Walpole laughs at all this, but not so heartily as he used. I have at last seen the princess[1] twice this week by her own commands; she retains her old civility, and I my old freedom; she charges me without ceremony to be author of a bad book[2], though I told her how angry the ministry were; but she assures me, that both she and the prince were very well pleased with every particular; but I disown the whole affair, as you know I very well might, only gave her leave, since she liked the book, to suppose what author she pleased. You will wonder to find me say so much of politicks, but I keep very bad company, who are full of nothing else. Pray be very careful of your charge, or I shall order my lodgers the bulk of their glasses, and the number of their bottles. I stole this time to write to you, having very little to spare. I go as soon as possible to the country, and shall rarely see this town.
My service to all friends.
I desire you will send me six sets of the edition of the Drapiers, by the first convenience of any friend or acquaintance that comes hither.
FROM LORD BOLINGBROKE.
I LIVED on Tuesday with you and Pope. Yesterday another of my friends found his way to this
- ↑ Caroline, princess of Wales, afterward queen, consort of George II.
- ↑ Gulliver's Travels.