w Fountaine, and going to market. He is still in a fever, and may
live or die. His mother and sister are now come up, and in the house; so
there is a lurry.(13) I gave Mrs. South half a pistole for a New Year's
gift. So good-morrow, dears both, till anon.--At night. Lord! I have
been with Mr. Secretary from dinner till eight; and, though I drank
wine and water, I am so hot! Lady Stanley(14) came to visit Mrs. St.
John,(15) and sent up for me to make up a quarrel with Mrs. St. John,
whom I never yet saw; and do you think that devil of a Secretary would
let me go, but kept me by main force, though I told him I was in love
with his lady, and it was a shame to keep back a lover, etc.? But all
would not do; so at last I was forced to break away, but never went
up, it was then too late; and here I am, and have a great deal to do
to-night, though it be nine o'clock; but one must say something to these
naughty MD's, else there will be no quiet.

9. To-day Ford and I set apart to go into the City to buy books; but we
only had a scurvy dinner at an alehouse; and he made me go to the tavern
and drink Florence, four and sixpence a flask; damned wine! so I spent
my money, which I seldom do, and passed an insipid day, and saw nobody,
and it is now ten o'clock, and I have nothing to say, but that 'tis a
fortnight to-morrow since I had a letter from MD; but if I have it
time enough to answer here, 'tis well enough, otherwise woe betide you,
faith. I will go to the toyman's, here just in Pall Mall, and he sells
great hugeous battoons;(16) yes, faith, and so he does. Does not he,
Dingley? Yes, faith. Don't lose your money this Christmas.

10. I must go this morning to Mr. Secretary St. John. I promised
yesterday, but failed, so can't write any more till night to poor, dear
MD.--At night. O, faith, Dingley. I had company in the morning, and
could not go where I designed; and I had a basket from Raymond at
Bristol, with six bottles of wine and a pound of chocolate, and some
tobacco to snuff; and he writ under, the carriage was paid; but he lied,
or I am cheated, or there is a mistake; and he has written to me so
confusedly about some things, that Lucifer could not understand him.
This wine is to be drunk with Harley's brother(17) and Sir Robert
Raymond, Solicitor-General, in order to recommend the Doctor to your new
Lord Chancellor, who left this place on Monday; and Raymond says he
is hasting to Chester, to go with him.--I suppose he leav