28. I was at Court to-day, when the Abbe Gaultier whispered me that a courier
was just come with an account that the French King had consented to all the
Queen's demands, and his consent was carried to Utrecht, and the peace will be
signed in a few days. I suppose the general peace cannot be so soon ready;
but that is no matter. The news presently ran about the Court. I saw the
Queen carried out in her chair, to take the air in the garden. I met Griffin
at Court, and he told me that orders were sent to examine Filby; and, if he be
fit, to make him (I think he called it) an assistant; I don't know what,
Supervisor, I think; but it is some employment a good deal better than his
own. The Parliament will have another short prorogation, though it is not
known yet. I dined with Lord Treasurer and his Saturday company, and left him
at eight to put this in the post-office time enough. And now I must bid oo
farewell, deelest richar Ppt. God bless oo ever, and rove Pdfr. Farewell MD
MD MD FW FW FW FW ME ME ME Lele Lele.
LETTER 61.[1]
LONDON, March 1, 1712-13.
'Tis out of my head whether I answered all your letter in my last yesterday or
no. I think I was in haste, and could not: but now I see I answered a good
deal of it; no, only about your brother, and ME's bill. I dined with Lady
Orkney, and we talked politics till eleven at night; and, as usual, found
everything wrong, and put ourselves out of humour. Yes, I have Lady Giffard's
picture sent me by your mother. It is boxed up at a place where my other
things are. I have goods in two or three places; and when I leave a lodging,
I box up the books I get (for I always get some), and come naked into a new
lodging; and so on. Talk not to me of deaneries; I know less of that than
ever by much. Nite MD.
2. I went to-day into the City to see Pat Rolt,[2] who lodges with a City
cousin, a daughter of coz Cleve; (you are much the wiser). I had never been
at her house before. My he-coz Thompson the butcher is dead, or dying. I
dined with my printer, and walked home, and went to sit with Lady Clarges. I
found four of them at whist; Lady Godolphin[3] was one. I sat by her, and
talked of her cards, etc., but she would not give me one look, nor say a word
to me. She refused some time ago to be acquainted with me. You know she is
Lord Marlborough's eldest daughter. She is a fool for her pains, and I'll
pull her down. What can I do for Dr. Smith's daughter's husband? I have no
personal credit with any of the Commissioners. I'll speak to Keatley;[4] but
I believe it will signify nothing. In the Customs people must rise by
degrees, and he must at first take what is very low, if he be qualified for
that. Ppt mistakes me; I am not angry at your recommending anyone to me,
provided you will take my answer. Some things are in my way, and then I serve
those I can. But people will not distinguish, but take things ill, when I
have no power; but Ppt is wiser. And employments in general are very hard to
be got. Nite MD.
3. I dined to-day with Lord Treasurer, who chid me for my absence, which was
only from Saturday last. The Parliament was again prorogued for a week, and I
suppose the peace will be ready by then, and the Queen will be able to be
brought to the House, and make her speech. I saw Dr. Griffith[5] two or three
months ago, at a Latin play at Westminster; but did not speak to him. I hope
he will not die; I should be sorry for Ppt's sake; he is very tender of her.
I have long lost all my colds, and the weather mends a little. I take some
steel drops, and my head is pretty well. I walk when I can, but am grown very
idle; and, not finishing my thing, I gamble[6] abroad and play at ombre. I
shall be more careful in my physic than Mrs. Price: 'tis not a farthing
matter her death, I think; and so I say no more to-night, but will read a dull
book, and go sleep. Nite dee MD.
4. Mr. Ford has been this half-year inviting me to dine at his lodgings: so
I did to-day, and brought the Provost and Dr. Parnell with me, and my friend
Lewis was there. Parnell went away, and the other three played at ombre, and
I looked on; which I love, and would not play. Tisdall is a pretty fellow, as
you say; and when I come back to Ireland with nothing, he will condole with me
with abundance of secret pleasure. I believe I told you what he wrote to me,
that I have saved England, and he Ireland;[7] but I can bear that. I have
learned to hear and see, and say nothing. I was to see the Duchess of
Hamilton to-day, and met Blith[8] of Ireland just going out of her house into
his coach. I asked her how she came to receive young fellows. It seems he
had a ball in the Duke of Hamilton's house when the Duke died; and the Duchess
got an advertisement put in the Postboy,[9] reflecting on the ball, because
the Marlborough daughters[10] were there; and Blith came to beg the Duchess's
pardon, and clear himself. He's a sad dog. Nite poo dee deelest MD.
5. Lady Masham has miscarried; but is well almost again. I have many visits
to-day. I met Blith at the Duke of Ormond's; and he begged me to carry him to
the Duchess of Hamilton, to beg her pardon again. I did on purpose to see how
the blunderbuss behaved himself; but I begged the Duchess to use him
mercifully, for she is the devil of a teaser. The good of it is, she ought to
beg his pardon, for he meant no harm; yet she would not allow him to put in an
advertisement to clear himself from hers, though hers was all a lie. He
appealed to me, and I gravely gave it against him. I was at Court to-day, and
the foreign Ministers have got a trick of employing me to speak for them to
Lord Treasurer and Lord Bolingbroke; which I do when the case is reasonable.
The College[11] need not fear; I will not be their Governor. I dined with Sir
Thomas Hanmer and his Duchess.[12] The Duke of Ormond was there, but we
parted soon, and I went to visit Lord Pembroke for the first time; but it was
to see some curious books. Lord Cholmondeley[13] came in; but I would not
talk to him, though he made many advances. I hate the scoundrel for all he is
your Griffith's friend.--Yes, yes, I am abused enough, if that be all. Nite
sollahs.
6. I was to-day at an auction of pictures with Pratt,[14] and laid out two
pound five shillings for a picture of Titian, and if it were a Titian it would
be worth twice as many pounds. If I am cheated, I'll part with it to Lord
Masham: if it be a bargain, I'll keep it to myself. That's my conscience.
But I made Pratt buy several pictures for Lord Masham. Pratt is a great
virtuoso that way. I dined with Lord Treasurer, but made him go to Court at
eight. I always tease him to be gone. I thought to have made Parnell dine
with him, but he was ill; his head is out of order like mine, but more
constant, poor boy!--I was at Lord Treasurer's levee with the Provost, to ask
a book for the College.--I never go to his levee, unless to present somebody.
For all oor rallying, saucy[15] Ppt, as hope saved, I expected they would have
decided about me long ago; and as hope saved, as soon as ever things are given
away and I not provided for, I will be gone with the very first opportunity,
and put up bag and baggage. But people are slower than can be thought. Nite
MD.
7. Yes, I hope Leigh will soon be gone, a p-- on him! I met him once, and he
talked gravely to me of not seeing the Irish bishops here, and the Irish
gentlemen; but I believe my answers fretted him enough. I would not dine with
Lord Treasurer to-day, though it was Saturday (for he has engaged me for to-
morrow), but went and dined with Lord Masham, and played at ombre, sixpenny
running ombre, for three hours. There were three voles[16] against me, and I
was once a great loser, but came off for three shillings and sixpence. One
may easily lose five guineas at it. Lady Orkney is gone out of town to-day,
and I could not see her for laziness, but writ to her. She has left me some
physic. Fais, I never knew MD's politics before, and I think it pretty
extraordinary, and a great compliment to you, and I believe never three people
conversed so much with so little politics. I avoid all conversation with the
other party; it is not to be borne, and I am sorry for it. O yes, things
[are] very dear. DD must come in at last with DD's two eggs a penny. There
the proverb was well applied. Parvisol has sent me a bill of fifty pounds, as
I ordered him, which, I hope, will serve me, and bring me over. Pray God MD
does not be delayed for it; but I have had very little from him this long
time. I was not at Court to-day; a wonder! Nite sollahs. . . Pdfr.
