pen my lips to my lord upon it. He says it would convince the bishops
of what I have affirmed, that the First-Fruits were granted before the
Duke of Ormond was declared Governor; and I writ to him that I would not
give a farthing to convince them. My Lord Treasurer began a health to my
Lord Privy Seal: Prior punned, and said it was so privy, he knew not who
it was; but I fancy they have fixed it all, and we shall know to-morrow.
But what care you who is Privy Seal, saucy sluttikins?

30. When I went out this morning, I was surprised with the news that
the Bishop of Bristol is made Lord Privy Seal. You know his name is
Robinson,(6) and that he was many years Envoy in Sweden. All the friends
of the present Ministry are extremely glad, and the clergy above the
rest. The Whigs will fret to death to see a civil employment given to a
clergyman. It was a very handsome thing in my Lord Treasurer, and will
bind the Church to him for ever. I dined with him to-day, but he had not
written his letter;(see above, 29th Aug.) but told me he would not offer
to send it without showing it to me: he thought that would not be just,
since I was so deeply concerned in the affair. We had much company: Lord
Rivers, Mar,(7) and Kinnoull,(8) Mr. Secretary, George Granville, and
Masham: the last has invited me to the christening of his son to-morrow
se'ennight; and on Saturday I go to Windsor with Mr. Secretary.

31. Dilly and I walked to-day to Kensington to Lady Mountjoy, who
invited us to dinner. He returned soon, to go to a play, it being the
last that will be acted for some time: he dresses himself like a
beau, and no doubt makes a fine figure. I went to visit some people at
Kensington: Ophy Butler's wife(9) there lies very ill of an ague, which
is a very common disease here, and little known in Ireland. I am apt to
think we shall soon have a peace, by the little words I hear thrown out
by the Ministry. I have just thought of a project to bite the town. I
have told you that it is now known that Mr. Prior has been lately in
France. I will make a printer of my own sit by me one day, and I will
dictate to him a formal relation of Prior's journey,(10) with several
particulars, all pure invention; and I doubt not but it will take.

Sept. 1. Morning. I go to-day to Windsor with Mr. Secretary; and Lord
Treasurer has promised to bring me back. The weather has been fine for
some time, and I believe we shall have a great deal of dust.--At night.
Winds