Pray, Madam, blow your nose with a piece of flannel-not that I believe it will do you the least good—­but, as all wise folks think it becomes them to recommend nursing and flannelling the gout, imitate them; and I don’t know any other way of lapping it up, when it appears in the person of a running cold.  I will make it a visit on Tuesday next, and shall hope to find it tolerably vented.

P. S. You must tell me all the news when I arrive, for I know nothing of what is passing.  I have only seen in the papers, that the cock and hen doves(262) that went to Paris not having been able to make peace, there is a third dove(263) just flown thither to help them.

(261) Lady Mary Chabot, daughter of the Earl of Stafford.

(262) The Duke and Duchess of Bedford.

(263) Mr. Hans Stanley.

letter 143 To George Montagu, Esq.  Arlington Street, Thursday, Nov. 4, 1762. (page 200)

The events of these last eight days will make you stare.  This day se’nnight the Duke of Devonshire came to town, was flatly refused an audience, and gave up his key.  Yesterday Lord Rockingham resigned, and your cousin Manchester was named to the bedchamber.  The King then in council called for the book, and dashed out the Duke of Devonshire’s name.  If you like spirit, en Voila!  Do you know I am sorry for all this?  You will not suspect me of tenderness for his grace of Devonshire, nor, recollecting how the whole house of Cavendish treated me on my breach with my uncle, will any affronts, that happen to them, call forth my tears.  But I think the act too violent and too serious, and dipped in a deeper dye than I like in politics.  Squabbles, and speeches, and virtue, and prostitution, amuse one sometimes; less and less indeed every day; but measures, from which you must advance and cannot retreat, is a game too deep; one neither knows who may be involved, nor where may be the end.  It is not pleasant.  Adieu!

Letter 144 To The Rev. Mr. Cole.  Strawberry Hill, Nov. 13, 1762. (page 201)

Dear sir, You will easily guess that my delay in answering your obliging letter, was solely owing to my not knowing whither to direct to you.  I waited till I thought you may be returned home.  Thank you for all the trouble you have given, and do give yourself for me; it is vastly more than I deserve.

Duke Richard’s portrait I willingly wave, at least for the present, till one can find out who he is.  I have more curiosity about the figures of Henry VII. at Christ’s College.  I shall be glad some time or other to visit them, to see how far either of them agree with his portrait in my picture of his marriage.  St. Ethelreda was mighty welcome.

We have had variety of weather since I saw you, but I fear none of the patterns made your journey more agreeable.

Letter 145 To George Montagu, Esq.  Arlington Street, Dec. 20, 1762. (page 201)