8. Oo must know, I give chocolate almost every day to two or three people
that I suffer to come to see me in a morning. My man begins to lie pretty
well. 'Tis nothing for people to be denied ten times. My man knows all I
will see, and denies me to everybody else. This is the day of the Queen's
coming to the Crown, and the day Lord Treasurer was stabbed by Guiscard. I
was at Court, where everybody had their Birthday clothes on, and I dined with
Lord Treasurer, who was very fine. He showed me some of the Queen's speech,
which I corrected in several places, and penned the vote of address of thanks
for the speech; but I was of opinion the House should not sit on Tuesday next,
unless they hear the peace is signed; that is, provided they are sure it will
be signed the week after, and so have one scolding for all. Nite MD.
9. Lord Treasurer would have had me dine with him to-day; he desired me last
night, but I refused, because he would not keep the day of his stabbing with
all the Cabinet, as he intended: so I dined with my friend Lewis; and the
Provost and Parnell, and Ford, was with us. I lost sixteen shillings at
ombre; I don't like it, as etc. At night Lewis brought us word that the
Parliament does not sit to-morrow. I hope they are sure of the peace by next
week, and then they are right in my opinion: otherwise I think they have done
wrong, and might have sat three weeks ago. People will grumble; but Lord
Treasurer cares not a rush. Lord Keeper is suddenly taken ill of a quinsy,
and some lords are commissioned, I think Lord Trevor,[17] to prorogue the
Parliament in his stead. You never saw a town so full of ferment and
expectation. Mr. Pope has published a fine poem, called Windsor Forest.[18]
Read it. Nite.
10. I was early this morning to see Lord Bolingbroke. I find he was of
opinion the Parliament should sit; and says they are not sure the peace will
be signed next week. The prorogation is to this day se'nnight. I went to
look on a library I am going to buy, if we can agree. I have offered a
hundred and twenty pounds, and will give ten more. Lord Bolingbroke will lend
me the money. I was two hours poring on the books. I will sell some of them,
and keep the rest; but I doubt they won't take the money. I dined in the
City, and sat an hour in the evening with Lord Treasurer, who was in very good
humour; but reproached me for not dining with him yesterday and to-day. What
will all this come to? Lord Keeper had a pretty good night, and is better. I
was in pain for him. How do oo do sollahs?. . . Nite MD.[19]
11. I was this morning to visit the Duke and Duchess of Ormond, and the
Duchess of Hamilton, and went with the Provost to an auction of pictures, and
laid out fourteen shillings. I am in for it, if I had money; but I doubt I
shall be undone; for Sir Andrew Fountaine invited the Provost and me to dine
with him, and play at ombre, when I fairly lost fourteen shillings. Fais, it
won't do; and I shall be out of conceit with play this good while. I am come
home; and it is late, and my puppy let out my fire, and I am gone to bed and
writing there, and it is past twelve a good while. Went out four matadores
and a trump in black, and was bested. Vely bad, fais! Nite my deelest logues
MD.
12. I was at another auction of pictures to-day, and a great auction it was.
I made Lord Masham lay out forty pounds. There were pictures sold of twice as
much value apiece. Our Society met to-day at the Duke of Beaufort's: a
prodigious fine dinner, which I hate; but we did some business. Our printer
was to attend us, as usual; and the Chancellor of the Exchequer sent the
author of the Examiner[20] twenty guineas. He is an ingenious fellow, but the
most confounded vain coxcomb in the world, so that I dare not let him see me,
nor am acquainted with him. I had much discourse with the Duke of Ormond this
morning, and am driving some points to secure us all in case of accidents,
etc.[21] I left the Society at seven. I can't drink now at all with any
pleasure. I love white Portugal wine better than claret, champagne, or
burgundy. I have a sad vulgar appetite. I remember Ppt used to maunder, when
I came from a great dinner, and DD had but a bit of mutton. I cannot endure
above one dish; nor ever could since I was a boy, and loved stuffing. It was
a fine day, which is a rarity with us, I assure [you]. Never fair two days
together. Nite dee MD.
13. I had a rabble of Irish parsons this morning drinking my chocolate. I
cannot remember appointments. I was to have supped last night with the
Swedish Envoy at his house, and some other company, but forgot it; and he
rallied me to-day at Lord Bolingbroke's, who excused me, saying, the Envoy
ought not to be angry, because I serve Lord Treasurer and him the same way.
For that reason, I very seldom promise to go anywhere. I dined with Lord
Treasurer, who chid me for being absent so long, as he always does if I miss a
day. I sat three hours this evening with Lady Jersey; but the first two hours
she was at ombre with some company. I left Lord Treasurer at eight: I
fancied he was a little thoughtful, for he was playing with an orange by fits,
which, I told him, among common men looked like the spleen. This letter shall
not go to-morrow; no haste, ung oomens; nothing that presses. I promised but
once in three weeks, and I am better than my word. I wish the peace may be
ready, I mean that we have notice it is signed, before Tuesday; otherwise the
grumbling will much increase. Nite logues.
14. It was a lovely day this, and I took the advantage of walking a good deal
in the Park, before I went to Court. Colonel Disney, one of our Society, is
ill of a fever, and, we fear, in great danger. We all love him mightily, and
he would be a great loss. I doubt I shall not buy the library; for a roguey
bookseller has offered sixty pounds more than I designed to give; so you see I
meant to have a good bargain. I dined with Lord Treasurer and his Saturday
company; but there were but seven at table. Lord Peterborrow is ill, and
spits blood, with a bruise he got before he left England; but, I believe, an
Italian lady he has brought over is the cause that his illness returns. You
know old Lady Bellasis[22] is dead at last? She has left Lord Berkeley of
Stratton[23] one of her executors, and it will be of great advantage to him;
they say above ten thousand pounds. I stayed with Lord Treasurer upon
business, after the company was gone; but I dare not tell you upon what. My
letters would be good memoirs, if I durst venture to say a thousand things
that pass; but I hear so much of letters opening at your post-office that I am
fearful, etc., and so good-nite, sollahs, rove Pdfr, MD.
15. Lord Treasurer engaged me to dine with him again to-day, and I had ready
what he wanted; but he would not see it, but put me off till to-morrow. The
Queen goes to chapel now. She is carried in an open chair, and will be well
enough to go to Parliament on Tuesday, if the Houses meet, which is not yet
certain; neither, indeed, can the Ministers themselves tell; for it depends on
winds and weather, and circumstances of negotiation. However, we go on as if
it was certainly to meet; and I am to be at Lord Treasurer's to-morrow, upon
that supposition, to settle some things relating that way. Ppt[24] may
understand me. The doctors tell me that if poor Colonel Disney does not get
some sleep to-night, he must die. What care you? Ah! but I do care. He is
one of our Society; a fellow of abundance of humour; an old battered rake, but
very honest, not an old man, but an old rake. It was he that said of Jenny
Kingdom,[25] the maid of honour, who is a little old, that, since she could
not get a husband, the Queen should give her a brevet to act as a married
woman. You don't understand this. They give brevets to majors and captains
to act as colonels in the army. Brevets are commissions. Ask soldiers, dull
sollahs. Nite MD.
