2. This being the day the Lords meet, and the new peers to be introduced, I
went to Westminster to see the sight; but the crowd was too great in the
house. So I only went into the robing-room, to give my four brothers joy, and
Sir Thomas Mansel,[5] and Lord Windsor; the other six I am not acquainted
with. It was apprehended the Whigs would have raised some difficulties, but
nothing happened. I went to see Lady Masham at noon, and wish her joy of her
new honour, and a happy new year. I found her very well pleased; for peerage
will be some sort of protection to her upon any turn of affairs. She engaged
me to come at night, and sup with her and Lord Treasurer: I went at nine, and
she was not at home, so I would not stay.--No, no, I won't answer your letter
yet, young women. I dined with a friend in the neighbourhood. I see nothing
here like Christmas, except brawn or mince-pies in places where I dine, and
giving away my half-crowns like farthings to great men's porters and butlers.
Yesterday I paid seven good guineas to the fellow at the tavern where I
treated the Society. I have a great mind to send you the bill. I think I
told you some articles. I have not heard whether anything was done in the
House of Lords after introducing the new ones. Ford has been sitting with me
till peeast tweeleve a clock.
3. This was our Society day: Lord Dupplin was President; we choose every
week; the last President treats and chooses his successor. I believe our
dinner cost fifteen pounds beside wine. The Secretary grew brisk, and would
not let me go, nor Lord Lansdowne,[6] who would fain have gone home to his
lady, being newly married to Lady Mary Thynne. It was near one when we
parted, so you must think I cannot write much to-night. The adjourning of the
House of Lords yesterday, as the Queen desired, was just carried by the twelve
new lords, and one more. Lord Radnor was not there: I hope I have cured him.
Did I tell you that I have brought Dr. King in to be Gazetteer? It will be
worth above two hundred pounds a year to him: I believe I told you so before,
but I am forgetful. Go, get you gone to ombre, and claret, and toasted
oranges. I'll go sleep.
4. I cannot get rid of the leavings of my cold. I was in the City to-day,
and dined with my printer, and gave him a ballad made by several hands, I know
not whom. I believe Lord Treasurer had a finger in it; I added three stanzas;
I suppose Dr. Arbuthnot had the greatest share. I had been overseeing some
other little prints, and a pamphlet made by one of my under-strappers.
Somerset is not out yet. I doubt not but you will have the Prophecy in
Ireland, although it is not published here, only printed copies given to
friends. Tell me, do you understand it? No, faith, not without help. Tell
me what you stick at, and I'll explain. We turned out a member of our Society
yesterday for gross neglect and non-attendance. I writ to him by order to
give him notice of it. It is Tom Harley,[7] secretary to the Treasurer, and
cousin-german to Lord Treasurer. He is going to Hanover from the Queen. I am
to give the Duke of Ormond notice of his election as soon as I can see him.
5. I went this morning with a parishioner of mine, one Nuttal, who came over
here for a legacy of one hundred pounds, and a roguish lawyer had refused to
pay him, and would not believe he was the man. I writ to the lawyer a sharp
letter, that I had taken Nuttal into my protection, and was resolved to stand
by him, and the next news was, that the lawyer desired I would meet him, and
attest he was the man, which I did, and his money was paid upon the spot. I
then visited Lord Treasurer, who is now right again, and all well, only that
the Somerset family is not out yet. I hate that; I don't like it, as the man
said, by, etc. Then I went and visited poor Will Congreve, who had a French
fellow tampering with one of his eyes; he is almost blind of both. I dined
with some merchants in the City, but could not see Stratford, with whom I had
business. Presto, leave off your impertinence, and answer our letter, saith
MD. Yes, yes, one of these days, when I have nothing else to do. O, faith,
this letter is a week written, and not one side done yet. These ugly spots are
not tobacco, but this is the last gilt sheet I have of large paper, therefore
hold your tongue. Nuttal was surprised when they gave him bits of paper
instead of money, but I made Ben Tooke put him in his geers:[8] he could not
reckon ten pounds, but was puzzled with the Irish way. Ben Tooke and my
printer have desired me to make them stationers to the Ordnance, of which Lord
Rivers is Master, instead of the Duke of Marlborough. It will be a hundred
pounds a year apiece to them, if I can get it. I will try to-morrow.
6. I went this morning to Earl Rivers, gave him joy of his new employment,
and desired him to prefer my printer and bookseller to be stationers to his
office. He immediately granted it me; but, like an old courtier, told me it
was wholly on my account, but that he heard I had intended to engage Mr.
Secretary to speak to him, and desired I would engage him to do so, but that,
however, he did it only for my sake. This is a Court trick, to oblige as many
as you can at once. I read prayers to poor Mrs. Wesley, who is very much out
of order, instead of going to church; and then I went to Court, which I found
very full, in expectation of seeing Prince Eugene, who landed last night, and
lies at Leicester House; he was not to see the Queen till six this evening. I
hope and believe he comes too late to do the Whigs any good. I refused dining
with the Secretary, and was like to lose my dinner, which was at a private
acquaintance's. I went at six to see the Prince at Court, but he was gone in
to the Queen; and when he came out, Mr. Secretary, who introduced him, walked
so near him that he quite screened me from him with his great periwig. I'll
tell you a good passage: as Prince Eugene was going with Mr. Secretary to
Court, he told the Secretary that Hoffman, the Emperor's Resident, said to His
Highness that it was not proper to go to Court without a long wig, and his was
a tied-up one: "Now," says the Prince, "I knew not what to do, for I never
had a long periwig in my life; and I have sent to all my valets and footmen,
to see whether any of them have one, that I might borrow it, but none of them
has any."--Was not this spoken very greatly with some sort of contempt? But
the Secretary said it was a thing of no consequence, and only observed by
gentlemen ushers. I supped with Lord Masham, where Lord Treasurer and Mr.
Secretary supped with us: the first left us at twelve, but the rest did not
part till two, yet I have written all this, because it is fresh: and now I'll
go sleep if I can; that is, I believe I shall, because I have drank a little.
7. I was this morning to give the Duke of Ormond notice of the honour done
him to make him one of our Society, and to invite him on Thursday next to the
Thatched House: he has accepted it with the gratitude and humility such a
preferment deserves, but cannot come till the next meeting, because Prince
Eugene is to dine with him that day, which I allowed for: a good excuse, and
will report accordingly. I dined with Lord Masham, and sat there till eight
this evening, and came home, because I was not very well, but a little griped;
but now I am well again, I will not go, at least but very seldom, to Lord
Masham's suppers. Lord Treasurer is generally there, and that tempts me, but
late sitting up does not agree with me: there's the short and the long, and I
won't do it; so take your answer, dear little young women; and I have no more
to say to you to-night, because of the Archbishop, for I am going to write a
long letter to him, but not so politely as formerly: I won't trust him.
