erto taken hath been wrong; at least they say so, and that is the
same thing. I am heartily sorry for it; and I really think they are in
the wrong, and use him hardly; but I can do no more.

29. Steele has had the assurance to write to me that I would engage my
Lord Treasurer to keep a friend of his in an employment: I believe I
told you how he and Addison served me for my good offices in Steele's
behalf; and I promised Lord Treasurer never to speak for either of them
again. Sir Andrew Fountaine and I dined to-day at Mrs. Vanhomrigh's.
Dilly Ashe has been in town this fortnight: I saw him twice; he was four
days at Lord Pembroke's in the country, punning with him; his face is
very well. I was this evening two or three hours at Lord Treasurer's,
who called me Dr. Thomas Swift twenty times; that's his way of teasing.
I left him at nine, and got home here by ten, like a gentleman; and
to-morrow morning I'll answer your little letter, sirrahs.

30. Morning. I am terribly sleepy always in a morning; I believe it is
my walk over-night that disposes me to sleep: faith, 'tis now striking
eight, and I am but just awake. Patrick comes early, and wakes me five
or six times; but I have excuses, though I am three parts asleep. I tell
him I sat up late, or slept ill in the night, and often it is a lie. I
have now got little MD's letter before me, N.16, no more, nor no less,
no mistake. Dingley says, "This letter won't be above six lines"; and I
was afraid it was true, though I saw it filled on both sides. The Bishop
of Clogher writ me word you were in the country, and that he heard you
were well: I am glad at heart MD rides, and rides, and rides. Our hot
weather ended in May, and all this month has been moderate: it was then
so hot I was not able to endure it; I was miserable every moment, and
found myself disposed to be peevish and quarrelsome: I believe a very
hot country would make me stark mad.--Yes, my head continues pretty
tolerable, and I impute it all to walking. Does Stella eat fruit? I eat
a little; but I always repent, and resolve against it. No, in very hot
weather I always go to town by water; but I constantly walk back, for
then the sun is down. And so Mrs. Proby(13) goes with you to Wexford:
she's admirable company; you'll grow plaguy wise with those you
frequent. Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Proby! take care of infection. I believe
my two hundred pounds will be paid, but that Sir Alexander Cairnes is a
scrupulous puppy: I lef