I am glad to
find, by your letter of July 26th, your style, that you are both in
health; but wonder you should think me so negligent as to forget to
give you an account of the ship in which your parcel is to come.
find, by your letter of July 26th, your style, that you are both in
health; but wonder you should think me so negligent as to forget to
give you an account of the ship in which your parcel is to come.
Dryden - Complete
You have
indeed the best right to give them, since you have them in propriety;
but they are no more mine when I receive them than the light of the
moon can be allowed to be her own, who shines but by the reflexion of
her brother. Your own poetry is a more powerful example, to prove that
the modern writers may enter into comparison with the ancients, than
any which Perrault could produce in France: yet neither he, nor you,
who are a better critick, can persuade me, that there is any room left
for a solid commendation at this time of day, at least for me.
If I undertake the translation of Virgil, the little which I can
perform will shew at least, that no man is fit to write after him, in
a barbarous modern tongue. Neither will his machines be of any service
to a Christian poet. We see how ineffectually they have been tryed by
Tasso, and by Ariosto. It is using them too dully, if we only make
devils of his gods: as if, for example, I would raise a storm, and
make use of Æolus, with this only difference of calling him Prince of
the Air; what invention of mine would there be in this? or who would
not see Virgil thorough me; only the same trick played over again by
a bungling juggler? Boileau has well observed, that it is an easy
matter in a Christian poem, for God to bring the Devil to reason. I
think I have given a better hint for new machines in my preface to
Juvenal; where I have particularly recommended two subjects, one of
King Arthur’s conquest of the Saxons, and the other of the Black Prince
in his conquest of Spain. But the guardian angels of monarchys and
kingdoms are not to be touched by every hand: a man must be deeply
conversant in the Platonic philosophy, to deal with them; and therefore
I may reasonably expect, that no poet of our age will presume to handle
those machines, for fear of discovering his own ignorance; or if he
should, he might perhaps be ingrateful enough not to own me for his
benefactour. [102]
After I have confessed thus much of our modern heroic poetry, I cannot
but conclude with Mr Rymer, that our English comedy is far beyond any
thing of the ancients: and notwithstanding our irregularities, so is
our tragedy. Shakspeare had a genius for it; and we know, in spite
of Mr Rymer, that genius alone is a greater virtue (if I may so call
it) than all other qualifications put together. You see what success
this learned critick has found in the world, after his blaspheming
Shakspeare. [103] Almost all the faults which he has discovered are
truly there; yet who will read Mr Rymer, or not read Shakspeare? For my
own part I reverence Mr Rymer’s learning, but I detest his ill-nature
and his arrogance. I indeed, and such as I, have reason to be afraid
of him, but Shakspeare has not. [104]
There is another part of poetry, in which the English stand almost
upon an equal foot with the ancients; and it is that which we call
Pindarique; introduced, but not perfected, by our famous Mr Cowley: and
of this, Sir, you are certainly one of the greatest masters. You have
the sublimity of sense as well as sound, and know how far the boldness
of a poet may lawfully extend. I could wish you would cultivate this
kind of Ode; and reduce it either to the same measures which Pindar
used, or give new measures of your own. For, as it is, it looks like a
vast tract of land newly discovered: the soil is wonderfully fruitful,
but unmanured; overstocked with inhabitants, but almost all savages,
without laws, arts, arms, or policy.
I remember, poor Nat. Lee, who was then upon the verge of madness, yet
made a sober and a witty answer to a bad poet, who told him, “It was
an easie thing to write like a madman:” “No,” said he, “it is very
difficult to write like a madman, but it is a very easie matter to
write like a fool. ” Otway and he are safe by death from all attacks,
but we poor poets militant (to use Mr Cowley’s expression) are at
the mercy of wretched scribblers: and when they cannot fasten upon
our verses, they fall upon our morals, our principles of state, and
religion. For my principles of religion, I will not justifie them to
you: I know yours are far different. For the same reason, I shall say
nothing of my principles of state. I believe you and yours follow the
dictates of your reason, as I in mine do those of my conscience. If
I thought myself in an errour, I would retract it. I am sure that I
suffer for them; and Milton makes even the Devil say, that no creature
is in love with pain. For my morals betwixt man and man, I am not to be
my own judge. I appeal to the world, if I have deceived or defrauded
any man: and for my private conversation, they who see me every day can
be the best witnesses, whether or no it be blameless and inoffensive.
Hitherto I have no reason to complain that men of either party shun
my company. I have never been an impudent beggar at the doors of
noblemen: my visits have indeed been too rare to be unacceptable; and
but just enough to testifie my gratitude for their bounty, which I have
frequently received, but always unasked, as themselves will witness.