8. Well, then, come, let us see this letter; if I must answer it, I must.
What's here now? yes, faith, I lamented my birthday[9] two days after, and
that's all: and you rhyme, Madam Stella; were those verses made upon my
birthday? faith, when I read them, I had them running in my head all the day,
and said them over a thousand times; they drank your health in all their
glasses, and wished, etc. I could not get them out of my head. What? no, I
believe it was not; what do I say upon the eighth of December? Compare, and
see whether I say so. I am glad of Mrs. Stoyte's recovery, heartily glad;
your Dolly Manley's and Bishop of Cloyne's[10] child I have no concern about:
I am sorry in a civil way, that's all. Yes, yes, Sir George St. George
dead.[11]--Go, cry, Madam Dingley; I have written to the Dean. Raymond will
be rich, for he has the building itch. I wish all he has got may put him out
of debt. Poh, I have fires like lightning; they cost me twelvepence a week,
beside small coal. I have got four new caps, madam, very fine and convenient,
with striped cambric, instead of muslin; so Patrick need not mend them, but
take the old ones. Stella snatched Dingley's word out of her pen; Presto a
cold? Why, all the world here is dead with them: I never had anything like
it in my life; 'tis not gone in five weeks. I hope Leigh is with you before
this, and has brought your box. How do you like the ivory rasp? Stella is
angry; but I'll have a finer thing for her. Is not the apron as good? I'm
sure I shall never be paid it; so all's well again.--What? the quarrel with
Sir John Walter?[12] Why, we had not one word of quarrel; only he railed at
me when I was gone: and Lord Keeper and Treasurer teased me for a week. It
was nuts to them; a serious thing with a vengeance.--The Whigs may sell their
estates then, or hang themselves, as they are disposed; for a peace there will
be. Lord Treasurer told me that Connolly[13] was going to Hanover. Your
Provost[14] is a coxcomb. Stella is a good girl for not being angry when I
tell her of spelling; I see none wrong in this. God Almighty be praised that
your disorder lessens; it increases my hopes mightily that they will go off.
And have you been plagued with the fear of the plague? never mind those
reports; I have heard them five hundred times. Replevi? Replevin, simpleton,
'tis Dingley I mean; but it is a hard word, and so I'll excuse it. I stated
Dingley's accounts in my last. I forgot Catherine's sevenpenny dinner. I hope
it was the beef-steaks; I'll call and eat them in spring; but Goody Stoyte
must give me coffee, or green tea, for I drink no bohea. Well, ay, the
pamphlet; but there are some additions to the fourth edition; the fifth
edition was of four thousand, in a smaller print, sold for sixpence. Yes, I
had the twenty-pound bill from Parvisol: and what then? Pray now eat the
Laracor apples; I beg you not to keep them, but tell me what they are. You
have had Tooke's bill in my last. And so there now, your whole letter is
answered. I tell you what I do; I lay your letter before me, and take it in
order, and answer what is necessary; and so and so. Well, when I expected we
were all undone, I designed to retire for six months, and then steal over to
Laracor; and I had in my mouth a thousand times two lines of Shakespeare,
where Cardinal Wolsey says,
"A weak old man, battered with storms of state,
Is come to lay his weary bones among you."[15]
I beg your pardon; I have cheated you all this margin, I did not perceive it;
and I went on wider and wider like Stella; awkward sluts; SHE WRITES SO SO,
THERE:[16] that's as like as two eggs a penny.--"A weak old man," now I am
saying it, and shall till to-morrow.--The Duke of Marlborough says there is
nothing he now desires so much as to contrive some way how to soften Dr.
Swift. He is mistaken; for those things that have been hardest against him
were not written by me. Mr. Secretary told me this from a friend of the
Duke's; and I'm sure now he is down, I shall not trample on him; although I
love him not, I dislike his being out.--Bernage was to see me this morning,
and gave some very indifferent excuses for not calling here so long. I care
not twopence. Prince Eugene did not dine with the Duke of Marlborough on
Sunday, but was last night at Lady Betty Germaine's assemblee, and a vast
number of ladies to see him. Mr. Lewis and I dined with a private friend. I
was this morning to see the Duke of Ormond, who appointed me to meet him at
the Cockpit at one, but never came. I sat too some time with the Duchess. We
don't like things very well yet. I am come home early, and going to be busy.
I'll go write.
9. I could not go sleep last night till past two, and was waked before three
by a noise of people endeavouring to break open my window. For a while I
would not stir, thinking it might be my imagination; but hearing the noise
continued, I rose and went to the window, and then it ceased. I went to bed
again, and heard it repeated more violently; then I rose and called up the
house, and got a candle: the rogues had lifted up the sash a yard; there are
great sheds before my windows, although my lodgings be a storey high; and if
they get upon the sheds they are almost even with my window. We observed
their track, and panes of glass fresh broken. The watchmen told us to-day
they saw them, but could not catch them. They attacked others in the
neighbourhood about the same time, and actually robbed a house in Suffolk
Street, which is the next street but one to us. It is said they are seamen
discharged from service. I went up to call my man, and found his bed empty;
it seems he often lies abroad. I challenged him this morning as one of the
robbers. He is a sad dog; and the minute I come to Ireland I will discard
him. I have this day got double iron bars to every window in my dining-room
and bed-chamber; and I hide my purse in my thread stocking between the bed's
head and the wainscot. Lewis and I dined with an old Scotch friend, who
brought the Duke of Douglas[17] and three or four more Scots upon us.
10. This was our Society day, you know; but the Duke of Ormond could not be
with us, because he dined with Prince Eugene. It cost me a guinea
contribution to a poet, who had made a copy of verses upon monkeys, applying
the story to the Duke of Marlborough; the rest gave two guineas, except the
two physicians,[18] who followed my example. I don't like this custom: the
next time I will give nothing. I sat this evening at Lord Masham's with Lord
Treasurer: I don't like his countenance; nor I don't like the posture of
things well.
We cannot be stout,
Till Somerset's out:
as the old saying is.
11. Mr. Lewis and I dined with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who eats the
most elegantly of any man I know in town. I walked lustily in the Park by
moonshine till eight, to shake off my dinner and wine; and then went to sup at
Mr. Domville's with Ford, and stayed till twelve. It is told me to-day as a
great secret that the Duke of Somerset will be out soon, that the thing is
fixed; but what shall we do with the Duchess? They say the Duke will make her
leave the Queen out of spite, if he be out. It has stuck upon that fear a
good while already. Well, but Lewis gave me a letter from MD, N.25. O Lord,
I did not expect one this fortnight, faith. You are mighty good, that's
certain: but I won't answer it, because this goes to-morrow, only what you
say of the printer being taken up; I value it not; all's safe there; nor do I
fear anything, unless the Ministry be changed: I hope that danger is over.
However, I shall be in Ireland before such a change; which could not be, I
think, till the end of the session, if the Whigs' designs had gone on.--Have
not you an apron by Leigh, Madam Stella? have you all I mentioned in a former
letter?
12. Morning. This goes to-day as usual. I think of going into the City; but
of that at night. 'Tis fine moderate weather these two or three days last.
Farewell, etc. etc.
LETTER 39.
