16.  I was busy to-day at the Secretary’s office, and stayed till past three.  The Duke of Ormond and I were to dine at Lord Orkney’s.  The Duke was at the Committee, so I thought all was safe.  When I went there, they had almost dined; for the Duke had sent to excuse himself, which I never knew.  I came home at seven, and began a little whim, which just came into my head; and will make a threepenny pamphlet.[21] It shall be finished and out in a week; and if it succeeds, you shall know what it is; otherwise, not.  I cannot send this to-morrow, and will put it off till next Saturday, because I have much business.  So my journals shall be short, and Ppt must have patience.  So nite, dee sollahs.

17.  This rogue Parnell has not yet corrected his poem, and I would fain have it out.  I dined to-day with Lord Treasurer, and his Saturday company, nine of us in all.  They went away at seven, and Lord Treasurer and I sat talking an hour after.  After dinner he was talking to the lords about the speech the Queen must make when the Parliament meets.  He asked me how I would make it.  I was going to be serious, because it was seriously put; but I turned it to a jest.  And because they had been speaking of the Duchess of Marlborough going to Flanders after the Duke, I said the speech should begin thus:  “My Lords and Gentlemen, In order to my own quiet, and that of my subjects, I have thought fit to send the Duchess of Marlborough abroad after the Duke.”  This took well, and turned off the discourse.  I must tell you I do not at all like the present situation of affairs, and remember I tell you so.  Things must be on another foot, or we are all undone.  I hate this driving always to an inch.  Nite MD.

18.  We had a mighty full Court to-day.  Dilly was with me at the French church, and edified mightily.  The Duke of Ormond and I dined at Lord Orkney’s; but I left them at seven, and came home to my whim.  I have made a great progress.  My large Treatise[22] stands stock still.  Some think it too dangerous to publish, and would have me print only what relates to the peace.  I cannot tell what I shall do.—­The Bishop of Dromore is dying.  They thought yesterday he could not live two hours; yet he is still alive, but is utterly past all hopes.  Go to cards, sollahs, and nite.

19.  I was this morning to see the Duke and Duchess of Ormond.  The Duke d’Aumont came in while I was with the Duke of Ormond, and we complimented each other like dragons.  A poor fellow called at the door where I lodge, with a parcel of oranges for a present for me.  I bid my man know what his name was, and whence he came.  He sent word his name was Bun, and that I knew him very well.  I bid my man tell him I was busy, and he could not speak to me; and not to let him leave his oranges.  I know no more of it, but I am sure I never heard the name, and I shall take no such presents from strangers.  Perhaps he might be only some beggar, who wanted a little money.  Perhaps it might be something worse.  Let them keep their poison for their rats.  I don’t love it.[23] That blot is a blunder.  Nite dee MD. . . .