ould not come time enough
before a new quarter began. I told you where I dined to-day; but forgot
to tell you what I believe, that Mr. Harley will be Lord Treasurer in
a short time, and other great removes and promotions made. This is my
thought, etc.

15. I was this morning with Mr. Secretary, and he is grown pretty well.
I dined with him to-day, and drank some of that wine which the Duke of
Tuscany used to send to Sir William Temple:(1) he always sends some
to the chief Ministers. I liked it mightily, but he does not; and he
ordered his butler to send me a chest of it to-morrow. Would to God MD
had it! The Queen is well again, and was at chapel to-day, etc.

16. I went with Ford into the City to-day, and dined with Stratford,
and drank Tokay, and then we went to the auction; but I did not lay
out above twelve shillings. My head is a little out of order to-night,
though no formal fit. My Lord Keeper has sent to invite me to dinner
to-morrow, and you'll dine better with the Dean; and God bless you. I
forgot to tell you that yesterday was sent me a Narrative printed, with
all the circumstances of Mr. Harley's stabbing. I had not time to do it
myself; so I sent my hints to the author of the Atalantis,(2) and she
has cooked it into a sixpenny pamphlet, in her own style, only the first
page is left as I was beginning it. But I was afraid of disobliging Mr.
Harley or Mr. St. John in one critical point about it, and so would not
do it myself. It is worth your reading, for the circumstances are all
true. My chest of Florence was sent me this morning, and cost me seven
and sixpence to two servants. I would give two guineas you had it, etc.

17. I was so out of order with my head this morning, that I was going to
send my excuses to my Lord Keeper; but however I got up at eleven, and
walked there after two, and stayed till eight. There was Sir Thomas
Mansel, Prior, George Granville, and Mr. Caesar,(3) and we were very
merry. My head is still wrong, but I have had no formal fit, only I
totter a little. I have left off snuff altogether. I have a noble roll
of tobacco for grating, very good. Shall I send it to MD, if she likes
that sort? My Lord Keeper and our this day's company are to dine on
Saturday with George Granville, and to-morrow I dine with Lord Anglesea.

18. Did you ever see such a blundering goosecap as Presto? I saw the
number 21 at top, and so I went on as if it were the day of the month,
whereas this is but Wednes