LONDON, Jan. 12,1711-12.
When I sealed up my letter this morning, I looked upon myself to be not worth
a groat in the world. Last night, after Mr. Ford and I left Domville, Ford
desired me to go with him for a minute upon earnest business, and then told me
that both he and I were ruined; for he had trusted Stratford with five hundred
pounds for tickets for the lottery, and he had been with Stratford, who
confessed he had lost fifteen thousand pounds by Sir Stephen Evans,[1] who
broke last week; that he concluded Stratford must break too; that he could not
get his tickets, but Stratford made him several excuses, which seemed very
blind ones, etc. And Stratford had near four hundred pounds of mine, to buy
me five hundred pounds in the South Sea Company. I came home reflecting a
little; nothing concerned me but MD. I called all my philosophy and religion
up; and, I thank God, it did not keep me awake beyond my usual time above a
quarter of an hour. This morning I sent for Tooke, whom I had employed to buy
the stock of Stratford, and settle things with him. He told me I was secure;
for Stratford had transferred it to me in form in the South Sea House, and he
had accepted it for me, and all was done on stamped parchment. However, he
would be further informed; and at night sent me a note to confirm me.
However, I am not yet secure; and, besides, am in pain for Ford, whom I first
brought acquainted with Stratford. I dined in the City.
13. Domville and I dined with Ford to-day by appointment: the Lord Mansel
told me at Court to-day that I was engaged to him; but Stratford had promised
Ford to meet him and me to-night at Ford's lodgings. He did so; said he had
hopes to save himself in his affair with Evans. Ford asked him for his
tickets: he said he would send them tomorrow; but looking in his pocket-book,
said he believed he had some of them about him, and gave him as many as came
to two hundred pounds, which rejoiced us much; besides, he talked so frankly,
that we might think there is no danger. I asked him, Was there any more to be
settled between us in my affair? He said, No; and answered my questions just
as Tooke had got them from others; so I hope I am safe. This has been a
scurvy affair. I believe Stella would have half laughed at me, to see a
suspicious fellow like me overreached. I saw Prince Eugene to-day at Court:
I don't think him an ugly-faced fellow, but well enough, and a good shape.
14. The Parliament was to sit to-day, and met; but were adjourned by the
Queen's directions till Thursday. She designs to make some important speech
then. She pretended illness; but I believe they were not ready, and they
expect some opposition: and the Scotch lords are angry,[2] and must be
pacified. I was this morning to invite the Duke of Ormond to our Society on
Thursday, where he is then to be introduced. He has appointed me at twelve
to-morrow about some business: I would fain have his help to impeach a
certain lord; but I doubt we shall make nothing of it. I intended to have
dined with Lord Treasurer, but I was told he would be busy: so I dined with
Mrs. Van; and at night I sat with Lord Masham till one. Lord Treasurer was
there, and chid me for not dining with him: he was in very good humour. I
brought home two flasks of burgundy in my chair: I wish MD had them. You see
it is very late; so I'll go to bed, and bid MD good night.
15. This morning I presented my printer and bookseller to Lord Rivers, to be
stationers to the Ordnance; stationers, that's the word; I did not write it
plain at first. I believe it will be worth three hundred pounds a year between
them. This is the third employment I have got for them. Rivers told them the
Doctor commanded him, and he durst not refuse it. I would have dined with
Lord Treasurer to-day again, but Lord Mansel would not let me, and forced me
home with him. I was very deep with the Duke of Ormond to-day at the Cockpit,
where we met to be private; but I doubt I cannot do the mischief I intended.
My friend Penn came there, Will Penn the Quaker, at the head of his brethren,
to thank the Duke for his kindness to their people in Ireland. To see a dozen
scoundrels with their hats on, and the Duke complimenting with his off, was a
good sight enough. I sat this evening with Sir William Robinson,[3] who has
mighty often invited me to a bottle of wine: and it is past twelve.
16. This being fast-day, Dr. Freind and I went into the City to dine late,
like good fasters. My printer and bookseller want me to hook in another
employment for them in the Tower, because it was enjoyed before by a
stationer, although it be to serve the Ordnance with oil, tallow, etc., and is
worth four hundred pounds per annum more: I will try what I can do. They are
resolved to ask several other employments of the same nature to other offices;
and I will then grease fat sows, and see whether it be possible to satisfy
them. Why am not I a stationer? The Parliament sits to-morrow, and Walpole,
late Secretary at War, is to be swinged for bribery, and the Queen is to
communicate something of great importance to the two Houses, at least they say
so. But I must think of answering your letter in a day or two.
17. I went this morning to the Duke of Ormond about some business, and he
told me he could not dine with us today, being to dine with Prince Eugene.
Those of our Society of the House of Commons could not be with us, the House
sitting late on Walpole. I left them at nine, and they were not come. We
kept some dinner for them. I hope Walpole will be sent to the Tower, and
expelled the House; but this afternoon the members I spoke with in the Court
of Requests talked dubiously of it. It will be a leading card to maul the
Duke of Marlborough for the same crime, or at least to censure him. The
Queen's message was only to give them notice of the peace she is treating, and
to desire they will make some law to prevent libels against the Government; so
farewell to Grub Street.
18. I heard to-day that the commoners of our Society did not leave the
Parliament till eleven at night, then went to those I left, and stayed till
three in the morning. Walpole is expelled, and sent to the Tower. I was this
morning again with Lord Rivers, and have made him give the other employment to
my printer and bookseller; 'tis worth a great deal. I dined with my friend
Lewis privately, to talk over affairs. We want to have this Duke of Somerset
out, and he apprehends it will not be, but I hope better. They are going now
at last to change the Commissioners of the Customs; my friend Sir Matthew
Dudley will be out, and three more, and Prior will be in. I have made Ford
copy out a small pamphlet, and sent it to the press, that I might not be known
for author; 'tis A Letter to the October Club,[4] if ever you heard of such a
thing.--Methinks this letter goes on but slowly for almost a week: I want
some little conversation with MD, and to know what they are doing just now. I
am sick of politics. I have not dined with Lord Treasurer these three weeks:
he chides me, but I don't care: I don't.
19. I dined to-day with Lord Treasurer: this is his day of choice company,
where they sometimes admit me, but pretend to grumble. And to-day they met on
some extraordinary business; the Keeper, Steward, both Secretaries, Lord
Rivers, and Lord Anglesea: I left them at seven, and came away, and have been
writing to the Bishop of Clogher. I forgot to know where to direct to him
since Sir George St. George's death,[5] but I have directed to the same house:
you must tell me better, for the letter is sent by the bellman. Don't write
to me again till this is gone, I charge you, for I won't answer two letters
together. The Duke of Somerset is out, and was with his yellow liveries at
Parliament to-day. You know he had the same with the Queen, when he was
Master of the Horse: we hope the Duchess will follow, or that he will take
her away in spite. Lord Treasurer, I hope, has now saved his head. Has the
Dean received my letter? ask him at cards to-night.
