ant to
command, Presto"; and so conclude. Well, now I will write and think a
little, and so to bed, and dream of MD.

9. I have my mouth full of water, and was going to spit it out, because
I reasoned with myself, how could I write when my mouth was full? Han't
you done things like that, reasoned wrong at first thinking? Well, I was
to see Mr. Lewis this morning, and am to dine a few days hence, as he
tells me, with Mr. Secretary St. John; and I must contrive to see Harley
soon again, to hasten this business from the Queen. I dined to-day at
Lord Mountrath's,(36) with Lord Mountjoy,(37) etc.; but the wine was not
good, so I came away, stayed at the Coffee-house till seven, then came
home to my fire, the maidenhead of my second half-bushel, and am now
in bed at eleven, as usual. 'Tis mighty warm; yet I fear I should catch
cold this wet weather, if I sat an evening in my room after coming from
warm places: and I must make much of myself, because MD is not here to
take care of Presto; and I am full of business, writing, etc., and do
not care for the Coffee-house; and so this serves for all together, not
to tell it you over and over, as silly people do; but Presto is a wiser
man, faith, than so, let me tell you, gentlewomen. See, I am got to
the third side; but, faith, I will not do that often; but I must say
something early to-day, till the letter is done, and on Saturday it
shall go; so I must leave something till to-morrow, till to-morrow and
next day.

10. O Lord, I would this letter was with you with all my heart! If it
should miscarry, what a deal would be lost! I forgot to leave a gap
in the last line but one for the seal, like a puppy; but I should have
allowed for night, goodnight; but when I am taking leave, I cannot leave
a bit, faith; but I fancy the seal will not come there. I dined to-day
at Lady Lucy's, where they ran down my "Shower"; and said, "Sid Hamet"
was the silliest poem they ever read; and told Prior so, whom they
thought to be author of it. Don't you wonder I never dined there before?
But I am too busy, and they live too far off; and, besides, I do not
like women so much as I did. (MD, you must know, are not women.) I
supped to-night at Addison's, with Garth, Steele, and Mr. Dopping; and
am come home late. Lewis has sent to me to desire I will dine with
some company I shall like. I suppose it is Mr. Secretary St. John's
appointment. I had a letter just now from Raymond, who is at Bristol,
and says