he diamonds set
transparent.

4. I was this morning soliciting at the House of Commons' door for Mr.
Vesey, a son of the Archbishop of Tuam,(17) who has petitioned for a
Bill to relieve him in some difficulty about his estate: I secured him
above fifty members. I dined with Lady Masham. We have no packet from
Holland, as I was told yesterday: and this wind will hinder many people
from appearing at the Birthday, who expected clothes from Holland. I
appointed to meet a gentleman at the Secretary's to-night, and they both
failed. The House of Commons have this day made many severe votes about
our being abused by our Allies. Those who spoke drew all their arguments
from my book, and their votes confirm all I writ; the Court had a
majority of a hundred and fifty: all agree that it was my book that
spirited them to these resolutions; I long to see them in print. My head
has not been as well as I could wish it for some days past, but I have
not had any giddy fit, and I hope it will go over.

5. The Secretary turned me out of his room this morning, and showed me
fifty guineas rolled up, which he was going to give some French spy. I
dined with four Irishmen at a tavern to-day: I thought I had resolved
against it before, but I broke it. I played at cards this evening at
Lady Masham's, but I only played for her while she was waiting; and I
won her a pool, and supped there. Lord Treasurer was with us, but went
away before twelve. The ladies and lords have all their clothes ready
against to-morrow: I saw several mighty fine, and I hope there will be
a great appearance, in spite of that spiteful French fashion of the
Whiggish ladies not to come, which they have all resolved to a woman;
and I hope it will more spirit the Queen against them for ever.

6. I went to dine at Lord Masham's at three, and met all the company
just coming out of Court; a mighty crowd: they stayed long for their
coaches: I had an opportunity of seeing several lords and ladies of my
acquaintance in their fineries. Lady Ashburnham(18) looked the best in
my eyes. They say the Court was never fuller nor finer. Lord Treasurer,
his lady, and two daughters and Mrs. Hill, dined with Lord and Lady
Masham; the five ladies were monstrous fine. The Queen gave Prince
Eugene the diamond sword to-day; but nobody was by when she gave it
except my Lord Chamberlain. There was an entertainment of opera songs
at night, and the Queen was at all the entertainment, and is very well