Rica to Ibben, at * # *.
I found myself recently in a company where I met a man very well satisfied with himself. In a quarter of an hour, he decided three questions in morals, four historical z problems, and five points in physics. I have never seen so universal a decider ; 1 * his mind was not once troubled with the least doubt. We left science, and talked of the current news: he decided upon the current news. I wished to catch him, so I said to myself, “ I must get to my strong point; I will betake me to my own country.” I spoke to him of Persia ; but hardly had I opened my mouth, when he contradicted me twice, basing his objections upon the authority of Tavernier and Chardin. 3 “ Ah ! good heavens ! ” said I to myself, “ what kind of man is this ? He will know next all the streets in Ispahan better than I do ! ” I soon knew what part to play—to be silent, and let him talk ; and he is still laying down the law.
Paris, the 8th of the moon of Zitcade, 1715.