I06 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.
has called her gold key Mr. Mannerring Key for 'tis by his perswation she has keept it so long.
This Self denial Bill is said to be brought in by the Stanch Whigs, who see to whose share so ever places are like to fall they are not like to fall to them. The Tories to a man excepted Mr. Harley and Sir Thomas Mansell voted for't, nay and I am told that Mr. Harley throw out the whole debate argued for't, but upon the division he divided against it wch reconciles two different Stores I had, one from a Whig, 'tother from a Tory, the latter told me how sharp Mr. Harley was upon Mr. Dolbin for his being witty upon him for being so earness for this Bill, he told the house that a Gentleman had brought a Speech in his pocket and was resolve to speak whether to the purpose or not ; the Whig tells me that Dolbin silenced Mr. Harley by telling the Fable of the King of the Beasts that had lost his tale, and therefore used all his Rhetorick to perswade all the beasts to cut off theirs but cou'd prevail with none but a few monques and jackanaps. Some say this Bill will stop at the Lords, tho' others think it their interest to pass it to have all the places to them and their friends. Others have this fine notion why the lords wont pass it, as that whilst such temptations are left for the Commons they will bite at them, wch will keep them from being so popular as the Lords are at present, the Peoples eyes being wholly upon them. 'Tis thought now Schacheverel will come off clear.
I am told the Queen has said to the Duke of M that
the nation wanted a Peace, and that it behoved him to make no delays in't, and that Lord Townsen has instructions to take his measures as he shall be directed from the President of the Council, and not wholly from the Duke of M .
[Lady Wentv^orth.]
February i, 1710. My dearist and best of children ....
I was told that Wentworth Watson was indevoring to bye the Earldom of Strafiforde, sure her Majesty will not
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