that is
not much, many people do so; but I never heard of anybody that ever had
it more than in fancy, so that will not be strange if you should miss
on't. One may be happy to a good degree, I think, in a faithful friend,
a moderate fortune, and a retired life; further than this I know nothing
to wish; but if there be anything beyond it, I wish it you.

You did not tell me what carried you out of town in such haste. I hope
the occasion was good, you must account to me for all that I lost by it.
I shall expect a whole packet next week. Oh, me! I have forgot this once
or twice to tell you, that if it be no inconvenience to you, I could
wish you would change the place of direction for my letters. Certainly
that Jones knows my name, I bespoke a saddle of him once, and though it
be a good while agone, yet I was so often with him about it,--having
much ado to make him understand how I would have it, it being of a
fashion he had never seen, though, sure, it be common,--that I am
confident he has not forgot me. Besides that, upon it he got my
brother's custom; and I cannot tell whether he does not use the shop
still. Jane presents her humble service to you, and has sent you
something in a box; 'tis hard to imagine what she can find here to
present you withal, and I am much in doubt whether you will not pay too
dear for it if you discharge the carriage. 'Tis a pretty freedom she
takes, but you may thank yourself; she thinks because you call her
fellow-servant, she may use you accordingly. I bred her better, but you
have spoiled her.

Is it true that my Lord Whitlocke goes Ambassador where my Lord Lisle
should have gone? I know not how he may appear in a Swedish Court, but
he was never meant for a courtier at home, I believe. Yet 'tis a
gracious Prince; he is often in this country, and always does us the
favour to send for his fruit hither. He was making a purchase of one of
the best houses in the county. I know not whether he goes on with it;
but 'tis such a one as will not become anything less than a lord. And
there is a talk as if the Chancery were going down; if so, his title
goes with it, I think. 'Twill be sad news for my Lord Keble's son; he
will have nothing left to say when "my Lord, my father," is taken from
him. Were it not better that I had nothing to say neither, than that I
should entertain you with such senseless things. I hope I am half
asleep, nothing else can excuse me; if I were quite asleep, I should say
fin