Complete Works of Helvétius

LETTER III.

MONTESQUIEU TO HELVÉTIUS.

My dear friend, the business is done, and with the best grace in the world. I fear you may have had some trouble with it; and I would not want to cause any trouble to my dear Helvétius. But I am very glad to thank you for the marks of your friendship. I declare to you, moreover, that I will no longer pay you compliments; and, instead of compliments, which usually hide sentiments that do not exist, my sentiments will always hide my compliments. Give my compliments—non-compliments—to our friend Saurin. I have usurped from him, I know not how, the title of friend, and have come to thrust myself into