o-day with Lord Treasurer: we did not sit down till four.
I despatched three businesses with him, and forgot a fourth. I think I
have got a friend an employment; and besides I made him consent to let
me bring Congreve to dine with him. You must understand I have a mind
to do a small thing, only turn out all the Queen's physicians; for in my
conscience they will soon kill her among them. And I must talk over
that matter with some people. My Lord Treasurer told me the Queen and he
between them have lost the paper about the First-Fruits, but desires I
will let the bishops know it shall be done with the first opportunity.

11. I dined to-day with neighbour Van, and walked pretty well in the
Park this evening. Stella, hussy, don't you remember, sirrah, you used
to reproach me about meddling in other folk's affairs? I have enough of
it now: two people came to me to-night in the Park to engage to speak
to Lord Treasurer in their behalf, and I believe they make up fifty who
have asked me the same favour. I am hardened, and resolve to trouble
him, or any other Minister, less than ever. And I observe those who have
ten times more credit than I will not speak a word for anybody. I met
yesterday the poor lad I told you of, who lived with Mr. Tenison,(12)
who has been ill of an ague ever since I saw him. He looked wretchedly,
and was exceeding thankful for half a crown I gave him. He had a crown
from me before.

12. I dined to-day with young Manley(13) in the City, who is to get me
out a box of books and a hamper of wine from Hamburg. I inquired of Mr.
Stratford, who tells me that Cairnes has not yet paid my two hundred
pounds, but shams and delays from day to day. Young Manley's wife is a
very indifferent person of a young woman, goggle-eyed, and looks like a
fool: yet he is a handsome fellow, and married her for love after long
courtship, and she refused him until he got his last employment.--I
believe I shall not be so good a boy for writing as I was during your
stay at Wexford, unless I may send my letters every second time to
Curry's; pray let me know. This, I think, shall go there: or why not
to Wexford itself? That is right, and so it shall this next Tuesday,
although it costs you tenpence. What care I?

13. This toad of a Secretary is come from Windsor, and I cannot find
him; and he goes back on Sunday, and I can't see him to-morrow. I dined
scurvily to-day with Mr. Lewis and a parson; and then went to see Lord
Treasurer,