Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/240

228 Walpole laughs at all this, but not so heartily as he used. I have at last seen the princess twice this week by her own commands; she retains her old civility, and I my old freedom; she charges me without ceremony to be author of a bad book, though I told her how angry the ministry were; but she assures me, that both she and the prince were very well pleased with every particular; but I disown the whole affair, as you know I very well might, only gave her leave, since she liked the book, to suppose what author she pleased. You will wonder to find me say so much of politicks, but I keep very bad company, who are full of nothing else. Pray be very careful of your charge, or I shall order my lodgers the bulk of their glasses, and the number of their bottles. I stole this time to write to you, having very little to spare. I go as soon as possible to the country, and shall rarely see this town.

My service to all friends.

I desire you will send me six sets of the edition of the Drapiers, by the first convenience of any friend or acquaintance that comes hither.

MAY 18, 1727.

LIVED on Tuesday with you and Pope. Yesterday another of my friends found his way to this Rh