that would sometimes rattle off her servants pretty sharply, now, if she saw them chink, or heard them talk profanely, never took any notice of it. Instead of her usual charities to deserving persons, she threw away her money upon roaring, swearing bullies and beggars, that went about the streets[1]. "What is the matter with the old gentlewoman," said every body, "she never used to do in this manner?" At last the distemper grew more violent, and threw her downright into raving fits[2]: in which she shrieked out so loud, that she disturbed the whole neighbourhood. In her fits she called upon one sir William[3]: "Oh! sir William, thou hast betrayed me! killed me! stabbed me! sold me to the cuckold of Dover street! See, see Clum with his bloody knife! seize him, seize him, stop him! Behold the fury with her hissing snakes! Where's my son John? Is he well, is he well? poor man! I pity him;" and abundance more of such strange stuff, that nobody could make any thing of. I knew little of the matter: for when I inquired about her health, the answer was, that she was in a good moderate way." Physicians were sent for in haste: sir Roger, with great difficulty, brought Ratcliff; Garth came upon the first message. There were several others called in; but, as usual upon such occasions, they differed strangely at the consultation. At last they divided into two parties, one sided with Garth, the other with Ratcliff[4]. Dr.
- ↑ Disposing of some preferments to libertine and unprincipled persons.
- ↑ The too violent clamour about the danger of the church.
- ↑ Sir William, a cant name of sir Humphry's for lord treasurer Godolphin.
- ↑ Garth, the low church party; Ratcliff, high church party.
