This letter closes with the post-script: "Pardon; there was a great figure in optics on the other leaf; I have torn it off."
[250] May 8, 1739. Édition Garnier XXXV. pp. 272-3. The idea of d'Argenson as Frederick's first minister occurs not unfrequently in future letters.
[251] Ibid., 289-292.
[252] July 28, 1739. For further details see letters of 8th May, 21st June, and 28th July, and d'Argenson, 7th July.
[253] For references to the Portuguese embassy, see letters of 16th April, 28th July, and 17th August; and d'Argenson, 20th June (Nisard).
[254] See Note 420.
[255] Voltaire, 16th April, 1739. It may be presumed that d'Argenson was unable to keep his satisfaction to himself; for Voltaire writes to his business agent in Paris, asking him to call upon d'Argenson and thank him for the care he had taken of the letters, as a gentle suggestion that he should take more of it in future. See Voltaire to Moussinot, 30th May, 1740 (Édit. Garnier, XXXV. p. 440).
[256] Journal (Rathery) III. p. 105.
[257] Journal (Rathery), III. p. 247.
[258] Ibid., IV. p. 96.