8. Morning. I am going to town, and will just finish this there, if I go
into the country with Lady Kerry and Lord Shelburne: so morrow, till an hour
or two hence.--In town. I met Cairnes, who, I suppose, will pay me the money;
though he says I must send him the bill first, and I will get it done in
absence. Farewell, etc. etc.
LETTER 25.
CHELSEA, June 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
I have been all this time at Wycombe, between Oxford and London, with Lord
Shelburne, who has the squire's house at the town's end, and an estate there
in a delicious country. Lady Kerry and Mrs. Pratt were with us, and we passed
our time well enough; and there I wholly disengaged myself from all public
thoughts, and everything but MD, who had the impudence to send me a letter
there; but I'll be revenged: I will answer it. This day, the 20th, I came
from Wycombe with Lady Kerry after dinner, lighted at Hyde Park Corner, and
walked: it was twenty-seven miles, and we came it in about five hours.
21. I went at noon to see Mr. Secretary at his office, and there was Lord
Treasurer: so I killed two birds, etc., and we were glad to see one another,
and so forth. And the Secretary and I dined at Sir William Wyndham's,[1] who
married Lady Catharine Seymour, your acquaintance, I suppose. There were ten
of us at dinner. It seems, in my absence, they had erected a Club,[2] and
made me one; and we made some laws to-day, which I am to digest and add to,
against next meeting. Our meetings are to be every Thursday. We are yet but
twelve: Lord Keeper and Lord Treasurer were proposed; but I was against them,
and so was Mr. Secretary, though their sons are of it, and so they are
excluded; but we design to admit the Duke of Shrewsbury. The end of our Club
is, to advance conversation and friendship, and to reward deserving persons
with our interest and recommendation. We take in none but men of wit or men
of interest; and if we go on as we begin, no other Club in this town will be
worth talking of. The Solicitor-General, Sir Robert Raymond, is one of our
Club; and I ordered him immediately to write to your Lord Chancellor in favour
of Dr. Raymond: so tell Raymond, if you see him; but I believe this will find
you at Wexford. This letter will come three weeks after the last, so there is
a week lost; but that is owing to my being out of town; yet I think it is
right, because it goes enclosed to Mr. Reading:[3] and why should he know how
often Presto writes to MD, pray?--I sat this evening with Lady Betty Butler
and Lady Ashburnham, and then came home by eleven, and had a good cool walk;
for we have had no extreme hot weather this fortnight, but a great deal of
rain at times, and a body can live and breathe. I hope it will hold so. We
had peaches to-day.
22. I went late to-day to town, and dined with my friend Lewis. I saw Will
Congreve attending at the Treasury, by order, with his brethren, the
Commissioners of the Wine Licences. I had often mentioned him with kindness
to Lord Treasurer; and Congreve told me that, after they had answered to what
they were sent for, my lord called him privately, and spoke to him with great
kindness, promising his protection, etc. The poor man said he had been used
so ill of late years that he was quite astonished at my lord's goodness, etc.,
and desired me to tell my lord so; which I did this evening, and recommended
him heartily. My lord assured me he esteemed him very much, and would be
always kind to him; that what he said was to make Congreve easy, because he
knew people talked as if his lordship designed to turn everybody out, and
particularly Congreve: which indeed was true, for the poor man told me he
apprehended it. As I left my Lord Treasurer, I called on Congreve (knowing
where he dined), and told him what had passed between my lord and me; so I
have made a worthy man easy, and that is a good day's work.[4] I am proposing
to my lord to erect a society or academy for correcting and settling our
language, that we may not perpetually be changing as we do. He enters
mightily into it, so does the Dean of Carlisle;[5] and I design to write a
letter to Lord Treasurer with the proposals of it, and publish it;[6] and so I
told my lord, and he approves it. Yesterday's[7] was a sad Examiner, and last
week was very indifferent, though some little scraps of the old spirit, as if
he had given some hints; but yesterday's is all trash. It is plain the hand
is changed.
23. I have not been in London to-day: for Dr. Gastrell[8] and I dined, by
invitation, with the Dean of Carlisle, my neighbour; so I know not what they
are doing in the world, a mere country gentleman. And are not you ashamed
both to go into the country just when I did, and stay ten days, just as I did,
saucy monkeys? But I never rode; I had no horses, and our coach was out of
order, and we went and came in a hired one. Do you keep your lodgings when
you go to Wexford? I suppose you do; for you will hardly stay above two
months. I have been walking about our town to-night, and it is a very scurvy
place for walking. I am thinking to leave it, and return to town, now the
Irish folks are gone. Ford goes in three days. How does Dingley divert
herself while Stella is riding? work, or read, or walk? Does Dingley ever
read to you? Had you ever a book with you in the country? Is all that left
off? Confess. Well, I'll go sleep; 'tis past eleven, and I go early to
sleep: I write nothing at night but to MD.
24. Stratford and I, and Pastoral Philips (just come from Denmark) dined at
Ford's to-day, who paid his way, and goes for Ireland on Tuesday. The Earl of
Peterborow is returned from Vienna without one servant: he left them
scattered in several towns of Germany. I had a letter from him, four days
ago, from Hanover, where he desires I would immediately send him an answer to
his house at Parson's Green,[9] about five miles off. I wondered what he
meant, till I heard he was come. He sent expresses, and got here before them.
He is above fifty, and as active as one of five-and-twenty. I have not seen
him yet, nor know when I shall, or where to find him.
25. Poor Duke of Shrewsbury has been very ill of a fever: we were all in a
fright about him: I thank God, he is better. I dined to-day at Lord
Ashburnham's, with his lady, for he was not at home: she is a very good girl,
and always a great favourite of mine. Sterne tells me he has desired a friend
to receive your box in Chester, and carry it over. I fear he will miscarry in
his business, which was sent to the Treasury before he was recommended; for I
was positive only to second his recommendations, and all his other friends
failed him. However, on your account I will do what I can for him to-morrow
with the secretary of the Treasury.
26. We had much company to-day at dinner at Lord Treasurer's. Prior never
fails: he is a much better courtier than I; and we expect every day that he
will be a Commissioner of the Customs, and that in a short time a great many
more will be turned out. They blame Lord Treasurer for his slowness in
turning people out; but I suppose he has his reasons. They still keep my
neighbour Atterbury in suspense about the deanery of Christ Church,[10] which
has been above six months vacant, and he is heartily angry. I reckon you are
now preparing for your Wexford expedition; and poor Dingley is full of carking
and caring, scolding. How long will you stay? Shall I be in Dublin before
you return? Don't fall and hurt yourselves, nor overturn the coach. Love one
another, and be good girls; and drink Presto's health in water, Madam Stella;
and in good ale, Madam Dingley.
27. The Secretary appointed me to dine with him to-day, and we were to do a
world of business: he came at four, and brought Prior with him, and had
forgot the appointment, and no business was done. I left him at eight, and
went to change my gown at Mrs. Vanhomrigh's; and there was Sir Andrew
Fountaine at ombre with Lady Ashburnham and Lady Frederic Schomberg, and Lady
Mary Schomberg,[11] and Lady Betty Butler, and others, talking; and it put me
in mind of the Dean and Stoyte, and Walls, and Stella at play, and Dingley and
I looking on. I stayed with them till ten, like a fool. Lady Ashburnham is
something like Stella; so I helped her, and wished her good cards. It is
late, etc.