16. I was at Lord Treasurer's before he came; and, as he entered, he told me
the Parliament was prorogued till Thursday se'nnight. They have had some
expresses, by which they count that the peace may be signed by that time; at
least, that France, Holland, and we, will sign some articles, by which we
shall engage to sign the peace when it is ready: but Spain has no Minister
there; for Monteleon, who is to be their Ambassador at Utrecht, is not yet
gone from hence; and till he is there, the Spaniards can sign no peace: and
[of] one thing take notice, that a general peace can hardly be finished these
two months, so as to be proclaimed here; for, after signing, it must be
ratified; that is, confirmed by the several princes at their Courts, which to
Spain will cost a month; for we must have notice that it is ratified in all
Courts before we can proclaim it. So be not in too much haste. Nite MD.
17. The Irish folks were disappointed that the Parliament did not meet to-
day, because it was St. Patrick's Day; and the Mall was so full of crosses
that I thought all the world was Irish. Miss Ashe is almost quite well, and I
see the Bishop, but shall not yet go to his house. I dined again with Lord
Treasurer; but the Parliament being prorogued, I must keep what I have till
next week: for I believe he will not see it till just the evening before the
session. He has engaged me to dine with him again to-morrow, though I did all
I could to put it off; but I don't care to disoblige him. Nite dee sollahs
'tis late. Nite MD.
18. I have now dined six days successively with Lord Treasurer; but to-night
I stole away while he was talking with somebody else, and so am at liberty to-
morrow. There was a flying report of a general cessation of arms: everybody
had it at Court; but, I believe, there is nothing in it. I asked a certain
French Minister how things went. And he whispered me in French, "Your
Plenipotentiaries and ours play the fool." None of us, indeed, approve of the
conduct of either at this time; but Lord Treasurer was in full good-humour for
all that. He had invited a good many of his relations; and, of a dozen at
table, they were all of the Harley family but myself. Disney is recovering,
though you don't care a straw. Dilly murders us with his IF puns. You know
them. . . . [26] Nite MD.
19. The Bishop of Clogher has made an IF pun that he is mighty proud of, and
designs to send it over to his brother Tom. But Sir Andrew Fountaine has
wrote to Tom Ashe last post, and told him the pun, and desired him to send it
over to the Bishop as his own; and, if it succeeds, 'twill be a pure bite.
The Bishop will tell it us as a wonder that he and his brother should jump so
exactly. I'll tell you the pun:--If there was a hackney coach at Mr.
Pooley's[27] door, what town in Egypt would it be? Why, it would be
Hecatompolis; Hack at Tom Pooley's. "Sillly," says Ppt. I dined with a
private friend to-day; for our Society, I told you, meet but once a fortnight.
I have not seen Fanny Manley yet; I can't help it. Lady Orkney is come to
town: why, she was at her country house; hat[28] care you? Nite darling (?)
dee MD.
20. Dilly read me a letter to-day from Ppt. She seems to have scratched her
head when she writ it. 'Tis a sad thing to write to people without tact.
There you say, you hear I was going to Bath. No such thing; I am pretty well,
I thank God. The town is now sending me to Savoy.[29] Forty people have
given me joy of it, yet there is not the least truth that I know in it. I was
at an auction of pictures, but bought none. I was so glad of my liberty, that
I would dine nowhere; but, the weather being fine, I sauntered into the City,
and ate a bit about five, and then supped at Mr. Burke's[30] your Accountant-
General, who had been engaging me this month. The Bishop of Clogher was to
have been there, but was hindered by Lord Paget's[31] funeral. The Provost
and I sat till one o'clock; and, if that be not late, I don't know what is
late. Parnell's poem will be published on Monday, and to-morrow I design he
shall present it to Lord Treasurer and Lord Bolingbroke at Court. The poor
lad is almost always out of order with his head. Burke's wife is his sister.
She has a little of the pert Irish way. Nite MD.
21. Morning. I will now finish my letter; for company will come, and a stir,
and a clutter; and I'll keep the letter in my pottick,[32] and give it into
the post myself. I must go to Court, and you know on Saturdays I dine with
Lord Treasurer, of course. Farewell, deelest MD MD MD, FW FW FW, MD ME ME ME
Lele sollahs.[33]
LETTER 62.[1]
LONDON, March 21, 1712-13.
I gave your letter in this night. I dined with Lord Treasurer to-day, and
find he has been at a meeting at Lord Halifax's house, with four principal
Whigs; but he is resolved to begin a speech against them when the Parliament
sits; and I have begged that the Ministers may have a meeting on purpose to
settle that matter, and let us be the attackers; and I believe it will come to
something, for the Whigs intend to attack the Ministers: and if, instead of
that, the Ministers attack the Whigs, it will be better: and farther, I
believe we shall attack them on those very points they intend to attack us.
The Parliament will be again prorogued for a fortnight, because of Passion
Week. I forgot to tell you that Mr. Griffin has given Ppt's brother[2] a new
employment, about ten pounds a year better than his former; but more remote,
and consequently cheaper. I wish I could have done better, and hope oo will
take what can be done in good part, and that oo brother will not dislike it.--
Nite own dear. . . MD.
22. I dined to-day with Lord Steward.[3] There Frank Annesley[4] (a
Parliament-man) told me he had heard that I had wrote to my friends in Ireland
to keep firm to the Whig interest; for that Lord Treasurer would certainly
declare for it after the peace. Annesley said twenty people had told him
this. You must know this is what they endeavour to report of Lord Treasurer,
that he designs to declare for the Whigs; and a Scotch fellow has wrote the
same to Scotland; and his meeting with those lords gives occasion to such
reports. Let me henceforth call Lord Treasurer Eltee, because possibly my
letters may be opened. Pray remember Eltee. You know the reason; L.T. and
Eltee pronounced the same way. Stay, 'tis five weeks since I had a letter
from MD. I allow you six. You see why I cannot come over the beginning of
April; whoever has to do with this Ministry can fix no time: but as[5] hope
saved, it is not Pdfr's fault. Pay don't blame poo Pdfr. Nite deelest logues
MD.[6]
23. I dined to-day at Sir Thomas Hanmer's, by an old appointment: there was
the Duke of Ormond, and Lord and Lady Orkney. I left them at six. Everybody
is as sour as vinegar. I endeavour to keep a firm friendship between the Duke
of Ormond and Eltee. (Oo know who Eltee is, or have oo fordot already?) I
have great designs, if I can compass them; but delay is rooted in Eltee's
heart; yet the fault is not altogether there, that things are no better. Here
is the cursedest libel in verse come out that ever was seen, called The
Ambassadress;[7] it is very dull, too; it has been printed three or four
different ways, and is handed about, but not sold. It abuses the Queen
horribly. The Examiner has cleared me to-day of being author of his paper,
and done it with great civilities to me.[8] I hope it will stop people's
mouths; if not, they must go on and be hanged, I care not. 'Tis terribly
rainy weather, I'll go sleep. Nite deelest MD.
