LETTER XI.

THE ANSWER.*

You should have my day too, Sir, but indeed I slept it out, and so I will give you all that was left, my last night's entertainment. You know the company. I went in late, in order to be better received; but unluckily came in, as Deuce-ace was flinging (Lord H. would say I came in the nick). The lady coloured, and the men took the name of the Lord in vain: nobody spoke to me, and I sat down disappointed; then affecting a careless air, gaped, and cried seven or eight times, D'ye win or lose? I could safely say at that moment I had no temptation to any one of the seven lively sins ; and, in the innocent way I was, happy had it been for me, if I had died! Moralizing sat I by the hazard table; I looked upon the uncertainty of riches, the decay of beauty, and the crash of worlds, with as much contempt as ever Plato did. But ah! the frailty of human nature! some ridiculous thought came into my head, 'wakened my passions, which burst forth into a violent laughter: I rose from my seat, and not considering the just resentments of the losing gamesters, hurled a ball of per across the table, which stopped the dice, and turned up seven instead of five. Cursed on all sides, and not knowing where to fly, I threw myself into a chair, which I demolished, and never

* Probably written by Pope himself.

pa

spoke a word after. We went to supper, and a lady said, Miss G. looks prodigiously like a Tree. Every body agreed to it, and I had not curiosity to ask the meaning of that sprightly fancy: find it out, and let me know. Adieu, it is time to dress, and begin the business of the day.

LETTER XII.

IN THE STYLE OF A LADY.*

PRAY what is your opinion of Fate? For I must

confess I am one of those that believe in fate and predestination. No, I cannot go so far as that, but I own I am of opinion one's stars may incline, though not compel one; and that is a sort of freewill; for we may be able to resist inclination, but not compulsion.

Do not you think they have got into the most preposterous fashion this winter that ever was, of flouncing the petticoat so very deep, that it looks like an entire coat of lutestring?

It is a little cool indeed for this time of year, but then, my dear, you will allow it has an extreme clean, pretty look.

* In the style of a lady? read Lady M. Montagu's Letters, and confess how little this nonsense is like.

Bowles.

Did Mr. Bowles conceive that Pope ever intended it to be like? any more than the song by a person of quality was intended to be a serious composition?

Aye, so has my muslin apron; But I would not chuse to make it a winter suit of cloaths.

Well now I will swear, child, you have put me in mind of a very pretty dress; let me die if I do not think a muslin flounce, made very full, would give one a very agreeable Flirtation-air.

Well, I swear it would be charming! and I should like it of all things-Do you think there are any such things as Spirits?

Do you believe there is any such place as the Elysian Fields; O Gad, that would be charming! I wish I were to go to the Elysian Fields when I die, and then I should not care if I were to leave the world to-morrow: but is one to meet there with what one has loved most in this world?

Now you must tell me this positively. To be sure you can, or what do I correspond with you for, you will not tell me all? you know I abominate

if

reserve.

LETTER XIII.*

TO MRS. TERESA BLOUNT.

(1715.)

You have asked me news a hundred times at the first word you spoke to me, which some would interpret as if you expected nothing better from

* This was written in the year 1715, when great fears were entertained of a rebellion, which soon after happened: a camp was formed in Hyde-Park. Bowles.

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my lips and truly it is not a sign two lovers are together, when they can be so impertinent as to inquire what the world does. All I mean by this is, that either you or I are not in love with the other. I leave you to guess which of the two is that stupid and insensible creature, so blind to the other's excellences and charms?

This then shall be a letter of news; and sure, if you did not think me the humblest creature in the world, you would never imagine a poet could dwindle to a brother of Dawks and Dyer, from a rival of Tate and Brady.

The Earl of Oxford has behaved so bravely, that in this act at least he might seem above man, if he had not just now voided a stone to prove him subject to human infirmities. The utmost weight of affliction from ministerial power and popular hatred, were almost worth bearing, for the glory of such a dauntless conduct as he has. shewn under it.

You may soon have your wish, to enjoy the gallant sights of armies, encampments, standards waving over your brother's corn-fields, and the pretty windings of the Thames stained with the blood of men. Your barbarity, which I have heard so long exclaimed against in town and country, may have its fill of destruction. I would not add one circumstance usual in all descriptions of calamity, that of the many rapes committed, or to be committed, upon those unfortunate women that delight

in war. But God forgive me-in this martial age, if I could, I would buy a regiment for your sake and Mrs. Patty's and some others, whom, I have cause to fear, no fair means will prevail upon.

Those eyes that care not how much mischief is done, or how great slaughter committed, so they have but a fine show; those very female eyes, will be infinitely delighted with the camp which is speedily to be formed in Hyde-park. The tents are carried thither this morning, new regiments, with new cloaths and furniture, far exceeding the late cloth and linen designed by his Grace for the soldiery. The sight of so many gallant fellows, with all the pomp and glare of war, yet undeformed by battles, those scenes which England has for many years only beheld on stages, may possibly invite your curiosity to this place.†

*

By our latest account from Duke-street, West

Ayre, who wrote the life of Pope in 1745, says, in his usual manner of simple admiration, speaking of Martha Blount:

"Mrs. Blount had always a very gallant spirit; she would often wish to see such sights as armies, encampments, and standards, waving over her brother's grounds and fields, and would talk of battles and bloodshed, as familiar as if she was noways afraid of them, which some ladies used to call barbarity, and wonder how she could talk, or even think, of such things, without tears, or an aching heart? Oh! (she'd make answer) it would be a glorious sight! So many fine officers, fine gentlemen, fine soldiers, fine colours, fine horses, it would be a prodigious pleasure to see!" Bowles. †The following articles of chit-chat intelligence are in the original. "My Lady Lansdown held her last assembly yesterday, where was not present the Earl of D—d.

"I met