Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 02.djvu/151

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The Atheist and the Sage.
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Chapter III.

Summary of the controversy of the "buts" between Mr. Freind and Don Inigo y Medroso y Comodios y Papalamiendo, Bachelor of Salamanca

The following is a summary of the pleasant disputation, which our dear friend Freind and the Bachelor Don Papalamiendo held, in the presence of the Earl of Peterborough. This familiar conversation was called the dialogue of the "Buts." As you read it you will discover why.

The Bachelor.—But, sir, notwithstanding all the fine things you have said, you must admit that your respectable established church did not exist before the time of Don Luther and Don Œcolampadius; consequently, it is quite new, and can hardly be said to belong to the family.

Freind.—You might as well say I am not a descendant of my grandfather, because another branch of the family, living in Italy, seized on his will, and my claims. I have fortunately found them again, and it is now quite clear that I am my grandfather's grandson. You and I are, as it were, of the same family, but with this difference: We read our grandfather's testament in our mother tongue, while you are forbidden to read it in yours. You are the slaves of a foreigner; we listen to the dictates of reason.