Emperor.  I tell you this, because it is odds but this Mr. Dyot will be hanged; for he is discovered to have counterfeited stamped paper, in which he was a Commissioner; and, with his accomplices, has cheated the Queen of a hundred thousand pounds.  You will hear of it before this come to you, but may be not so particularly; and it is a very odd accident in such a man.  Smoke Presto writing news to MD.  I dined to-day with Lord Mountjoy at Kensington, and walked from thence this evening to town like an emperor.  Remember that yesterday, October 2, was a cruel hard frost, with ice; and six days ago I was dying with heat.  As thin as the town is, I have more dinners than ever; and am asked this month by some people, without being able to come for pre-engagements.  Well, but I should write plainer, when I consider Stella cannot read,[21] and Dingley is not so skilful at my ugly hand.  I had tonight a letter from Mr. Pratt, who tells me Joe will have his money when there are trustees appointed by the Lord Lieutenant for receiving and disposing the linen fund; and whenever those trustees are appointed, I will solicit whoever is Lord Lieutenant, and am in no fear of succeeding.  So pray tell or write him word, and bid him not be cast down; for Ned Southwell[22] and Mr. Addison both think Pratt in the right.  Don’t lose your money at Manley’s to-night, sirrahs.

4.  After I had put out my candle last night, my landlady came into my room, with a servant of Lord Halifax, to desire I would go dine with him at his house near Hampton Court; but I sent him word, I had business of great importance that hindered me, etc.  And to-day I was brought privately to Mr. Harley, who received me with the greatest respect and kindness imaginable:  he has appointed me an hour on Saturday at four, afternoon, when I will open my business to him; which expression I would not use if I were a woman.  I know you smoked it; but I did not till I writ it.  I dined to-day at Mr. Delaval’s, the Envoy for Portugal, with Nic Rowe[23] the poet, and other friends; and I gave my lampoon to be printed.  I have more mischief in my heart; and I think it shall go round with them all, as this hits, and I can find hints.  I am certain I answered your 2d letter, and yet I do not find it here.  I suppose it was in my 4th:  and why N. 2d, 3d; is it not enough to say, as I do, 1, 2, 3? etc.  I am going to work at another Tatler:[24] I’ll be far enough but I say the same thing over two or three times, just as I do when I am talking to little MD; but what care I? they can read it as easily as I can write it:  I think I have brought these lines pretty straight again.  I fear it will be long before I finish two sides at this rate.  Pray, dear MD, when I occasionally give you any little commission mixed with my letters, don’t forget it, as that to Morgan and Joe, etc., for I write just as I can remember, otherwise I would put them all together.  I was to visit Mr. Sterne to-day, and give him your commission about handkerchiefs:  that of chocolate I will do myself, and send it him when he goes, and you’ll pay me when the GIVER’S bread,[25] etc.  To-night I will read a pamphlet, to amuse myself.  God preserve your dear healths!