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