[1] This work, says Prof. F.C. Schlosser in his _History of the Eighteenth Century_, (vol. ii, p. 122.) "was sent to the pope, and very favorably received by him; although it could not possibly escape the notice of the pope, that the piece was indebted for its chief effect upon the public, to the vehement expressions against religious fanaticism which it contained. The pope felt himself flattered by the transmission of the _Mahomet_, and notified his approbation, of which Voltaire cunningly enough availed himself, for the advantage of his new principles." [2] _Critical and Historical Essays_, page 553. [3] Vol. iv, No. 39. [4] _Men of Letters of the time of George III._ [5] _Critical & Historical Essays_, p. 553. [6] _Lectures on the Romish Church._ [7] _History of the Girondists_, vol. i, p. 152. [8] _History of the Girondists_, vol. i, p. 152. [9] _Critical and Historical Essays_, p. 553. [10] _History of the Eighteenth Century_, vol. i, pp. 263-269. [11] _History of the Girondists_, vol. i, pp. 15, 154, 155, 156. [12] _History of European Morals_, vol. i, page iii. * * * * * The illustrations in this work and a few notes have been added by the publisher. The head of Voltaire in the frontispiece is from a bust by Houdon, and is copied from an engraving published by Messrs. J. & H.L. Hunt, London, 1824. It represents the gifted author as he appeared in his eighty-third year. The full-length portrait of Voltaire on page iii, shows him in his seventieth year, and the remaining portrait, on page xii, gives his likeness in early manhood; it is from a French edition of his works published in 1746. [Illustration: Voltaire at thirty.] CONTENTS. THE WHITE BULL: A SATIRICAL ROMANCE. CHAPTER I. How the Princess Amasidia meets a bull. CHAPTER II. How the wise Mambres, formerly magician of Pharoah, knew again the old woman, and was known by her. CHAPTER III. How the beautiful Amasidia had a secret conversation with a beautiful serpent. CHAPTER IV. How they wanted to sacrifice the bull and exorcise the Princess. CHAPTER V. How the wise Mambres conducted himself wisely. CHAPTER VI. How Mambres met three prophets, and gave them a good dinner. CHAPTER VII. How king Amasis wanted to give the White Bull to be devoured by the fish of Jonah, and did not do it. CHAPTER VIII. How the serpent told stories to the Princess to comfort her. CHAPTER IX. How the serpent did not comfort the Princess. CHAPTER X. How they wanted to behead the Princess, and did not do it. CHAPTER XI. Apotheosis of the White Bull. Triumph of the wise Mambres. The seven years proclaimed by Daniel are accomplished. Nebuchadnezzar resumes the human form, marries the beautiful Amasidia, and ascends the throne of Babylon. ZADIG; OR FATE. Approbation. Epistle dedicatory to the Sultana Sheraa.