of having scurvy acquaintance.  Three ladies were railing against me some time ago, and said they were very well acquainted with me; two of which I had never heard of, and the third I had only seen twice where I happened to visit.  A man who has once seen me in a coffee-house will ask me how I do, when he sees me talking at Court with a Minister of State; who is sure to ask me how I came acquainted with that scoundrel.  But come, sirrahs, this is all stuff to you, so I’ll say no more on this side the paper, but turn over.

23.  My printer invited Mr. Lewis and me to dine at a tavern to-day, which I have not done five times since I came to England; I never will call it Britain, pray don’t call it Britain.  My week is not out, and one side of this paper is out, and I have a letter to answer of MD’s into the bargain:  must I write on the third side? faith, that will give you an ill habit.  I saw Leigh last night:  he gives a terrible account of Sterne; he reckons he is seduced by some wench; he is over head and ears in debt, and has pawned several things.  Leigh says he goes on Monday next for Ireland, but believes Sterne will not go with him; Sterne has kept him these three months.  Leigh has got the apron and things, and promises to call for the box at Chester; but I despair of it.  Good-night, sirrahs; I have been late abroad.

24.  I have finished my pamphlet[8] to-day, which has cost me so much time and trouble:  it will be published in three or four days, when the Parliament begins sitting.  I suppose the Queen is come to town, but know nothing, having been in the City finishing and correcting with the printer.  When I came home, I found letters on my table as usual, and one from your mother, to tell me that you desire your writings and a picture should be sent to me, to be sent over to you.  I have just answered her letter, and promised to take care of them if they be sent to me.  She is at Farnham:  it is too late to send them by Leigh; besides, I will wait your orders, Madam Stella.  I am going to finish a letter to Lord Treasurer about reforming our language;[9] but first I must put an end to a ballad; and go you to your cards, sirrahs, this is card season.

25.  I was early with the Secretary to-day, but he was gone to his devotions, and to receive the sacrament:  several rakes did the same; it was not for piety, but employments; according to Act of Parliament.  I dined with Lady Mary Dudley;[10] and passed my time since insipidly, only I was at Court at noon, and saw fifty acquaintance I had not met this long time:  that is the advantage of a Court, and I fancy I am better known than any man that goes there.  Sir John Walter’s[11] quarrel with me has entertained the town ever since; and yet we never had a word, only he railed at me behind my back.  The Parliament is again to be prorogued for eight or nine days, for the Whigs are too strong in the House of Lords:  other reasons are pretended, but that is the truth.  The prorogation is not yet known, but will be to-morrow.