Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 15.djvu/394

386 I could not till Saturday. I have staid there till past twelve; so night, dear MD.

20. Lady Jersey, lady Catharine Hyde, the Spanish ambassador, the duke d'Etrees, another Spaniard, and I, dined to day by appointment with lord Bolingbroke but they fell a drinking so many Spanish healths in champaign, that I stole away to the ladies, and drank tea till eight; and then went and lost my money at ombre with sir Andrew Fountaine, who has a very bad leg. Miss Ashe is past all danger; and her eye which was lately bad (I suppose one effect of her distemper) is now better. I do not let the bishop see me, nor shall this good while. Goodlack! when I came home, I warrant, I found a letter from MD, No. 38; and you write so small now a days. I hope your poor eyes are better. Well, this shall go to morrow sevennight, with a bill for Me. I will speak to Mr. Griffin to morrow, about Ppt's brother Filby, and desire, whether he deserves or no, that his employment may be mended, that is to say, if I see Griffin; otherwise not; and I'll answer MD's letter, when I Pdfr think fit. Night, MD.

21. Methinks I writ a little saucy last night. I mean the last ****. I saw Griffin at court. He says he knows nothing of a salt-work at Recton; but that he will give Filby a better employment, and desires Filby will write to him. If I knew where to write to Filby, I would; but pray do you. Bid him make no mention of you; but only let Mr. Griffin know, "that he has had the honour to be recommended by Dr. Swift, &c. that he will endeavour to deserve," &c. and if you dictated a whole letter for