pain was, and the violence of the pain was confined to my neck behind, a
little on the left side; which was so violent that I had not a minute's
ease, nor hardly a minute's sleep in three days and nights. The spots
increased every day, and bred little pimples, which are now grown white,
and full of corruption, though small. The red still continues too, and
most prodigious hot and inflamed. The disease is the shingles. I eat
nothing but water-gruel; am very weak; but out of all violent pain. The
doctors say it would have ended in some violent disease if it had not
come out thus. I shall now recover fast. I have been in no danger
of life, but miserable torture. I must not write too much. So adieu,
deelest MD MD MD FW FW, ME ME ME, Lele. I can say lele yet, oo see.
Fais, I don't conceal a bit, as hope saved.(14)

I(15) must purge and clyster after this; and my next letter will not
be in the old order of journal, till I have done with physic. An't oo
surprised to see a letter want half a side?

LETTER 45.(1)

LONDON, April 24, 1712.

I had your twenty-eighth two or three days ago. I can hardly answer it
now. Since my last I have been extremely ill. 'Tis this day just a month
since I felt a small pain on the tip of my left shoulder, which grew
worse, and spread for six days; then broke all out by my collar and left
side of my neck in monstrous red spots inflamed, and these grew to small
pimples. For four days I had no rest, nor nights, for a pain in my neck;
then I grew a little better; afterward, where my pains were, a cruel
itching seized me, beyond whatever I could imagine, and kept me awake
several nights. I rubbed it vehemently, but did not scratch it: then it
grew into three or four great sores like blisters, and run; at last I
advised the doctor to use it like a blister, so I did with melilot(2)
plasters, which still run: and am now in pain enough, but am daily
mending. I kept my chamber a fortnight, then went out a day or two, but
then confined myself again. Two days ago I went to a neighbour to dine,
but yesterday again kept at home. To-day I will venture abroad a little,
and hope to be well in a week or ten days. I never suffered so much in
my life. I have taken my breeches in above two inches, so I am leaner,
which answers one question in your letter. The weather is mighty fine.
I write in the morning, because I am better then. I will go and try
to walk a little. I will give DD's certificate to Tooke to-