you
at the same hour as I did this; my private circumstances being
such, that I cannot well appear in this quarter of the town after
it is day.

"I have been so taken up with the late good news from Holland, and
expectation of further particulars, as well as with other
transactions, of which I will tell you more to-morrow morning, that
I have not slept a wink these three nights.

"I have reason to believe that Picardy will soon follow the example
of Artois, in case the enemy continue in their present resolution
of flying away from us. I think I told you last time we were
together my opinion about the Deulle.

"The honest gentlemen upon the bench bid me tell you, they would be
glad to see you often among them. We shall be there all the warm
hours of the day, during the present posture of affairs.

"This happy opening of the campaign will, I hope, give us a very
joyful summer; and I propose to take many a pleasant walk with you,
if you will sometimes come into the Park; for that is the only
place in which I can be free from the malice of my enemies.
Farewell till three o'clock to-morrow morning. I am,

"Your most humble Servant, &c.

"P.S. The King of Sweden is still at Bender."

I should have fretted myself to death at this promise of a second visit,
if I had not found in his letter an intimation of the good news which I
have since heard at large. I have however ordered my maid to tie up the
knocker of my door in such a manner as she would do if I was really
indisposed. By which means I hope to escape breaking my morning's
rest.[204]

Since I have given this letter to the public, I shall communicate one or
two more, which I have lately received from others of my
correspondents. The following is from a Coquette, who is very angry at
my having disposed of her in marriage to a Bass-viol:[205]

"MR. BICKERSTAFF,

"I thought you would never have descended from the Censor of Great
Britain, to become a match-maker. But pray, why so severe upon the
Kit? Had I been a Jews-harp, that is nothing but tongue, you could
not have used me worse. Of all things, a Bass-viol is my aversion.
Had you married me to a Bagpipe, or a Passing-bell, I should have
been better pleased. Dear Father Isaac, either choose me a better
husband, or I will live and die