all contributed
their crowns, and are teasing others to subscribe for the book. I will
tell Lord Keeper and Lord Treasurer to-morrow; and I believe the Queen
will have it. After a little walk this evening, I squandered away the
rest of it in sitting at Lewis's lodging, while he and Dr. Arbuthnot
played at picquet. I have that foolish pleasure, which I believe nobody
has beside me, except old Lady Berkeley.(15) But I fretted when I came
away: I will loiter so no more, for I have a plaguy deal of business
upon my hands, and very little time to do it. The pamphleteers begin to
be very busy against the Ministry: I have begged Mr. Secretary to make
examples of one or two of them, and he assures me he will. They are very
bold and abusive.

22. This being the day the Ministry come to Windsor, I ate a bit or two
at Mr. Lewis's lodgings, because I must sup with Lord Treasurer; and at
half an hour after one, I led Mr. Lewis a walk up the avenue, which is
two miles long. We walked in all about five miles; but I was so tired
with his slow walking, that I left him here, and walked two miles
towards London, hoping to meet Lord Treasurer, and return with him; but
it grew darkish, and I was forced to walk back, so I walked nine miles
in all; and Lord Treasurer did not come till after eight; which is very
wrong, for there was no moon, and I often tell him how ill he does to
expose himself so; but he only makes a jest of it. I supped with him,
and stayed till now, when it is half an hour after two. He is as merry
and careless and disengaged as a young heir at one-and-twenty. 'Tis late
indeed.

23. The Secretary did not come last night, but at three this afternoon.
I have not seen him yet, but I verily think they are contriving a peace
as fast as they can, without which it will be impossible to subsist. The
Queen was at church to-day, but was carried in a chair. I and Mr. Lewis
dined privately with Mr. Lowman,(16) Clerk of the Kitchen. I was to see
Lord Keeper this morning, and told him the jest of the maids of honour;
and Lord Treasurer had it last night. That rogue Arbuthnot puts it all
upon me. The Court was very full to-day. I expected Lord Treasurer
would have invited me to supper; but he only bowed to me; and we had
no discourse in the drawing-room. It is now seven at night, and I am at
home; and I hope Lord Treasurer will not send for me to supper: if he
does not, I will reproach him; and he will pretend to chide me for not
comin