“You must undoubtedly have heard, that the Duchess took up my defence with the King and Queen, in the cause of my play, and that she has been forbid the Court for interesting herself to increase my fortune, by the publication of it without being acted.  The Duke, too, has given up his employment (which he would have done if the Duchess had not met with this treatment) upon account of ill-usage from the Ministers; but this hardened him in what he had determined.

“The play [’Polly ’] is now almost printed, with the music, words, and basses, engraved on thirty-one copper-plates, which, by my friends’ assistance, has a possibility to turn greatly to my advantage.  The Duchess of Marlborough has given me a hundred pounds for one copy; and others have contributed very handsomely; but as my account is not yet settled, I cannot tell you particulars.

“For writing in the cause of virtue, and against the fashionable vices, I am looked upon at present as the most obnoxious person, almost, in England.  Mr. Pulteney tells me I have got the start of him.  Mr. Pope tells me that I am dead, and that this obnoxiousness is the reward for my inoffensiveness in my former life.

“I wish I had a book ready to send you; but I believe I shall not be able to complete the work till the latter end of next week....

“I am impatient to finish my work, for I want the country air; not that I am ill, but to recover my strength; and I cannot leave my work till it is finished.

“While I am writing this, I am in the room next to our dining-room, with sheets all around it, and two people from the binder folding sheets.  I print the book at my own expense, in quarto, which is to be sold for six shillings, with the music.

“You see I do not want industry; and I hope you will allow that I have not the worst economy.

“Mrs. Howard has declared herself strongly, both to the King and Queen, as my advocate.  The Duchess of Queensberry is allowed to have shown more spirit, more honour, and more goodness, than was thought possible in our times; I should have added, too, more understanding and good sense.

“You see my fortune (as I hope my virtue will) increases by oppression.  I go to no Courts, I drink no wine; and am calumniated even by Ministers of State; and yet am in good spirits.

“Most of the courtiers, though otherwise my friends, refused to contribute to my undertaking.  But the City, and the people of England, take my part very warmly; and, I am told, the best of the citizens will give me proofs of it by their contributions.

“I cannot omit telling you, that Dr. Arbuthnot’s attendance and care of me showed him the best of friends.  Dr. Hollins, though entirely a stranger to me, was joined with him, and used me in the kindest and most handsome manner."[2]

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