and if they could but carry to Scotland some of our sultry English weather, they might restore the ancient pastoral life, when fair Kings and queens reigned at once over their subjects and their sheep.  Besides, exactly like antediluvian lovers, they reconcile contending clans, the great houses of Hamilton and Campbell-and all this is brought about by a GUnning!  I talked of our sultry weather, and this is no air.  While Italy, I suppose, is buried in snow, we are extinguishing fires, and panting for breath.  In short, we have had a wonderful winter—­beyond an earthquake winter-we shall soon be astonished at frost, like an Indian.  Shrubs and flowers and blossoms are all in their pride; I am not sure that in some counties the corn is not cut.

I long to hear from you; I think I never was so long without a letter.  I hope it is from no bad reason.  Adieu!

(1004) Speaking of Wolfe in his Memoires, Walpole says, “Ambition, industry, passion for the service, were conspicuous in him.  He seemed to breathe for nothing but fame, and lost no moments in qualifying himself to compass that object.  Presumption on himself was necessary for his object, and he had it.  He was formed to execute the designs of such a master as Pitt."-E.

(1005) The strange and mysterious conspiracy against the life of the King of Portugal, which was attempted as he was going, one night through the streets of Lisbon in his coach. many Jesuits were put to death for it, and also several of the noble families of the Dukes d’Aveiro, and Marquises of Tavora.-D. [See ant`e, p. 456, letter 289.]

478 Letter 304 To Mr. Gray.  Arlington Street, Feb. 15, 1759

The enclosed, which I have this minute received from Mr. Bentley, explains much that I had to say to you-yet I have a question or two more.

Who and what sort of a man is a Mr. Sharp of Benet?  I have received a most obliging and genteel letter from him, with the very letter of Edward VI. which you was so good as to send me.  I answered his, but should like to know a little more about him.  Pray thank the Dean of Lincoln too for me:  I am much obliged to him for his offer, but had rather draw upon his Lincolnship than his Cambridgehood.(1006) In the library of the former are some original letters of Tiptoft, as you will find in my Catalogue.  When Dr. Greene is there, I shall be glad if he will let me have them copied.

I will thank you if you will look in some provincial history of Ireland for Odo (Hugh) Oneil, King of Ulster.  When did he live?  I have got a most curious seal of his, and know no more of him than of Ouacraw King of the Pawwaws.

I wanted to ask you, whether you, or anybody that you believe in, believe in the Queen of Scots’ letter to Queen Elizabeth.(1007) If it is genuine, I don’t wonder she cut her head off—­but I think it must be some forgery that was not made use of.