Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/294

 278 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.

Mr. Harvey's sisters is to be marred this week to Sir Rich. Anderson, and the other stays for him. You accuse me of sending you no verses, but 'tis because I had non unles I made them my self or stole them out of som old book ; tho' I have jest found som that I can justly repeat to you not doubting but you'll soon return them with som of your own

making

I think my poetry very extrodinary ; as a reward I desire you'll send me som green tea, for mine is allmost gon.

��[Lord Berkeley of Stratton.]

March 14, 1712. My Lord,

Now the fate of Europe is in your hand, it is very kind to think of your humble Servant, and that when even the Dutch will cringe, that you will condescend to think of your old friends. The Bill to make the Sheriff's accounts more easy was ready a 2^ time to day and committed for Monday, and Lord Delaware presented a petition from My Lady Strafford to be heard by Councell, your interest in the post fines being concernd, which with other petitions to the same purpose, was referred to the same committee. Your Lord- ship need not doubt my attendance, and it is very likely that a bill that hath been soe often unsuccessful, will meet with the usual treatment, or else that a saving clause to indemnify your Lordship will be agreed to, but it is pity it hath been so neglected in the house of Commons, for they say generally that a bill of this kind is wanted. I was very happy lately in finding My Lady Strafford at home, and seeing you master of so good a house in town, and was much entertained with a sight of fine pictures you have sent over. I was much

any mony from any; insteed of setting fifty pound upon the head of a high- wayman, sure they would doe much better to sett a hundred upon thear heads." The Spectator issued on March 12 contained an account of this nocturnal fraternity which borrowed its name " from a sort of cannibals in India, who subsist on plundering and devouring all the nations about them.'

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