VOLTAIRE

Real name - Francois Marie Arouet. The French philosopher, educator, author of novels "Makromegas" (1752), "Candide, or Optimism" (1759), "The simple" (1767), tragedy in the classical style "Brutus" (1730), "Tancredi" (1760), satirical poems, including "virgin of Orleans" (1735), journalistic, philosophical and historical writings. He played a major role in the development of the world of philosophical thought, in the ideological preparation of the French Revolution. Because of its sharp satire of social and political evil was frequently forced to hide from their enemies, and twice found himself in jail.

No poet in the world has enjoyed in life such recognition as Voltaire. He was not just a celebrity who inspires respect just because he - a celebrity. Before him bowed, as if before God, his words carried more weight than the words of dignitaries, including the king and the ministers; admirers of his talent went to his bow, as devout Muslims in the holy Mecca. On the role of Voltaire in the cultural life of the last century can be judged from the letter of Frederick II of Prussia, inviting him into their possession. "You, - he wrote the king, - like a white elephant, because the possession of whom are war Shah of Persia and the Great Mogul, the one who got in the end bring its titles to pointing out what he owns. When you arrive here, you will see the beginning of my title as follows: "Frederick, the grace of God, King of Prussia, Elector of Brandenburg, the owner of Voltaire. "

Of course, Voltaire was a great success with women, though he was not handsome. The famous courtesan Ninon de l′Enclos drew attention to it, when Voltaire was only ten years (and she is eighty). She probably sensed that the boy had become famous, and when her latest lover, a famous abbot of Chateauneuf, the godfather of Voltaire, introduced him to her child, she gave him 2,000 francs for the purchase of books.

The first success came early to Voltaire. At seventeen he wrote an ode in honor of the Dauphin, and gave it an old retired officer, who gave her at the court for his and as a reward for it was retired. The name of this author, however, soon became known, and the young poet began to be in high society. He was a frequent guest in the circles of the Duke of Vendome and the Prince de Conti. By this time he finished his policy work "Oedipus" written on the model of the tragedies of Sophocles. To his great surprise, "Oedipus" was not put on the stage of the French theater, because it was not required by statute theater love scene. Then he introduced him to the academy to get a prize at the competition, but the premium received by some mediocre work. Outraged, indignant young poet (if he still called Arouet: aristocratic name Voltaire, he has arrogated to itself later) wrote a few sarcastic poems against the theater and the academy, but this is not so much revenge on them, as himself, as was forced to flee from facing him in prison.

He found refuge in The Hague. Soon, Voltaire returned to Paris, where once it was suspected in composing poems on biting the deceased king and regent, for which he was put in the Bastille, where he spent a whole year without the ink and paper. Despite this, he composed there his famous "Genriadu" and learned the verses by heart. On paper the perpetuated after its release.

When the poet was released from prison, friends greeted him with enthusiasm. Sam regent showered his grace marks and assured the audience that will now take care that he was fed and had a decent angle. Voltaire replied with a smile: "I will be very pleased if your Highness will give me food, but as far as government flat, if it continues to be in the Bastille, then at least spare me. "

However, immediately after release from prison, Francois Marie survived, and a small disappointment. On line it says the letter: "I have changed everything, even love. "

Who is she, a deceiver? What made her change François-Marie, and the second time? Charming girl named Suzanne de livery. Their connection began in Sully-sur-Loire. Girl′s uncle was intendant of the Duchy. She herself, too, as it belonged to this noble family, preparing for its beauty delight owners and guests of the castle.

Photo — «Voltaire»

As for the young Arouet, then he gave a charming creature, and performing arts lessons. In Susanne burned the holy fire of talent.

Why did Francois Marie forgave her first betrayal of his friend and contemporary of the son of the chairman of the Parliament of Brittany, courteous, intelligent, kind de Zhenonvilem? The explanation is simple: free mores of regency, which in the castle Sully was permeated with absolutely everything. Jealousy? What the man of her own will? Yes, and love to Francois Marie Susanne was not a serious sense.

Of course, he was upset, finding one with her in bed at his place de Zhenonvilya. Arouet was quick-tempered, hot-tempered. He stamped his feet, shouting about ingratitude, of iniquity, even pulled out a very short sword from its sheath, but did not wield it, because both the renegade began to cry. Francois Marie sobbed himself. History was over the fact that all three of them embraced. Without much effort he forgave them both, not breaking any connection with Susanna, nor the friendship with de Zhenonvilem.

