prorogue them

for yesterday I heard that both he and the lords have given up the cause, and the house of commons have gained an entire victory; though, under the rose, I am of opinion that much of the confidence is abated on either side, and that whensoever they meet next, it will give that house a further occasion of encroaching on the prerogative and the lords; for they who bear the purse will rule. The parliament

being risen, my cousin Dryden will immediately be with you, and, I believe, return his thanks in person. All this while I am lame at home, and have not stirred abroad this month at least. Neither my wife nor Charles are well, but have entrusted their service in my hand. I humbly add my own to the unwilling high sheriff, and wish him fairly at an end of his trouble.

The latter end of last week, I had the honour of a visit from my cousin, your mother, and my cousin Dorothy, with which I was much comforted. Within this month there will be played for my profit an old play of Fletcher's, called the Pilgrim, corrected by my good friend Mr. Vanbrugh; to which I have added a new Masque, and am to write a new prologue and epilogue. Southern's tragedy, The Revolt of Capua, will be played at Betterton's house within this fortnight. I am out with that company; and therefore, if I can help it, will not read it before 'tis acted, though the author much desires I should. Do not think I will refuse a present from fair hands, for I am resolved to save my bacon *. I

* See the letter dated Candlemas Day, 1698.

beg your pardon for this slovenly letter*; but I have not health to transcribe it. My service to my cousin, your brother, who I hear is happy in your company; which he is not, who most desires it, and who is, madam, your most obliged, obedient servant, JOHN DRYDEN †.

* The paper was blotted with ink in several places, and otherwise soiled,

+ This great poet died on the first of May, only twenty days after this letter was written.

I see you in the well known cleugh, beneath the solemn arch of tall, thick, embowering trees. P. 215.

Chiswick:

COLLEGE HOUSE.

1827.

ELEGANT EXTRACTS.

PART X.

Letters,

OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

WILLIAM CONGREVE TO MR. PORTER.

Calais, Aug. 11th, O. S. 1700. HERE is admirable Champagne for twelve pence a quart, and as good Burgundy for fifteen pence; and yet I have virtue enough to resolve to leave this place to-morrow, for St. Omers, where the same wine is half as dear again, and may be not quite so good. Dear neighbours, Charles and Jacob, &c. I have never failed drinking your healths since we saw you, nor ever will till we see you again. We had a long passage, but delicate weather. We set sail from Dover on Saturday morning, four o'clock, and did not land here till six the same evening; nor had we arrived even in that time, if a French open boat with oars had not been straggling towards us, when we were not quite half seas over, and VOL. V.

C C