should be a bishop, and I have St. Patrick’s; but I believe nothing will come of it, for stay I will not; and so I believe for all oo. . . [13] oo may see me in Dublin before April ends.  I am less out of humour than you would imagine:  and if it were not that impertinent people will condole with me, as they used to give me joy, I would value it less.  But I will avoid company, and muster up my baggage, and send them next Monday by the carrier to Chester, and come and see my willows, against the expectation of all the world.—­Hat care I?  Nite deelest logues, MD.

14.  I dined in the City to-day, and ordered a lodging to be got ready for me against I came to pack up my things; for I will leave this end of the town as soon as ever the warrants for the deaneries are out, which are yet stopped.  Lord Treasurer told Mr. Lewis that it should be determined to-night:  and so he will for[14] a hundred nights.  So he said yesterday, but I value it not.  My daily journals shall be but short till I get into the City, and then I will send away this, and follow it myself; and design to walk it all the way to Chester, my man and I, by ten miles a day.  It will do my health a great deal of good.  I shall do it in fourteen days.  Nite dee MD.

15.  Lord Bolingbroke made me dine with him to-day; he[15] was as good company as ever; and told me the Queen would determine something for me to-night.  The dispute is, Windsor or St. Patrick’s.  I told him I would not stay for their disputes, and he thought I was in the right.  Lord Masham told me that Lady Masham is angry I have not been to see her since this business, and desires I will come to-morrow.  Nite deelest MD.

16.  I was this noon at Lady Masham’s, who was just come from Kensington, where her eldest son is sick.  She said much to me of what she had talked to the Queen and Lord Treasurer.  The poor lady fell a shedding tears openly.  She could not bear to think of my having St. Patrick’s, etc.  I was never more moved than to see so much friendship.  I would not stay with her, but went and dined with Dr. Arbuthnot, with Mr. Berkeley, one of your Fellows, whom I have recommended to the Doctor, and to Lord Berkeley of Stratton.  Mr. Lewis tells me that the Duke of Ormond has been to-day with the Queen; and she was content that Dr. Sterne should be Bishop of Dromore, and I Dean of St. Patrick’s; but then out came Lord Treasurer, and said he would not be satisfied but that I must be Prebend[ary] of Windsor.  Thus he perplexes things.  I expect neither; but I confess, as much as I love England, I am so angry at this treatment that, if I had my choice, I would rather have St. Patrick’s.  Lady Masham says she will speak to purpose to the Queen to-morrow.  Nite, . . . dee MD.

17.  I went to dine at Lady Masham’s to-day, and she was taken ill of a sore throat, and aguish.  She spoke to the Queen last night, but had not much time.  The Queen says she will determine to-morrow with Lord Treasurer.  The warrants for the deaneries are still stopped, for fear I should be gone.  Do you think anything will be done?  I don’t care whether it is or no.  In the meantime, I prepare for my journey, and see no great people, nor will see Lord Treasurer any more, if I go.  Lord Treasurer told Mr. Lewis it should be done to-night; so he said five nights ago.  Nite MD.