If it were but for two or three months, or lefs, (if the money be not actually paid fooner,) I have fent the laft affurance, in cafe it can be any direction to the next. I employ these few days in putting the last hand to my Effay, and I will then immediately print it. I meditate a fine edition of the whole, which I will foon have the pleasure to fee in your library, with an infcription of the love the author bears you. Sincerely, dear Sir, I am always Yours, A. POPE. I am told that Mifs Fortefcue is perfectly well (I hope truly). LETTER XL. I DEAR SIR, Friday, 1733 HAVE been hindered by an accident of ceremony, which could not be waved, from lying at your house last night or this. I must just look at my own home to-morrow, and, as it is Saturday, wish for your company. I am to be conveyed by a party of your friends. Mifs Patty Blount, never having feen you of late, defires you will be of it. We go to pafs fome hours at Chiswick Gardens, and fet out by water from Whitehall at eight to-morrow morn: thence I would attend attend you home. I'd be glad you had leisure to do this, which would be a true pleasure to Your ever obliged friend and faithful servant, A. POPE. A word in answer will find me at Lord Bathurst's. To Wm. Fortefeue, Efq. in Bell-yard, by Lincoln's Inn. DEAR SIR, YOUR LETTER XLI. Friday Morning, Nov. 1734. OUR Letter (by the negligence of our poft, which often delivers 'em not here till ten o'clock) came too late for me to get any conveyance to town to-day. But certainly you have just as much authority as I, as a friend of Mrs. Blount, to determine in this affair, as to the quarter's rent; or if you fcruple it, apply to her: you and I, I am fure, fhall be of the fame opinion of it. As to the bill of charges, I think that is out of the question of their rent and principal, and may be decided feparately, but doubtlefs to be infifted on. I want to fee you very much; shall you come this way on Saturday? For though I intended to be in town, I find I must take physic, being in a very way this week; though if I had found a coach to-day, 22 ill I had I had come; as I often have for my friends, when really I have been little able. Adieu! I am truly, dear Sir, Yours, A. POPE. Have you lately feen Lady Suffolk? She was ill when I left the town. To Win. Fortescue, Efq. in Bell-yard, near Lincoln's Inn.-Speed. DEAR SIR, LETTER XLII. Friday, Dec. 1734. FULLY intended to have dined with you yesterday, and the day before; but the first of them I was taken in at Court, and yesterday and to-day am fo ill of a most troublesome cold, which has brought down the uvula of my mouth, that I cannot dine at all. Would you go to-morrow to Twitnam, and could you spare the coach, I would go gladly with you; if not, I must stay, per force, till Sunday morning. I hope all your firefide are well, and growing merrier and merrier as Christmas approaches. I fhall have no reft nor joy till I get to my Mum again. Adieu! dear Sir, Yours, To Wm. Fortefeue, Efq. in Bell-yard, near Lincoln's Inn Fields. A. POPE. I DEAR SIR, LETTER XLIII. Thursday, One o'clock, Jan. 1734-5. HAVE been not only in and out of town so often, but fo ridiculously employed (as I tell you at large), that I could not get one hour to fee you. Pray tell me when I fhall be fure of you at home. This day, at any hour? Mrs. Blount has now difpofed very well of her money, which a friend of ours will pay at 4 per cent. for from this day. Therefore, if you'll order it me, I'll take it for her forthwith, and bring you any proper receipt you fhall fend me. I write this from her house. Adieu! All happiness attend you, dear Sir, To Wm, Fortescue, Efq. in Bell-yard. Yours, A. POPE. DEAR SIR, LETTER XLIV. London, March 22, 1734-5. I DEFERRED this two or three pofts to fend you an anfwer from Dr. Mead, of the truth of what you heard. But he knows no example that can quite be depended on, of the pulvis A. curing, after any one I began to rave, or otherwife than if taken very foon after the wound. I gave Mr. Bl. the account, which will be paid as foon as you please, if your clerk have the receipts from the attornies; or if not, when you return. Mr. Bethel has been with Mr. Cs about it, who told him to defer it till you come. I've feen your family twice, once at Mr. Jervas's, and last night at home: they are all well, except a little cold which Mifs Fortescue has, but was very merry. hope you have this week feen Buckland with pleasure, and in a state of improvement; and that you will fee Fallapit with the fame. Twitnam is very cold these eafterly winds; but I prefume they don't blow in the happy regions of Devonshire. My garden, however, is in good condition, and promises fruits not too early. I am building a stone obelisk, making two new ovens and stoves, and a hot-house for ananas, of which I hope you will taste this year. The public news and votes tell all the business of the season: it is generally thought the Parliament will be up in the middle of April. Adieu! May fuccefs, health, and money in all you your circulations. I am faithfully and affectionately, dear Sir, attend you To Wm. Fortefcue, Efq. in Bell-yard, Lincoln's Inn. Yours, A. POPE. |