332
LETTERS TO AND FROM
to say what I have done, if it were not my real opinion; which, whether you regard or not, I could not deny myself the satisfaction of speaking it, and of assuring you, that I am, with the utmost sincerity and respect, sir, your most obliged, and most faithful humble servant,
My lady duchess[1], I can answer for her, is very much your servant, though I have not her commands to say so. She is gone to see the duke of Beaufort, who is so ill, it is feared he cannot recover. She went this morning so early, I have had no particular account how he is; but am told, he does nothing but doze. The messenger came to her at three in the morning; and she went away immediately afterward.
Lady Betty desires me to thank you for your letter, and would be glad, since the provost is graciously pleased to stay her majesty's time, to know where it is he designs to stay.
Honest Townshend and I have the satisfaction to drink your health, as often as we do drink together. Whether you approve of your being toasted with the bishop of London, and such people, I cannot tell; but at present we have disposed you in the first list of rank tories.
A servant is just now come from the duchess of Ormond, and gives such an account of the duke of Beaufort, that it is thought he cannot possibly recover.
FROM
