LETTER XCV. SIR GODFREY KNELLER TO MR. POPE. DEAR FRIEND, I HOPE your genus dos and will know myn is with the most acceptable and most accomplished company to-morrow; for my body is in no condition to stirr out of my bed as jet, and has had no rest these two nights but what it snatches and gets in the day times by fits; and I believe my left lag will be out of order a good wyle. Pray give my hearty good will to the compa. for the deeds, and my most humble servis, being ever yours. DEAR FRIEND, LETTER XCVI. FROM THE SAME. I FIND them pictures are so very fresh, being painted in three collers, and ought to be near a fier several days; for as they are, it is impracticable to put them where you intend. It would be pitty they should take dust. Jenny stays here 8 or 10 days, and will not fail of sending them when reddy; and I am, giving my hearty and humble servis to your dear mother, dear Mr. Pope, Your, etc. DEAR MR. POPE, LETTER XCVII. FROM THE SAME. I BELIEVE this will be card playrs evning, and we may do how we please. clock, you may see me paint. If you come about 4 a To-morrow I am en gaged to goe to Harrow the Hill with ing ever, dear friend, company, be Your, etc. SIR, LETTER XCVIII. FROM THE SAME. From Great Queen-Street, I ́AM in towne, and have louck'd for beds and bedsteads, which must cost ten pounds a year. When I promised to provide them you had maid no mention of the towne rates, which I am to pay, and will be 5 pounds a year at least, and which would be 15 pounds per annum whit the beds; and that house did let for 45 a year when I bought it; so that all I have laid out being near 400 pound, would be done for nothing, of which you will consider and let me know your mind. The stables are fitted as you gentlemen ordered them to be, and all the painting will be done to-morrow or Thursday, with whenscoating in the quickest manner and best; and if you can stay till Saturday let me know your pleasure about the beds and bedsteads, for them I cannot provide. You may have 6, of which two are to have courtins, for 10 pounds a year; and am, giving my most humble respects to my Lady Mery Whortly, Your, etc. I thought one might have such beds and bedsteads for 4 or 5 pounds a-year; and which I would have done if no rates prop. LETTER XCIX. MR. JERVAS TO MR. POPE. DEAR MR. POPE, August 12, 1715, London. I WOULD not have failed by Tuesday's post, but that the Doctor could not be near positive as to the time, but yesterday we met on horseback and took two or three turns near the camp, partly to see my new horse's going, and partly to name something like the day of setting forth, and the manner thereof: viz. that on Thursday next (God willing) Doctor A- Dr. Disney, and C. Jervas, rendezvous at Hyde-Park-corner about noon, and proceed to Mr. Hill's, at Eggam, to lodge there on Friday, to meet with Mr. Pope upon the road to proceed together to Lord Stowell's, and there also to lodge. The next day, Saturday, to Sir William Windham's, and to rest there the Lord's Day. On Monday, forward again towards Bath, or Wilton, or as we shall then agree. The Doctor proposes that himself or his man ride my spare horse, and that I leave all equipage to be sent to Bath by the carrier with your portmanteau. The Doctor says he will allow none of his friends so much as a night gown or slippers for the road, so a shirt and cravat in your pocket is all you must think of in his new scheme. His servant may be bribed to make room for that. You shall have a shorter and less bridle sent down on Saturday, and the other shall be returned in due time. The taylor shall be chastised if 'tis really negligence in his art, but if 'tis only vapours, you must beg pardon. The linnen and stockings out of your portmanteau may go with the bridle. I forgot to tell you that the third day is to be Oxford University, and the Monday following to Sir W. Windham's. The French king has been indisposed, and methinks he is in an ill way, &c.-Service to every body. DEAR MR. P. LETTER C. FROM THE SAME. Your, etc. Tuesday 2. THOUGH I have not a syllable to say of more certainty than the last post, yet I write.-I hold myself in readiness, in spite of a demand for pictures. The Counsellor Bick has purchased a nag for his equipage, and waits our motions. He was here yesterday, and to-morrow, Wensday evening, we are to taste Devonshire cyder with Mr. Applestone at his lodgings. The Court opiniate it that the P-is coming.They have no account of Ormond's arrival in France, though they have certain intelligence that he went off at Shoreham, in Sussex, ten days ago. I design to know Arbuthnot's determination to-morrow.Service to every body. I am, etc. LETTER CI. FROM THE SAME. Wensday, 11 o'clock at Noon. LADY Mary W -y ordered me by an express this Wensday morning, sedente Gayo et ridente Fortescuvio, to send you a letter, or some other proper notice, to come to her on Thursday, about five o'clock, which I suppose she meant in the evening. Gay designed to have been with you to-day, and I would have had him delivered this welcome message, but he durst not venture to answer for your coming upon his asseverations, you having interchangeably so accustomed yourselves to lying, that you cannot believe one another, though upon never so serious an occasion. He will be ready to go back with you. Fortescue's service and mine to all. We are Yours, etc. |