Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 15.djvu/359

Rh will do it. Lord Selkirk, the late duke's brother, is to be in town, in order to go to France, to make the demands; and the ministry are of opinion, they will get some satisfaction, and they empowered me to advise the Hamilton side to agree with Abercorn, who asks a fourth part, and will go to France and spoil all if they don't yield it. Night, dearest sirrahs.

25. **** I carried Parnell to dine at lord Bollingbroke's, and he behaved himself very well; and lord Bolingbroke is mightily pleased with him. I was at St. James's chapel by eight this morning; and church and sacrament were done by ten. The queen has got the gout in her hand, and did not come to church to day; and I staid so long in my chamber, that I missed going to court. Did I tell you, that the queen designs to have a drawingroom and company every day? Night, dear rogues.

26. I was to wish the duke of Ormond a happy Christmas, and give half a crown to his porter. It will cost me a dozen half crowns among such fellows. I dined with lord treasurer, who chid me for being absent three days. Mighty kind with a p; less of civility, and more of interest! We hear Macartney is gone over to Ireland. Was it not comical for a gentleman to be set upon by highwaymen, and to tell them he was Macartney? Upon which they brought him to a justice of peace, in hopes of a reward, and the rogues were sent to gaol. Was it not great presence of mind? But may be you heard of this already; for there was a Grub street of it. Lord Bolingbroke told me I must walk away to day when dinner was done, because lord treasurer and he, and another were