24. It rained all this day, and ruined me in coach-hire. I went to Colonel
Disney, who is past danger. Then I visited Lord Keeper, who was at dinner;
but I would not dine with him, but drove to Lord Treasurer (Eltee I mean),
paid the coachman, and went in; but he dined abroad: so I was forced to call
the coachman again, and went to Lord Bolingbroke's. He dined abroad too; and
at Lord Dupplin's I alighted, and by good luck got a dinner there, and then
went to the Latin play at Westminster School, acted by the boys; and Lord
Treasurer (Eltee I mean again) honoured them with his presence. Lady Masham's
eldest son, about two years old, is ill, and I am afraid will not live: she
is full of grief, and I pity and am angry with her. Four shillings to-day in
coach-hire; fais, it won't do. Our peace will certainly be ready by Thursday
fortnight; but our Plenipotentiaries were to blame that it was not done
already. They thought their powers were not full enough to sign the peace,
unless every Prince was ready, which cannot yet be; for Spain has no Minister
yet at Utrecht; but now ours have new orders. Nite MD.
25. Weather worse than ever; terrible rain all day, but I was resolved I
would spend no more money. I went to an auction of pictures with Dr. Pratt,
and there met the Duke of Beaufort, who promised to come with me to Court, but
did not. So a coach I got, and went to Court, and did some little business
there, but was forced to go home; for oo must understand I take a little
physic over-night, which works me next day. Lady Orkney is my physician. It
is hiera picra,[9] two spoonfuls, devilish stuff! I thought to have dined
with Eltee, but would not, merely to save a shilling; but I dined privately
with a friend, and played at ombre, and won six shillings. Here are several
people of quality lately dead of the smallpox. I have not yet seen Miss Ashe,
but hear she is well. The Bishop of Clogher has bought abundance of pictures,
and Dr. Pratt has got him very good pennyworths.[10] I can get no walks, the
weather is so bad. Is it so with oo, sollahs?. . . [11]
26. Though it was shaving-day, head and beard, yet I was out early to see
Lord Bolingbroke, and talk over affairs with him; and then I went to the Duke
of Ormond's, and so to Court, where the Ministers did not come, because the
Parliament was prorogued till this day fortnight. We had terrible rain and
hail to-day. Our Society met this day, but I left them before seven, and went
to Sir A[ndrew] F[ountaine], and played at ombre with him and Sir Thomas
Clarges, till ten, and then went to Sir Thomas Hanmer. His wife, the Duchess
of Grafton, left us after a little while, and I stayed with him about an hour,
upon some affairs, etc. Lord Bolingbroke left us at the Society before I
went; for there is an express from Utrecht, but I know not yet what it
contains; only I know the Ministers expect the peace will be signed in a week,
which is a week before the session. Nite, MD.
27. Parnell's poem is mightily esteemed; but poetry sells ill. I am plagued
with that. . . [12] poor Harrison's mother; you would laugh to see how
cautious I am of paying her the 100 pounds I received for her son from the
Treasury. I have asked every creature I know whether I may do it safely, yet
durst not venture, till my Lord Keeper assured me there was no danger. I have
not paid her, but will in a day or two: though I have a great mind to stay
till Ppt sends me her opinion, because Ppt is a great lawyer. I dined to-day
with a mixture of people at a Scotchman's, who made the invitation to Mr.
Lewis and me, and has some design upon us, which we know very well. I went
afterwards to see a famous moving picture,[13] and I never saw anything so
pretty. You see a sea ten miles wide, a town on t'other end, and ships
sailing in the sea, and discharging their cannon. You see a great sky, with
moon and stars, etc. I'm a fool. Nite, dee MD.
28. I had a mighty levee to-day. I deny myself to everybody, except about
half a dozen, and they were all here, and Mr. Addison was one, and I had
chocolate twice, which I don't like. Our rainy weather continues. Coach-hire
goes deep. I dined with Eltee and his Saturday company, as usual, and could
not get away till nine. Lord Peterborow was making long harangues, and Eltee
kept me in spite. Then I went to see the Bishop of Ossory, who had engaged me
in the morning; he is going to Ireland. The Bishop of Killaloe[14] and Tom
Leigh was with us. The latter had wholly changed his style, by seeing how the
bishops behaved themselves, and he seemed to think me one of more importance
than I really am. I put the ill conduct of the bishops about the First-
Fruits, with relation to Eltee and me, strongly upon Killaloe, and showed how
it had hindered me from getting a better thing for them, called the Crown
rents, which the Queen had promised. He had nothing to say, but was humble,
and desired my interest in that and some other things. This letter is half
done in a week: I believe oo will have it next. Nite MD.
29. I have been employed in endeavouring to save one of your junior
Fellows,[15] who came over here for a dispensation from taking orders, and, in
soliciting it, has run out his time, and now his fellowship is void, if the
College pleases, unless the Queen suspends the execution, and gives him time
to take orders. I spoke to all the Ministers yesterday about it; but they say
the Queen is angry, and thought it was a trick to deceive her; and she is
positive, and so the man must be ruined, for I cannot help him. I never saw
him in my life; but the case was so hard, I could not forbear interposing.
Your Government recommended him to the Duke of Ormond, and he thought they
would grant it; and by the time it was refused, the fellowship by rigour is
forfeited. I dined with Dr. Arbuthnot (one of my brothers) at his lodgings in
Chelsea, and was there at chapel; and the altar put me in mind of Tisdall's
outlandish would[16] at your hospital for the soldiers. I was not at Court
to-day, and I hear the Queen was not at church. Perhaps the gout has seized
her again. Terrible rain all day. Have oo such weather? Nite MD.
30. Morning. I was naming some time ago, to a certain person, another
certain person, that was very deserving, and poor and sickly; and t'other,
that first certain person, gave me a hundred pounds to give the other, which I
have not yet done. The person who is to have it never saw the giver, nor
expects one farthing, nor has the least knowledge or imagination of it; so I
believe it will be a very agreeable surprise; for I think it is a handsome
present enough. At night I dined in the City, at Pontack's,[17] with Lord
Dupplin, and some others. We were treated by one Colonel Cleland,[18] who has
a mind to be Governor of Barbados, and is laying these long traps for me and
others, to engage our interests for him. He is a true Scotchman. I paid the
hundred pounds this evening, and it was an agreeable surprise to the receiver.
We reckon the peace is now signed, and that we shall have it in three days. I
believe it is pretty sure. Nite MD.
31. I thought to-day on Ppt when she told me she suppose[d] I was acquainted
with the steward, when I was giving myself airs of being at some lord's house.
Sir Andrew Fountaine invited the Bishop of Clogher and me, and some others, to
dine where he did; and he carried us to the Duke of Kent's,[19] who was gone
out of town; but the steward treated us nobly, and showed us the fine
pictures, etc. I have not yet seen Miss Ashe. I wait till she has been
abroad, and taken the air. This evening Lady Masham, Dr. Arbuthnot, and I,
were contriving a lie for to-morrow, that Mr. Noble,[20] who was hanged last
Saturday, was recovered by his friends, and then seized again by the sheriff,
and is now in a messenger's hands at the Black Swan in Holborn. We are all to
send to our friends, to know whether they have heard anything of it, and so we
hope it will spread. However, we shall do our endeavours; nothing shall be
wanting on our parts, and leave the rest to fortune. Nite MD.
