o,
nooooh. All this is one morning's work in bed;--and so good-morrow,
little sirrahs; that's for the rhyme.(18) You want politics: faith, I
can't think of any; but may be at night I may tell you a passage. Come,
sit off the bed, and let me rise, will you?--At night. I dined to-day
with my neighbour Vanhomrigh; it was such dismal weather I could not
stir further. I have had some threatenings with my head, but no fits. I
still drink Dr. Radcliffe's(19) bitter, and will continue it.

10. I was this morning to see the Secretary of State, and have engaged
him to give a memorial from me to the Duke of Argyle in behalf of
Bernage. The Duke is a man that distinguishes people of merit, and I
will speak to him myself; but the Secretary backing it will be very
effectual, and I will take care to have it done to purpose. Pray tell
Bernage so, and that I think nothing can be luckier for him, and that I
would have him go by all means. I will order it that the Duke shall send
for him when they are in Spain; or, if he fails, that he shall receive
him kindly when he goes to wait on him. Can I do more? Is not this a
great deal?--I now send away this letter, that you may not stay.--I
dined with Ford upon his Opera-day, and am now come home, and am going
to study; do not you presume to guess, sirrahs, impudent saucy dear
boxes. Towards the end of a letter I could not say saucy boxes without
putting dear between. An't that right now? Farewell. THIS should BE
longer, BUT that _I_ send IT to-night.(20)

O silly, silly loggerhead!

I send a letter this post to one Mr. Staunton, and I direct it to Mr.
Acton's in St. Michael's Lane. He formerly lodged there, but he has not
told me where to direct. Pray send to that Acton, whether(21) the letter
is come there, and whether he has sent it to Staunton.

If Bernage designs to sell his commission and stay at home, pray let him
tell me so, that my recommendation to the Duke of Argyle may not be in
vain.

LETTER 16.

LONDON, Feb. 10, 1710-11.

I have just despatched my fifteenth to the post; I tell you how things
will be, after I have got a letter from MD. I am in furious haste
to finish mine, for fear of having two of MD's to answer in one of
Presto's, which would be such a disgrace, never saw the like; but,
before you write to me, I write at my leisure, like a gentleman, a
little every day, just to let you know how matters go, and so and
so; and I hope before this comes to you, you'll h