But this time the deceiver had betrayed him when he languished in the Bastille, and left Paris, leaving the theater, where he served through the lessons and patronage of the François-Marie, to the Duc de Sully.

Poet again being invited to the grand house. One day he visited the palace of the Duke Betyunskogo where going to the intellectual elite. There he became acquainted with the education of women of France, Madame Dacier, nee Lefebvre, who translated Homer, and wrote in Latin in the book, served dauphin textbooks. Thanks to Voltaire imbued with respect for women scientists. By this time, is his fascination with the Baroness de Ryupelmond. She offered to visit her in Holland, and of course he went, thus came the poem, in which he compared it with uranium - a symbol of female perfection in Greek mythology. He then thought that he will meet with another woman, which would have more right to be called Uranus, - the Marquise du Chatelet, celebrated under the name of "divine Amelia.

However, even before his acquaintance with the Marquise du Chatelet, Voltaire met with the two actresses. Relations with them were very interesting. Name one of them remains unknown. On the other, Adriana Lecouvreur, the relationship was complex and uneven. At first there was not only a friendship. But a warm heart Adrienne required characters are not one soul, but also the appearance of soldiers. And Voltaire, frail, thin-and unattractive in her youth, his appearance on the hero does not look like. Their friendship also alternated rift. But what did that matter? Adrienne was naturally endowed with such noble sentiments, such unwavering loyalty and fearless friendly. She was a nurse Voltaire, when he suffered from chickenpox - a disease at that time not only contagious, but also dangerous. She fainted when the Chevalier de Rohan raised his stick over Voltaire. Temperament, inner fire Adrienne did a great tragic actress. They were associated with Voltaire, and teamwork, and not just shared the joy of success and the bitterness of failure.

This fire and burned her at the age of thirty-eight years. Poor health since his youth and seriously ill, she, as once Moliere did not leave the scene. Her last performance, March 15, 1730, was "Oedipus" by Voltaire, where she played Jocasta with the very first night. After this performance Adrienne fell ill and never got . . .

Voltaire has not forgotten what he was obliged to her, and together with her latest lover, Maurice of Saxony, and Count d′Arzhantalem four days did not leave bedside. She died the morning of March 20. Actress was buried without the proper honors, prompting strong protests from Voltaire.

It is no longer attracted to love butterflies. Forgotten were prezidentsha de Bernieres, and marshalsha de Villars. Carnal relations replaced the purely spiritual relationship with the lady is very elderly, the Comtesse de Fontaine Martel. She was fascinated by philosophy, raving theater. Voltaire almost daily supper at the countess, and then moved to do her hotel. They wrote each other letters on the first floor on the second.

But in 1733 he suffered a new mount - illness and death of a friend.

Photo — «Voltaire»

Bezbozhnik made Countess die "in the rules, that is to invite the priest, the sacrament, to take the holy sacrament. He did not want to experience again what survived when the body of Adriana Lecouvreur abandoned as a pile of rubbish.

He moved into the domain of the Marquise du Chatelet - Castle Cyr, located in the province of Champagne, in a beautiful valley among the mountains. They settled together. This was quite in the rules of the society and especially at that time. The presence of her husband Mme nothing prevented. But before there have been secret meetings in Paris hotel "Sharon", which was famous for chicken fricassee. Marquise was twenty-seven. She preferred to work crazy insignificant pleasures of high society. It all began with music. Voltaire was a really beautiful voice captivated the Marquise du Chatelet.

Despite the fact that the Marquis had a greater knowledge and education was at the height of the century, in its outlook to notice the romantic stream. "It′s a little shepherdess, - said about her once Voltaire, - the truth, a cowgirl in diamonds, with powdered hair and a huge crinoline. Voltaire no one could love to full self-oblivion, but it certainly felt for Emily deep affection, and this is probably partly because the fifteen years spent with her, were a time of flowering of his creativity. After the separation, he only just managed to climb to its former heights of inspiration - in "Tancredi". No wonder he called the Seer "earthly paradise" and in 1733 wrote this: "I do not go to Paris, so as not to expose themselves to rabies envy and superstition. I will live in a Sears or its free cottage. After all, I will always say: if my father, my brother or my son had become first minister in a despotic state, I would deny them the next day. So you can judge how uncomfortable I feel myself here. Marquise more to me than a father, brother or son. I have only one desire - to live lost in the mountains Cyr.

