(566) “It was,” writes Lord Chesterfield to Mr. Dayrolles, on the 2d of May, “an indecent, ungenerous, and malignant question, which I had no mind should either be put or debated, well knowing the absurd and improper things that would be said both for and against it, and therefore I moved for the House to adjourn.  As you will imagine that this was agreeable to the King, it is supposed that I did it to make my court, and people are impatient to see what great employment I am to have; for that I am to have one, they do not in the least doubt, not having any notion that any man can take any step without some view of dirty interest.  I do not undeceive them.  I have nothing to fear; I have nothing to ask; and there is nothing that I can or will have."-E.

(567) The Duke of Cumberland.

(568) Wife@, of George Pitt of Strathfieldsaye, and daughter of Sir Henry Atkins.-E.

(569) The Honourable Baptist Leveson, youngest son of the first Lord Gower.

252 Letter 133 To George Montagu, Esq.  Arlington Street, May 13, 1755.

It is very satisfactory to me, to hear that Miss Montagu was pleased with the day she passed at Strawberry Hill; but does not it silently reproach you, who will never see it but in winter?  Does she not assure you that there are leaves, and flowers, and verdure?  And why will you not believe that with those additions it might look pretty, and might make you some small amends for a day or two purloined from Greatworth?  I wish you would visit it when in its beauty, and while it is mine!  You will not, I flatter Myself, like it so well when it belongs to the Intendant of Twickenham, when a cockle-shell walk is made across the lawn, and every thing without doors is made regular, and every thing riant and modern;—­for this must be its fate!  Whether its next master is already on board the Brest fleet, I do not pretend to say; but I scarce think it worth my while to dispose of it’ by my will, as I have some apprehensions of living to see it granted away de par le Roy.  My lady Hervey dined there yesterday with the Rochfords.  I told her, that as she is just going to France, I was unwilling to let her see it, for if she should like it, she would desire Mademoiselle with whom she lives, to beg it for her.  Adieu!

252 Letter 134 To George Montagu, Esq.  May 19.

It is on the stroke of eleven, and I have but time to tell you, that the King of Prussia has gained the greatest victory(570) that ever was, except the Archangel Michael’s--King Frederick has only demolished the dragoness.  He attacked her army in a strong camp on the 6th; suffered in the beginning of the action much, but took it, with all the tents, baggage, etc. etc two hundred and fifty pieces of cannon, six thousand prisoners, and they say, Prague since.  The Austrians have not stopped yet; if you see any man scamper by your house you may venture to lay hold on him, though he should be a Pandour.  Marshal Schwerin was killed.  Good night!