Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 15.djvu/376

368 door where I lodge, with a parcel of oranges for a present for me. I bid my man learn what his name was, and whence it came. He sent word his name was Bun, and that I knew him very well. I bid my man tell him I was busy, and he could not speak to me; and not to let him leave his oranges. I know no more of it, but I am sure I never heard the name, and I shall take no such presents from strangers. Perhaps he might be only some beggar, who wanted a little money. Perhaps it might be something worse. Let them keep their poison for their rats. I don't love it. That blot is a blunder. Night, dear MD.

20. A committee of our society dined to day with the chancellor of the exchequer. Our society does not meet now as usual, for which I am blamed; but till lord treasurer will agree to give us money and employments to bestow, I am averse to it; and he gives us nothing but promises. Bishop of Dromore is still alive, and that is all. We expect every day he will die, and then Tom Leigh must go back, which is one good thing to the town. I believe Pratt will drive at one of these bishopricks. Our English bishoprick is not yet disposed of. I believe the peace will not be ready by the session.

21. I was to day with my printer, to give him a little pamphlet I have written, but not politicks. It will be out by Monday. If it succeeds, I will tell you of it; otherwise not. We had a prodigious thaw to day, as bad as rain; yet I walked like a good boy