28. Well, but I must answer this letter of our MD's. Saturday approaches,
and I han't written down this side. O, faith, Presto has been a sort of a
lazy fellow: but Presto will remove to town this day se'ennight; the
Secretary has commanded me to do so; and I believe he and I shall go for some
days to Windsor, where he will have leisure to mind some business we have
together. To-day, our Society (it must not be called a Club) dined at Mr.
Secretary's: we were but eight; the rest sent excuses, or were out of town.
We sat till eight, and made some laws and settlements; and then I went to take
leave of Lady Ashburnham, who goes out of town to-morrow, as a great many of
my acquaintance are already, and left the town very thin. I shall make but
short journeys this summer, and not be long out of London. The days are grown
sensibly short already, all our fruit blasted. Your Duke of Ormond is still
at Chester; and perhaps this letter will be with you as soon as he. Sterne's
business is quite blown up: they stand to it to send him back to the
Commissioners of the Revenue in Ireland for a reference, and all my credit
could not alter it, though I almost fell out with the secretary of the
Treasury,[12] who is my Lord Treasurer's cousin-germain, and my very good
friend. It seems every step he has hitherto taken hath been wrong; at least
they say so, and that is the same thing. I am heartily sorry for it; and I
really think they are in the wrong, and use him hardly; but I can do no more.
29. Steele has had the assurance to write to me that I would engage my Lord
Treasurer to keep a friend of his in an employment: I believe I told you how
he and Addison served me for my good offices in Steele's behalf; and I
promised Lord Treasurer never to speak for either of them again. Sir Andrew
Fountaine and I dined to-day at Mrs. Vanhomrigh's. Dilly Ashe has been in
town this fortnight: I saw him twice; he was four days at Lord Pembroke's in
the country, punning with him; his face is very well. I was this evening two
or three hours at Lord Treasurer's, who called me Dr. Thomas Swift twenty
times; that's his way of teasing. I left him at nine, and got home here by
ten, like a gentleman; and to-morrow morning I'll answer your little letter,
sirrahs.
30. Morning. I am terribly sleepy always in a morning; I believe it is my
walk over-night that disposes me to sleep: faith, 'tis now striking eight,
and I am but just awake. Patrick comes early, and wakes me five or six times;
but I have excuses, though I am three parts asleep. I tell him I sat up late,
or slept ill in the night, and often it is a lie. I have now got little MD's
letter before me, N.16, no more, nor no less, no mistake. Dingley says, "This
letter won't be above six lines"; and I was afraid it was true, though I saw
it filled on both sides. The Bishop of Clogher writ me word you were in the
country, and that he heard you were well: I am glad at heart MD rides, and
rides, and rides. Our hot weather ended in May, and all this month has been
moderate: it was then so hot I was not able to endure it; I was miserable
every moment, and found myself disposed to be peevish and quarrelsome: I
believe a very hot country would make me stark mad.--Yes, my head continues
pretty tolerable, and I impute it all to walking. Does Stella eat fruit? I
eat a little; but I always repent, and resolve against it. No, in very hot
weather I always go to town by water; but I constantly walk back, for then the
sun is down. And so Mrs. Proby[13] goes with you to Wexford: she's admirable
company; you'll grow plaguy wise with those you frequent. Mrs. Taylor and
Mrs. Proby! take care of infection. I believe my two hundred pounds will be
paid, but that Sir Alexander Cairnes is a scrupulous puppy: I left the bill
with Mr. Stratford, who is to have the money. Now, Madam Stella, what say
you? you ride every day; I know that already, sirrah; and, if you rid every
day for a twelvemonth, you would be still better and better. No, I hope
Parvisol will not have the impudence to make you stay an hour for the money;
if he does, I'll UN-PARVISOL him; pray let me know. O Lord, how hasty we are!
Stella can't stay writing and writing; she must write and go a cock-horse,
pray now. Well, but the horses are not come to the door; the fellow can't
find the bridle; your stirrup is broken; where did you put the whips, Dingley?
Marget, where have you laid Mrs. Johnson's ribbon to tie about her? reach me
my mask: sup up this before you go. So, so, a gallop, a gallop: sit fast,
sirrah, and don't ride hard upon the stones.--Well, now Stella is gone, tell
me, Dingley, is she a good girl? and what news is that you are to tell me?--
No, I believe the box is not lost: Sterne says it is not.--No, faith, you
must go to Wexford without seeing your Duke of Ormond, unless you stay on
purpose; perhaps you may be so wise.--I tell you this is your sixteenth
letter; will you never be satisfied? No, no, I will walk late no more; I
ought less to venture it than other people, and so I was told: but I will
return to lodge in town next Thursday. When you come from Wexford, I would
have you send a letter of attorney to Mr. Benjamin Tooke, bookseller, in
London, directed to me; and he shall manage your affair. I have your
parchment safely locked up in London.--O, Madam Stella, welcome home; was it
pleasant riding? did your horse stumble? how often did the man light to settle
your stirrup? ride nine miles! faith, you have galloped indeed. Well, but
where is the fine thing you promised me? I have been a good boy, ask Dingley
else. I believe you did not meet the fine-thing-man: faith, you are a cheat.
So you will see Raymond and his wife in town. Faith, that riding to Laracor
gives me short sighs, as well as you. All the days I have passed here have
been dirt to those. I have been gaining enemies by the scores, and friends by
the couples; which is against the rules of wisdom, because they say one enemy
can do more hurt than ten friends can do good. But I have had my revenge at
least, if I get nothing else. And so let Fate govern.--Now I think your
letter is answered; and mine will be shorter than ordinary, because it must go
to-day. We have had a great deal of scattering rain for some days past, yet
it hardly keeps down the dust.--We have plays acted in our town; and Patrick
was at one of them, oh oh. He was damnably mauled one day when he was drunk;
he was at cuffs with a brother-footman, who dragged him along the floor upon
his face, which looked for a week after as if he had the leprosy; and I was
glad enough to see it. I have been ten times sending him over to you; yet now
he has new clothes, and a laced hat, which the hatter brought by his orders,
and he offered to pay for the lace out of his wages.--I am to dine to-day with
Dilly at Sir Andrew Fountaine's, who has bought a new house, and will be weary
of it in half a year. I must rise and shave, and walk to town, unless I go
with the Dean in his chariot at twelve, which is too late: and I have not
seen that Lord Peterborow yet. The Duke of Shrewsbury is almost well again,
and will be abroad in a day or two: what care you? There it is now: you do
not care for my friends. Farewell, my dearest lives and delights; I love you
better than ever, if possible, as hope saved, I do, and ever will. God
Almighty bless you ever, and make us happy together! I pray for this twice
every day; and I hope God will hear my poor hearty prayers.--Remember, if I am
used ill and ungratefully, as I have formerly been, 'tis what I am prepared
for, and shall not wonder at it. Yet I am now envied, and thought in high
favour, and have every day numbers of considerable men teasing me to solicit
for them. And the Ministry all use me perfectly well; and all that know them
say they love me. Yet I can count upon nothing, nor will, but upon MD's love
and kindness.--They think me useful; they pretended they were afraid of none
but me, and that they resolved to have me; they have often confessed this:
yet all makes little impression on me.--Pox of these speculations! they give
me the spleen; and that is a disease I was not born to. Let me alone,
sirrahs, and be satisfied: I am, as long as MD and Presto are well.