20. There was a world of people to-day at Court to see Prince Eugene, but all
bit, for he did not come. I saw the Duchess of Somerset talking with the Duke
of Buckingham; she looked a little down, but was extremely courteous. The
Queen has the gout, but is not in much pain. Must I fill this line too?[6]
well then, so let it be. The Duke of Beaufort[7] has a mighty mind to come
into our Society; shall we let him? I spoke to the Duke of Ormond about it,
and he doubts a little whether to let him in or no. They say the Duke of
Somerset is advised by his friends to let his wife stay with the Queen; I am
sorry for it. I dined with the Secretary to-day, with mixed company; I don't
love it. Our Society does not meet till Friday, because Thursday will be a
busy day in the House of Commons, for then the Duke of Marlborough's bribery
is to be examined into about the pension paid him by those that furnished
bread to the army.
21. I have been five times with the Duke of Ormond about a perfect trifle,
and he forgets it: I used him like a dog this morning for it. I was asked
to-day by several in the Court of Requests whether it was true that the author
of the Examiner was taken up in an action of twenty thousand pounds by the
Duke of Marlborough?[8] I dined in the City, where my printer showed me a
pamphlet, called Advice to the October Club, which he said was sent him by an
unknown hand: I commended it mightily; he never suspected me; 'tis a twopenny
pamphlet. I came home and got timely to bed; but about eleven one of the
Secretary's servants came to me to let me know that Lord Treasurer would
immediately speak to me at Lord Masham's upon earnest business, and that, if I
was abed, I should rise and come. I did so: Lord Treasurer was above with
the Queen; and when he came down he laughed, and said it was not he that sent
for me: the business was of no great importance, only to give me a paper,
which might have been done to-morrow. I stayed with them till past one, and
then got to bed again. Pize[9] take their frolics. I thought to have
answered your letter.
22. Dr. Gastrell was to see me this morning: he is an eminent divine, one of
the canons of Christ Church, and one I love very well: he said he was glad to
find I was not with James Broad. I asked what he meant. "Why," says he,
"have you not seen the Grub Street paper, that says Dr. Swift was taken up as
author of the Examiner, on an action of twenty thousand pounds, and was now at
James Broad's?" who, I suppose, is some bailiff. I knew of this; but at the
Court of Requests twenty people told me they heard I had been taken up. Lord
Lansdowne observed to the Secretary and me that the Whigs spread three lies
yesterday; that about me; and another, that Maccartney, who was turned out
last summer,[10] is again restored to his places in the army; and the third,
that Jack Hill's commission for Lieutenant of the Tower is stopped, and that
Cadogan is to continue. Lansdowne thinks they have some design by these
reports; I cannot guess it. Did I tell you that Sacheverell has desired
mightily to come and see me? but I have put it off: he has heard that I have
spoken to the Secretary in behalf of a brother whom he maintains, and who
desires an employment.[11] T'other day at the Court of Requests Dr.
Yalden[12] saluted me by name: Sacheverell, who was just by, came up to me,
and made me many acknowledgment and compliments. Last night I desired Lord
Treasurer to do something for that brother of Sacheverell's: he said he never
knew he had a brother, but thanked me for telling him, and immediately put his
name in his table-book.[13] I will let Sacheverell know this, that he may
take his measures accordingly, but he shall be none of my acquaintance. I
dined to-day privately with the Secretary, left him at six, paid a visit or
two, and came home.
23. I dined again to-day with the Secretary, but could not despatch some
business I had with him, he has so much besides upon his hands at this
juncture, and preparing against the great business to-morrow, which we are top
full of. The Minister's design is that the Duke of Marlborough shall be
censured as gently as possible, provided his friends will not make head to
defend him, but if they do, it may end in some severer votes. A gentleman,
who was just now with him, tells me he is much cast down, and fallen away; but
he is positive, if he has but ten friends in the House, that they shall defend
him to the utmost, and endeavour to prevent the least censure upon him, which
I think cannot be, since the bribery is manifest. Sir Solomon Medina[14] paid
him six thousand pounds a year to have the employment of providing bread for
the army, and the Duke owns it in his letter to the Commissioners of Accounts.
I was to-night at Lord Masham's: Lord Dupplin took out my new little
pamphlet, and the Secretary read a great deal of it to Lord Treasurer: they
all commended it to the skies, and so did I, and they began a health to the
author. But I doubt Lord Treasurer suspected; for he said, "This is Mr.
Davenant's style," which is his cant when he suspects me.[15] But I carried
the matter very well. Lord Treasurer put the pamphlet in his pocket to read
at home. I'll answer your letter to-morrow.
24. The Secretary made me promise to dine with him today, after the
Parliament was up: I said I would come; but I dined at my usual time, knowing
the House would sit late on this great affair. I dined at a tavern with Mr.
Domville and another gentleman; I have not done so before these many months.
At ten this evening I went to the Secretary, but he was not come home: I sat
with his lady till twelve, then came away; and he just came as I was gone, and
he sent to my lodgings, but I would not go back; and so I know not how things
have passed, but hope all is well; and I will tell you to-morrow day. It is
late, etc.
25. The Secretary sent to me this morning to know whether we should dine
together. I went to him, and there I learned that the question went against
the Duke of Marlborough, by a majority of a hundred; so the Ministry is mighty
well satisfied, and the Duke will now be able to do no hurt. The Secretary
and I, and Lord Masham, etc., dined with Lieutenant-General Withers,[16] who
is just going to look after the army in Flanders: the Secretary and I left
them a little after seven, and I am come home, and will now answer your
letter, because this goes to-morrow: let me see--The box at Chester; oh, burn
that box, and hang that Sterne; I have desired one to inquire for it who went
toward Ireland last Monday, but I am in utter despair of it. No, I was not
splenetic; you see what plunges the Court has been at to set all right again.
And that Duchess is not out yet, and may one day cause more mischief.
Somerset shows all about a letter from the Queen, desiring him to let his wife
continue with her. Is not that rare! I find Dingley smelled a rat; because
the Whigs are UPISH; but if ever I hear that word again, I'll UPPISH you. I
am glad you got your rasp safe and sound; does Stella like her apron? Your
critics about guarantees of succession are puppies; that's an answer to the
objection. The answerers here made the same objection, but it is wholly
wrong. I am of your opinion that Lord Marlborough is used too hardly: I have
often scratched out passages from papers and pamphlets sent me, before they
were printed, because I thought them too severe. But he is certainly a vile
man, and has no sort of merit beside the military. The Examiners are good for
little: I would fain have hindered the severity of the two or three last, but
could not. I will either bring your papers over, or leave them with Tooke,
for whose honesty I will engage. And I think it is best not to venture them
with me at sea. Stella is a prophet, by foretelling so very positively that
all would be well. Duke of Ormond speak against peace? No, simpleton, he is
one of the staunchest we have for the Ministry. Neither trouble yourself
about the printer: he appeared the first day of the term, and is to appear
when summoned again; but nothing else will come of it. Lord Chief-Justice[17]
is cooled since this new settlement. No; I will not split my journals in
half; I will write but once a fortnight: but you may do as you will; which
is, read only half at once, and t'other half next week. So now your letter is
answered. (P--- on these blots.) What must I say more? I will set out in
March, if there be a fit of fine weather; unless the Ministry desire me to
stay till the end of the session, which may be a month longer; but I believe
they will not: for I suppose the peace will be made, and they will have no
further service for me. I must make my canal fine this summer, as fine as I
can. I am afraid I shall see great neglects among my quicksets. I hope the
cherry-trees on the river walk are fine things now. But no more of this.
