DEAR SIR, LETTER XLV. Friday Night, Nov. 1735. I HOPE this finds you well arrived. I was put into more folicitude than I expected, for your health, by Dr. Hollings, who the other day told me you had been out of order, of which I knew nothing. I hope in God it is quite over. Give me a line when I may fee you most at leisure. I think to be in town on Monday or Tuesday. The man whom Curl served with a process, juft before you went out of town, I suppose fhould have the affistance of an attorney, to appear for him the first day of term, to know what it is for? I am always impatient to fee you, dear Sir, and always faithfully To Wm. Fortescue, Efq. in Bell yard. Yours, A. POPE. DEAR SIR, LETTER XLVI. Sunday, May 1736. I AM gone (before this can reach you) to Southampton, where my stay will be a fortnight. I was forry to have no opportunity of paffing a day with you and yours; but I propose it often after my return. In the mean time the purpose of this Letter is to you defire you and them to make what use will of my house and gardens, which are large enough to lodge you all, and to try if they can bear a country life any where but in Devonshire. Dear Sir, believe me ever, fincerely, Your most affectionate faithful friend and fervant, A. POPE. To the Hon. Mr. Baron Fortefcue, in Bell-yard, by Lincoln's Inn, London. LETTER XLVII. Twicknam, IT DEAR SIR, Tuesday Night, May 1736. T is very long that I have not heard any thing of you. The illness you left me under at Chiswick continued violently five whole days, two of which I was in London, and returned as ill hither. Upon the whole, I've had head-aches most of the time I have paffed fince. I inquired, and find you've been but one night at Richmond. Where are you? and how are you? I fancy you've been in Effex, or on fome excurfion. I think to be in London for two days at the end of this week, and then at home all the next. Pray let me know at which place I may fee you most to your conveniency; who, while I live, fhall be always truly, dear Sir, To the Hon. Mr. Baron Fortescue, in Bell-yard, Lincoln's Inn, London. Yours, A. POPE. LETTER XLVIII. DEAR SIR, MY Wednesday, May 1736. I My days are become so uncertain, that I find I shall not have to-morrow in my power. This moral fentence is too true in my regard; for I fee my propofal of Mr. Crank's dining here will not be. therefore beg to lay hold of the prefent day, and that you'll all come and dine here directly; for after this day I must be held down to two fucceffive parties for morning, noon, and night. The Prince's marriage influencing others, has this effect on me, to reverse what was before promifed. Pray, if you can't dine here to-day, come in the afternoon and fup, or come on Friday evening. Adieu! I am ever, fincerely, Your most faithful fervant, A. POPE. I have put pickled pork and pease in readiness for dinner. DEAR SIR, LETTER XLIX. Two o'clock, June 1736. HAVE been detained by two or three accidents from dining with you; one of which is, the rebuilding of the temple, which I hope will in glory equal the firft. I wish the Ladies and you would come this afternoon, and give their affiftance. If you go to Marble-hill, you'll easily come on and fup with me on Weftphaly ham, etc. or drink tea at least. I will, if you please, go with you to-morrow to Lord Hay's, and afterwards dine with you, if it suit your Adieu! but I hope not for other engagements. many hours. Yours entirely, A. POPE. To the Hon. Mr. Baron Fortefeue, at the Vineyard in Richmond. I DEAR SIR, LETTER L. Rousham, July 26, 1739. WRITE this much out of humour, to find it impoffible for me to get to London in time before your journey. I had written to my fervant to fend my chaife, |