LETTER III. JERVAS TO POPE. DR. MR. P. THO' I have not a syllable to say of more certainty than the last post, yet I write-I hold myself in a readiness, in spite of a demand for pictures. The Counsellour Bick-has purchas'd a nag for his equipage and waits our motions, he was here yesterday, and to-morrow Wensday evening we are to tast Devonshire Cyder with Mr. Copplestone, at his lodgings. The Court opiniâtre it, that the P✶ is coming-they have no acc' of Ormond's † arrival * Pretender. †The Duke of Ormond-who fled at the accession of the King; and was first impeached and then attainted together with Lord Bolingbroke. He arrived safely in France, and shewed by his subsequent conduct, that the suspicions entertained against him, concerning the restoration of the Stuart line, were not without foundation: for he entered ardently into the schemes of the Chevalier de St. George; undertook the command of his fleet; accepted the title of "Captain-general of his most Catholic Majesty," and even began the superintendance of an invasion of his own country. He finished his life upon the Continent; Swift says of him, upon hearing a report, in 1738, that the Duke had been invited to return from "his banishment,” that he would be glad to hear it confirmed; and adds in France, tho' they have certain intelligence that he went off at Shoreham in Sussex ten days ago. I design to know Arbuthnot's determination to For MR. POPE at BURFIELD near OAKINGHAM in BERKSHIRE. DEAR MR. P. I would not have failed by Tuesday's post, but that the Doctor could not be near positive as to the time, but yesterday we met on horseback, and took two or three turns near the camp, partly to see my new horses goeings, and partly strangely, "that glorious exile has suffered more for his virtues, than ever the greatest villain did from the cruelest tyrant." And when Addison, in the Freeholder, asks the people "can you in conscience think us to be such fools, as to rebel against the king, for having removed a general, who is now actually in arms against him?" Swift retorts that he was "driven out by tyranny, malice, and faction." So strong are the holds which party prejudice takes upon the wisest of minds! to name something like ye day of setting forth, and y manner thereof, viz: That on Thursday next, (god willing) Doct' A-* D. Disney and C. Jervas, rendevous at Hyde-park corner about noon, and proceed to Mr. Hill's, at Eggam, to lodge there. Ffriday to meet Mr. Pope upon the road, to proceed together to Ld Stowell's, there also to lodge. The next day Saturday, to St WTM Windham's, and to rest there ye Lord's day. On Monday forward again toward Bath and Wilton, or as we shal then agree. The D' proposes that himself or his man ride my spare horse, and that I leave all equipage to be sent to Bath by the carrier with y portmanteau. The D' says, he will allow none of us so much as a night-gown or slippers for ye road, sò a shirt and cravat in y' pocket is all you must think of in his new scheme, his servant may be bribed to find room for that. You shal have a shorter and less bridle sent down on Saturday, and ye other shal be returned in due time. The Taylor† shall be chastis'd if 'tis really negligence in his art, but if 'tis only vapors you must beg pardon. * Arbuthnot. † Pope seems to have been rather troublesome to his tailor; witness some of the items in this bill. The linnen and stockings out of y' portmanteau, may go with ye bridle. I forgot to tell you, that the third day is to be Oxford University, and the Monday following to S W. Windham's. The French King* has been indispos'd, and men think he is in an ill way, &c. Service to every body, Vot serviteur tres humble, Augst. 12th, 1715, London. C. G. June 8th, A BILL FOR MR. POPE. for car: my Masters Lennen to my Lord Petter borows and br: the fowll lennen back a Gaine 0 2 10 for br: a letter for my master ... 0 2 11 for car: a letter to my Lords to my Master 0 2 .... 0 2 06 for br: the Coffey and Tee..... 12 for sending a letter to Queen Streett, Golding Squar, and one to my Lord Petterborows, and br: a parsell back. .... 12 for car: my Master and the Gentery to Teding ton and to Islelsworth and back a Gain.. 13 for car: my Master to London .... for car: a parsell to Mr. Tonson's for going to Mr. Congreve's... for car: a letter to Mr. Starling's in Holburn.. 0 2 * The tyrannical, ambitious Louis XIV. who, in his seventyseventh year, finished a long and brilliant reign, about a fortnight after the above letter was written. DEAR MR. POPE, LETTER V. JERVAS TO POPE. You remember how frankly I told you of staying 3 days longer in the country, than the Archdeacon's* limitation. 13 for going to the Taylers in Mullmouth Streett.. 0 2 15 for br: a groose of Coarks.... 0 2 for going to the Taylers againe.............. 0 2 18 for going to Mr. Morices ... for car: the Button to the Taylors... for br: my master up from London, layd owt 2 6 } 0 2 0 2 0 2 4 6 19 layd owt for br: Robarts coatt from the Taylers 0 6 for car: my Master & Mesters Blounts by water 4 0 20 for car: my Master to Richmond and then to 26 the Princes... } 22 for going to Madam Blounts and br: a letter.. 0 2 for br: the Books from my Lord Petterborows.. 0 2 for going to Mr. Congreve's..... for br: the Suger 0 2 0 2 * Parnell. |