is not much better; possibly the only difference is, that we shall be the last devoured[1]. I have attended parliament many years, and never found that I could do any good; I have therefore entered upon a new scheme of life, and am determined to look after my own affairs a little. I am now in a small farm house in Derbyshire, and my chief business is to take care that my agents do not impose upon my tenants. I am for letting them all good bargains, that my rents may be paid as long as any rents can be paid; and when the time comes that there is no money, they are honest fellows, and will bring me in what corn and cattle I shall want. I want no foreign commodities; my neighbour the duke of Kingston has imported one[2]; but I do not think it worth the carriage.
I passed through London in my way here, and every body wondered I could leave them, they were so full of speculations upon the great event which lately happened[3]; but I am of opinion some time will be necessary to produce any consequences. Some consequences will certainly follow; but time must ripen matters for them. I could send you many speculations of my own and others upon this subject; but it is too nice a subject for me to handle in a postletter. It is not every body who ought to have liberty to abuse their superiours: if a man has so much wit as to get the majority of mankind on his side, he is often safe; or if he is known to have talents that can make an abuse stick close, he is still
- ↑ The promise of Polypheme to Ulysses.
- ↑ Madame la Touche, a French lady.
- ↑ The death of queen Caroline, on Sunday evening, November 20, 1737.
