e designs to make some important
speech then. She pretended illness; but I believe they were not ready,
and they expect some opposition: and the Scotch lords are angry,(2) and
must be pacified. I was this morning to invite the Duke of Ormond to our
Society on Thursday, where he is then to be introduced. He has appointed
me at twelve to-morrow about some business: I would fain have his help
to impeach a certain lord; but I doubt we shall make nothing of it. I
intended to have dined with Lord Treasurer, but I was told he would be
busy: so I dined with Mrs. Van; and at night I sat with Lord Masham till
one. Lord Treasurer was there, and chid me for not dining with him: he
was in very good humour. I brought home two flasks of burgundy in my
chair: I wish MD had them. You see it is very late; so I'll go to bed,
and bid MD good night.

15. This morning I presented my printer and bookseller to Lord Rivers,
to be stationers to the Ordnance; stationers, that's the word; I did not
write it plain at first. I believe it will be worth three hundred pounds
a year between them. This is the third employment I have got for them.
Rivers told them the Doctor commanded him, and he durst not refuse it. I
would have dined with Lord Treasurer to-day again, but Lord Mansel would
not let me, and forced me home with him. I was very deep with the Duke
of Ormond to-day at the Cockpit, where we met to be private; but I doubt
I cannot do the mischief I intended. My friend Penn came there, Will
Penn the Quaker, at the head of his brethren, to thank the Duke for
his kindness to their people in Ireland. To see a dozen scoundrels with
their hats on, and the Duke complimenting with his off, was a good sight
enough. I sat this evening with Sir William Robinson,(3) who has mighty
often invited me to a bottle of wine: and it is past twelve.

16. This being fast-day, Dr. Freind and I went into the City to dine
late, like good fasters. My printer and bookseller want me to hook in
another employment for them in the Tower, because it was enjoyed before
by a stationer, although it be to serve the Ordnance with oil, tallow,
etc., and is worth four hundred pounds per annum more: I will try what
I can do. They are resolved to ask several other employments of the
same nature to other offices; and I will then grease fat sows, and see
whether it be possible to satisfy them. Why am not I a stationer? The
Parliament sits to-morrow, and Walpole, late Secretary at War, is