llow was printer of the Examiner, which is now laid
down.(8) I dined with the Secretary: we were a dozen in all, three
Scotch lords, and Lord Peterborow. The Duke of Hamilton(9) would needs
be witty, and hold up my train as I walked upstairs. It is an ill
circumstance that on Sundays much company always meet at the great
tables. Lord Treasurer told at Court what I said to Mr. Secretary on
this occasion. The Secretary showed me his bill of fare, to encourage me
to dine with him. "Poh," said I, "show me a bill of company, for I value
not your dinner." See how this is all blotted,(10) I can write no more
here, but to tell you I love MD dearly, and God bless them.

30. In my conscience, I fear I shall have the gout. I sometimes feel
pains about my feet and toes: I never drank till within these two years,
and I did it to cure my head. I often sit evenings with some of these
people, and drink in my turn; but I am now resolved to drink ten times
less than before; but they advise me to let what I drink be all wine,
and not to put water to it. Tooke and the printer stayed to-day to
finish their affair, and treated me and two of the Under Secretaries
upon their getting the Gazette. Then I went to see Lord Treasurer, and
chid him for not taking notice of me at Windsor. He said he kept a place
for me yesterday at dinner, and expected me there; but I was glad I did
not go, because the Duke of Buckingham was there, and that would have
made us acquainted; which I have no mind to. However, we appointed to
sup at Mr. Masham's, and there stayed till past one o'clock; and that is
late, sirrahs: and I have much business.

31. I have sent a noble haunch of venison this afternoon to Mrs.
Vanhomrigh: I wish you had it, sirrahs. I dined gravely with my landlord
the Secretary. The Queen was abroad to-day in order to hunt; but,
finding it disposed to rain, she kept in her coach; she hunts in a
chaise with one horse, which she drives herself, and drives furiously,
like Jehu, and is a mighty hunter, like Nimrod. Dingley has heard of
Nimrod, but not Stella, for it is in the Bible. I was to-day at Eton,
which is but just cross the bridge, to see my Lord Kerry's son,(11) who
is at school there. Mr. Secretary has given me a warrant for a buck; I
can't send it to MD. It is a sad thing, faith, considering how Presto
loves MD, and how MD would love Presto's venison for Presto's sake. God
bless the two dear Wexford girls!

Aug. 1. We had for dinner the