Little wealth,
And much health,
And a life by stealth:
that is all we want; and so farewell, dearest MD; Stella, Dingley, Presto, all
together, now and for ever all together. Farewell again and again.
LETTER 26.
CHELSEA, June 30, 1711.
See what large paper I am forced to take, to write to MD; Patrick has brought
me none clipped; but, faith, the next shall be smaller. I dined to-day, as I
told you, with Dilly at Sir Andrew Fountaine's: there were we wretchedly
punning, and writing together to Lord Pembroke. Dilly is just such a puppy as
ever; and it is so uncouth, after so long an intermission. My twenty-fifth is
gone this evening to the post. I think I will direct my next (which is this)
to Mr. Curry's, and let them send it to Wexford; and then the next enclosed to
Reading. Instruct me how I shall do. I long to hear from you from Wexford,
and what sort of place it is. The town grows very empty and dull. This
evening I have had a letter from Mr. Philips, the pastoral poet, to get him a
certain employment from Lord Treasurer. I have now had almost all the Whig
poets my solicitors; and I have been useful to Congreve, Steele, and Harrison:
but I will do nothing for Philips; I find he is more a puppy than ever, so
don't solicit for him. Besides, I will not trouble Lord Treasurer, unless
upon some very extraordinary occasion.
July 1. Dilly lies conveniently for me when I come to town from Chelsea of a
Sunday, and go to the Secretary's; so I called at his lodgings this morning,
and sent for my gown, and dressed myself there. He had a letter from the
Bishop, with an account that you were set out for Wexford the morning he writ,
which was June 26, and he had the letter the 30th; that was very quick: the
Bishop says you design to stay there two months or more. Dilly had also a
letter from Tom Ashe, full of Irish news; that your Lady Lyndon[1] is dead,
and I know not what besides of Dr. Coghill[2] losing his drab, etc. The
Secretary was gone to Windsor, and I dined with Mrs. Vanhomrigh. Lord
Treasurer is at Windsor too; they will be going and coming all summer, while
the Queen is there, and the town is empty, and I fear I shall be sometimes
forced to stoop beneath my dignity, and send to the ale-house for a dinner.
Well, sirrahs, had you a good journey to Wexford? did you drink ale by the
way? were you never overturned? how many things did you forget? do you lie on
straw in your new town where you are? Cudshoe,[3] the next letter to Presto
will be dated from Wexford. What fine company have you there? what new
acquaintance have you got? You are to write constantly to Mrs. Walls and Mrs.
Stoyte: and the Dean said, "Shall we never hear from you?" "Yes, Mr. Dean,
we'll make bold to trouble you with a letter." Then at Wexford; when you meet
a lady, "Did your waters pass well this morning, madam?" Will Dingley drink
them too? Yes, I warrant; to get her a stomach. I suppose you are all
gamesters at Wexford. Do not lose your money, sirrah, far from home. I
believe I shall go to Windsor in a few days; at least, the Secretary tells me
so. He has a small house there, with just room enough for him and me; and I
would be satisfied to pass a few days there sometimes. Sirrahs, let me go to
sleep, it is past twelve in our town.
2. Sterne came to me this morning, and tells me he has yet some hopes of
compassing his business: he was with Tom Harley, the secretary of the
Treasury, and made him doubt a little he was in the wrong; the poor man tells
me it will almost undo him if he fails. I called this morning to see Will
Congreve, who lives much by himself, is forced to read for amusement, and
cannot do it without a magnifying-glass. I have set him very well with the
Ministry, and I hope he is in no danger of losing his place. I dined in the
City with Dr. Freind, not among my merchants, but with a scrub instrument of
mischief of mine, whom I never mentioned to you, nor am like to do. You two
little saucy Wexfordians, you are now drinking waters. You drink waters! you
go fiddlestick. Pray God send them to do you good; if not, faith, next summer
you shall come to the Bath.
3. Lord Peterborow desired to see me this morning at nine; I had not seen him
before since he came home. I met Mrs. Manley[4] there, who was soliciting him
to get some pension or reward for her service in the cause, by writing her
Atalantis, and prosecution, etc., upon it. I seconded her, and hope they will
do something for the poor woman. My lord kept me two hours upon politics: he
comes home very sanguine; he has certainly done great things at Savoy and
Vienna, by his negotiations: he is violent against a peace, and finds true
what I writ to him, that the Ministry seems for it. He reasons well; yet I am
for a peace. I took leave of Lady Kerry, who goes to-morrow for Ireland; she
picks up Lord Shelburne and Mrs. Pratt at Lord Shelburne's house. I was this
evening with Lord Treasurer: Tom Harley was there, and whispered me that he
began to doubt about Sterne's business; I told him he would find he was in the
wrong. I sat two or three hours at Lord Treasurer's; he rallied me
sufficiently upon my refusing to take him into our Club, and told a judge who
was with us that my name was Thomas Swift. I had a mind to prevent Sir H.
Belasyse[5] going to Spain, who is a most covetous cur, and I fell a railing
against avarice, and turned it so that he smoked me, and named Belasyse. I
went on, and said it was a shame to send him; to which he agreed, but desired
I would name some who understood business, and do not love money, for he could
not find them. I said there was something in a Treasurer different from other
men; that we ought not to make a man a Bishop who does not love divinity, or a
General who does not love war; and I wondered why the Queen would make a man
Lord Treasurer who does not love money. He was mightily pleased with what I
said. He was talking of the First-Fruits of England, and I took occasion to
tell him that I would not for a thousand pounds anybody but he had got them
for Ireland, who got them for England too. He bid me consider what a thousand
pounds was; I said I would have him to know I valued a thousand pounds as
little as he valued a million.--Is it not silly to write all this? but it
gives you an idea what our conversation is with mixed company. I have taken a
lodging in Suffolk Street, and go to it on Thursday; and design to walk the
Park and the town, to supply my walking here: yet I will walk here sometimes
too, in a visit now and then to the Dean.[6] When I was almost at home,
Patrick told me he had two letters for me, and gave them to me in the dark,
yet I could see one of them was from saucy MD. I went to visit the Dean for
half an hour; and then came home, and first read the other letter, which was
from the Bishop of Clogher, who tells me the Archbishop of Dublin mentioned in
a full assembly of the clergy the Queen's granting the First-Fruits, said it
was done by the Lord Treasurer, and talked much of my merit in it: but
reading yours I find nothing of that: perhaps the Bishop lies, out of a
desire to please me. I dined with Mrs. Vanhomrigh. Well, sirrahs, you are
gone to Wexford; but I'll follow you.
