14.  Lord Shelburne was with me this morning, to be informed of the state of affairs, and desired I would answer all his objections against a peace, which was soon done, for he would not give me room to put in a word.  He is a man of good sense enough; but argues so violently, that he will some day or other put himself into a consumption.  He desires that he may not be denied when he comes to see me, which I promised, but will not perform.  Leigh and Sterne set out for Ireland on Monday se’nnight:  I suppose they will be with you long before this.—­I was to-night drinking very good wine in scurvy company, at least some of them; I was drawn in, but will be more cautious for the future; ’tis late, etc.

15.  Morning.  They say the Occasional Bill[19] is brought to-day into the House of Lords; but I know not.  I will now put an end to my letter, and give it into the post-house myself.  This will be a memorable letter, and I shall sigh to see it some years hence.  Here are the first steps toward the ruin of an excellent Ministry; for I look upon them as certainly ruined; and God knows what may be the consequences.—­I now bid my dearest MD farewell; for company is coming, and I must be at Lord Dartmouth’s office by noon.  Farewell, dearest MD; I wish you a merry Christmas; I believe you will have this about that time.  Love Presto, who loves MD above all things a thousand times.  Farewell again, dearest MD, etc.

LETTER 37.

London, Dec. 15, 1711.

I put in my letter this evening myself.  I was to-day inquiring at the Secretary’s office of Mr. Lewis how things went:  I there met Prior, who told me he gave all for gone, etc., and was of opinion the whole Ministry would give up their places next week:  Lewis thinks they will not till spring, when the session is over; both of them entirely despair.  I went to see Mrs. Masham, who invited me to dinner; but I was engaged to Lewis.  At four I went to Masham’s.  He came and whispered me that he had it from a very good hand that all would be well, and I found them both very cheerful.  The company was going to the opera, but desired I would come and sup with them.  I did so at ten, and Lord Treasurer was there, and sat with us till past twelve, and was more cheerful than I have seen him these ten days.  Mrs. Masham told me he was mightily cast down some days ago, and he could not indeed hide it from me.  Arbuthnot is in good hopes that the Queen has not betrayed us, but only has been frightened, and flattered, etc.  But I cannot yet be of his opinion, whether my reasons are better, or that my fears are greater.  I do resolve, if they give up, or are turned out soon, to retire for some months, and I have pitched upon the place already:  but I will take methods for hearing from MD, and writing to them.  But I would be out of the way upon the first of the ferment; for they lay all things on me, even some I have never read.