“Near this place is interred
Theodore King of Corsica,
Who died in this perish Dec. 11, 1756,
Immediately after leaving the King’s-Bench Prison,
By the benefit of the Act of Insolvency. 
In consequence of which he registered
His Kingdom of Corsica
For the use of his Creditors. 
The Grave, great teacher, to a level brings
heroes and beggars, galley-slaves and kings. 
But Theodore this lesson learn’d, ere dead;
Fate pour’d its lessons on his living head,
Bestow’d a kingdom and denied him bread.

I think that at least it cannot be said of me, as it was of the Duke of Buckingham entombing Dryden,

“And help’d to bury whom he help’d to starve.”

I would have served him, if a King, even in a gaol, could he have been an honest man.  Our papers say, that we are bustling about Corsica; I wish if we throw away our own liberty, that we may at least help others to theirs!  Adieu! my dear Sir.

(831) Known by the appellation of the Convention of Closter-Severn, concluded by the Duke of Cumberland with Marshal Richelieu; by which he agreed for himself and army not to serve again against the French during the war.-D.

(832) George ii.; he had ordered his son to make the capitulation, and then disavowed him.

(833) Sic, in ms.-D.

400 Letter 242
To The Hon. H. S. Conway.(834)
Arlington Street, Saturday, Oct. 8, 1757.

My dearest Harry, But one person in the world may pretend to be so much overjoyed as I am at your return.(835) I came hither to-day, on purpose to learn about you; but how can you ask me such a question, as do I think you are come too safe? is this a time of day to question your spirit?  I know but two things on earth I esteem more, your goodness and your sense.  You cannot come into dispute; but by what I have picked up at my Lady Townshend’s, I find there is a scheme of distinguishing between the land and the sea.  The King has been told, that Sir Edward Hawke had written, that, after waiting two days, he asked the officers how long it would be before they took a resolution; That if they would not attack, he should carry the fleet home.(836) I should not entirely credit this report, if Mr. Keith, who was present, had not dropped, in a dry way, that some distinction would be shown to Captain Howe and Captain Greaves.  What confirms my opinion is, that I have never received the letter you say you sent me by the last express.  I suppose it is detained, till proper emissaries have made proper impressions; but we will not let it pass so.  If you had not bid me, I should not have given you this intelligence, for your character is too sacred to be trifled with; and as you are invulnerable by any slanders, it is proper you should know immediately even what may be meditated.