4. Sterne came to me again this morning, to advise about reasons and
memorials he is drawing up; and we went to town by water together; and having
nothing to do, I stole into the City to an instrument of mine, and then went
to see poor Patty Rolt,[7] who has been in town these two months with a cousin
of hers. Her life passes with boarding in some country town as cheap as she
can, and, when she runs out, shifting to some cheaper place, or coming to town
for a month. If I were rich, I would ease her, which a little thing would do.
Some months ago I sent her a guinea, and it patched up twenty circumstances.
She is now going to Berkhamstead in Hertfordshire. It has rained and hailed
prodigiously to-day, with some thunder. This is the last night I lie at
Chelsea; and I got home early, and sat two hours with the Dean, and ate
victuals, having had a very scurvy dinner. I'll answer your letter when I
come to live in town. You shall have a fine London answer: but first I will
go sleep, and dream of MD.
London, July 5. This day I left Chelsea for good (that's a genteel phrase),
and am got into Suffolk Street. I dined to-day at our Society, and we are
adjourned for a month, because most of us go into the country: we dined at
Lord Keeper's with young Harcourt, and Lord Keeper was forced to sneak off,
and dine with Lord Treasurer, who had invited the Secretary and me to dine
with him; but we scorned to leave our company, as George Granville did, whom
we have threatened to expel: however, in the evening I went to Lord
Treasurer, and, among other company, found a couple of judges with him; one of
them, Judge Powell,[8] an old fellow with grey hairs, was the merriest old
gentleman I ever saw, spoke pleasant things, and laughed and chuckled till he
cried again. I stayed till eleven, because I was not now to walk to Chelsea.
6. An ugly rainy day. I was to visit Mrs. Barton, then called at Mrs.
Vanhomrigh's, where Sir Andrew Fountaine and the rain kept me to dinner; and
there did I loiter all the afternoon, like a fool, out of perfect laziness,
and the weather not permitting me to walk: but I'll do so no more. Are your
waters at Wexford good in this rain? I long to hear how you are established
there, how and whom you visit, what is your lodging, what are your
entertainments. You are got far southwards; but I think you must eat no fruit
while you drink the waters. I ate some Kentish cherries t'other day, and I
repent it already; I have felt my head a little disordered. We had not a hot
day all June, or since, which I reckon a mighty happiness. Have you left a
direction with Reading for Wexford? I will, as I said, direct this to
Curry's, and the next to Reading; or suppose I send this at a venture straight
to Wexford? It would vex me to have it miscarry. I had a letter to-night
from Parvisol, that White has paid me most of my remaining money; and another
from Joe, that they have had their election at Trim, but not a word of who is
chosen portreeve.[9] Poor Joe is full of complaints, says he has enemies, and
fears he will never get his two hundred pounds; and I fear so too, although I
have done what I could.--I'll answer your letter when I think fit, when saucy
Presto thinks fit, sirrahs. I am not at leisure yet; when I have nothing to
do, perhaps I may vouchsafe.--O Lord, the two Wexford ladies; I'll go dream of
you both.
7. It was the dismallest rainy day I ever saw: I went to the Secretary in
the morning, and he was gone to Windsor. Then it began raining, and I struck
in to Mrs. Vanhomrigh's, and dined, and stayed till night very dull and
insipid. I hate this town in summer; I'll leave it for a while, if I can have
time.
8. I have a fellow of your town, one Tisdall,[10] lodges in the same house
with me. Patrick told me Squire Tisdall and his lady lodged here. I
pretended I never heard of him; but I knew his ugly face, and saw him at
church in the next pew to me, and he often looked for a bow, but it would not
do. I think he lives in Capel Street, and has an ugly fine wife in a fine
coach. Dr. Freind and I dined in the City by invitation, and I drank punch,
very good, but it makes me hot. People here are troubled with agues by this
continuance of wet, cold weather; but I am glad to find the season so
temperate. I was this evening to see Will Congreve, who is a very agreeable
companion.
9. I was to-day in the City, and dined with Mr. Stratford, who tells me Sir
Alexander Cairnes makes difficulties about paying my bill; so that I cannot
give order yet to Parvisol to deliver up the bond to Dr. Raymond. To-morrow I
shall have a positive answer: that Cairnes is a shuffling scoundrel; and
several merchants have told me so: what can one expect from a Scot and a
fanatic? I was at Bateman's the bookseller's, to see a fine old library he
has bought; and my fingers itched, as yours would do at a china-shop; but I
resisted, and found everything too dear, and I have fooled away too much money
that way already. So go and drink your waters, saucy rogue, and make yourself
well; and pray walk while you are there: I have a notion there is never a
good walk in Ireland.[11] Do you find all places without trees? Pray observe
the inhabitants about Wexford; they are old English; see what they have
particular in their manners, names, and language: magpies have been always
there, and nowhere else in Ireland, till of late years. They say the cocks
and dogs go to sleep at noon, and so do the people. Write your travels, and
bring home good eyes and health.
10. I dined to-day with Lord Treasurer: we did not sit down till four. I
despatched three businesses with him, and forgot a fourth. I think I have got
a friend an employment; and besides I made him consent to let me bring
Congreve to dine with him. You must understand I have a mind to do a small
thing, only turn out all the Queen's physicians; for in my conscience they
will soon kill her among them. And I must talk over that matter with some
people. My Lord Treasurer told me the Queen and he between them have lost the
paper about the First-Fruits, but desires I will let the bishops know it shall
be done with the first opportunity.
11. I dined to-day with neighbour Van, and walked pretty well in the Park
this evening. Stella, hussy, don't you remember, sirrah, you used to reproach
me about meddling in other folk's affairs? I have enough of it now: two
people came to me to-night in the Park to engage to speak to Lord Treasurer in
their behalf, and I believe they make up fifty who have asked me the same
favour. I am hardened, and resolve to trouble him, or any other Minister,
less than ever. And I observe those who have ten times more credit than I
will not speak a word for anybody. I met yesterday the poor lad I told you
of, who lived with Mr. Tenison,[12] who has been ill of an ague ever since I
saw him. He looked wretchedly, and was exceeding thankful for half a crown I
gave him. He had a crown from me before.
12. I dined to-day with young Manley[13] in the City, who is to get me out a
box of books and a hamper of wine from Hamburg. I inquired of Mr. Stratford,
who tells me that Cairnes has not yet paid my two hundred pounds, but shams
and delays from day to day. Young Manley's wife is a very indifferent person
of a young woman, goggle-eyed, and looks like a fool: yet he is a handsome
fellow, and married her for love after long courtship, and she refused him
until he got his last employment.--I believe I shall not be so good a boy for
writing as I was during your stay at Wexford, unless I may send my letters
every second time to Curry's; pray let me know. This, I think, shall go
there: or why not to Wexford itself? That is right, and so it shall this
next Tuesday, although it costs you tenpence. What care I?
