John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
Marie de Vihy-Chamrond
| 1 |
| He [Voltaire] has invented history. 1 |
| 2 |
| It is only the first step which costs. 2 |
| In reply to the Cardinal de Polignac. |
| Note 1. Fournier: L’Esprit dans l’Histoire, p. 191. [back] |
| Note 2. Voltaire writes to Madame du Deffand, January, 1764, that one of her bon-mots is quoted in the notes of “La Pucelle,” canto 1: “Il n’y a que le premier pas qui coûte.” [back] |