ned out every day; as Sir John
Holland the Comptroller, and many others. And so get you gone to your
cards, and your claret and orange, at the Dean's; and I'll go write.

7. I wonder when this letter will be finished: it must go by Tuesday,
that's certain; and if I have one from MD before, I will not answer it,
that's as certain too. 'Tis now morning, and I did not finish my papers
for Mr. Harley last night; for you must understand Presto was sleepy,
and made blunders and blots. Very pretty that I must be writing to young
women in a morning fresh and fasting, faith. Well, good-morrow to
you; and so I go to business, and lay aside this paper till night,
sirrahs.--At night. Jack How(33) told Harley that if there were a lower
place in hell than another, it was reserved for his porter, who tells
lies so gravely, and with so civil a manner. This porter I have had to
deal with, going this evening at four to visit Mr. Harley, by his own
appointment. But the fellow told me no lie, though I suspected every
word he said. He told me his master was just gone to dinner, with much
company, and desired I would come an hour hence: which I did, expecting
to hear Mr. Harley was gone out; but they had just done dinner. Mr.
Harley came out to me, brought me in, and presented to me his son-in-law
Lord Doblane(34) (or some such name) and his own son,(35) and, among
others, Will Penn(36) the Quaker: we sat two hours drinking as good wine
as you do; and two hours more he and I alone; where he heard me tell my
business; entered into it with all kindness; asked for my powers, and
read them; and read likewise a memorial(37) I had drawn up, and put it
in his pocket to show the Queen; told me the measures he would take;
and, in short, said everything I could wish: told me, he must bring Mr.
St. John(38) (Secretary of State) and me acquainted; and spoke so many
things of personal kindness and esteem for me, that I am inclined half
to believe what some friends have told me, that he would do everything
to bring me over. He has desired to dine with me (what a comical mistake
was that!). I mean he has desired me to dine with him on Tuesday; and
after four hours being with him, set me down at St. James's Coffee-house
in a hackney-coach. All this is odd and comical, if you consider him and
me. He knew my Christian name very well. I could not forbear saying thus
much upon this matter, although you will think it tedious. But I'll tell
you; you must know, 'ti