13. This toad of a Secretary is come from Windsor, and I cannot find him; and
he goes back on Sunday, and I can't see him to-morrow. I dined scurvily to-
day with Mr. Lewis and a parson; and then went to see Lord Treasurer, and met
him coming from his house in his coach: he smiled, and I shrugged, and we
smoked each other; and so my visit is paid. I now confine myself to see him
only twice a week: he has invited me to Windsor, and betwixt two stools, etc.
I will go live at Windsor, if possible, that's pozzz. I have always the luck
to pass my summer in London. I called this evening to see poor Sir Matthew
Dudley, a Commissioner of the Customs; I know he is to be out for certain: he
is in hopes of continuing: I would not tell him bad news, but advised him to
prepare for the worst. Dilly was with me this morning, to invite me to dine
at Kensington on Sunday with Lord Mountjoy, who goes soon for Ireland. Your
late Chief-Justice Broderick[14] is here, and they say violent as a tiger.
How is party among you at Wexford? Are the majority of ladies for the late or
present Ministry? Write me Wexford news, and love Presto, because he is a
good boy.
14. Although it was shaving-day, I walked to Chelsea, and was there by nine
this morning; and the Dean of Carlisle and I crossed the water to Battersea,
and went in his chariot to Greenwich, where we dined at Dr. Gastrell's, and
passed the afternoon at Lewisham, at the Dean of Canterbury's;[15] and there I
saw Moll Stanhope,[16] who is grown monstrously tall, but not so handsome as
formerly. It is the first little rambling journey I have had this summer
about London, and they are the agreeablest pastimes one can have, in a
friend's coach, and to good company. Bank Stock is fallen three or four per
cent. by the whispers about the town of the Queen's being ill, who is however
very well.
15. How many books have you carried with you to Wexford? What, not one
single book? Oh, but your time will be so taken up; and you can borrow of the
parson. I dined to-day with Sir Andrew Fountaine and Dilly at Kensington with
Lord Mountjoy; and in the afternoon Stratford came there, and told me my two
hundred pounds were paid at last; so that business is over, and I am at ease
about it; and I wish all your money was in the Bank too. I will have my other
hundred pounds there, that is in Hawkshaw's hands. Have you had the interest
of it paid yet? I ordered Parvisol to do it. What makes Presto write so
crooked? I will answer your letter to-morrow, and send it on Tuesday. Here's
hot weather come again, yesterday and to-day: fine drinking waters now. We
had a sad pert dull parson at Kensington to-day. I almost repent my coming to
town; I want the walks I had.
16. I dined in the City to-day with a hedge[17] acquaintance, and the day
passed without any consequence. I will answer your letter to-morrow.
17. Morning. I have put your letter before me, and am going to answer it.
Hold your tongue: stand by. Your weather and ours were not alike; we had not
a bit of hot weather in June, yet you complain of it on the 19th day. What,
you used to love hot weather then? I could never endure it: I detest and
abominate it. I would not live in a hot country, to be king of it. What a
splutter you keep about my bonds with Raymond, and all to affront Presto!
Presto will be suspicious of everything but MD, in spite of your little nose.
Soft and fair, Madam Stella, how you gallop away, in your spleen and your
rage, about repenting my journey, and preferment here, and sixpence a dozen,
and nasty England, and Laracor all my life. Hey-dazy, will you never have
done? I had no offers of any living. Lord Keeper told me some months ago he
would give me one when I pleased; but I told him I would not take any from
him; and the Secretary told me t'other day he had refused a very good one for
me, but it was in a place he did not like; and I know nothing of getting
anything here, and, if they would give me leave, I would come over just now.
Addison, I hear, has changed his mind about going over; but I have not seen
him these four months.--Oh ay, that's true, Dingley; that's like herself:
millions of businesses to do before she goes. Yes, my head has been pretty
well, but threatening within these two or three days, which I impute to some
fruit I ate; but I will eat no more: not a bit of any sort. I suppose you
had a journey without dust, and that was happy. I long for a Wexford letter,
but must not think of it yet: your last was finished but three weeks ago. It
is d----d news you tell me of Mrs. F----; it makes me love England less a
great deal. I know nothing of the trunk being left or taken; so 'tis odd
enough, if the things in it were mine; and I think I was told that there are
some things for me that my mother left particularly to me. I am really sorry
for -----; that scoundrel ----- will have his estate after his mother's death.
Let me know if Mrs. Walls has got her tea: I hope Richardson[18] stayed in
Dublin till it came. Mrs. Walls needed not have that blemish in her eye; for
I am not in love with her at all. No, I do not like anything in the Examiner
after the 45th, except the first part of the 46th;[19] all the rest is trash;
and if you like them, especially the 47th, your judgment is spoiled by ill
company and want of reading, which I am more sorry for than you think: and I
have spent fourteen years in improving you to little purpose. (Mr. Tooke is
come here, and I must stop.)--At night. I dined with Lord Treasurer to-day,
and he kept me till nine; so I cannot send this to-night, as I intended, nor
write some other letters. Green,[20] his surgeon, was there, and dressed his
breast; that is, put on a plaster, which is still requisite: and I took an
opportunity to speak to him of the Queen; but he cut me short with this
saying, "Laissez faire a Don Antoine," which is a French proverb, expressing,
"Leave that to me." I find he is against her taking much physic; and I doubt
he cannot persuade her to take Dr. Radcliffe. However, she is very well now,
and all the story of her illness, except the first day or two, was a lie. We
had some business, that company hindered us from doing, though he is earnest
for it, yet would not appoint me a certain day, but bids me come at all times
till we can have leisure. This takes up a great deal of my time, and I can do
nothing I would do for them. I was with the Secretary this morning, and we
both think to go to Windsor for some days, to despatch an affair, if we can
have leisure. Sterne met me just now in the street by his lodgings, and I
went in for an hour to Jemmy Leigh, who loves London dearly: he asked after
you with great respect and friendship.--To return to your letter. Your Bishop
Mills[21] hates me mortally: I wonder he should speak well of me, having
abused me in all places where he went. So you pay your way. Cudsho: you had
a fine supper, I warrant; two pullets, and a bottle of wine, and some
currants.--It is just three weeks to-day since you set out to Wexford; you
were three days going, and I do not expect a letter these ten days yet, or
rather this fortnight. I got a grant of the Gazette[22] for Ben Tooke this
morning from Mr. Secretary: it will be worth to him a hundred pounds a year.
18. To-day I took leave of Mrs. Barton, who is going into the country; and I
dined with Sir John Stanley,[23] where I have not been this great while.
There dined with us Lord Rochester, and his fine daughter, Lady Jane,[24] just
growing a top-toast. I have been endeavouring to save Sir Matthew Dudley,[25]
but fear I cannot. I walked the Mall six times to-night for exercise, and
would have done more; but, as empty as the town is, a fool got hold of me, and
so I came home, to tell you this shall go to-morrow, without fail, and follow
you to Wexford, like a dog.
19. Dean Atterbury sent to me to dine with him at Chelsea. I refused his
coach, and walked, and am come back by seven, because I would finish this
letter, and some others I am writing. Patrick tells me the maid says one Mr.
