fruit of it with any certainty, I having lately spoken very fully upon all those subjects, of which Mrs. Freeman's head and heart seem to be so full. And though there has yet appeared but very little encouragement to think the arguments used upon that occasion are like to prevail, yet one may conclude in this case, as the Scripture does, in the very words of our Saviour, 'If they hear not Mosesand the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.' Mr. Hare can explain this sentence to you, if there be need of it. "I have troubled you so much in my three or four last letters upon the subject of our affairs abroad, that I shall not repeat any thing, but that it seems indispensable to have a congress of the ministers of all the allies, at your return to the Hague, for a thorough concert of all that is to be done next year. The time will not allow you to give yourself the trouble of going to the elector of Hanover, or any body else. The sooner this concert can be made the better; for we shall never be able to get our parliament to enter upon the particulars of the war, next year, till we are able to communicate some scheme for it, from abroad, which will be encouraging and agreeable to them. I am very sensible that in other years the encouragement to our allies has often proceeded from their votes, in the first week of the parliament; but our misfortunes and dis- appointments in this year will make that very difficult at present, even though we could obtain those things to be done, which are necessary to put them in good humour." To the Duchess. "Helchin, Sept. 29. -- Tho' I have wrote a long letter this day by the post, I would not lose this safe opportunity by Mr. Lumley. I am so extremely concerned for the quiet and safety of lord treasurer that I can't be at ease till I know what resolution he has taken. If he stays in this place, and does not entirely govern the queen, he will be duped by Mr. Harley; and if he does, what is certainly best for himself, quit, he will do great hurt both to the business at home and abroad. However, there is nothing else left to make the queen sensible of the danger she is running into; and if that will not do, we must leave it to Providence. I do with all my heart pity the queen, being very sure she does not know the fatal step she is going to make." To Lord Godolphin. "Helchin, Sept. 29. -- I have had the favour of yours of the 12th; I have also received the letter you mentioned from the queen. I am sure Lady Marlborough must have acquainted you with it. You being on the place must judge infinitely better than I can; but by what I hear from England I think every thing must go ill, and therefore I continue of the opinion, that unless the queen will be pleased to be guided by you, or that Lord Somers, Halifax, and Sunderland will make it their business to persuade you to have patience some time longer: if neither of these two things happen, I hope you will take such measures that it may appear very plainly to England that you do not approve of the measures now taken. The words in your letter I think I understand, so that I shall not speak to Dr. Hare; but since one from the dead can't gain belief, -162- |