extremely like
him by his pictures that I have seen. I stayed till almost eleven, and
am now come home and gone to bed. My business in the City was, to thank
Stratford for a kindness he has done me, which now I will tell you. I
found Bank Stock was fallen thirty-four in the hundred, and was mighty
desirous to buy it; but I was a little too late for the cheapest time,
being hindered by business here; for I was so wise to guess to a day
when it would fall. My project was this: I had three hundred pounds in
Ireland; and so I writ to Mr. Stratford in the City, to desire he would
buy me three hundred pounds in Bank Stock, and that he should keep the
papers, and that I would be bound to pay him for them; and, if it
should rise or fall, I would take my chance, and pay him interest in the
meantime. I showed my letter to one or two people who understand those
things; and they said money was so hard to be got here, that no man
would do it for me. However, Stratford, who is the most generous man
alive, has done it: but it costs one hundred pounds and a half, that is,
ten shillings; so that three hundred pounds cost me three hundred pounds
and thirty shillings. This was done about a week ago, and I can have
five pounds for my bargain already. Before it fell, it was one hundred
and thirty pounds; and we are sure it will be the same again. I told
you I writ to your mother, to desire that Lady Giffard would do the same
with what she owes you; but she tells your mother she has no money.
I would to God all you had in the world was there. Whenever you lend
money, take this rule, to have two people bound, who have both visible
fortunes; for they will hardly die together; and, when one dies, you
fall upon the other, and make him add another security: and if Rathburn
(now I have his name) pays you in your money, let me know, and I will
direct Parvisol accordingly: however, he shall wait on you and know. So,
ladies, enough of business for one night. Paaaaast twelvvve o'clock. I
must only add, that, after a long fit of rainy weather, it has been fair
two or three days, and is this day grown cold and frosty; so that you
must give poor little Presto leave to have a fire in his chamber morning
and evening too; and he will do as much for you.

14. What, has your Chancellor(10) lost his senses, like Will Crowe?(11)
I forgot to tell Dingley that I was yesterday at Ludgate, bespeaking the
spectacles at the great shop there, and shall have them in a d