as well, that I
could not write. I thought to have sent this to-night, but 'tis ten,
and I'll go to bed, and write on t'other side to Parvisol to-morrow, and
send it on Thursday; and so good-night, my dears; and love Presto, and
be healthy, and Presto will be so too, etc.

Cut off these notes handsomely, d'ye hear, sirrahs, and give Mrs. Brent
hers, and keep yours till you see Parvisol, and then make up the letter
to him, and send it him by the first opportunity; and so God Almighty
bless you both, here and ever, and poor Presto.

What, I warrant you thought at first that these last lines were another
letter.

Dingley, Pray pay Stella six fishes, and place them to the account of
your humble servant, Presto.

Stella, Pray pay Dingley six fishes, and place them to the account of
your humble servant, Presto.

There are bills of exchange for you.

LETTER 15.

LONDON, Jan. 31, 1710-11.

I am to send you my fourteenth to-morrow; but my head, having some
little disorders, confounds all my journals. I was early this morning
with Mr. Secretary St. John about some business, so I could not scribble
my morning lines to MD. They are here intending to tax all little
printed penny papers a halfpenny every half-sheet, which will utterly
ruin Grub Street, and I am endeavouring to prevent it.(1) Besides, I was
forwarding an impeachment against a certain great person; that was two
of my businesses with the Secretary, were they not worthy ones? It was
Ford's birthday, and I refused the Secretary, and dined with Ford.
We are here in as smart a frost for the time as I have seen; delicate
walking weather, and the Canal and Rosamond's Pond(2) full of the rabble
sliding and with skates, if you know what those are. Patrick's bird's
water freezes in the gallipot, and my hands in bed.

Feb. 1. I was this morning with poor Lady Kerry, who is much worse in
her head than I. She sends me bottles of her bitter; and we are so fond
of one another, because our ailments are the same; don't you know that,
Madam Stella? Han't I seen you conning ailments with Joe's wife,(3)
and some others, sirrah? I walked into the City to dine, because of the
walk, for we must take care of Presto's health, you know, because of
poor little MD. But I walked plaguy carefully, for fear of sliding
against my will; but I am very busy.

2. This morning Mr. Ford came to me to walk into the City, where he had
business, and then to buy books at Bateman's; and I lai