Walls, a clergyman, a tall man, was here to visit me. Is it your Irish
Archdeacon? I shall be sorry for it; but I shall make shift to see him seldom
enough, as I do Dilly. What can he do here? or is it somebody else? The Duke
of Newcastle[26] is dead by the fall he had from his horse. God send poor
Stella her health, and keep MD happy! Farewell, and love Presto, who loves MD
above all things ten million of times. God bless the dear Wexford girls.
Farewell again, etc. etc.
LETTER 27.
LONDON, July 19, 1711.
I have just sent my 26th, and have nothing to say, because I have other
letters to write (pshaw, I began too high); but I must lay the beginning like
a nest-egg: to-morrow I will say more, and fetch up this line to be straight.
This is enough at present for two dear saucy naughty girls.
20. Have I told you that Walls has been with me, and leaves the town in three
days? He has brought no gown with him. Dilly carried him to a play. He has
come upon a foolish errand, and goes back as he comes. I was this day with
Lord Peterborow, who is going another ramble: I believe I told you so. I
dined with Lord Treasurer, but cannot get him to do his own business with me;
he has put me off till to-morrow.
21, 22. I dined yesterday with Lord Treasurer, who would needs take me along
with him to Windsor, although I refused him several times, having no linen,
etc. I had just time to desire Lord Forbes[1] to call at my lodging and order
my man to send my things to-day to Windsor by his servant. I lay last night
at the Secretary's lodgings at Windsor, and borrowed one of his shirts to go
to Court in. The Queen is very well. I dined with Mr. Masham; and not
hearing anything of my things, I got Lord Winchelsea to bring me to town.
Here I found that Patrick had broke open the closet to get my linen and
nightgown, and sent them to Windsor, and there they are; and he, not thinking
I would return so soon, is gone upon his rambles: so here I am left
destitute, and forced to borrow a nightgown of my landlady, and have not a rag
to put on to-morrow: faith, it gives me the spleen.
23. Morning. It is a terrible rainy day, and rained prodigiously on Saturday
night. Patrick lay out last night, and is not yet returned: faith, poor
Presto is a desolate creature; neither servant, nor linen, nor anything.--
Night. Lord Forbes's man has brought back my portmantua, and Patrick is come;
so I am in Christian circumstances: I shall hardly commit such a frolic
again. I just crept out to Mrs. Van's, and dined, and stayed there the
afternoon: it has rained all this day. Windsor is a delicious place: I
never saw it before, except for an hour about seventeen years ago. Walls has
been here in my absence, I suppose, to take his leave; for he designed not to
stay above five days in London. He says he and his wife will come here for
some months next year; and, in short, he dares not stay now for fear of her.
24. I dined to-day with a hedge[2] friend in the City; and Walls overtook me
in the street, and told me he was just getting on horseback for Chester. He
has as much curiosity as a cow: he lodged with his horse in Aldersgate
Street: he has bought his wife a silk gown, and himself a hat. And what are
you doing? what is poor MD doing now? how do you pass your time at Wexford?
how do the waters agree with you? Let Presto know soon; for Presto longs to
know, and must know. Is not Madam Proby curious company? I am afraid this
rainy weather will spoil your waters. We have had a great deal of wet these
three days. Tell me all the particulars of Wexford: the place, the company,
the diversions, the victuals, the wants, the vexations. Poor Dingley never
saw such a place in her life; sent all over the town for a little parsley to a
boiled chicken, and it was not to be had; the butter is stark naught, except
an old English woman's; and it is such a favour to get a pound from her now
and then! I am glad you carried down your sheets with you, else you must have
lain in sackcloth. O Lord!
25. I was this forenoon with Mr. Secretary at his office, and helped to
hinder a man of his pardon, who is condemned for a rape. The Under Secretary
was willing to save him, upon an old notion that a woman cannot be ravished;
but I told the Secretary he could not pardon him without a favourable report
from the judge; besides, he was a fiddler, and consequently a rogue, and
deserved hanging for some thing else; and so he shall swing. What, I must
stand up for the honour of the fair sex! 'Tis true the fellow had lain with
her a hundred times before, but what care I for that! What, must a woman be
ravished because she is a whore?--The Secretary and I go on Saturday to
Windsor for a week. I dined with Lord Treasurer, and stayed with him till
past ten. I was to-day at his levee, where I went against my custom, because
I had a mind to do a good office for a gentleman: so I talked with him before
my lord, that he might see me, and then found occasion to recommend him this
afternoon. I was forced to excuse my coming to the levee, that I did it to
see the sight; for he was going to chide me away: I had never been there but
once, and that was long before he was Treasurer. The rooms were all full, and
as many Whigs as Tories. He whispered me a jest or two, and bid me come to
dinner. I left him but just now; and 'tis late.
26. Mr. Addison and I have at last met again. I dined with him and Steele
to-day at young Jacob Tonson's. The two Jacobs[3] think it is I who have made
the Secretary take from them the printing of the Gazette, which they are going
to lose, and Ben Tooke and another[4] are to have it. Jacob came to me the
other day, to make his court; but I told him it was too late, and that it was
not my doing. I reckon they will lose it in a week or two. Mr. Addison and I
talked as usual, and as if we had seen one another yesterday; and Steele and I
were very easy, though I writ him lately a biting letter, in answer to one of
his, where he desired me to recommend a friend of his to Lord Treasurer. Go,
get you gone to your waters, sirrah. Do they give you a stomach? Do you eat
heartily?--We have had much rain to-day and yesterday.
27. I dined to-day in the City, and saw poor Patty Rolt, and gave her a
pistole to help her a little forward against she goes to board in the country.
She has but eighteen pounds a year to live on, and is forced to seek out for
cheap places. Sometimes they raise their price, and sometimes they starve
her, and then she is forced to shift. Patrick the puppy put too much ink in
my standish,[5] and, carrying too many things together, I spilled it on my
paper and floor. The town is dull, wet, and empty; Wexford is worth two of
it; I hope so at least, and that poor little MD finds it so. I reckon upon
going to Windsor to-morrow with Mr. Secretary, unless he changes his mind, or
some other business prevents him. I shall stay there a week, I hope.
28. Morning. Mr. Secretary sent me word he will call at my lodgings by two
this afternoon, to take me to Windsor; so I must dine nowhere; and I promised
Lord Treasurer to dine with him to-day; but I suppose we shall dine at Windsor
at five, for we make but three hours there.[6] I am going abroad, but have
left Patrick to put up my things, and to be sure to be at home half an hour
before two.--Windsor, at night. We did not leave London till three, and dined
here between six and seven; at nine I left the company, and went to see Lord
Treasurer, who is just come. I chid him for coming so late; he chid me for
not dining with him; said he stayed an hour for me. Then I went and sat with
Mr. Lewis till just now, and it is past eleven. I lie in the same house with
the Secretary, one of the Prebendary's houses. The Secretary is not come from
his apartment in the Castle. Do you think that abominable dog Patrick was out
after two to-day, and I in a fright every moment, for fear the chariot should
come; and when he came in, he had not put up one rag of my things! I never
was in a greater passion, and would certainly have cropped one of his ears, if
I had not looked every moment for the Secretary, who sent his equipage to my
lodging before, and came in a chair from Whitehall to me, and happened to stay
half an hour later than he intended. One of Lord Treasurer's servants gave me
a letter to-night: I found it was from ----, with an offer of fifty pounds,
to be paid me in what manner I pleased; because, he said, he desired to be
well with me. I was in a rage;[7] but my friend Lewis cooled me, and said it
is what the best men sometimes meet with; and I have been not seldom served in
the like manner, although not so grossly. In these cases I never demur a
moment, nor ever found the least inclination to take anything. Well, I will
go try to sleep in my new bed, and to dream of poor Wexford MD, and Stella
that drinks water, and Dingley that drinks ale.
