e gave me leave to let the Primate and Archbishop know that
the Queen had remitted the First-Fruits; and that in a short time they
should have an account of it in form from Lord Dartmouth, Secretary of
State. So while their letter was on the road to the Duke of Ormond and
Southwell, mine was going to them with an account of the thing being
done. I writ a very warm answer(25) to the Archbishop immediately; and
showed my resentments, as I ought, against the bishops; only, in good
manners, excepting himself. I wonder what they will say when they hear
the thing is done. I was yesterday forced to tell Southwell so, that
the Queen had done it, etc.; for he said, my Lord Duke would think of
it some months hence, when he was going for Ireland; and he had it three
years in doing formerly, without any success. I give you free leave to
say, on occasion, that it is done; and that Mr. Harley prevailed on the
Queen to do it, etc., as you please. As I hope to live, I despise the
credit of it, out of an excess of pride; and desire you will not give
me the least merit when you talk of it; but I would vex the bishops, and
have it spread that Mr. Harley had done it: pray do so. Your mother
sent me last night a parcel of wax candles, and a bandbox full of small
plumcakes. I thought it had been something for you; and, without opening
them, sent answer by the maid that brought them, that I would take care
to send the things, etc.; but I will write her thanks. Is this a long
letter, sirrahs? Now, are you satisfied? I have had no fit since the
first: I drink brandy every morning, and take pills every night. Never
fear, I an't vexed at this puppy business of the bishops, although I was
a little at first. I will tell you my reward: Mr. Harley will think he
has done me a favour; the Duke of Ormond, perhaps, that I have put a
neglect on him; and the bishops in Ireland, that I have done nothing at
all. So goes the world. But I have got above all this, and, perhaps, I
have better reason for it than they know: and so you shall hear no more
of First-Fruits, dukes, Harleys, archbishops, and Southwells.

I have slipped off Raymond upon some of his countrymen, to show him the
town, etc., and I lend him Patrick. He desires to sit with me in the
evenings; upon which I have given Patrick positive orders that I am not
within at evenings.

LETTER 10.

LONDON, Nov. 25, 1710.

I will tell you something that's plaguy silly: I had forgot to say on
the 2