April 1. We had no success in our story, though I sent my man to several
houses, to inquire among the footmen, without letting him into the secret; but
I doubt my colleagues did not contribute as they ought. Parnell and I dined
with Darteneuf[21] to-day. You have heard of Darteneuf: I have told you of
Darteneuf. After dinner we all went to Lord Bolingbroke's, who had desired me
to dine with him; but I would not, because I heard it was to look over a dull
poem of one parson Trapp[22] upon the peace. The Swedish Envoy told me to-day
at Court that he was in great apprehensions about his master;[23] and indeed
we are afraid that prince has[24] died among those Turkish dogs. I prevailed
on Lord Bolingbroke to invite Mr. Addison to dine with him on Good Friday. I
suppose we shall be mighty mannerly. Addison is to have a play of his acted
on Friday in Easter Week: 'tis a tragedy, called Cato; I saw it unfinished
some years ago.[25] Did I tell you that Steele has begun a new daily paper,
called the Guardian?[26] they say good for nothing. I have not seen it. Nite
dee MD.
2. I was this morning with Lord Bolingbroke, and he tells me a Spanish
courier is just come, with the news that the King of Spain has agreed to
everything that the Queen desires; and the Duke d'Ossuna has left Paris in
order to his journey to Utrecht. I was prevailed on to come home with Trapp,
and read his poem and correct it; but it was good for nothing. While I was
thus employed, Sir Thomas Hanmer came up to my chamber, and balked me of a
journey he and I intended this week to Lord Orkney's at Cliffden;[27] but he
is not well, and his physician will not let him undertake such a journey. I
intended to dine with Lord Treasurer; but going to see Colonel Disney, who
lives with General Withers,[28] I liked the General's little dinner so well,
that I stayed and took share of it, and did not go to Lord Treasurer till six,
where I found Dr. Sacheverell, who told us that the bookseller had given him
100 pounds for his sermon,[29] preached last Sunday, and intended to print
30,000: I believe he will be confoundedly bit, and will hardly sell above
half. I have fires still, though April has begun, against my old maxim; but
the weather is wet and cold. I never saw such a long run of ill weather in my
life. Nite dee logues MD.
3. I was at the Queen's chapel to-day, but she was not there. Mr. St. John,
Lord Bolingbroke's brother, came this day at noon with an express from
Utrecht, that the peace is signed by all the Ministers there, but those of the
Emperor, who will likewise sign in a few days; so that now the great work is
in effect done, and I believe it will appear a most excellent peace for
Europe, particularly for England. Addison and I, and some others, dined with
Lord Bolingbroke, and sat with him till twelve. We were very civil, but yet
when we grew warm, we talked in a friendly manner of party. Addison raised
his objections, and Lord Bolingbroke answered them with great complaisance.
Addison began Lord Somers's health, which went about; but I bid him not name
Lord Wharton's, for I would not pledge it; and I told Lord Bolingbroke frankly
that Addison loved Lord Wharton as little as I did: so we laughed, etc.
Well, but you are glad of the peace, you Ppt the Trimmer, are not you? As for
DD I don't doubt her. Why, now, if I did not think Ppt had been a violent
Tory, and DD the greater Whig of the two! 'Tis late. Nite MD.
4. This Passion Week, people are so demure, especially this last day, that I
told Dilly, who called here, that I would dine with him, and so I did, faith;
and had a small shoulder of mutton of my own bespeaking. It rained all day.
I came home at seven, and have never stirred out, but have been reading
Sacheverell's long dull sermon, which he sent me. It is the first sermon
since his suspension is expired; but not a word in it upon the occasion,
except two or three remote hints. The Bishop of Clogher has been sadly bit by
Tom Ashe, who sent him a pun, which the Bishop had made, and designed to send
to him, but delayed it; and Lord Pembroke and I made Sir Andrew Fountaine
write it to Tom. I believe I told you of it in my last; it succeeded right,
and the Bishop was wondering to Lord Pembroke how he and his brother could hit
on the same thing. I'll go to bed soon, for I must be at church by eight to-
morrow, Easter Day. Nite dee MD.
5. Warburton[30] wrote to me two letters about a living of one Foulkes, who
is lately dead in the county of Meath. My answer is, that before I received
the first letter, General Gorges[31] had recommended a friend of his to the
Duke of Ormond, which was the first time I heard of its vacancy, and it was
the Provost told me of it. I believe verily that Foulkes was not dead when
Gorges recommended the other: for Warburton's last letter said that Foulkes
was dead the day before the date.--This has prevented me from serving
Warburton, as I would have done, if I had received early notice enough. Pray
say or write this to Warburton, to justify me to him. I was at church at
eight this morning, and dressed and shaved after I came back, but was too late
at Court; and Lord Abingdon[32] was like to have snapped me for dinner, and I
believe will fall out with me for refusing him; but I hate dining with them,
and I dined with a private friend, and took two or three good walks; for it
was a very fine day, the first we have had a great while. Remember, was
Easter Day a fine day with you? I have sat with Lady Worsley till now. Nite
dee MD.
6. I was this morning at ten at the rehearsal of Mr. Addison's play, called
Cato, which is to be acted on Friday. There were not above half a score of us
to see it. We stood on the stage, and it was foolish enough to see the actors
prompted every moment, and the poet directing them; and the drab that acts
Cato's daughter,[33] out in the midst of a passionate part, and then calling
out, "What's next?" The Bishop of Clogher was there too; but he stood
privately in a gallery. I went to dine with Lord Treasurer, but he was gone
to Wimbledon, his daughter Caermarthen's[34] country seat, seven miles off.
So I went back, and dined privately with Mr. Addison, whom I had left to go to
Lord Treasurer. I keep fires yet; I am very extravagant. I sat this evening
with Sir A. Fountaine, and we amused ourselves with making IFS for Dilly. It
is rainy weather again; nevle saw ze rike.[35] This letter shall go to-
morrow; remember, ung oomens, it is seven weeks since oor last, and I allow oo
but five weeks; but oo have been galloping into the country to Swanton's.[36]
O pray tell Swanton I had his letter, but cannot contrive how to serve him.
If a Governor were to go over, I would recommend him as far as lay in my
power, but I can do no more: and you know all employments in Ireland, at
least almost all, are engaged in reversions. If I were on the spot, and had
credit with a Lord Lieutenant, I would very heartily recommend him; but
employments here are no more in my power than the monarchy itself. Nite, dee
MD.
7. Morning. I have had a visitor here, that has taken up my time. I have
not been abroad, oo may be sure; so I can say nothing to-day, but that I rove
MD bettle zan ever, if possibbere. I will put this in the post-office; so I
say no more. I write by this post to the Dean, but it is not above two lines;
and one enclosed to you, but that enclosed to you is not above three lines;
and then one enclosed to the Dean, which he must not have but upon condition
of burning it immediately after reading, and that before your eyes; for there
are some things in it I would not have liable to accident. You shall only
know in general that it is an account of what I have done to serve him in his
pretensions on these vacancies, etc. But he must not know that you know so
much.[37] Does this perplex you? Hat care I? But rove Pdfr, saucy Pdfr.
