letter that he has any thoughts of going to Italy; and by what I find by
Count Wratislaw, I am afraid the court of Vienna are desirous of keeping
him in Germany.

"The pensioner has promised me to second my endeavours with
Count Wratislaw, that the prince may be sent. He tells me that the
king of France has given the necessary orders for an augmentation of
threescore thousand men, which I believe is not in his power; however,
it has a very ill effect here. I have many things to say, but shall give
you no further trouble at this time, being resolved of being with you as
soon as possible."

" Hague, Nov. 8. -- I had ordered my business so that I might have
sailed this day, having sent my servants on board yesterday, and ordered
the yacht to Helvœt Sluys, where they are now, with the men of war, so
that we might go to sea with the first opportunity. But the wind is not
only contrary, but also blows very hard, so that God knows when I shall
be able to be with you; but you may be assured that I will not lose one
hour, when the wind will allow my going to sea.

"I have this morning had the favour of yours of the 24th, and am
much troubled to see that the queen continues making you uneasy. I
am afraid you do me too much honour in thinking that my presence is
necessary; but you may depend that I shall be governed by you, in doing
what you think may do good; but I must confess that by what I see
abroad, as well as at home, it looks as if it were resolved by destiny that
nothing should go well this winter. My last letter I hear is blown back;
and as the wind is, it is impossible for this to go, so that I may be as
soon with you as this."

To the Duchess.

" Hague, Nov. 8. -- I was in hopes not to have writ, but to have been
at sea this night, having sent my servants on board the yacht yesterday.
But the wind being as contrary as possible, and blowing a storm, I have
continued in this place, but shall not send for my servants back, being
resolved to make use of the first wind that will allow of my going to sea,
having finished what I was to do here, and very desirous of being with
you. I am afraid my friends will then see that I am not of much use,
but I shall be governed. I am sorry to tell you that the inclinations the
Dutch have for peace will occasion their hurting themselves and their
friends, as much as our unhappy differences in England. I am to thank
you for yours of the 24th, which I received this morning. What you
say of Mrs. Masham is very odd; and if you think she is a good weather-
cock, it is high time to leave off struggling; for believe me, nothing is
worth rowing for against wind and tide, at least you will think so when
you come to my age. I have been to wait upon Mrs. Burnett, and have
ordered her a yacht."

" Hague, Nov. 11. -- I find my lord treasurer very desirous of my
being with him. I have no opinion of my being able to do any good;
but uncertainty is the worst of all conditions, for death itself is easier than
the fear of it. If you were truly sensible of the great desire I have of
ending my days quietly with you, I flatter myself your good-nature would
be contented to bear many inconveniences, and to let the rest of the world

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