But whilst I was endeavoring to give it the last finishing, another undertaking suspended the completion of that I had in my hand.

In the winter which succeeded the battle of Fontenoi, there were many galas at Versailles, and several operas performed at the theater of the little stables.

Among the number of the latter was the dramatic piece of Voltaire, entitled 'La Princesse de Navarre', the music by Rameau, the name of which has just been changed to that of 'Fetes de Ramire'.

This new subject required several changes to be made in the divertissements, as well in the poetry as in the music.
A person capable of both was now sought after.

Voltaire was in Lorraine, and Rameau also; both of whom were employed on the opera of the Temple of Glory, and could not give their attention to this.