Farewell, deelest MD MD MD FW FW FW,. . . ME, MD Lele.
LETTER 63.[1]
LONDON, April 7, 1713.
I fancy I marked my last, which I sent this day, wrong; only 61, and it ought
to be 62. I dined with Lord Treasurer, and though the business I had with him
is something against Thursday, when the Parliament is to meet, and this is
Tuesday, yet he put it off till to-morrow. I dare not tell you what it is,
lest this letter should miscarry or be opened; but I never saw his fellow for
delays. The Parliament will now certainly sit, and everybody's expectations
are ready to burst. At a Council to-night the Lord Chief-Justice Parker, a
Whig, spoke against the peace; so did Lord Chomley,[2] another Whig, who is
Treasurer of the Household. My Lord Keeper[3] was this night made Lord
Chancellor. We hope there will soon be some removes. Nite, dee sollahs;
Late. Rove Pdfr.[4]
8. Lord Chomley (the right name is Cholmondeley) is this day removed from his
employment, for his last night's speech; and Sir Richard Temple,[5]
Lieutenant-General, the greatest Whig in the army, is turned out; and
Lieutenant-General Palmes[6] will be obliged to sell his regiment. This is
the first-fruits of a friendship I have established between two great men. I
dined with Lord Treasurer, and did the business I had for him to his
satisfaction. I won't tell MD what it was. . . . [7] for zat. The
Parliament sits to-morrow for certain. Here is a letter printed in
Maccartney's name, vindicating himself from the murder of the Duke of
Hamilton. I must give some hints to have it answered; 'tis full of lies, and
will give an opportunity of exposing that party. To morrow will be a very
important day. All the world will be at Westminster. Lord Treasurer is as
easy as a lamb. They are mustering up the proxies of the absent lords; but
they are not in any fear of wanting a majority, which death and accidents have
increased this year. Nite MD.
9. I was this morning with Lord Treasurer, to present to him a young son[8]
of the late Earl of Jersey, at the desire of the widow. There I saw the mace
and great coach ready for Lord Treasurer, who was going to Parliament. Our
Society met to-day; but I expected the Houses would sit longer than I cared to
fast; so I dined with a friend, and never inquired how matters went till eight
this evening, when I went to Lord Orkney's, where I found Sir Thomas Hanmer.
The Queen delivered her speech very well, but a little weaker in her voice.
The crowd was vast. The order for the Address[9] was moved, and opposed by
Lord Nottingham, Halifax, and Cowper. Lord Treasurer spoke with great spirit
and resolution; Lord Peterborow flirted[10] against the Duke of Marlborough
(who is in Germany, you know), but it was in answer to one of Halifax's
impertinences. The order for an Address passed by a majority of thirty-three,
and the Houses rose before six. This is the account I heard at Lord Orkney's.
The Bishop of Chester,[11] a high Tory, was against the Court. The Duchess of
Marlborough sent for him some months ago, to justify herself to him in
relation to the Queen, and showed him letters, and told him stories, which the
weak man believed, and was perverted. Nite MD.
10. I dined with a cousin in the City, and poor Pat Rolt was there. I have
got her rogue of a husband leave to come to England from Port-Mahon. The
Whigs are much down; but I reckon they have some scheme in agitation. This
Parliament-time hinders our Court meetings on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and
Saturdays. I had a great deal of business to-night, which gave me a
temptation to be idle, and I lost a dozen shillings at ombre, with Dr. Pratt
and another. I have been to see t'other day the Bishop of Clogher and lady,
but did not see Miss. It rains every day, and yet we are all over dust. Lady
Masham's eldest boy is very ill: I doubt he will not live, and she stays at
Kensington to nurse him, which vexes us all. She is so excessively fond, it
makes me mad. She should never leave the Queen, but leave everything, to
stick to what is so much the interest of the public, as well as her own. This
I tell her; but talk to the winds. Nite MD.
11. I dined at Lord Treasurer's, with his Saturday company. We had ten at
table, all lords but myself and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Argyle went
off at six, and was in very indifferent humour as usual. Duke of Ormond and
Lord Bolingbroke were absent. I stayed till near ten. Lord Treasurer showed
us a small picture, enamelled work, and set in gold, worth about twenty
pounds; a picture, I mean, of the Queen, which she gave to the Duchess of
Marlborough, set in diamonds. When the Duchess was leaving England, she took
off all the diamonds, and gave the picture to one Mrs. Higgins (an old
intriguing woman, whom everybody knows), bidding her make the best of it she
could. Lord Treasurer sent to Mrs. Higgins for this picture, and gave her a
hundred pounds for it. Was ever such an ungrateful beast as that Duchess? or
did you ever hear such a story? I suppose the Whigs will not believe it.
Pray, try them. Takes off the diamonds, and gives away the picture to an
insignificant woman, as a thing of no consequence: and gives it to her to
sell, like a piece of old-fashioned plate. Is she not a detestable slut?
Nite deelest MD.
12. I went to Court to-day, on purpose to present Mr. Berkeley,[12] one of
your Fellows of Dublin College, to Lord Berkeley of Stratton. That Mr.
Berkeley is a very ingenious man, and great philosopher, and I have mentioned
him to all the Ministers, and given them some of his writings; and I will
favour him as much as I can. This I think I am bound to, in honour and
conscience, to use all my little credit toward helping forward men of worth in
the world. The Queen was at chapel to-day, and looks well. I dined at Lord
Orkney's with the Duke of Ormond, Lord Arran, and Sir Thomas Hanmer. Mr. St.
John, Secretary at Utrecht, expects every moment to return there with the
ratification of the peace. Did I tell you in my last of Addison's play called
Cato, and that I was at the rehearsal of it? Nite MD.
13. This morning my friend, Mr. Lewis, came to me, and showed me an order for
a warrant for the three vacant deaneries; but none of them to me. This was
what I always foresaw, and received the notice of it better, I believe, than
he expected. I bid Mr. Lewis tell Lord Treasurer that I took nothing ill of
him but his not giving me timely notice, as he promised to do, if he found the
Queen would do nothing for me. At noon, Lord Treasurer hearing I was in Mr.
Lewis's office, came to me, and said many things too long to repeat. I told
him I had nothing to do but go to Ireland immediately; for I could not, with
any reputation, stay longer here, unless I had something honourable
immediately given to me. We dined together at the Duke of Ormond's. He there
told me he had stopped the warrants for the deans, that what was done for me
might be at the same time, and he hoped to compass it to-night; but I believe
him not. I told the Duke of Ormond my intentions. He is content Sterne
should be a bishop, and I have St. Patrick's; but I believe nothing will come
of it, for stay I will not; and so I believe for all oo. . . [13] oo may see
me in Dublin before April ends. I am less out of humour than you would
imagine: and if it were not that impertinent people will condole with me, as
they used to give me joy, I would value it less. But I will avoid company,
and muster up my baggage, and send them next Monday by the carrier to Chester,
and come and see my willows, against the expectation of all the world.--Hat
care I? Nite deelest logues, MD.