26. I forgot to finish this letter this morning, and am come home so late I
must give it to the bellman; but I would have it go to-night, lest you should
think there is anything in the story of my being arrested in an action of
twenty thousand pounds by Lord Marlborough, which I hear is in Dyer's
Letter,[18] and, consequently, I suppose, gone to Ireland. Farewell, dearest
MD, etc. etc.
LETTER 40.
LONDON, Jan. 26, 1711-12.
I have no gilt paper left of this size, so you must be content with plain.
Our Society dined together today, for it was put off, as I told you, upon Lord
Marlborough's business on Thursday. The Duke of Ormond dined with us to-day,
the first time: we were thirteen at table; and Lord Lansdowne came in after
dinner, so that we wanted but three. The Secretary proposed the Duke of
Beaufort, who desires to be one of our Society; but I stopped it, because the
Duke of Ormond doubts a little about it; and he was gone before it was
proposed. I left them at seven, and sat this evening with poor Mrs. Wesley,
who has been mightily ill to-day with a fainting fit; she has often
convulsions, too: she takes a mixture with asafoetida, which I have now in my
nose, and everything smells of it. I never smelt it before; 'tis abominable.
We have eight packets, they say, due from Ireland.
27. I could not see Prince Eugene at Court to-day, the crowd was so great.
The Whigs contrive to have a crowd always about him, and employ the rabble to
give the word, when he sets out from any place. When the Duchess of Hamilton
came from the Queen after church, she whispered me that she was going to pay
me a visit. I went to Lady Oglethorpe's, the place appointed; for ladies
always visit me in third places; and she kept me till near four: she talks
too much, is a plaguy detractor, and I believe I shall not much like her. I
was engaged to dine with Lord Masham: they stayed as long as they could, yet
had almost dined, and were going in anger to pull down the brass peg for my
hat, but Lady Masham saved it. At eight I went again to Lord Masham's; Lord
Treasurer is generally there at night: we sat up till almost two. Lord
Treasurer has engaged me to contrive some way to keep the Archbishop of
York[1] from being seduced by Lord Nottingham. I will do what I can in it to-
morrow. 'Tis very late, so I must go sleep.
28. Poor Mrs. Manley, the author, is very ill of a dropsy and sore leg: the
printer tells me he is afraid she cannot live long. I am heartily sorry for
her: she has very generous principles for one of her sort, and a great deal
of good sense and invention: she is about forty, very homely, and very fat.
Mrs. Van made me dine with her to-day. I was this morning with the Duke of
Ormond and the Prolocutor about what Lord Treasurer spoke to me yesterday; I
know not what will be the issue. There is but a slender majority in the House
of Lords, and we want more. We are sadly mortified at the news of the French
taking the town in Brazil from the Portuguese. The sixth edition of three
thousand of the Conduct of the Allies is sold, and the printer talks of a
seventh: eleven thousand of them have been sold, which is a most prodigious
run. The little twopenny Letter of Advice to the October Club does not sell:
I know not the reason, for it is finely written, I assure you; and, like a
true author, I grow fond of it, because it does not sell: you know that it is
usual to writers to condemn the judgment of the world: if I had hinted it to
be mine, everybody would have bought it, but it is a great secret.
29. I borrowed one or two idle books of Contes des Fees,[2] and have been
reading them these two days, although I have much business upon my hands. I
loitered till one at home; then went to Mr. Lewis at his office; and the Vice-
Chamberlain told me that Lady Rialton[3] had yesterday resigned her employment
of lady of the bed-chamber, and that Lady Jane Hyde,[4] Lord Rochester's
daughter, a mighty pretty girl, is to succeed. He said, too, that Lady
Sunderland would resign in a day or two. I dined with Lewis, and then went to
see Mrs. Wesley, who is better to-day. But you must know that Mr. Lewis gave
me two letters, one from the Bishop of Cloyne, with an enclosed from Lord
Inchiquin[5] to Lord Treasurer, which he desires I would deliver and
recommend. I am told that lord was much in with Lord Wharton, and I remember
he was to have been one of the Lords Justices by his recommendation; yet the
Bishop recommends him as a great friend to the Church, etc. I'll do what I
think proper. T'other letter was from little saucy MD, N.26. O Lord, never
saw the like, under a cover, too, and by way of journal; we shall never have
done. Sirrahs, how durst you write so soon, sirrahs? I won't answer it yet.
30. I was this morning with the Secretary, who was sick, and out of humour:
he would needs drink champagne some days ago, on purpose to spite me, because
I advised him against it, and now he pays for it. Stella used to do such
tricks formerly; he put me in mind of her. Lady Sunderland has resigned her
place too. It is Lady Catherine Hyde[6] that succeeds Lady Rialton, and not
Lady Jane. Lady Catherine is the late Earl of Rochester's daughter. I dined
with the Secretary, then visited his lady; and sat this evening with Lady
Masham: the Secretary came to us; but Lord Treasurer did not; he dined with
the Master of the Rolls,[7] and stayed late with him. Our Society does not
meet till to-morrow se'nnight, because we think the Parliament will be very
busy to-morrow upon the state of the war, and the Secretary, who is to treat
as President, must be in the House. I fancy my talking of persons and things
here must be very tedious to you, because you know nothing of them, and I talk
as if you did. You know Kevin's Street, and Werburgh Street, and (what do you
call the street where Mrs. Walls lives?) and Ingoldsby,[8] and Higgins,[9] and
Lord Santry;[10] but what care you for Lady Catherine Hyde? Why do you say
nothing of your health, sirrah? I hope it is well.
31. Trimnel, Bishop of Norwich,[11] who was with this Lord Sunderland at Moor
Park in their travels, preached yesterday before the House of Lords; and to-
day the question was put to thank him, and print his sermon; but passed
against him; for it was a terrible Whig sermon. The Bill to repeal the Act
for naturalising Protestant foreigners passed the House of Lords to-day by a
majority of twenty, though the Scotch lords went out, and would vote neither
way, in discontent about the Duke of Hamilton's patent, if you know anything
of it. A poem is come out to-day inscribed to me, by way of a flirt;[12] for
it is a Whiggish poem, and good for nothing. They plagued me with it in the
Court of Requests. I dined with Lord Treasurer at five alone, only with one
Dutchman. Prior is now a Commissioner of the Customs. I told you so before,
I suppose. When I came home to-night, I found a letter from Dr. Sacheverell,
thanking me for recommending his brother to Lord Treasurer and Mr. Secretary
for a place. Lord Treasurer sent to him about it: so good a solicitor was I,
although I once hardly thought I should be a solicitor for Sacheverell.
