1793. letter from the king of Prufsia toVoltaire. 26% 
I am enamoured with philosophy and verse. When I 
speak of philosophy, 1 mean neither geometry nor meta- 
physics ; 3 the former, though sublime, is not made fora 
man who is to mix with society. I leave this to some 
dreaming Engliihman ; iet him govern the heavens as he 
will, I am contented with the planet which I inhabit. As 
for metaphysics they are as you have jusily termed them 
a bladder filled with wind. Every journey through these 
Tegions exposes the traveJler either to the precipice 
or the abyfs ; and I am persuaded that nature has not for- 
med us to guefs at her secrets, but rather to follow im- 
plicitly the plan fhe proposes. Let us draw all the ad- 
vantages from life that it is capable ot affording, and not 
trouble our heads, whether we are acted upon by superior 
agents, or directed by our own free will. If however I 
may venture to hazard my sentiments upon this subject, 
it appearstto me, that our pafsions and circumstances ever 
determine us. It you go still higher, I confefs my igno- 
rance. I well know that by my will I am drawn to 
write verses, whether good or bad; but I am ignorant 
whether there may not be some external compulsion in 
the case. Ifit be so, I am. displeased that this compul- 
sion does not make them more agreeable, 
Don’t be surprised at my ede upon war: these are, { 
afsure you, my sentiments : You must distinguith the 
statesman from the philosopher ; and you ought to know 
that we may make war from reason ;' may be po- 
liticians from duty, and philosophers from inclination, 
Men are never placed in this world according to their 
choice. From hence it appears, that there are so many 
bad coblers, bad priests, bad statesmen, and bad monarchs 
jn the world. Yours dc. de, 
' Faeperick. 