14. I dined in the City to-day, and ordered a lodging to be got ready for me
against I came to pack up my things; for I will leave this end of the town as
soon as ever the warrants for the deaneries are out, which are yet stopped.
Lord Treasurer told Mr. Lewis that it should be determined to-night: and so
he will for[14] a hundred nights. So he said yesterday, but I value it not.
My daily journals shall be but short till I get into the City, and then I will
send away this, and follow it myself; and design to walk it all the way to
Chester, my man and I, by ten miles a day. It will do my health a great deal
of good. I shall do it in fourteen days. Nite dee MD.
15. Lord Bolingbroke made me dine with him to-day; he[15] was as good company
as ever; and told me the Queen would determine something for me to-night. The
dispute is, Windsor or St. Patrick's. I told him I would not stay for their
disputes, and he thought I was in the right. Lord Masham told me that Lady
Masham is angry I have not been to see her since this business, and desires I
will come to-morrow. Nite deelest MD.
16. I was this noon at Lady Masham's, who was just come from Kensington,
where her eldest son is sick. She said much to me of what she had talked to
the Queen and Lord Treasurer. The poor lady fell a shedding tears openly.
She could not bear to think of my having St. Patrick's, etc. I was never more
moved than to see so much friendship. I would not stay with her, but went and
dined with Dr. Arbuthnot, with Mr. Berkeley, one of your Fellows, whom I have
recommended to the Doctor, and to Lord Berkeley of Stratton. Mr. Lewis tells
me that the Duke of Ormond has been to-day with the Queen; and she was content
that Dr. Sterne should be Bishop of Dromore, and I Dean of St. Patrick's; but
then out came Lord Treasurer, and said he would not be satisfied but that I
must be Prebend[ary] of Windsor. Thus he perplexes things. I expect neither;
but I confess, as much as I love England, I am so angry at this treatment
that, if I had my choice, I would rather have St. Patrick's. Lady Masham says
she will speak to purpose to the Queen to-morrow. Nite, . . . dee MD.
17. I went to dine at Lady Masham's to-day, and she was taken ill of a sore
throat, and aguish. She spoke to the Queen last night, but had not much time.
The Queen says she will determine to-morrow with Lord Treasurer. The warrants
for the deaneries are still stopped, for fear I should be gone. Do you think
anything will be done? I don't care whether it is or no. In the meantime, I
prepare for my journey, and see no great people, nor will see Lord Treasurer
any more, if I go. Lord Treasurer told Mr. Lewis it should be done to-night;
so he said five nights ago. Nite MD.
18. This morning Mr. Lewis sent me word that Lord Treasurer told him the
Queen would determine at noon. At three Lord Treasurer sent to me to come to
his lodgings at St. James's, and told me the Queen was at last resolved that
Dr. Sterne should be Bishop of Dromore, and I Dean of St. Patrick's; and that
Sterne's warrant should be drawn immediately. You know the deanery is in the
Duke of Ormond's gift; but this is concerted between the Queen, Lord
Treasurer, and the Duke of Ormond, to make room for me. I do not know whether
it will yet be done; some unlucky accident may yet come. Neither can I feel
joy at passing my days in Ireland; and I confess I thought the Ministry would
not let me go; but perhaps they can't help it. Nite MD.
19. I forgot to tell you that Lord Treasurer forced me to dine with him
yesterday as usual, with his Saturday company; which I did after frequent
refusals. To-day I dined with a private friend, and was not at Court. After
dinner Mr. Lewis sent me a note, that the Queen stayed till she knew whether
the Duke of Ormond approved of Sterne for Bishop. I went this evening, and
found the Duke of Ormond at the Cock-pit, and told him, and desired he would
go to the Queen, and approve of Sterne. He made objections, desired I would
name any other deanery, for he did not like Sterne; that Sterne never went to
see him; that he was influenced by the Archbishop of Dublin, etc.; so all now
is broken again. I sent out for Lord Treasurer, and told him this. He says
all will do well; but I value not what he says. This suspense vexes me worse
than anything else. Nite MD.
20. I went to-day, by appointment, to the Cock-pit, to talk with the Duke of
Ormond. He repeated the same proposals of any other deanery, etc. I desired
he would put me out of the case, and do as he pleased. Then, with great
kindness, he said he would consent; but would do it for no man alive but me,
etc. And he will speak to the Queen today or to-morrow; so, perhaps,
something will come of it. I can't tell. Nite dee dee logues, MD.
21. The Duke of Ormond has told the Queen he is satisfied that Sterne should
be Bishop, and she consents I shall be Dean; and I suppose the warrants will
be drawn in a day or two. I dined at an ale-house with Parnell and Berkeley;
for I am not in humour to go among the Ministers, though Lord Dartmouth
invited me to dine with him to-day, and Lord Treasurer was to be there. I
said I would, if I were out of suspense. Nite deelest MD.
22. The Queen says warrants shall be drawn, but she will dispose of all in
England and Ireland at once, to be teased no more. This will delay it some
time; and, while it is delayed, I am not sure of the Queen, my enemies being
busy. I hate this suspense. Nite deelest MD.[16]
23. I dined yesterday with General Hamilton.[17] I forgot to tell oo. I
write short journals now. I have eggs on the spit. This night the Queen has
signed all the warrants, among which Sterne is Bishop of Dromore, and the Duke
of Ormond is to send over an order for making me Dean of St. Patrick's. I
have no doubt of him at all. I think 'tis now passed. And I suppose MD is
malicious enough to be glad, and rather have it than Wells.[18] But you see
what a condition I am in. I thought I was to pay but six hundred pounds for
the house; but the Bishop of Clogher says eight hundred pounds; first-fruits
one hundred and fifty pounds, and so, with patent, a thousand pounds in all;
so that I shall not be the better for the deanery these three years. I hope
in some time they will be persuaded here to give me some money to pay off
these debts. I must finish the book I am writing,[19] before I can go over;
and they expect I shall pass next winter here, and then I will dun them to
give me a sum of money. However, I hope to pass four or five months with MD,
and whatever comes on it. MD's allowance must be increased, and shall be too,
fais. . . [20] I received oor rettle No. 39 to-night; just ten weeks since I
had your last. I shall write next post to Bishop Sterne. Never man had so
many enemies of Ireland[21] as he. I carried it with the strongest hand
possible. If he does not use me well and gently in what dealings I shall have
with him, he will be the most ungrateful of mankind. The Archbishop of
York,[22] my mortal enemy, has sent, by a third hand, that he would be glad to
see me. Shall I see him, or not? I hope to be over in a month, and that MD,
with their raillery, will be mistaken, that I shall make it three years. I
will answer oo rettle soon; but no more journals. I shall be very busy.
Short letters from hence forward. I shall not part with Laracor. That is all
I have to live on, except the deanery be worth more than four hundred pounds a
year. Is it? If it be, the overplus shall be divided between MD and FW
beside usual allowance of MD. . . . [23] Pray write to me a good-humoured
letter immediately, let it be ever so short. This affair was carried with
great difficulty, which vexes me. But they say here 'tis much to my
reputation that I have made a bishop, in spite of all the world, to get the
best deanery in Ireland. Nite dee sollahs.