Feb. 1. Has not your Dean of St. Patrick received my letter? you say nothing
of it, although I writ above a month ago. My printer has got the gout, and I
was forced to go to him to-day, and there I dined. It was a most delicious
day: why don't you observe whether the same days be fine with you? To-night,
at six, Dr. Atterbury, and Prior, and I, and Dr. Freind, met at Dr. Robert
Freind's[13] house at Westminster, who is master of the school: there we sat
till one, and were good enough company. I here take leave to tell politic
Dingley that the passage in the Conduct of the Allies is so far from being
blamable that the Secretary designs to insist upon it in the House of Commons,
when the Treaty of Barrier[14] is debated there, as it now shortly will, for
they have ordered it to be laid before them. The pamphlet of Advice to the
October Club begins now to sell; but I believe its fame will hardly reach
Ireland: 'tis finely written, I assure you. I long to answer your letter,
but won't yet; you know, 'tis late, etc.
2. This ends Christmas,[15] and what care I? I have neither seen, nor felt,
nor heard any Christmas this year. I passed a lazy dull day. I was this
morning with Lord Treasurer, to get some papers from him, which he will
remember as much as a cat, although it be his own business. It threatened
rain, but did not much; and Prior and I walked an hour in the Park, which
quite put me out of my measures. I dined with a friend hard by; and in the
evening sat with Lord Masham till twelve. Lord Treasurer did not come; this
is an idle dining-day usually with him. We want to hear from Holland how our
peace goes on; for we are afraid of those scoundrels the Dutch, lest they
should play us tricks. Lord Mar,[16] a Scotch earl, was with us at Lord
Masham's: I was arguing with him about the stubbornness and folly of his
countrymen; they are so angry about the affair of the Duke of Hamilton, whom
the Queen has made a duke of England, and the House of Lords will not admit
him. He swears he would vote for us, but dare not, because all Scotland would
detest him if he did: he should never be chosen again, nor be able to live
there.
3. I was at Court to-day to look for a dinner, but did not like any that were
offered me; and I dined with Lord Mountjoy. The Queen has the gout in her
knee, and was not at chapel. I hear we have a Dutch mail, but I know not what
news, although I was with the Secretary this morning. He showed me a letter
from the Hanover Envoy, Mr. Bothmar, complaining that the Barrier Treaty is
laid before the House of Commons; and desiring that no infringement may be
made in the guarantee of the succession; but the Secretary has written him a
peppering answer. I fancy you understand all this, and are able states-girls,
since you have read the Conduct of the Allies. We are all preparing against
the Birthday; I think it is Wednesday next. If the Queen's gout increases, it
will spoil sport. Prince Eugene has two fine suits made against it; and the
Queen is to give him a sword worth four thousand pounds, the diamonds set
transparent.
4. I was this morning soliciting at the House of Commons' door for Mr. Vesey,
a son of the Archbishop of Tuam,[17] who has petitioned for a Bill to relieve
him in some difficulty about his estate: I secured him above fifty members.
I dined with Lady Masham. We have no packet from Holland, as I was told
yesterday: and this wind will hinder many people from appearing at the
Birthday, who expected clothes from Holland. I appointed to meet a gentleman
at the Secretary's to-night, and they both failed. The House of Commons have
this day made many severe votes about our being abused by our Allies. Those
who spoke drew all their arguments from my book, and their votes confirm all I
writ; the Court had a majority of a hundred and fifty: all agree that it was
my book that spirited them to these resolutions; I long to see them in print.
My head has not been as well as I could wish it for some days past, but I have
not had any giddy fit, and I hope it will go over.
5. The Secretary turned me out of his room this morning, and showed me fifty
guineas rolled up, which he was going to give some French spy. I dined with
four Irishmen at a tavern to-day: I thought I had resolved against it before,
but I broke it. I played at cards this evening at Lady Masham's, but I only
played for her while she was waiting; and I won her a pool, and supped there.
Lord Treasurer was with us, but went away before twelve. The ladies and lords
have all their clothes ready against to-morrow: I saw several mighty fine,
and I hope there will be a great appearance, in spite of that spiteful French
fashion of the Whiggish ladies not to come, which they have all resolved to a
woman; and I hope it will more spirit the Queen against them for ever.
6. I went to dine at Lord Masham's at three, and met all the company just
coming out of Court; a mighty crowd: they stayed long for their coaches: I
had an opportunity of seeing several lords and ladies of my acquaintance in
their fineries. Lady Ashburnham[18] looked the best in my eyes. They say the
Court was never fuller nor finer. Lord Treasurer, his lady, and two daughters
and Mrs. Hill, dined with Lord and Lady Masham; the five ladies were monstrous
fine. The Queen gave Prince Eugene the diamond sword to-day; but nobody was
by when she gave it except my Lord Chamberlain. There was an entertainment of
opera songs at night, and the Queen was at all the entertainment, and is very
well after it. I saw Lady Wharton,[19] as ugly as the devil, coming out in
the crowd all in an undress; she has been with the Marlborough daughters[20]
and Lady Bridgewater[21] in St. James's, looking out of the window all
undressed to see the sight. I do not hear that one Whig lady was there,
except those of the bed-chamber. Nothing has made so great a noise as one
Kelson's chariot, that cost nine hundred and thirty pounds, the finest was
ever seen. The rabble huzzaed him as much as they did Prince Eugene. This is
Birthday chat.
7. Our Society met to-day: the Duke of Ormond was not with us; we have
lessened our dinners, which were grown so extravagant that Lord Treasurer and
everybody else cried shame. I left them at seven, visited for an hour, and
then came home, like a good boy. The Queen is much better after yesterday's
exercise: her friends wish she would use a little more. I opposed Lord
Jersey's[22] election into our Society, and he is refused: I likewise opposed
the Duke of Beaufort; but I believe he will be chosen in spite of me: I don't
much care; I shall not be with them above two months; for I resolve to set out
for Ireland the beginning of April next (before I treat them again), and see
my willows.
8. I dined to-day in the City. This morning a scoundrel dog, one of the
Queen's music, a German, whom I had never seen, got access to me in my chamber
by Patrick's folly, and gravely desired me to get an employment in the Customs
for a friend of his, who would be very grateful; and likewise to forward a
project of his own, for raising ten thousand pounds a year upon operas: I
used him civiller than he deserved; but it vexed me to the pluck.[23] He was
told I had a mighty interest with Lord Treasurer, and one word of mine, etc.
