they should lose their places:  I doubt he is not able to compass it.  Lord Keeper came in an hour, and they were going upon business.  So I left him, and returned to Mrs. Masham; but she had company with her, and I would not stay.—­ This is a long journal, and of a day that may produce great alterations, and hazard the ruin of England.  The Whigs are all in triumph; they foretold how all this would be, but we thought it boasting.  Nay, they said the Parliament should be dissolved before Christmas, and perhaps it may:  this is all your d-—–­d Duchess of Somerset’s doings.  I warned them of it nine months ago, and a hundred times since:  the Secretary always dreaded it.  I told Lord Treasurer I should have the advantage of him; for he would lose his head, and I should only be hanged, and so carry my body entire to the grave.

9.  I was this morning with Mr. Secretary:  we are both of opinion that the Queen is false.  I told him what I heard, and he confirmed it by other circumstances.  I then went to my friend Lewis, who had sent to see me.  He talks of nothing but retiring to his estate in Wales.  He gave me reasons to believe the whole matter is settled between the Queen and the Whigs; he hears that Lord Somers is to be Treasurer, and believes that, sooner than turn out the Duchess of Somerset, she will dissolve the Parliament, and get a Whiggish one, which may be done by managing elections.  Things are now in the crisis, and a day or two will determine.  I have desired him to engage Lord Treasurer that as soon as he finds the change is resolved on, he will send me abroad as Queen’s Secretary somewhere or other, where I may remain till the new Ministers recall me; and then I will be sick for five or six months, till the storm has spent itself.  I hope he will grant me this; for I should hardly trust myself to the mercy of my enemies while their anger is fresh.  I dined to-day with the Secretary, who affects mirth, and seems to hope all will yet be well.  I took him aside after dinner, told him how I had served them, and had asked no reward, but thought I might ask security; and then desired the same thing of him, to send me abroad before a change.  He embraced me, and swore he would take the same care of me as himself, etc., but bid me have courage, for that in two days my Lord Treasurer’s wisdom would appear greater than ever; that he suffered all that had happened on purpose, and had taken measures to turn it to advantage.  I said, “God send it”; but I do not believe a syllable; and, as far as I can judge, the game is lost.  I shall know more soon, and my letters will at least be a good history to show you the steps of this change.

10.  I was this morning with Lewis, who thinks they will let the Parliament sit till they have given the money, and then dissolve them in spring, and break the Ministry.  He spoke to Lord Treasurer about what I desired him.  My lord desired him with great earnestness to assure me that all would be well, and that I should fear nothing.  I dined in the City with a friend.  This day the Commons went to the Queen with their address, and all the Lords who were for the peace went with them, to show their zeal.  I have now some further conviction that the Queen is false, and it begins to be known.