TO ROBERT COPE, ESQ.
I AM but just come to town, and therefore look upon myself to have just left Loughall, and that this is the first opportunity I have of writing to you.
Strange revolutions since I left you: a bishop[1] of my old acquaintance in the Tower for treason, and a doctor of my new acquaintance made a bishop. I hope you are returned with success from your Connaught journey, and that you tired yourself more than you expected in taking the compass of your new land; the consequence of which must be, that you will continue needy some years longer than you intended. — Your new bishop Bolton was born to be my tormentor; he ever opposed me as my subject[2], and now has left me embroiled for want of him. The government, in consideration of the many favours they have shown me, would fain have me give St. Bride's to some one of their hangdogs, that Dr. Howard may come in to St. Werburgh's. So that I must either disoblige whig and tory in my chapter, or be ungrateful to my patrons in power. — When you come to town, you must be ready, at what time you hear the sound of tabret, harp, &c. to worship the brazen image set up, or else be cast into a cold watery furnace; I have not yet seen it, for it does not lie in my walks, and I want curiosity. — The
- ↑ Dr. Atterbury, bishop of Rochester.
- ↑ Dr. Bolton had been chancellor of St. Patrick's.
