Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 15.djvu/336

328 he has left from his only child, lady Barrymore, her mother's estate, and given the whole to his heir male, a popish priest, a second cousin, who is now earl Rivers , and whom he used in his life like a footman. After him it goes to his chief wench and bastard. Lord treasurer and lord chamberlain are executors of this hopeful will. I loved the man, but detest his memory. We hear nothing of peace yet: I believe verily the Dutch are so wilful, because they are told the queen cannot live. I had poor MD's letter, N. 32, at Windsor; but I could not answer it then; Pdfr was very sick then: and, besides, it was a very inconvenient place to write letters from. You "thought to come home the same day, and staid a month:" that was a sign the place was agreeable. I should love such a sort of jaunt. Is that lad Swanton a little more fixed than he used to be? I think you like the girl very well. She has left off her grave airs, I suppose. I am now told, lord Godolphin was buried last night. O poor Ppt! ****. I believe I escaped the new fever, for the same reason that Ppt did, because I am not well; but why should DD escape it, pray? she is melthigal, you know, and ought to have the fever; but I hope it is now too late, and she won't have it at all. Some physicians here talk very melancholy, and think it foreruns the plague, which is actually at Hamburgh. I hoped Ppt would have done with her illness; but I think we both