Eng
lishman left his place of concealment and
advancing with a firm step before Noltaire,
introduced himself and declared that he
could now return contented to his native
land, since he had seen the greatest man in
Europe. Voltaire completely surprised and
bewiidered by the sudden appearance OF the
ugly spectacle before him, lost his presence
OF mind, and forgetting his horse, started on
a run toward the house, not even speaking a
word to GibbOn Several minutes elapsed
and the Englishman, proud of his triumph
remained pleas antly surveying the battle
field from which his enemy had Just fled in
great confusion and as he turned to retr ce
his steps to Geneva. he was stopped by SER
want IN elegant livery, who, prostrating him
self. apologized in advance for the singularity
Of the message he was about 70 deliver; but
his master had ordered, and he was bound to
obey. Gibbon, curious to learn the object OF
the embassy, FASTENED to reassure the valet,
and requested him tc speak.
Monselgneur has sent ne to Monsieur
Glbbon to ask him for twelve guneas in pay
ment for the privilege lie enjoyed in seeing
the crosse bGe
Here, my friend, quickly replied the En-
gllshman, are twenty-tour, and say to your
master that | have paid to see him second
time. | will await your return"
The domestic ran to discharge his mission.
He returned shortly with an invitation from
his master Tor Gibbon to pass tue day at Fer
ney and dine at the chateau
Gibbon, telicitating himself on the happy
effect of his bon mot, accepted the invitation,
and looked forward to happy day at the Vol
tartan court. But the philosopher was deter
mined that his enemy should not depart
nnchagrined; accordingly he did not appear
during the day, and did not even preside at
dinner.
Gibbon, however, consoled himself He !
re enough fer four drank to a similar ex-
ent, and rendered himself excessively agree
.ble to all at the table. When the repast was
over. he tore a leaf from his notebook, wrote
With pencil the following lines and sent
hem TO his host:
" IT, de Iiotaire est CONNIE l. Dien deS GAre-
lens: Sc hisse boire, il So lotisSe munger, mats
ne Sc Laisse pas roir.
And then taking his stick, he started for
ieneva, whence he Travelled To London. Sew
raj months later he published his " History
# the Hevetian Republic" and crowned his