etc.) that I have no imagination of Mr. Pratt's[20] losing his place: and
while Pratt continues, Clements is in no danger; and I have already engaged
Lord Hyde[21] he speaks of, for Pratt and twenty others; but, if such a thing
should happen, I will do what I can. I have above ten businesses of other
people's now on my hands, and, I believe, shall miscarry in half. It is your
sixth I now have received. I writ last post to the Bishop of Clogher again.
Shall I send this to-morrow? Well, I will, to oblige MD. Which would you
rather, a short letter every week, or a long one every fortnight? A long
one; well, it shall be done, and so good-night. Well, but is this a long one?
No, I warrant you: too long for naughty girls.

23. I only ask, have you got both the ten pounds, or only the first; I hope
you mean both. Pray be good housewives; and I beg you to walk when you can,
for health. Have you the horse in town? and do you ever ride him? how often?
Confess. Ahhh, sirrah, have I caught you? Can you contrive to let Mrs.
Fenton[22] know, that the request she has made me in her letter I will use
what credit I have to bring about, although I hear it is very difficult, and I
doubt I shall not succeed? Cox is not to be your Chancellor: all joined
against him. I have been supping with Lord Peterborow at his house, with
Prior, Lewis, and Dr. Freind. 'Tis the ramblingest lying rogue on earth. Dr.
Raymond is come to town: 'tis late, and so I bid you good-night.

24. I tell you, pretty management! Ned Southwell told me the other day he
had a letter from the bishops of Ireland, with an address to the Duke of
Ormond, to intercede with the Queen to take off the First-Fruits. I dined
with him to-day, and saw it, with another letter to him from the Bishop of
Kildare,[23] to call upon me for the papers, etc.; and I had last post one
from the Archbishop of Dublin, telling me the reason of this proceeding; that,
upon hearing the Duke of Ormond was declared Lord Lieutenant, they met; and
the bishops were for this project, and talked coldly of my being solicitor, as