Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/461

 one you suggest. From your example I should view a fall with pleasur, and learn that true merit may be out of place, but never in disgrace, and that when power is earn'd by virtue the same qualityes by which it is accquired continue the purchaser great when it is lost, as yours in particular give you the strongest title to the love and esteem of

My Lord

Your Lordship's most faithfull humble Servant

BUTE.

��[Lord Bathurst.] ^^ August ;ii, 1717.

I received the honour of My Dear Lord's letter by the last post, and am sorry to find by itt that your house at Boughton* is so indifferent ; as to the gardens being a little run to ruin, I think that of no consequence, they may be soon brought into some order. Fine groves and large rows of old elms in a fine country are invaluable things, besides in my opinion to be within a reasonable distance of London is no small con- sideration. I have almost a mind to make a journey on purpose to see this place to try if I can't lay a scheme of making itt convenient and habitable for a small sum of money. I think you need not propose to go any further, for since you have laid out so much money att Stainborough that shou'd still be your main seat ; and indeed itt is a very fine place to talk of in town, which I have heard say is the right use of a seat in the country, and since you design'd itt for your monu- ment, I wou'd (if itt were my case) make no other use of itt. Pardon me if I show some spleen to a place that keeps you so far from me. But raillcrie apart I really think Boughton shou'd not be neglected if itt can be made habitable for a moderate sum of money. There may be times when you

shire, of Lord Ashburnham, in July, 17 17. The house, gardens, bowhng- green and spinny, park, &c., sold for 2,150/. ; the manor, 9,000/. The present owner holds it by descent from Lady Lucy Wentworth.
 * Lord Strafford purchased the manor of Boughton, Northampton-

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