29. I was at Court and church to-day, as I was this day se'ennight: I
generally am acquainted with about thirty in the drawing-room, and I am so
proud I make all the lords come up to me: one passes half an hour pleasant
enough. We had a dunce to preach before the Queen to-day, which often
happens. Windsor is a delicious situation, but the town is scoundrel. I have
this morning got the Gazette for Ben Tooke and one Barber a printer; it will
be about three hundred pounds a year between them. The other fellow was
printer of the Examiner, which is now laid down.[8] I dined with the
Secretary: we were a dozen in all, three Scotch lords, and Lord Peterborow.
The Duke of Hamilton[9] would needs be witty, and hold up my train as I walked
upstairs. It is an ill circumstance that on Sundays much company always meet
at the great tables. Lord Treasurer told at Court what I said to Mr.
Secretary on this occasion. The Secretary showed me his bill of fare, to
encourage me to dine with him. "Poh," said I, "show me a bill of company, for
I value not your dinner." See how this is all blotted,[10] I can write no
more here, but to tell you I love MD dearly, and God bless them.
30. In my conscience, I fear I shall have the gout. I sometimes feel pains
about my feet and toes: I never drank till within these two years, and I did
it to cure my head. I often sit evenings with some of these people, and drink
in my turn; but I am now resolved to drink ten times less than before; but
they advise me to let what I drink be all wine, and not to put water to it.
Tooke and the printer stayed to-day to finish their affair, and treated me and
two of the Under Secretaries upon their getting the Gazette. Then I went to
see Lord Treasurer, and chid him for not taking notice of me at Windsor. He
said he kept a place for me yesterday at dinner, and expected me there; but I
was glad I did not go, because the Duke of Buckingham was there, and that
would have made us acquainted; which I have no mind to. However, we appointed
to sup at Mr. Masham's, and there stayed till past one o'clock; and that is
late, sirrahs: and I have much business.
31. I have sent a noble haunch of venison this afternoon to Mrs. Vanhomrigh:
I wish you had it, sirrahs. I dined gravely with my landlord the Secretary.
The Queen was abroad to-day in order to hunt; but, finding it disposed to
rain, she kept in her coach; she hunts in a chaise with one horse, which she
drives herself, and drives furiously, like Jehu, and is a mighty hunter, like
Nimrod. Dingley has heard of Nimrod, but not Stella, for it is in the Bible.
I was to-day at Eton, which is but just cross the bridge, to see my Lord
Kerry's son,[11] who is at school there. Mr. Secretary has given me a warrant
for a buck; I can't send it to MD. It is a sad thing, faith, considering how
Presto loves MD, and how MD would love Presto's venison for Presto's sake.
God bless the two dear Wexford girls!
Aug. 1. We had for dinner the fellow of that haunch of venison I sent to
London; 'twas mighty fat and good, and eight people at dinner; that was bad.
The Queen and I were going to take the air this afternoon, but not together;
and were both hindered by a sudden rain. Her coaches and chaises all went
back, and the guards too; and I scoured into the market-place for shelter. I
intended to have walked up the finest avenue I ever saw, two miles long, with
two rows of elms on each side. I walked in the evening a little upon the
terrace, and came home at eight: Mr. Secretary came soon after, and we were
engaging in deep discourse, and I was endeavouring to settle some points of
the greatest consequence, and had wormed myself pretty well into him, when his
Under Secretary came in (who lodges in the same house with us) and interrupted
all my scheme. I have just left him: it is late, etc.
2. I have been now five days at Windsor, and Patrick has been drunk three
times that I have seen, and oftener I believe. He has lately had clothes that
have cost me five pounds, and the dog thinks he has the whip-hand of me: he
begins to master me; so now I am resolved to part with him, and will use him
without the least pity. The Secretary and I have been walking three or four
hours to-day. The Duchess of Shrewsbury[12] asked him, was not that Dr.--Dr.-
-and she could not say my name in English, but said Dr. Presto, which is
Italian for Swift. Whimsical enough, as Billy Swift[13] says. I go to-morrow
with the Secretary to his house at Bucklebury, twenty-five miles from hence,
and return early on Sunday morning. I will leave this letter behind me locked
up, and give you an account of my journey when I return. I had a letter
yesterday from the Bishop of Clogher, who is coming up to his Parliament.
Have you any correspondence with him to Wexford? Methinks, I now long for a
letter from you, dated Wexford, July 24, etc. O Lord, that would be so
pretending;[14] and then, says you, Stella can't write much, because it is bad
to write when one drinks the waters; and I think, says you, I find myself
better already, but I cannot tell yet whether it be the journey or the waters.
Presto is so silly to-night; yes he be; but Presto loves MD dearly, as hope
saved.
3. Morning. I am to go this day at noon, as I told you, to Bucklebury: we
dine at twelve, and expect to be there in four hours. I cannot bid you good-
night now, because I shall be twenty-five miles from this paper to-night, and
so my journal must have a break; so good-morrow, etc.
4, 5. I dined yesterday at Bucklebury, where we lay two nights, and set out
this morning at eight, and were here at twelve; in four hours we went twenty-
six miles. Mr. Secretary was a perfect country gentleman at Bucklebury: he
smoked tobacco with one or two neighbours; he inquired after the wheat in such
a field; he went to visit his hounds, and knew all their names; he and his
lady saw me to my chamber just in the country fashion. His house is in the
midst of near three thousand pounds a year he had by his lady,[15] who is
descended from Jack Newbury, of whom books and ballads are written; and there
is an old picture of him in the house. She is a great favourite of mine. I
lost church to-day; but I dressed and shaved, and went to Court, and would not
dine with the Secretary, but engaged myself to a private dinner with Mr.
Lewis, and one friend more. We go to London to-morrow; for Lord Dartmouth,
the other Secretary, is come, and they are here their weeks by turns.
