28.  My cold is so bad that I could not go to church today, nor to Court; but I was engaged to Lord Orkney’s with the Duke of Ormond, at dinner; and ventured, because I could cough and spit there as I pleased.  The Duke and Lord Arran left us, and I have been sitting ever since with Lord and Lady Orkney till past eleven:  and my cold is worse, and makes me giddy.  I hope it is only my cold.  Oh, says Ppt, everybody is giddy with a cold; I hope it is no more; but I’ll go to bed, for the fellow has bawled “Past twelve.”  Night, deels.

29.  I got out early to-day, and escaped all my duns.  I went to see Lord Bolingbroke about some business, and truly he was gone out too.  I dined in the City upon the broiled leg of a goose and a bit of brawn, with my printer.  Did I tell you that I forbear printing what I have in hand, till the Court decides something about me?  I will contract no more enemies, at least I will not embitter worse those I have already, till I have got under shelter; and the Ministers know my resolution, so that you may be disappointed in seeing this thing as soon as you expected.  I hear Lord Treasurer is out of order.  My cold is very bad.  Every[body] has one.  Nite two dee logues.

30.  I suppose this will be full by Saturday; zen[21] it sall go.  Duke of Ormond, Lord Arran, and I, dined privately to-day at an old servant’s house of his.  The Council made us part at six.  One Mrs. Ramsay dined with us; an old lady of about fifty-five, that we are all very fond of.  I called this evening at Lord Treasurer’s, and sat with him two hours.  He has been cupped for a cold, and has been very ill.  He cannot dine with Parnell and me at Lord Bolingbroke’s to-morrow, but says he will see Parnell some other time.  I hoise[22] up Parnell partly to spite the envious Irish folks here, particularly Tom Leigh.  I saw the Bishop of Clogher’s family to-day; Miss is mighty ill of a cold, coughs incessantly.[23] Nite MD.

31.  To-day Parnell and I dined with Lord Bolingbroke, to correct Parnell’s poem.  I made him show all the places he disliked; and when Parnell has corrected it fully he shall print it.  I went this evening to sit with Lord Treasurer.  He is better, and will be out in a day or two.  I sat with him while the young folks went to supper; and then went down, and there were the young folks merry together, having turned Lady Oxford up to my lord, and I stayed with them till twelve.  There was the young couple, Lord and Lady Caermarthen, and Lord and Lady Dupplin, and Lord Harley and I; and the old folks were together above.  It looked like what I have formerly done so often; stealing together from the old folks, though indeed it was not from poor Lord Treasurer, who is as young a fellow as any of us:  but Lady Oxford is a silly mere old woman.[24] My cold is still so bad that I have not the least smelling.  I am just got home, and ’tis past twelve; and I’ll go to bed, and settle my head, heavy as lead.  Nite MD.