and I dined to-day at a hedge(30) tavern; then I
went to Mr. Harley, but he was denied, or not at home: so I fear I
shall not hear my business is done before this goes. Then I visited Lord
Pembroke,(31) who is just come to town; and we were very merry talking
of old things; and I hit him with one pun. Then I went to see the Ladies
Butler, and the son of a whore of a porter denied them: so I sent them a
threatening message by another lady, for not excepting me always to the
porter. I was weary of the Coffee-house, and Ford(32) desired me to sit
with him at next door; which I did, like a fool, chatting till twelve,
and now am got into bed. I am afraid the new Ministry is at a terrible
loss about money: the Whigs talk so, it would give one the spleen; and I
am afraid of meeting Mr. Harley out of humour. They think he will never
carry through this undertaking. God knows what will come of it. I should
be terribly vexed to see things come round again: it will ruin the
Church and clergy for ever; but I hope for better. I will send this on
Tuesday, whether I hear any further news of my affair or not.

29. Mr. Addison and I dined to-day with Lord Mountjoy; which is all the
adventures of this day.--I chatted a while to-night in the Coffee-house,
this being a full night; and now am come home, to write some business.

30. I dined to-day at Mrs. Vanhomrigh's, and sent a letter to poor Mrs.
Long,(33) who writes to us, but is God knows where, and will not tell
anybody the place of her residence. I came home early, and must go
write.

31. The month ends with a fine day; and I have been walking, and
visiting Lewis, and concerting where to see Mr. Harley. I have no news
to send you. Aire,(34) they say, is taken, though the Whitehall letters
this morning say quite the contrary: 'tis good, if it be true. I dined
with Mr. Addison and Dick Stewart, Lord Mountjoy's brother;(35) a treat
of Addison's. They were half-fuddled, but not I; for I mixed water with
my wine, and left them together between nine and ten; and I must send
this by the bellman, which vexes me, but I will put it off no longer.
Pray God it does not miscarry. I seldom do so; but I can put off little
MD no longer. Pray give the under note to Mrs. Brent.

I am a pretty gentleman; and you lose all your money at cards, sirrah
Stella. I found you out; I did so.

I am staying before I can fold up this letter, till that ugly D is dry
in the last line but one. Do not you see it? O