fallen away; but he is positive, if he has but ten friends in
the House, that they shall defend him to the utmost, and endeavour to
prevent the least censure upon him, which I think cannot be, since the
bribery is manifest. Sir Solomon Medina(14) paid him six thousand pounds
a year to have the employment of providing bread for the army, and
the Duke owns it in his letter to the Commissioners of Accounts. I was
to-night at Lord Masham's: Lord Dupplin took out my new little pamphlet,
and the Secretary read a great deal of it to Lord Treasurer: they all
commended it to the skies, and so did I, and they began a health to the
author. But I doubt Lord Treasurer suspected; for he said, "This is
Mr. Davenant's style," which is his cant when he suspects me.(15) But
I carried the matter very well. Lord Treasurer put the pamphlet in his
pocket to read at home. I'll answer your letter to-morrow.

24. The Secretary made me promise to dine with him today, after the
Parliament was up: I said I would come; but I dined at my usual time,
knowing the House would sit late on this great affair. I dined at a
tavern with Mr. Domville and another gentleman; I have not done so
before these many months. At ten this evening I went to the Secretary,
but he was not come home: I sat with his lady till twelve, then came
away; and he just came as I was gone, and he sent to my lodgings, but
I would not go back; and so I know not how things have passed, but hope
all is well; and I will tell you to-morrow day. It is late, etc.

25. The Secretary sent to me this morning to know whether we should
dine together. I went to him, and there I learned that the question
went against the Duke of Marlborough, by a majority of a hundred; so the
Ministry is mighty well satisfied, and the Duke will now be able to
do no hurt. The Secretary and I, and Lord Masham, etc., dined with
Lieutenant-General Withers,(16) who is just going to look after the army
in Flanders: the Secretary and I left them a little after seven, and
I am come home, and will now answer your letter, because this goes
to-morrow: let me see--The box at Chester; oh, burn that box, and
hang that Sterne; I have desired one to inquire for it who went toward
Ireland last Monday, but I am in utter despair of it. No, I was not
splenetic; you see what plunges the Court has been at to set all right
again. And that Duchess is not out yet, and may one day cause more
mischief. Somerset shows all about a letter from