Marquis was well aware of the nature of the great poet and wrote in the article "On happiness:" Do not destroy the luster, which casts an illusion for most things, but on the contrary, he needs to give a poetic touch. "

Emilia is not only not prevented, but she was burning to the same fever resounding triumph of one of his works, or prohibiting the failure of others, fear of others, rampant controversy with opponents, alarms, escape - not only from Sears in the Netherlands, but also in Fontainebleau So, the pursuit of courtly and academic career, his self Tesha friendship with the heir to the throne, and then the King of Prussia, Louis XV′s favorite of the Marquise de Pompadour. A quick transfer should be supplemented by another, and traveling, which he performed together with Emily and one had a 1739, and the fierce struggle for their views, which replaced the complete spiritual harmony.

Soon after his return from Holland in the life of Voltaire and even take care of orphaned niece. Their mother, beloved sister of Voltaire, died when he was still in England. In October 1737 he died and her husband, Monsieur Mignot, leaving two sons and two needy girls, daughters.

The biggest location Voltaire enjoyed the eldest, 25-year-old Marie-Louise.

Soon, Marie-Louise fell in love with a handsome young captain Nicola Charles Denis, 25 February 1738 to marry him. Uncle marriage did not interfere. "Let him be happy in his own way, not on my" - he said. Gave a dowry, as her sister, who married earlier, gave 30 thousand pounds. Marie-Louise managed to get the dowry and the second uncle, Armand.

Wolter invited the young couple in the Sira and perfectly accepted them. He was very satisfied with their family affairs.

Voltaire and the Marquise du Chatelet visit Lille, where, after raising her husband′s career had lived a young Madame Denis. It is the best uncle adopted: most likely to be the will was drawn in its favor. Perhaps this overly polite reception given to Voltaire, Marie-Louise, was distasteful Emilia.

Soon, not breaking with Emily, Voltaire, and found a new muse in the face of his niece, Madame Denis. By the time she was widowed and moved to Paris and with the help of his uncle opened the salon, wanting to enjoy life.

Photo — «Voltaire»

It should be noted that none of his contemporaries, moreover, friends, secretaries and servants of Voltaire, even the observation did not know the true nature of his relations and Madame Denis. If some of them guessed that much later, in Ferney.

Yet already in 1744, in Paris, this woman gives Voltaire later passion, unlimited trust, to forgive all, even amateurish poetry. From his side it was truly blind adoration. It is unlikely that she paid him the same.

Whether cost of Marie-Louise of such love? She was not beautiful, but it certainly could not be called ugly. In any case, and in thirty-two years widow appealed to many. Lively and frivolous, it does not bores. One of the visitors to her salon, Sidevil, wanted to marry Madame Denis. We do not know the motives of its failure. It is possible that it expected sooner or later become Madame de Voltaire. In the Latin countries, and even close relationships marriages between relatives is not considered shameful.

Saloon Madame Denis visited her brother, the Abbe Mine, the cleverest Abbe Raynal, Montesquieu, Maupertuis. Perhaps visitors attracted, in addition to casual conversation, and good cuisine: the hostess she paid attention.

Voltaire is trying to hold it all the time, which left at his disposal Emilia. Now he was even grateful to her kartezhnoy passion. In the salon of Madame Denis, he is perhaps more than at home, could see friends, to freethinking talk, to share observations on the "high society" and the court.

He wrote the novel "Zadig", which is largely autobiographical. Voltaire projected onto the main character himself 1745-1747 period - the academician, the court historiographer, a noble duty of the king. This story, like most others, contains a lot of personal. It offers not only the external circumstances, but also the inner world of the author himself - Voltaire hesitant, disappointed in the court life, and pondered the complexity of life in general, Voltaire, lost faith in the woman′s love and faithfulness. He depicted the Marquis de Chatelet, then Madame Denis. Long before they were published his letters to his niece, his mistress, put in two chapters of "Zadiga" examples of her infidelity, hoping to keep Marie-Louise from new betrayals.

Meanwhile, Voltaire still awaited and a new calamity, he himself prepared. He presented Emilia young, handsome, charming officer and writer, the Marquis de Saint-Lambert, of course, and not knowing what this negligence lead.