24. I forgot to tell you I had Sterne's letter yesterday, in answer to mine.
Oo performed oor commission well, dood dallars both.[24] I made mistakes the
three last days, and am forced to alter the number.[25] I dined in the City
to-day with my printer, and came home early, and am going to [be] busy with my
work. I will send this to-morrow, and I suppose the warrants will go then. I
wrote to Dr. Coghill, to take care of passing my patent; and to Parvisol, to
attend him with money, if he has any, or to borrow some where he can. Nite
MD.
25. Morning. I know not whether my warrant be yet ready from the Duke of
Ormond. I suppose it will by tonight. I am going abroad, and will keep this
unsealed, till I know whether all be finished. Mollow,[26] sollahs.
I had this letter all day in my pocket, waiting till I heard the warrants were
gone over. Mr. Lewis sent to Southwell's clerk at ten; and he said the Bishop
of Killaloe[27] had desired they should be stopped till next post. He sent
again, that the Bishop of Killaloe's business had nothing to do with ours.
Then I went myself, but it was past eleven, and asked the reason. Killaloe is
removed to Raphoe, and he has a mind to have an order for the rents of Raphoe,
that have fallen due since the vacancy, and he would have all stop till he has
gotten that. A pretty request! But the clerk, at Mr. Lewis's message, sent
the warrants for Sterne and me; but then it was too late to send this, which
frets me heartily, that MD should not have intelligence first from Pdfr. I
think to take a hundred pounds a year out of the deanery, and divide it
between MD and Pr,[28] and so be one year longer in paying the debt; but we'll
talk of zis hen I come over. So nite dear sollahs. Lele.[29]
26. I was at Court to-day, and a thousand people gave me joy; so I ran out.
I dined with Lady Orkney. Yesterday I dined with Lord Treasurer and his
Saturday people as usual; and was so bedeaned! The Archbishop of York says he
will never more speak against me. Pray see that Parvisol stirs about getting
my patent. I have given Tooke DD's note to prove she is alive. I'll answer
oo rettle. . . . Nite.
27. Nothing new to-day. I dined with Tom Harley, etc. I'll seal up this to-
night. Pray write soon. . . . MD MD MD FW FW FW ME ME ME Lele, lele.
LETTER 64.[1]
LONDON, May 16 [1713].
I had yours, No. 40, yesterday. Your new Bishop acts very ungratefully. I
cannot say so bad of it as he deserved. I begged at the same post his warrant
and mine went over, that he would leave those livings to my disposal. I shall
write this post to him to let him know how ill I take it. I have letters to
tell me that I ought to think of employing some body to set the tithes of the
deanery. I know not what to do at this distance. I cannot be in Ireland
under a month. I will write two orders; one to Parvisol, and t'other to
Parvisol, and a blank for whatever fellow it is whom the last Dean employed;
and I would desire you to advise with friends which to make use of: and if
the latter, let the fellow's name be inserted, and both act by commission. If
the former, then speak to Parvisol, and know whether he can undertake it. I
doubt it is hardly to be done by a perfect stranger alone, as Parvisol is. He
may perhaps venture at all, to keep up his interest with me; but that is
needless, for I am willing to do him any good, that will do me no harm. Pray
advise with Walls and Raymond, and a little with Bishop Sterne for form. Tell
Raymond I cannot succeed for him to get that living of Moimed. It is
represented here as a great sinecure. Several chaplains have solicited for
it; and it has vexed me so, that, if I live, I will make it my business to
serve him better in something else. I am heartily sorry for his illness, and
that of the other two. If it be not necessary to let the tithes till a month
hence, you may keep the two papers, and advise well in the meantime; and
whenever it is absolutely necessary, then give that paper which you are most
advised to. I thank Mr. Walls for his letter. Tell him that must serve for
an answer, with my service to him and her. I shall buy Bishop Sterne's hair
as soon as his household goods. I shall be ruined, or at least sadly cramped,
unless the Queen will give me a thousand pounds. I am sure she owes me a
great deal more. Lord Treasurer rallies me upon it, and I believe intends it;
but, quando? I am advised to hasten over as soon as possible, and so I will,
and hope to set out the beginning of June. Take no lodging for me. What? at
your old tricks again? I can lie somewhere after I land, and I care not
where, nor how. I will buy your eggs and bacon, DD. . . [2] your caps and
Bible; and pray think immediately, and give me some commissions, and I will
perform them as far as oo poo Pdfr can.[3] The letter I sent before this was
to have gone a post before; but an accident hindered it; and, I assure oo, I
wam very akkree[4] MD did not write to Dean Pdfr, and I think oo might have
had a Dean under your girdle for the superscription. I have just finished my
Treatise,[5] and must be ten days correcting it. Farewell, deelest MD, MD,
MD, FW, FW, FW, ME, ME, ME, Lele.
You'll seal the two papers after my name.
"LONDON, May 16, 1713.
"I appoint Mr. Isaiah Parvisol and Mr. to set and let the tithes of the
Deanery of St. Patrick's for this present year. In witness whereof, I
hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year above written.
[JONAT. SWIFT."[6]]
"LONDON, May 16, 1713.
"I do hereby appoint Mr. Isaiah Parvisol my proctor, to set and let the tithes
of the Deanery of St. Patrick's. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and seal, the day and year above written.
JONAT. SWIFT."
LETTER 65.[1]
CHESTER, June 6, 1713.
I am come here after six days. I set out on Monday last, and got here to-day
about eleven in the morning. A noble rider, fais! and all the ships and
people went off yesterday with a rare wind. This was told me, to my comfort,
upon my arrival. Having not used riding these three years, made me terrible
weary; yet I resolve on Monday to set out for Holyhead, as weary as I am.
'Tis good for my health, mam. When I came here, I found MD's letter of the
26th of May sent down to me. Had you writ a post sooner I might have brought
some pins: but you were lazy, and would not write your orders immediately, as
I desired you. I will come when God pleases; perhaps I may be with you in a
week. I will be three days going to Holyhead; I cannot ride faster, say hat
oo will. I am upon Stay-behind's mare. I have the whole inn to myself. I
would fain 'scape this Holyhead journey; but I have no prospect of ships, and
it will be almost necessary I should be in Dublin before the 25th instant, to
take the oaths;[2] otherwise I must wait to a quarter sessions. I will lodge
as I can; therefore take no lodgings for me, to pay in my absence. The poor
Dean can't afford it. I spoke again to the Duke of Ormond about Moimed for
Raymond, and hope he may yet have it, for I laid it strongly to the Duke, and
gave him the Bishop of Meath's memorial. I am sorry for Raymond's fistula;
tell him so. I will speak to Lord Treasurer about Mrs. South[3] to-morrow.
Odso! I forgot; I thought I had been in London. Mrs. Tisdall[4] is very big,
ready to lie down. Her husband is a puppy. Do his feet stink still? The
letters to Ireland go at so uncertain an hour, that I am forced to conclude.
Farewell, MD, MD MD FW FW FW ME ME ME ME.
Lele lele
lele logues and
Ladies bose fair
and slender.
[On flyleaf.]
I mightily approve Ppt's project of hanging the blind parson. When I read
that passage upon Chester walls, as I was coming into town, and just received
your letter, I said aloud--Agreeable B-tch.
