one that was favoured by t'other party, etc., but desired that I would still
solicit.[24] Now the wisdom of this is admirable; for I had given the
Archbishop an account of my reception from Mr. Harley, and how he had spoken
to the Queen, and promised it should be done; but Mr. Harley ordered me to
tell no person alive. Some time after, he gave me leave to let the Primate
and Archbishop know that the Queen had remitted the First-Fruits; and that in
a short time they should have an account of it in form from Lord Dartmouth,
Secretary of State. So while their letter was on the road to the Duke of
Ormond and Southwell, mine was going to them with an account of the thing
being done. I writ a very warm answer[25] to the Archbishop immediately; and
showed my resentments, as I ought, against the bishops; only, in good manners,
excepting himself. I wonder what they will say when they hear the thing is
done. I was yesterday forced to tell Southwell so, that the Queen had done
it, etc.; for he said, my Lord Duke would think of it some months hence, when
he was going for Ireland; and he had it three years in doing formerly, without
any success. I give you free leave to say, on occasion, that it is done; and
that Mr. Harley prevailed on the Queen to do it, etc., as you please. As I
hope to live, I despise the credit of it, out of an excess of pride; and
desire you will not give me the least merit when you talk of it; but I would
vex the bishops, and have it spread that Mr. Harley had done it: pray do so.
Your mother sent me last night a parcel of wax candles, and a bandbox full of
small plumcakes. I thought it had been something for you; and, without
opening them, sent answer by the maid that brought them, that I would take
care to send the things, etc.; but I will write her thanks. Is this a long
letter, sirrahs? Now, are you satisfied? I have had no fit since the
first: I drink brandy every morning, and take pills every night. Never fear,
I an't vexed at this puppy business of the bishops, although I was a little at
first. I will tell you my reward: Mr. Harley will think he has done me a
favour; the Duke of Ormond, perhaps, that I have put a neglect on him; and the
bishops in Ireland, that I have done nothing at all. So goes the world. But