As Mr. Pavilliard writes to you at present, I will not let slip the
occasion of sending my letter by the same post. Give me leave, sir,
to demand of you, once more, and to demand of you with the last
earnestness, the return of your paternal tenderness, which I have
forfeited by the unhappy step I have made. I hope to merit that
return by my behaviour. Give me leave, too, to repeat my former
demands of some masters, as for the _manége_ for fencing and for
dancing. With regard to the last, I own that Mr. Pavilliard, overcome
by importunities, and imagining you would not disapprove of it, gave
me leave to take it about three months ago, and I actually learn. My
health still continues good, and I continue my studies in the same
manner I have already described to you. The only news I have to tell
you is that the famous Mr. de Voltaire[4] is come to spend, as he
says, the rest of his days here. He has bought an estate near Geneva,
where he proposes to spend the summer, and to pass the winter at a
country house he has hired near Lausanne.
Give me now leave, dear Sir, to finish, repeating the demand of your
former affection. If I could hope to hear from you I should think
myself completely happy.
I am, dear Sir,
Your most obedient and most dutiful son,
E. GIBBON.
[4] Voltaire lived from 1755 to 1758 at _les Délices_ near
Geneva, and within Genevan territory.
4.
_To Miss Catherine Porten._
September 20th, 1755.