Voltaire's Lawsuit

A writer gives tho following aneodote oí' Voltaire : "When ho bought of the President de Brosses the chateau in whieh he lived ii was founS that, in the measureinent 01 the land, there was comprised a strip belonging to a farmer named John Panisiot, who went to Voltaire to claim his property. The latter would have listened iavorably to his demand if he had not been warned that, right or wrong, many farmers surrounding his new purohase were prepared to bring a similar request. Besiring to out short what he believed to be a pretense, Voltaire rejeoted the claim, and was arraigned at the tribunal of Gex where, defended by a lawyer doubtless better than his cause, he nonsuited the plaintiff, and was pronounced the owner of the disputed land. But Panissot determined to appeal f rom an unjust sentence. As he wanted money tor this purpose he conceived the plan to apply to him against whom he was couduoting the suit ; and accordingly went to Voltaire's residence, and asked an interview, which was aocorded. " Ah, is it you, Panissot F "What brings you here?" "My confidence in your uprightness; :or I come to beg yïDu to lend me money enough to prosocute my appeal to the üourt of Dijon trom the sentence pronounced at Gex." " What, do you thiuk that I shali consent to furnish you with arms to fight with me, with rods to chastise me '(" " Yes, Monsieur Voltaire, a great man ike you, whose works are full of gonerous sentiments, will understand my con idence in him in this case." " But, Panissot, you are attackiug my sroperty." " No, sir, I am reclaiming my own. You doubtless prefer justice to a small bit of land which adds nothing to your fortune, but whicli lessens my property very much." Voltaire, surprised, at a confidence which honored him, as well as at the finn language of the farmer, acceded to his request, and lent him 300 francs. The case, carried to the tribunal of Dijon, was lost by Voltaire, who was obliged to grant to Panissot the land he claiined. When the latter came to return the sum borrowed, Voltaire said to him, " Keep it ; it will serve to pay the expenses of the first trial at Gex, which you unjustly lost."