DEAR SIR,

LETTER XLVII.

Twicknam,

Tuesday Night, May 1736.

IT 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 moft 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, shall be always truly, dear Sir,

To the Hon. Mr. Baron Fortefcue, in Bell-yard, Lincoln's Inn, London.

Yours,

A. POPE.

LETTER XLVIII.

DEAR SIR,

Wednesday, May 1736.

My days are become so uncertain, that I find I shall MY 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. I therefore beg to lay hold of the present 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 reverfe what was before promised. Pray, if you can't dine here to-day, come in the afternoon and sup, or come on Friday evening. Adieu! I am ever, fincerely,

Your most faithful fervant,

A. POPE.

I have put pickled pork and peafe in readiness for

dinner.

DEAR SIR,

LETTER XLIX.

Two o'clock, June 1736.

I

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 wifh the Ladies and you would come this afternoon, and give their affiftance. If you go to Marble-hill, you'll eafily come on and fup with me on Weftphaly ham, etc. or drink tea at least. I will, if you pleafe, go with you to-morrow to Lord Hay's, and afterwards dine with you, if it fuit your Adieu! but I hope not for many

other engagements.

I

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,

chaife, and horses to it, about the middle of this week; and wrote to Mrs. Blount, that I hoped to fee both you and her here, the moment after I received your most kind letter. I find by one from her, that you have met at last, and that you have complimented her with the fhepherd's tabernacle, of which I doubt not she is very glad, and for which I thank you too. The day before I was to fet out, my Lord Cornbury came hither to General Dormers, and infists so urgently, that he did fo, purely to get me to Cornbury for fome days, (where I formerly made, and am to make fome alterations,) that I can't refuse it; or must take another journey expressly, which, indeed, I am not able to do, my weak frame being almoft fhook to pieces with this. I am within a mile of your brother Page, who threatens to come hither; and 'tis very probable I may fee him at dinner to-morrow. we were well enough acquainted, I might be tempted to go the circuit with you as far as Southampton. I fancy no coaches are fo eafy as the Judges', and no journies more gradual: then I might be fure of repofing fome days between whiles, and keeping fober and fad company. To be ferious; I wish yours may contribute to your health, more than I fear it will to your entertainment. Let me hear now and then how you continue; and be affured, all the effects of an old and an experienced friendship dwell about me, and will ever wait upon you; whatever be the events of a world I am daily weaning myself from,

If

as

as I think it lefs and lefs lovely, and lefs worthy either remembrance or concern. Adieu! dear Sir, and think (as you truly may) he is a difinterested man who makes you this profeffion, and who will ever be Your most affectionate, faithful,

I beg you to fend the inclosed Letter to Mrs. Blount. I never received that which you mention to have written to me to Twitnam.

To the Hon. Mr. Juftice Fortescue,

at his House, in Bell-yard, near Lincoln's Inn, London.

DEAR SIR,

LETTER LI.

September 3, 1737)

IT is long that I have not writ to you; but want of materials is a good reafon for not writing at any time; and that which I never want, friendfhip and affection, have not much to fay, though they feel much. The knowledge you will not fail, from long experience, to have of mine for you, though it has had few means to prove itfelf; and the opinion which, I flatter myself, you have of my being no ungrateful