see a fine old library he has bought; and my fingers itched, as yours would do at a china-shop; but I resisted, and found everything too dear, and I have fooled away too much money that way already.  So go and drink your waters, saucy rogue, and make yourself well; and pray walk while you are there:  I have a notion there is never a good walk in Ireland.[11] Do you find all places without trees?  Pray observe the inhabitants about Wexford; they are old English; see what they have particular in their manners, names, and language:  magpies have been always there, and nowhere else in Ireland, till of late years.  They say the cocks and dogs go to sleep at noon, and so do the people.  Write your travels, and bring home good eyes and health.

10.  I dined to-day with Lord Treasurer:  we did not sit down till four.  I despatched three businesses with him, and forgot a fourth.  I think I have got a friend an employment; and besides I made him consent to let me bring Congreve to dine with him.  You must understand I have a mind to do a small thing, only turn out all the Queen’s physicians; for in my conscience they will soon kill her among them.  And I must talk over that matter with some people.  My Lord Treasurer told me the Queen and he between them have lost the paper about the First-Fruits, but desires I will let the bishops know it shall be done with the first opportunity.

11.  I dined to-day with neighbour Van, and walked pretty well in the Park this evening.  Stella, hussy, don’t you remember, sirrah, you used to reproach me about meddling in other folk’s affairs?  I have enough of it now:  two people came to me to-night in the Park to engage to speak to Lord Treasurer in their behalf, and I believe they make up fifty who have asked me the same favour.  I am hardened, and resolve to trouble him, or any other Minister, less than ever.  And I observe those who have ten times more credit than I will not speak a word for anybody.  I met yesterday the poor lad I told you of, who lived with Mr. Tenison,[12] who has been ill of an ague ever since I saw him.  He looked wretchedly, and was exceeding thankful for half a crown I gave him.  He had a crown from me before.

12.  I dined to-day with young Manley[13] in the City, who is to get me out a box of books and a hamper of wine from Hamburg.  I inquired of Mr. Stratford, who tells me that Cairnes has not yet paid my two hundred pounds, but shams and delays from day to day.  Young Manley’s wife is a very indifferent person of a young woman, goggle-eyed, and looks like a fool:  yet he is a handsome fellow, and married her for love after long courtship, and she refused him until he got his last employment.—­I believe I shall not be so good a boy for writing as I was during your stay at Wexford, unless I may send my letters every second time to Curry’s; pray let me know.  This, I think, shall go there:  or why not to Wexford itself?  That is right, and so it shall this next Tuesday, although it costs you tenpence.  What care I?