Marquise immediately carried away by a new friend - indeed, passionately love him. He was ten years younger than her. Voltaire did not possess neither youth nor beauty of your opponent.

The cost of different tricks Emilia has achieved the performance of their desires, hoping at the same time keep a secret.

There are many versions, very detailed, as it is Voltaire found treason. Believe his Secretary Longchamp. Once Voltaire suddenly found himself a couple in a room designed to study the Marquise du Chatelet sciences and philosophy. Whatever it is that she and Saint-Lambert, in no way resembled neither science nor philosophy.

Enraged with jealousy and betray trust (the opponent he considered a friend) Voltaire attacked the St. Lambert to horrible abuse. Marquis was also not one who meekly accepts from any insult.

Voltaire, in response to what he heard from the de Saint-Lambert, asked whether he agrees to give him satisfaction. The answer is unknown to us. One can only assume that the Marquis example Chevalier de Rohan was not followed, the duel did not refuse.

But Emily was not silent. She does not deny the obvious. However, the jealous husband had to listen to her reasons: she loves only one of Voltaire, but the more love, the more concerned about his health, it is very expensive.

"You, on the other hand, - continued the Marquis, - have shown an interest in their health much more than me, and have set themselves a strict regime, which strictly followed. "

Voltaire understood: Marquis suggested that he will not mind that one of his friends will take his place in her bed. It turns out that a traitor just took care of the sick old man.

Marquis said everything I wanted to say.

Photo — «Voltaire»

Both were silent for a long time, until irritation Voltaire did not pass at all. No wonder he was a philosopher, and got used to everything philosophically. We know that he is not just forgive your friends and mistresses of treason.

Voltaire acknowledged the correctness of the Marquise. After all, in fact, he was elderly and was constantly ill. It also needs love, which he could not give her. We know more and what is not suspected Emilia, but knew himself Voltaire. For four years he was the adored lover, Madame Denis. Is not this the main reason for his leniency?

In short, now he is accused, and the Marquis de Saint-Lambert, only that they were unable to conceal his connection. Gradually he ceased to insist on this sin. They parted friends with Emily.

It took very little time with her care, as there was a new sound of the door. Saint-Lambert came to ask for forgiveness for his admission of harsh expressions. Voltaire insisted that, in contrast, the Marquis should forgive him, and ended the following tirade: "You, not I, in the happy age of love and pleasure. Use this as much as possible while young! "

This explanation was over hugs and assurances of continued friendship. The next day, they, as before, they had supper together.

In December, the Marquise du Chatelet and Voltaire returned to Sears. Their life went on track and flowed quietly, while the Marquis him first not recognized: in forty-three years she was pregnant. Who was the father of the unborn child, is beyond doubt.

They were discharged in the Sira St. Lambert (the long indifferent) and the three of us began to think how to legitimize the baby. Voltaire suggested: to make the Marquis du Chatelet to believe that a child from him. The task was not easy. Too long have Emily with her husband was not an intimate relationship. Nevertheless treacherous plan was implemented.

Marquise was expecting a child and continued to work intensively. She gave birth while sitting at secretaire. The child died a few days. We Chatelet onset of labor fever. Save her failed. Poet grieved at the death of a woman who left her life, in fact, because he betrayed him.

Now you can take stock of fifteen years, they lived with Emily. Her influence on Voltaire, of course, was strong, though not always consistent with his true interests. Emily did all that he could work easily and a lot of Voltaire remembered it with gratitude. From how many dangers, she was saved! And how many years he was with her happy.

In 1750, Voltaire accepted the invitation of Frederick II and moved to Prussia. And here in Voltaire was a woman friend, and not only one, - Countess Sophie-Charlotte Bentinck. According to contemporaries, she was very beautiful and majestic superior to all the queens. Of course, she had a husband, the Dutch ambassador in Berlin, like the Marquis and Marquise du Chatelet, they also led the process. And Voltaire also helped them in the conduct of the process that led to the aggravation of diplomatic relations between several countries: Prussia, Russia, Great Britain. Voltaire could not give the process and, most importantly, most Countess time, because the sovereign left him in excess of his chamberlain. Frederick II, in spite of the gout, is still very much traveled around the country.

But back to Marie-Louise Denis. In official documents it was called the Lady Ferney. Voltaire made her a co-owner′s estate. It was framed and deed.

