better write less, or write it at ten times. Yes, faith,
a long letter in a morning from a dear friend is a dear thing. I smoke
a compliment, little mischievous girls, I do so. But who are those WIGGS
that think I am turned Tory? Do you mean Whigs? Which WIGGS and WAT do
you mean? I know nothing of Raymond, and only had one letter from him a
little after I came here.(Pray remember Morgan.) Raymond is indeed
like to have much influence over me in London, and to share much of
my conversation. I shall, no doubt, introduce him to Harley, and Lord
Keeper, and the Secretary of State. The Tatler upon Ithuriel's spear(30)
is not mine, madam. What a puzzle there is betwixt you and your
judgment! In general you may be sometimes sure of things, as that about
STYLE,(31) because it is what I have frequently spoken of; but guessing
is mine a----, and I defy mankind, if I please. Why, I writ a pamphlet
when I was last in London, that you and a thousand have seen, and never
guessed it to be mine. Could you have guessed the "Shower in Town" to be
mine? How chance you did not see that before your last letter went? but
I suppose you in Ireland did not think it worth mentioning. Nor am I
suspected for the lampoon; only Harley said he smoked me; (have I told
you so before?) and some others knew it. 'Tis called "The Rod of Sid
Hamet." And I have written several other things that I hear commended,
and nobody suspects me for them; nor you shall not know till I see you
again. What do you mean, "That boards near me, that I dine with now and
then?" I know no such person: I do not dine with boarders. What the pox!
You know whom I have dined with every day since I left you, better than
I do. What do you mean, sirrah? Slids, my ailment has been over these
two months almost. Impudence, if you vex me, I will give ten shillings
a week for my lodging; for I am almost st--k out of this with the sink,
and it helps me to verses in my "Shower."(32) Well, Madam Dingley, what
say you to the world to come? What ballad? Why go look, it was not good
for much: have patience till I come back: patience is a gay thing as,
etc. I hear nothing of Lord Mountjoy's coming for Ireland. When
is Stella's birthday? in March? Lord bless me, my turn at Christ
Church;(33) it is so natural to hear you write about that, I believe
you have done it a hundred times; it is as fresh in my mind, the verger
coming to you; and why to you? Would he have you preach for me? O, pox
on your sp