t.--So, they say Presto writ the Conduct, etc. Do
they like it? I don't care whether they do or no; but the resolutions
printed t'other day in the Votes are almost quotations from it, and
would never have passed if that book had not been written. I will not
meddle with the Spectator, let him fair-sex it to the world's end.
My disorder is over, but blood was not from the p-les.--Well, Madam
Dingley, the frost; why, we had a great frost, but I forget how long
ago; it lasted above a week or ten days: I believe about six weeks ago;
but it did not break so soon with us, I think, as December 29; yet I
think it was about that time, on second thoughts. MD can have no letter
from Presto, says you; and yet four days before you own you had my
thirty-seventh, unreasonable sluts! The Bishop of Gloucester is not
dead,(24) and I am as likely to succeed the Duke of Marlborough as him
if he were; there's enough for that now. It is not unlikely that the
Duke of Shrewsbury will be your Governor; at least I believe the Duke of
Ormond will not return.--Well, Stella again: why, really three editions
of the Conduct, etc., is very much for Ireland; it is a sign you have
some honest among you. Well; I will do Mr. Manley(25) all the service
I can; but he will ruin himself. What business had he to engage at all
about the City? Can't he wish his cause well, and be quiet, when he
finds that stirring will do it no good, and himself a great deal of
hurt? I cannot imagine who should open my letter: it must be done at
your side.--If I hear of any thoughts of turning out Mr. Manley, I will
endeavour to prevent it. I have already had all the gentlemen of Ireland
here upon my back often, for defending him. So now I have answered your
saucy letter. My humble service to Goody Stoyte and Catherine; I will
come soon for my dinner.

9. Morning. My cold goes off at last; but I think I have got a small new
one. I have no news since last. They say we hear by the way of Calais,
that peace is very near concluding. I hope it may be true. I'll go and
seal up my letter, and give it myself to-night into the post-office; and
so I bid my dearest MD farewell till to-night. I heartily wish myself
with them, as hope saved. My willows, and quicksets, and trees, will be
finely improved, I hope, this year. It has been fine hard frosty weather
yesterday and to-day. Farewell, etc. etc. etc.

LETTER 41.(1)

LONDON, Feb. 9, 1711-12.

When my letter is gone, and I have no