That day was a day of triumph, but yesterday (Wednesday) the streamers of victory did not fly so gallantly.  It was the day of receiving petitions; Mr. Pultney presented an immense piece of parchment, which he said he could but just lift; it was the Westminster petition, and is to be heard next Tuesday, when we shall all have our brains knocked out by the mob; so if you don’t hear from me next post, you will conclude my head was a little out of order.  After this we went upon a cornish petition, presented by Sir William Yonge, (337) which drew on a debate and a division, when lo! we were but 222 to 215-how do you like a majority of seven?  The Opposition triumphs highly, and with reason; one or two such victories, as Pyrrhus, the member for Macedon, said, will be the ruin of us.  I look upon it now, that the question is, Downing Street or the Tower; will you come and see a body, if one should happen to lodge at the latter?  There are a thousand pretty things to amuse you; the lions, the Armoury, the crown, and the axe that beheaded Anna Bullon.  I design to make interest for the room where the two princes were smothered; in long winter evenings, when one wants company, (for I don’t suppose that many people will frequent me then,) one may sit and scribble verses against Crouch-back’d Richard, and dirges on the sweet babes.  If I die there, and have my body thrown into a wood, I am too old to be buried by robin redbreasts, am not I?

Bootle, (338) the prince’s chancellor, made a most long and stupid speech; afterwards, Sir R. called to him, “Brother Bootle, take care you don’t get my old name.”  “What’s that?” “Blunderer.”

You can’t conceive how I was pleased with the vast and deserved applause that Mr. Chute’s (339) brother, the lawyer, got:  I never heard a clearer or a finer speech.  When I went home, “Dear Sir,” said I to Sir R.  “I hope Mr. Chute will carry his election for Heydon; he would be a great loss to you.”  He replied.  “We will not lose him.”  I, who meddle with nothing, especially elections, and go to no committees, interest myself extremely for Mr. Chute.

Old Marlborough (340) is dying-but who can tell! last year she had lain a great while ill, without speaking; her physicians said, “She must be blistered, or she will die.”  She called out, “I won’t be blistered, and I won’t die.”  If she takes the same resolution now, I don’t believe she will. (341)

Adieu! my dear child:  I have but room to say, yours, ever.

(325) Cardinal Fleury, first minister of France.

(326) George Montague Dunk, second Earl of Halifax, of the last creation.  Under the reign of George iii., he became secretary of state, and was so unfortunate in that capacity as to be the opponent of Wilkes, on the subject of General Warrants, by which he is now principally remembered.-D.

(327) Robert, second Lord Raymond, only son of the chief justice of that name and title.-D.