ssolved before Christmas, and perhaps it may:
this is all your d----d Duchess of Somerset's doings. I warned them
of it nine months ago, and a hundred times since: the Secretary always
dreaded it. I told Lord Treasurer I should have the advantage of him;
for he would lose his head, and I should only be hanged, and so carry my
body entire to the grave.
9. I was this morning with Mr. Secretary: we are both of opinion that
the Queen is false. I told him what I heard, and he confirmed it by
other circumstances. I then went to my friend Lewis, who had sent to see
me. He talks of nothing but retiring to his estate in Wales. He gave me
reasons to believe the whole matter is settled between the Queen and the
Whigs; he hears that Lord Somers is to be Treasurer, and believes that,
sooner than turn out the Duchess of Somerset, she will dissolve the
Parliament, and get a Whiggish one, which may be done by managing
elections. Things are now in the crisis, and a day or two will
determine. I have desired him to engage Lord Treasurer that as soon as
he finds the change is resolved on, he will send me abroad as Queen's
Secretary somewhere or other, where I may remain till the new Ministers
recall me; and then I will be sick for five or six months, till the
storm has spent itself. I hope he will grant me this; for I should
hardly trust myself to the mercy of my enemies while their anger is
fresh. I dined to-day with the Secretary, who affects mirth, and seems
to hope all will yet be well. I took him aside after dinner, told him
how I had served them, and had asked no reward, but thought I might
ask security; and then desired the same thing of him, to send me abroad
before a change. He embraced me, and swore he would take the same care
of me as himself, etc., but bid me have courage, for that in two days my
Lord Treasurer's wisdom would appear greater than ever; that he suffered
all that had happened on purpose, and had taken measures to turn it to
advantage. I said, "God send it"; but I do not believe a syllable; and,
as far as I can judge, the game is lost. I shall know more soon, and my
letters will at least be a good history to show you the steps of this
change.
10. I was this morning with Lewis, who thinks they will let the
Parliament sit till they have given the money, and then dissolve them in
spring, and break the Ministry. He spoke to Lord Treasurer about what
I desired him. My lord desired him with great earnestness to assure
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