day.

30. I dined with Stratford to-day, but am not to see Mr. Harley till
Wednesday: it is late, and I send this before there is occasion for the bell;
because I would have Joe have his letter, and Parvisol too; which you must so
contrive as not to cost them double postage. I can say no more, but that I
am, etc.



LETTER 5.

LONDON, Sept. 30, 1710.

Han't I brought myself into a fine praemunire,[1] to begin writing letters in
whole sheets? and now I dare not leave it off. I cannot tell whether you like
these journal letters: I believe they would be dull to me to read them over;
but, perhaps, little MD is pleased to know how Presto passes his time in her
absence. I always begin my last the same day I ended my former. I told you
where I dined to-day at a tavern with Stratford: Lewis,[2] who is a great
favourite of Harley's, was to have been with us; but he was hurried to Hampton
Court, and sent his excuse; and that next Wednesday he would introduce me to
Harley. 'Tis good to see what a lamentable confession the Whigs all make me
of my ill usage: but I mind them not. I am already represented to Harley as
a discontented person, that was used ill for not being Whig enough; and I hope
for good usage from him. The Tories drily tell me, I may make my fortune, if
I please; but I do not understand them--or rather, I do understand them.

Oct. 1. To-day I dined at Molesworth's, the Florence Envoy; and sat this
evening with my friend Darteneuf,[3] whom you have heard me talk of; the