I have got above all this, and, perhaps, I have better reason for it than they
know: and so you shall hear no more of First-Fruits, dukes, Harleys,
archbishops, and Southwells.

I have slipped off Raymond upon some of his countrymen, to show him the town,
etc., and I lend him Patrick. He desires to sit with me in the evenings; upon
which I have given Patrick positive orders that I am not within at evenings.



LETTER 10.

LONDON, Nov. 25, 1710.

I will tell you something that's plaguy silly: I had forgot to say on the 23d
in my last, where I dined; and because I had done it constantly, I thought it
was a great omission, and was going to interline it; but at last the silliness
of it made me cry, Pshah, and I let it alone. I was to-day to see the
Parliament meet; but only saw a great crowd; and Ford and I went to see the
tombs at Westminster, and sauntered so long I was forced to go to an eating-
house for my dinner. Bromley[1] is chosen Speaker, nemine contradicente: Do
you understand those two words? And Pompey, Colonel Hill's[2] black, designs
to stand Speaker for the footmen.[3] I am engaged to use my interest for him,
and have spoken to Patrick to get him some votes. We are now all impatient
for the Queen's speech, what she will say about removing the Ministry, etc. I
have got a cold, and I don't know how; but got it I have, and am hoarse: I
don't know whether it will grow better or worse. What's that to you? I
won't answer your letter to-night. I'll keep you a little longer in suspense:
I can't send it. Your mother's cakes are very good, and one of them serves me
for a breakfast, and so I'll go sleep like a good boy.