Well; I got home early on purpose to answer MD's letter, N.26; for this goes
to-morrow.--Well; I never saw such a letter in all my life; so saucy, so
journalish, so sanguine, so pretending, so everything. I satisfied all your
fears in my last: all is gone well, as you say; yet you are an impudent slut
to be so positive; you will swagger so upon your sagacity that we shall never
have done. Pray don't mislay your reply; I would certainly print it, if I had
it here: how long is it? I suppose half a sheet: was the answer written in
Ireland? Yes, yes, you shall have a letter when you come from Ballygall. I
need not tell you again who's out and who's in: we can never get out the
Duchess of Somerset.--So, they say Presto writ the Conduct, etc. Do they like
it? I don't care whether they do or no; but the resolutions printed t'other
day in the Votes are almost quotations from it, and would never have passed if
that book had not been written. I will not meddle with the Spectator, let him
fair-sex it to the world's end. My disorder is over, but blood was not from
the p-les.--Well, Madam Dingley, the frost; why, we had a great frost, but I
forget how long ago; it lasted above a week or ten days: I believe about six
weeks ago; but it did not break so soon with us, I think, as December 29; yet
I think it was about that time, on second thoughts. MD can have no letter
from Presto, says you; and yet four days before you own you had my thirty-
seventh, unreasonable sluts! The Bishop of Gloucester is not dead,[24] and I
am as likely to succeed the Duke of Marlborough as him if he were; there's
enough for that now. It is not unlikely that the Duke of Shrewsbury will be
your Governor; at least I believe the Duke of Ormond will not return.--Well,
Stella again: why, really three editions of the Conduct, etc., is very much
for Ireland; it is a sign you have some honest among you. Well; I will do Mr.
Manley[25] all the service I can; but he will ruin himself. What business had
he to engage at all about the City? Can't he wish his cause well, and be
quiet, when he finds that stirring will do it no good, and himself a great
deal of hurt? I cannot imagine who should open my letter: it must be done at
your side.--If I hear of any thoughts of turning out Mr. Manley, I will
endeavour to prevent it. I have already had all the gentlemen of Ireland here
upon my back often, for defending him. So now I have answered your saucy
letter. My humble service to Goody Stoyte and Catherine; I will come soon for
my dinner.
9. Morning. My cold goes off at last; but I think I have got a small new
one. I have no news since last. They say we hear by the way of Calais, that
peace is very near concluding. I hope it may be true. I'll go and seal up my
letter, and give it myself to-night into the post-office; and so I bid my
dearest MD farewell till to-night. I heartily wish myself with them, as hope
saved. My willows, and quicksets, and trees, will be finely improved, I hope,
this year. It has been fine hard frosty weather yesterday and to-day.
Farewell, etc. etc. etc.
LETTER 41.[1]
LONDON, Feb. 9, 1711-12.
When my letter is gone, and I have none of yours to answer, my conscience is
so clear, and my shoulder so light, and I go on with such courage to prate
upon nothing to deerichar MD, oo would wonder. I dined with Sir Matthew
Dudley, who is newly turned out of Commission of the Customs. He affects a
good heart, and talks in the extremity of Whiggery, which was always his
principle, though he was gentle a little, while he kept in employment. We can
yet get no packets from Holland. I have not been with any of the Ministry
these two or three days. I keep out of their way on purpose, for a certain
reason, for some time, though I must dine with the Secretary to-morrow, the
choosing of the company being left to me. I have engaged Lord Anglesea[2] and
Lord Carteret,[3] and have promised to get three more; but I have a mind that
none else should be admitted: however, if I like anybody at Court to-morrow,
I may perhaps invite them. I have got another cold, but not very bad. Nite.
. . MD.
10. I saw Prince Eugene at Court to-day very plain; he's plaguy yellow, and
tolerably ugly besides. The Court was very full, and people had their
Birthday clothes. I dined with the Secretary to-day. I was to invite five,
but I only invited two, Lord Anglesea and Lord Carteret. Pshaw, I told you
this but yesterday. We have no packets from Holland yet. Here are a parcel
of drunken Whiggish lords, like your Lord Santry,[4] who come into chocolate-
houses and rail aloud at the Tories, and have challenges sent them, and the
next morning come and beg pardon. General Ross[5] was like to swinge the
Marquis of Winchester[6] for this trick t'other day; and we have nothing else
now to talk of till the Parliament has had another bout with the state of the
war, as they intended in a few days. They have ordered the Barrier Treaty to
be laid before them; and it was talked some time ago, as if there was a design
to impeach Lord Townshend, who made it. I have no more politics now. Nite
dee MD.
11. I dined with Lord Anglesea to-day, who had seven Irishmen to be my
companions, of which two only were coxcombs; one I did not know, and t'other
was young Blith,[7] who is a puppy of figure here, with a fine chariot. He
asked me one day at Court, when I had been just talking with some lords who
stood near me, "Doctor, when shall we see you in the county of Meath?" I
whispered him to take care what he said, for the people would think he was
some barbarian. He never would speak to me since, till we met to-day. I went
to Lady Masham's to-night, and sat with Lord Treasurer and the Secretary there
till past two o'clock; and when I came home, found some letters from Ireland,
which I read, but can say nothing of them till to-morrow, 'tis so very late;
but I[8] must always be. . .,[9] late or early. Nite deelest sollahs.[10]
12. One letter was from the Bishop of Clogher last night, and t'other from
Walls, about Mrs. South's[11] salary, and his own pension of 18 pounds for his
tithe of the park. I will do nothing in either; the first I cannot serve in,
and the other is a trifle; only you may tell him I had his letter, and will
speak to Ned Southwell about what he desires me. You say nothing of your
Dean's receiving my letter. I find Clements,[12] whom I recommended to Lord
Anglesea last year, at Walls's desire, or rather the Bishop of Clogher's, is
mightily in Lord Anglesea's favour. You may tell the Bishop and Walls so; I
said to Lord Anglesea that I was [glad] I had the good luck to recommend him,
etc. I dined in the City with my printer, to consult with him about some
papers Lord Treasurer gave me last night, as he always does, too late;
however, I will do something with them. My third cold is a little better; I
never had anything like it before, three colds successively; I hope I shall
have the fourth.[13] Those messengers come from Holland to-day, and they
brought over the six packets that were due. I know not the particulars yet,
for when I was with the Secretary at noon they were just opening; but one
thing I find, that the Dutch are playing us tricks, and tampering with the
French; they are dogs; I shall know more tomollow. . . MD.[14]
13. I dined to-day privately with my friend Lewis, at his lodgings, to
consult about some observations on the Barrier Treaty. Our news from Holland
is not good. The French raise difficulties, and make such offers to the
Allies as cannot be accepted. And the Dutch are uneasy that we are likely to
get anything for ourselves; and the Whigs are glad at all this. I came home
early, and have been very busy three or four hours. I had a letter from Dr.
Pratt[15] to-day by a private hand, recommending the bearer to me, for
something that I shall not trouble myself about. Wesley[16] writ to recommend
the same fellow to me. His expression is that, hearing I am acquainted with
my Lord Treasurer, he desires I would do so and so: a matter of nothing.
What puppies are mankind! I hope I shall be wiser when I have once done with
Courts. I think you han't troubled me much with your recommendations. I
would do you all the saavis[17] I could.
