302 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.
out-trade them — nay, there is a book to prove the justice and necessity of a war with Holland in case the Dutch do not come into Her Majesties measures, which they say was writ by Dr. Swift ; so that I think they that can bring them into those measures without a war deserve all imaginable praise. 'Tis peace England wants, and not to change wars. But the difficulty that lies upon her Majesty's ministers, 'tis fear'd will come from another quarter, that the French won't be per- swaded to grant all that for our allies we have stipulated, and we are now so broak among ourselves that it will not be in our power to force them to keep their words, and then where will be our good peace. 'Tis not my business to trouble my head with politicks, but you have order'd me to write what people say, and were I at London, I cou'd give you much more of this talk.*
Some day last week was the Princess Sophia's Birthday and some people made a bonfire at St. James, and with their drawn swords sung " Hanover hast away over " ; they are not known who they were, but 'tis reckoned very insolent. Lord Godolphin is not like to be hurried a good while ; he lyes in Jerusalem Chamber till they can have a number of Whig knights of the Garter to bear the Pall, for they don't find the Tory knights so ready to come to town a purpose. I have got Mrs. Dives to give me a copy of a song the Tory ladies are always a singing and is the news thing we have at Windsor.
[Lord Ailesbury.]
Brussels, October 12, 17 12. My Lord,
Your obliging complements I received by Mr. Devenish I am most sensible of. I can answer for myselfe that I merit a little your friendship, having that true respect and esteem for your Excellency. Your own merits, besides your great
- Here follows a paragraph about Dr. " Alburtnight " and the state of
the Queen's health, expressed in the plainest terms.
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