6. Lord Treasurer comes every Saturday to Windsor, and goes away on Monday or
Tuesday. I was with him this morning at his levee, for one cannot see him
otherwise here, he is so hurried: we had some talk; and I told him I would
stay this week at Windsor by myself, where I can have more leisure to do some
business that concerns them. Lord Treasurer and the Secretary thought to
mortify me; for they told me they had been talking a great deal of me to-day
to the Queen, and she said she had never heard of me. I told them that was
their fault, and not hers, etc., and so we laughed. I dined with the
Secretary, and let him go to London at five without me; and here am I alone in
the Prebendary's house, which Mr. Secretary has taken; only Mr. Lewis is in my
neighbourhood, and we shall be good company. The Vice-Chamberlain,[16] and
Mr. Masham, and the Green Cloth,[17] have promised me dinners. I shall want
but four till Mr. Secretary returns. We have a music-meeting in our town to-
night. I went to the rehearsal of it, and there was Margarita,[18] and her
sister, and another drab, and a parcel of fiddlers: I was weary, and would
not go to the meeting, which I am sorry for, because I heard it was a great
assembly. Mr. Lewis came from it, and sat with me till just now; and 'tis
late.
7. I can do no business, I fear, because Mr. Lewis, who has nothing or little
to do here, sticks close to me. I dined today with the gentlemen ushers,
among scurvy company; but the Queen was hunting the stag till four this
afternoon, and she drove in her chaise above forty miles, and it was five
before we went to dinner. Here are fine walks about this town. I sometimes
walk up the avenue.
8. There was a Drawing-room to-day at Court; but so few company, that the
Queen sent for us into her bed-chamber, where we made our bows, and stood
about twenty of us round the room, while she looked at us round with her fan
in her mouth, and once a minute said about three words to some that were
nearest her, and then she was told dinner was ready, and went out. I dined at
the Green Cloth, by Mr. Scarborow's[19] invitation, who is in waiting. It is
much the best table in England, and costs the Queen a thousand pounds a month
while she is at Windsor or Hampton Court, and is the only mark of magnificence
or hospitality I can see in the Queen's family: it is designed to entertain
foreign Ministers, and people of quality, who come to see the Queen, and have
no place to dine at.
9. Mr. Coke, the Vice-Chamberlain, made me a long visit this morning, and
invited me to dinner; but the toast, his lady,[20] was unfortunately engaged
to Lady Sunderland.[21] Lord Treasurer stole here last night, but did not lie
at his lodgings in the Castle; and, after seeing the Queen, went back again.
I just drank a dish of chocolate with him. I fancy I shall have reason to be
angry with him very soon; but what care I? I believe I shall die with
Ministries in my debt.--This night I received a certain letter from a place
called Wexford, from two dear naughty girls of my acquaintance; but, faith, I
will not answer it here, no in troth. I will send this to Mr. Reading,
supposing it will find you returned; and I hope better for the waters.
10. Mr. Vice-Chamberlain lent me his horses to ride about and see the country
this morning. Dr. Arbuthnot, the Queen's physician and favourite, went out
with me to show me the places: we went a little after the Queen, and overtook
Miss Forester,[22] a maid of honour, on her palfrey, taking the air; we made
her go along with us. We saw a place they have made for a famous horse-race
to-morrow, where the Queen will come. We met the Queen coming back, and Miss
Forester stood, like us, with her hat off while the Queen went by. The Doctor
and I left the lady where we found her, but under other conductors; and we
dined at a little place he has taken, about a mile off.--When I came back I
found Mr. Scarborow had sent all about to invite me to the Green Cloth, and
lessened his company on purpose to make me easy. It is very obliging, and
will cost me thanks. Much company is come to town this evening, to see to-
morrow's race. I was tired with riding a trotting mettlesome horse a dozen
miles, having not been on horseback this twelvemonth. And Miss Forester did
not make it easier; she is a silly true maid of honour, and I did not like
her, although she be a toast, and was dressed like a man.[23]
11. I will send this letter to-day. I expect the Secretary by noon. I will
not go to the race unless I can get room in some coach. It is now morning. I
must rise, and fold up and seal my letter. Farewell, and God preserve dearest
MD.
I believe I shall leave this town on Monday.
LETTER 28.
WINDSOR, Aug. 11, 1711.
I sent away my twenty-seventh this morning in an express to London, and
directed to Mr. Reading: this shall go to your lodgings, where I reckon you
will be returned before it reaches you. I intended to go to the race[1] to-
day, but was hindered by a visit: I believe I told you so in my last. I
dined to-day at the Green Cloth, where everybody had been at the race but
myself, and we were twenty in all, and very noisy company; but I made the
Vice-Chamberlain and two friends more sit at a side table, to be a little
quiet. At six I went to see the Secretary, who is returned; but Lord Keeper
sent to desire I would sup with him, where I stayed till just now: Lord
Treasurer and Secretary were to come to us, but both failed. 'Tis late, etc.
12. I was this morning to visit Lord Keeper, who made me reproaches that I
had never visited him at Windsor. He had a present sent him of delicious
peaches, and he was champing and champing, but I durst not eat one; I wished
Dingley had some of them, for poor Stella can no more eat fruit than Presto.
Dilly Ashe is come to Windsor; and after church I carried him up to the
drawing-room, and talked to the Keeper and Treasurer, on purpose to show them
to him; and he saw the Queen and several great lords, and the Duchess of
Montagu;[2] he was mighty happy, and resolves to fill a letter to the
Bishop.[3] My friend Lewis and I dined soberly with Dr. Adams,[4] the only
neighbour prebendary. One of the prebendaries here is lately a peer, by the
death of his father. He is now Lord Willoughby of Broke,[5] and will sit in
the House of Lords with his gown. I supped to-night at Masham's with Lord
Treasurer, Mr. Secretary, and Prior. The Treasurer made us stay till twelve,
before he came from the Queen, and 'tis now past two.
13. I reckoned upon going to London to-day; but by an accident the Cabinet
Council did not sit last night, and sat to-day, so we go to-morrow at six in
the morning. I missed the race to-day by coming out too late, when
everybody's coach was gone, and ride I would not: I felt my last riding three
days after. We had a dinner to-day at the Secretary's lodgings without him:
Mr. Hare,[6] his Under Secretary, Mr. Lewis, Brigadier Sutton,[7] and I, dined
together; and I made the Vice-Chamberlain take a snap with us, rather than
stay till five for his lady, who was gone to the race. The reason why the
Cabinet Council was not held last night was because Mr. Secretary St. John
would not sit with your Duke of Somerset.[8] So to-day the Duke was forced to
go to the race while the Cabinet was held. We have music-meetings in our
town, and I was at the rehearsal t'other day; but I did not value it, nor
would go to the meeting. Did I tell you this before?
London, 14. We came to town this day in two hours and forty minutes: twenty
miles are nothing here. I found a letter from the Archbishop of Dublin, sent
me the Lord knows how. He says some of the bishops will hardly believe that
Lord Treasurer got the Queen to remit the First-Fruits before the Duke of
Ormond was declared Lord Lieutenant, and that the bishops have written a
letter to Lord Treasurer to thank him. He has sent me the address of the
Convocation, ascribing, in good part, that affair to the Duke, who had less
share in it than MD; for if it had not been for MD, I should not have been so
good a solicitor. I dined to-day in the City, about a little bit of mischief,
with a printer.--I found Mrs. Vanhomrigh all in combustion, squabbling with
her rogue of a landlord; she has left her house, and gone out of our
neighbourhood a good way. Her eldest daughter is come of age, and going to
Ireland to look after her fortune, and get it in her own hands.[9]
