and gave the picture to one Mrs. Higgins, (an old intriguing woman, whom every body knows) bidding her make the best of it she could. Lord treasurer sent to Mrs. Higgins for this picture, and gave her a hundred pounds for it. Was ever such an ungrateful beast as that duchess? or did you ever hear such a story? I suppose the whigs will not believe it. Pray, try them. She takes off the diamonds, and gives away the picture to an insignificant woman, as a thing of no consequence: and gives it to her to sell, like a piece of old fashioned plate. Is she not a detestable slut? Night, dear MD.
12. I went to court to day, on purpose to present Mr. Berkeley[1], one of your fellows of Dublin college, to lord Berkeley of Stratton. That Mr. Berkeley is a very ingenious man, and great philosopher, and I have mentioned him to all the ministers, and have given them some of his writings; and I will favour him as much as I can. This I think I am bound to, in honour and conscience, to use all my little credit toward helping forward men of worth in the world[2]. The queen was at chapel to day, and looks well. I dined at lord Orkney's with the duke of Ormond, lord Arran, and sir Thomas Hanmer. Mr. St. John, secretary at Utrecht, expects every moment to return there with the ratification of the peace. Did I tell you in my last of Addison's play called Cato, and that I was at the rehearsal of it? Night, MD.
13. This morning my friend, Mr. Lewis, came to
- ↑ This Mr. Berkeley was afterward the celebrated bishop of Cloyne.
- ↑ Swift procured him to be sent secretary and chaplain to Sicily, with the earl of Peterborow.
