I was mentioning to Sir Robert some pictures in italy, which I wished him to buy; two particularly, if they can be got, would make him delight in you beyond measure.  They are, a Madonna, and Child, by Dominichino, (252) in the palace Zambeccari, at Boloana, or Caliambec, (253) as they call it; Mr. Chute knows the picture.  The other is by Corregio, in a convent at Parma, and reckoned the second best of that hand in the world.  There are the Madonna and Child, St. Catherine, St. Matthew, and other figures:  it is a most known picture, and has been engraved by Augustin Caracei.  If you can employ any body privately to inquire about these pictures, be so good as to let me know; Sir R. would not scruple almost any price, for he has of neither hand:  the convent is poor:  the Zambeccari collection is to be sold, though, when I inquired after this picture, they would not set a price.

Lord Euston is to be married to Lady Dorothy Boyle (254) tomorrow, after so many delays.  I have received your long letter, and Mr. Chute’s too, which I will answer next post.  I wish I had the least politics to tell you; but all is silent.  The opposition sav not a syllable, because they don’t know what the Court will think of public ’affairs; and they will not take their part till they are sure of contradicting.  The Court will not be very ready to declare themselves, as their present situation is every way disagreeable.  All they say, is to throw the blame entirely on the obstinacy of the Austrian Court, who -,vould never stir or soften for themselves, while they thought any one obliged to defend them.  All I know of news is, that Poland is leaning towards the acquisition side, like her neighbours, and proposes to get a lock of the Golden Fleece too.  Is this any part of Gregory’s (255) negotiation?  I delight in his Scapatta—­“Scappata, no; egli solamente ha preso la posta.”  My service to Seriston; he is charming.

How excessively obliging to go to Madame Grifoni’s (256) festino! but believe me, I shall be angry, if for my sake, you do things that are out of your character:  don’t you know that I am infinitely fonder of that than of her?

I read your story of the Sposa Panciatici at table, to the great entertainment of the company, and Prince Craon’s epitaph, which Lord Cholmley (257) says he has heard before, and does not think it is the prince’s own; no more do I, it is too good; but make my compliments of thanks to him; he shall have his buckles the first opportunity I find of sending them.  Say a thousand things for me to dear Mr. Chute, till I can say them next post for myself:  till then, adieu.  Yours ever.

(244) Thomas Earl of Pomfret, and Henrietta Louisa, his consort, and his two eldest daughters, Sophia and Charlotte, had been in Italy at the same time with Mr. Walpole.  The Earl had been master of the horse to Queen Caroline, and the countess lady of the bedchamber.

(245) Henry Earl of Lincoln was at that time in love with Lady Sophia Fermor.