ited her. People
of worth never do that; so that a man only gets the scandal of having
scurvy acquaintance. Three ladies were railing against me some time
ago, and said they were very well acquainted with me; two of which I had
never heard of, and the third I had only seen twice where I happened to
visit. A man who has once seen me in a coffee-house will ask me how I
do, when he sees me talking at Court with a Minister of State; who is
sure to ask me how I came acquainted with that scoundrel. But come,
sirrahs, this is all stuff to you, so I'll say no more on this side the
paper, but turn over.

23. My printer invited Mr. Lewis and me to dine at a tavern to-day,
which I have not done five times since I came to England; I never will
call it Britain, pray don't call it Britain. My week is not out, and one
side of this paper is out, and I have a letter to answer of MD's into
the bargain: must I write on the third side? faith, that will give you
an ill habit. I saw Leigh last night: he gives a terrible account of
Sterne; he reckons he is seduced by some wench; he is over head and ears
in debt, and has pawned several things. Leigh says he goes on Monday
next for Ireland, but believes Sterne will not go with him; Sterne has
kept him these three months. Leigh has got the apron and things,
and promises to call for the box at Chester; but I despair of it.
Good-night, sirrahs; I have been late abroad.

24. I have finished my pamphlet(8) to-day, which has cost me so much
time and trouble: it will be published in three or four days, when the
Parliament begins sitting. I suppose the Queen is come to town, but
know nothing, having been in the City finishing and correcting with the
printer. When I came home, I found letters on my table as usual, and one
from your mother, to tell me that you desire your writings and a picture
should be sent to me, to be sent over to you. I have just answered her
letter, and promised to take care of them if they be sent to me. She is
at Farnham: it is too late to send them by Leigh; besides, I will
wait your orders, Madam Stella. I am going to finish a letter to Lord
Treasurer about reforming our language;(9) but first I must put an end
to a ballad; and go you to your cards, sirrahs, this is card season.

25. I was early with the Secretary to-day, but he was gone to his
devotions, and to receive the sacrament: several rakes did the same; it
was not for piety, but employments; according to Act of Parli