He(13) shall
not catch me in haste again, and everybody has laughed at me for dining
with him. I was to-day to let Harrison's mother know I could not
pay till she administers; which she will do. I believe she is an old
bawd,(14) and her daughter a ------. There were more Whigs to-day at
Court than Tories. I believe they think the peace must be made, and so
come to please the Queen. She is still lame with the gout. Nite MD.

19. I was at Court to-day, to speak to Lord Bolingbroke to look over
Parnell's poem since it is corrected; and Parnell and I dined with him,
and he has shown him three or four more places to alter a little. Lady
Bolingbroke came down to us while we were at dinner, and Parnell stared
at her as if she were a goddess. I thought she was like Parnell's wife,
and he thought so too. Parnell is much pleased with Lord Bolingbroke's
favour to him, and I hope it may one day turn to his advantage. His poem
will be printed in a few days. Our weather continues as fresh raining as
if it had not rained at all. I sat to-night at Lady Masham's, where
Lord Treasurer came and scolded me for not dining with him. I told him
I could not till Saturday. I have stayed there till past twelve. So nite
dee sollahs, nite.

20. Lady Jersey, Lady Catherine Hyde,(15) the Spanish Ambassador, the
Duke d'Atree,(16) another Spaniard, and I, dined to-day by appointment
with Lord Bolingbroke; but they fell a drinking so many Spanish healths
in champagne that I stole away to the ladies, and drank tea till eight;
and then went and lost my money at ombre with Sir Andrew Fountaine, who
has a very bad leg. Miss Ashe is past all danger; and her eye, which was
lately bad (I suppose one effect of her distemper), is now better. I do
not let the Bishop see me, nor shall this good while. Good luck! when I
came home, I warrant, I found a letter from MD, No.38; and oo write
so small nowadays, I hope oo poor eyes are better. Well, this shall go
to-morrow se'nnight, with a bill for MD. I will speak to Mr. Griffin(17)
to-morrow about Ppt's brother Filby, and desire, whether he deserves
or no, that his employment may be mended; that is to say, if I can see
Griffin; otherwise not; and I'll answer oo rettle hen I Pdfr think fit.
Nite MD.

21. Methinks I writ a little saucy last night. I mean the last... (18) I
saw Griffin at Court. He says he knows nothing of a salt-work at Recton;
but that he will give Filby a better employment, and desires Filby will