Even with a meeting in Frankfurt until the last days of his uncle′s niece was a seemingly constant companion of his life. While Madame is put on weight, lost her attractiveness to others, Voltaire loved her as ardently and blindly. Only occasionally receive sight. Madame Denis played a major role in his tragedies, was the hostess at his table. A different question, whether it played a major role in his spiritual world? . .

Many letters to various persons, especially the invitation, some messages sent from the secular character of Fernet with two signatures - Monsieur de Voltaire and Madame Denis. Sometimes she wrote one, on behalf of his uncle or just meddling in its affairs. And the tone of her letters in these cases was sufficient power.

Photo — «Voltaire»

Marie-Louise getting from the veneer, but neither of versatile talents, no rare educated, inquisitive mind, obsession with science, nor a high order of the soul divine Emilia in it if they wanted to discover it was impossible.

Marquise du Chatelet locked manuscripts of Voltaire, that they are not stolen, that hazardous works, being published or distributing the lists did not lead the author back in the Bastille. Madame Denis stole his manuscript, or helped to steal and sell, without any concern about the dangerous consequences. Robbery in 1755 - Marquis de Jimenez could not or steal, or sell "virgin of Orleans" without the participation of Marie-Louise - Voltaire forgave her how to forgive, and much more, though, thinking of her non-existent dignity, could not see the flaws and adored niece.

At the end of 1767, Voltaire knew that the burlesque poem, "War in Geneva, designed not for printing or distribution, in the lists of walks in Paris and Geneva. Who was to blame? At first, suspicion fell on him Abbe de Bastian.

Then Voltaire had this consequence.

"Dauphin Ferne" as called La Harpe, dearly beloved and much good Voltaire, long acknowledged his guilt on the shifting of a young Parisian sculptor. But after a confrontation thief was caught and expelled from the estate - however, quite peaceful.

Madame Denis, by contrast, was played terrible scene. Simply understanding how sick the old man could endure it, to experience such disappointment in the much-loved woman! She not only proved to be tricky intrigante helped steal the manuscript of La Harpe and derive considerable income from a dishonest act. Forbidden works of Voltaire valued dearly. Perhaps the profit was shared with her . . . She subjected uncle in great danger.

To avenge Voltaire, Marie-Louise went to Paris, taking with him, and dearly beloved adopted daughter of Voltaire, Corneille, Marie Dupuy and her husband. Let the sick old man left alone, abandoned the closest! According Vanera, March 1, 1768 Ferne left seven people. And how? Secretly, without even saying goodbye to the owner . . .

Voltaire showed the nobility, he not only denied complicity in the abduction of Madame Denis manuscripts, but also explained the departure niece threat to her health. The Duc de Richelieu, he wrote: "Climate Ferney harmful to Madame Denis, a doctor who could cure her, there are no more . . . " In the same letter, and put forward a business motive: "Twenty years of my parting with Paris, not staged and mess up my fortune . . . "He tried to persuade Richelieu and others - Madame Denis went to Paris in order to recover debts from slow payer, even though the Duke of them belonged.

And his generosity was the same. He paid Madame Denis, at a time when she lived in Paris, 20 thousand livres yearly rent.

After the departure of Madame Denis and its satellites Voltaire dramatically changed his lifestyle. Reduced the portion of workers, reduce costs, and, above all, his house has ceased to be open.

In autumn 1769 Exile or runaway returned in Ferney. She asked whether this fear of losing the influence of his uncle, and even lose the inheritance, or he could no longer withstand the separation?

Probably both . . . Anyway, in less than two years as an estate regained Damu Ferne . . .

In 1770, Voltaire had the honor which is rarely honored in life, even the great people. These are undertaken by subscribing to the statue of Voltaire, ordered by the then famous sculptor Pigalle. D′Alembert wrote to Frederick II, that the community of philosophers and writers decided to organize a subscription to the statue of Voltaire. "You know, sir, that the philosophers and writers of all countries, especially the French, have long considered him as their forefather and model . . . some would have you honor the August majesty, leading us. "

June 23 from Ferney letter was sent to the initiator subscription Suzanne Necker: "Madame! It′s you I owe all that you have calmed the end of my life and comfort in all the disturbances, which I had to endure for fifty-odd years. "

Voltaire died May 30, 1778, he was buried in the Abbey Seler.