Dec. 30. He (Lord Oxford) cannot dine with Parnell and me, at Lord Bolingbroke's to-morrow, but says he will see Parnell some other time. I praise up Parnell partly to spite the envious Irish folks here, particularly Tom Leigh.
Dec. 31. To-day Parnell and I dined with Lord Bolingbroke, to correct Parnell's poem. I made him shew all the places he disliked, and when Parnell has corrected it fully, he shall print it.
Jan. 6, 1713. Lord Bolingbroke, and Parnell, and I, dined by invitation with my friend[1] Dartineuf, whom you have heard me talk of. Lord Bolingbroke likes Parnell mightily, and it is pleasant to see that one who hardly passed for any thing in Ireland, makes his way here with a little friendly persuading.
Jan. 31. I contrived it so, that Lord Treasurer came to me and asked (I had Parnell by me) whether that was Dr. Parnell, and came up and spoke to him with great kindness, and invited him to his house. I value myself on making the Ministry desire to be acquainted with Parnell, and not Parnell with the Ministry. His poem is almost fully corrected, and shall be out soon.
Feb. 14. I took Parnell this morning, and we walked to see poor Harrison. I told Parnell I was afraid to knock at the door, my heart misgave me.
Feb. 19. I was at court to-day, to speak to Lord Bolingbroke to look over Parnell's poem since it
- ↑ See Pope's Tra. of Hor. Lib. ii. S. 2. ver. 87.