Pray have you got your aplon,[18] maram Ppt? I paid for it but yesterday;
that puts me in mind of it. I writ an inventory of what things I sent by
Leigh in one of my letters; did you compare it with what you got? I hear
nothing of your cards now; do you never play? Yes, at Ballygall. Go to bed.
Nite, deelest MD.[19]
14. Our Society dined to-day at Mr. Secretary's house. I went there at four;
but hearing the House of Commons would sit late upon the Barrier Treaty, I
went for an hour to Kensington, to see Lord Masham's children. My young
nephew,[20] his son of six months old, has got a swelling in his neck; I fear
it is the evil. We did not go to dinner till eight at night, and I left them
at ten. The Commons have been very severe on the Barrier Treaty, as you will
find by their votes. A Whig member took out the Conduct of the Allies, and
read that passage about the succession with great resentment; but none
seconded him. The Church party carried every vote by a great majority. The
A.B.[21] Dublin is so railed at by all who come from Ireland that I can defend
him no longer. Lord Anglesea assured me that the story of applying Piso out
of Tacitus[22] to Lord Treasurer's being wounded is true. I believe the Duke
of Beaufort will be admitted to our Society next meeting. To-day I published
the Fable of Midas,[23] a poem, printed in a loose half-sheet of paper. I
know not how it will sell; but it passed wonderfully at our Society to-night;
and Mr. Secretary read it before me the other night to Lord Treasurer, at Lord
Masham's, where they equally approved of it. Tell me how it passes with you.
I think this paper is larger than ordinary; for here is six days' journal, and
no nearer the bottom. I fear these journals are very dull. Nite my deelest
lives.
15. Mr. Lewis and I dined by invitation with a Scotch acquaintance, after I
had been very busy in my chamber till two afternoon. My third cold is now
very troublesome on my breast, especially in the morning. This is a great
revolution in my health; colds never used to return so soon with me, or last
so long. 'Tis very surprising this news to-day of the Dauphin and Dauphiness
both dying within six days. They say the old King is almost heart-broke. He
has had prodigious mortifications in his family. The Dauphin has left two
little sons, of four and two years old; the eldest is sick. There is a
foolish story got about the town that Lord Strafford, one of our
Plenipotentiaries, is in the interests of France; and it has been a good while
said that Lord Privy Seal[24] and he do not agree very well. They are both
long practised in business, but neither of them of much parts. Strafford has
some life and spirit, but is infinitely proud, and wholly illiterate. Nite,
MD.
16. I dined to-day in the City with my printer, to finish something I am
doing about the Barrier Treaty;[25] but it is not quite done. I went this
evening to Lord Masham's, where Lord Treasurer sat with us till past twelve.
The Lords have voted an Address to the Queen, to tell her they are not
satisfied with the King of France's offers. The Whigs brought it in of a
sudden; and the Court could not prevent it, and therefore did not oppose it.
The House of Lords is too strong in Whigs, notwithstanding the new creations;
for they are very diligent, and the Tories as lazy: the side that is down has
always most industry. The Whigs intended to have made a vote that would
reflect on Lord Treasurer; but their project was not ripe. I hit my face such
a rap by calling the coach to stop to-night, that it is plaguy sore, the bone
beneath the eye. Nite dee logues.
17. The Court was mighty full to-day, and has been these many Sundays; but
the Queen was not at chapel. She has got a little fit of the gout in her
foot. The good of going to Court is that one sees all one's acquaintance,
whom otherwise I should hardly meet twice a year. Prince Eugene dines with
the Secretary to-day, with about seven or eight General Officers, or foreign
Ministers. They will be all drunk, I am sure. I never was in company with
this Prince: I have proposed to some lords that we should have a sober meal
with him; but I can't compass it. It is come over in the Dutch news prints
that I was arrested on an action of twenty thousand pounds by the Duke of
Marlborough. I did not like my Court invitation to-day; so Sir Andrew
Fountaine and I went and dined with Mrs. Van. I came home at six, and have
been very busy till this minute, and it is past twelve. So I got into bed to
write to MD. . . MD.[26] We reckon the Dauphin's death will put forward the
peace a good deal. Pray is Dr. Griffith[27] reconciled to me yet? Have I
done enough to soften him? . . . [28] Nite deelest logues.
18. Lewis had Guiscard's picture: he bought it, and offered it to Lord
Treasurer, who promised to send for it, but never did; so I made Lewis give it
me, and I have it in my room; and now Lord Treasurer says he will take it from
me: is that fair? He designs to have it at length in the clothes he was when
he did the action, and a penknife in his hand; and Kneller is to copy it from
this that I have. I intended to dine with Lord Treasurer to-day, but he has
put me off till to-morrow; so I dined with Lord Dupplin. You know Lord
Dupplin very well; he is a brother of the Society. Well, but I have received
a letter from the Bishop of Cloyne, to solicit an affair for him with Lord
Treasurer, and with the Parliament, which I will do as soon as fly. I am not
near so keen about other people's affairs as. . . [29] Ppt used to reproach me
about; it was a judgment on me. Harkee, idle dearees both, meetinks I begin
to want a rettle flom[30] MD: faith, and so I do. I doubt you have been in
pain about the report of my being arrested. The pamphleteers have let me
alone this month, which is a great wonder: only the third part of the Answer
to the Conduct, which is lately come out. (Did I tell you of it already?)
The House of Commons goes on in mauling the late Ministry and their
proceedings. Nite deelest MD.[31]
19. I dined with Lord Treasurer to-day, and sat with him till ten, in spite
of my teeth, though my printer waited for me to correct a sheet. I told him
of four lines I writ extempore with my pencil, on a bit of paper in his house,
while he lay wounded. Some of the servants, I suppose, made waste-paper of
them, and he never had heard of them. Shall I tell them you? They were
inscribed to Mr. Harley's physician. Thus
On Britain Europe's safety lies;[32]
Britain is lost, if Harley dies.
Harley depends upon your skill:
Think what you save, or what you kill.
Are not they well enough to be done off-hand; for that is the meaning of the
word extempore, which you did not know, did you? I proposed that some company
should dine with him on the 8th of March, which was the day he was wounded,
but he says he designs that the Lords of the Cabinet, who then sat with him,
should dine that day with him:[33] however, he has invited me too. I am not
got rid of my cold; it plagues me in the morning chiefly. Nite, MD,
20. After waiting to catch the Secretary coming out from Sir Thomas Hanmer,
for two hours, in vain, about some business, I went into the City to my
printer, to correct some sheets of the Barrier Treaty and Remarks, which must
be finished to-morrow: I have been horrible busy for some days past, with
this and some other things; and I wanted some very necessary papers, which the
Secretary was to give me, and the pamphlet must now be published without them.
But they are all busy too. Sir Thomas Hanmer is Chairman of the Committee for
drawing up a Representation of the state of the nation[34] to the Queen, where
all the wrong steps of the Allies and late Ministry about the war will be
mentioned. The Secretary, I suppose, was helping him about it to-day; I
believe it will be a pepperer. Nite, deel MD.