I have written more than I needed to you on this subject; for I dare
say you justifie me to yourself. As for that which I first intended
for the principal subject of this letter, which is my friend’s passion
and his design of marriage, on better consideration I have changed my
mind; for having had the honour to see my dear friend Wycherly’s letter
to him on that occasion, I find nothing to be added or amended. But
as well as I love Mr Wycherly, I confess I love myself so well, that
I will not shew how much I am inferiour to him in wit and judgment,
by undertaking any thing after him. There is Moses and the Prophets
in his council. Jupiter and Juno, as the poets tell us, made Tiresias
their umpire in a certain merry dispute, which fell out in heaven
betwixt them. Tiresias, you know, had been of both sexes, and therefore
was a proper judge; our friend Mr Wycherly is full as competent an
arbitrator; he has been a bachelor, and marryed man, and is now a
widower. Virgil says of Ceneus,
----_Nunc vir, nunc fœmina, Ceneus,
Rursus et in veterem fato revoluta figuram. _
Yet I suppose he will not give any large commendations to his middle
state: nor, as the sailer said, will be fond after a shipwrack to put
to sea again. [105] If my friend will adventure after this, I can but
wish him a good wind, as being his, and,
My dear Mr Dennis,
Your most affectionate
and most faithful Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
_The copy money for translating the Æneid was fifty pounds for each
Book. The rising of the second subscription seems, to allude to the
practice of fixing a day, after which no subscriptions were to be
received except on payment of an advanced price. The first subscribers
to Dryden’s Virgil paid five guineas; a plate was dedicated to each of
them, and ornamented with his arms. A second class paid two guineas
only, and were not so honoured. In the subsequent letters there occur
several allusions to these arrangements, and to the transference of
names from the higher to the lower class. _
Wednesday morning.
MR TONSON, [Probably written in April 1695. ]
It is now three dayes since I have ended the fourth Eneid; and I am
this morning beginning to transcribe it, as you may do afterwards; for
I am willing some few of my friends may see it, and shall give leave to
you, to shew your transcription to some others, whose names I will tell
you. The paying Ned Sheldon the fifty pounds put me upon this speed;
but I intend not so much to overtoil myself, after the sixth book is
ended. If the second subscriptions rise, I will take so much the more
time, because the profit will incourage me the more; if not, I must
make the more haste; yet always with as much care as I am able. But
however, I will not fail in my paines of translating the sixth Eneid
with the same exactness as I have performed the fourth: because that
book is my greatest favourite. You know money is now very scrupulously
receiv’d: in the last which you did me the favour to change for my
wife, besides the clip’d money, there were at least forty shillings
brass. You may, if you please, come to me at the Coffee-house this
afternoon, or at farthest to-morrow, that we may take care together,
where and when I may receive the fifty pounds and the guinneys; which
must be some time this week.
I am your Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
I have written to my Lord Lawderdail, for his decorations. [106]
LETTER XIII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON,
MR TONSON. Saturday, June the 8th. [f. 1695. ]
’Tis now high time for me to think of my second subscriptions; for the
more time I have for collecting them, the larger they are like to
be. I have now been idle just a fortnight; and therefore might have
called sooner on you, for the remainder of the first subscriptions. And
besides, Mr Aston will be goeing into Cheshire a week hence, who is my
onely help, and to whom you are onely beholding for makeing the bargain
betwixt us, which is so much to my loss; but I repent nothing of it
that is passed, but that I do not find myself capable of translating
so great an author, and therefore feare to lose my own credit, and to
hazard your profit, which it wou’d grieve me if you should loose, by
your too good opinion of my abilities. I expected to have heard of you
this week, according to the intimation you gave me of it; but that
failing, I must defer it no longer than till the ensueing week, because
Mr Aston will afterwards be gone, if not sooner.
Be pleased to send me word what day will be most convenient to you; and
be ready with the price of paper, and of the books. No matter for any
dinner; for that is a charge to you, and I care not for it. [107] Mr
Congreve may be with us, as a common friend; for as you know him for
yours, I make not the least doubt, but he is much more mine; send an
immediate answer, and you shall find me ready to do all things w^{ch}
become
Your Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XIV.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MY GOOD FRIEND, [Wednesday the 13th of 7 ber f. 1695. ]
This is onely to acquaint you, that I have taken my place in the Oundel
coach for Tuesday next; and hope to be at London on Wednesday night.
I had not confidence enough to hope Mr Southern and Mr Congreve woud
have given me the favour of their company for the last foure miles;
but since they will be so kind to a friend of theirs, who so truely
loves both them and you, I will please myself with expecting it, if the
weather be not so bad as to hinder them.
I assure you I lay up your last kindnesses to me in my heart; and the
less I say of them, I charge them to account so much the more; being
very sensible that I have not hitherto deserved them. Haveing been
obliged to sit up all last night almost out of civility to strangers,
who were benighted, and to resign my bed to them, I am sleepy all this
day; and if I had not taken a very lusty pike that day, they must have
gone supperless to bed, foure ladyes and two gentlemen; for Mr Dudley
and I were alone, with but one man and no mayd in the house. --This time
I cannot write to my wife; do me the favour to let her know I received
her letter, am well, and hope to be with her on Wednesday next, at
night. No more but that
I am very much
Your Friend and Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XV.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, October the 29h. [f. 1695. ]
Some kind of intercourse must be carryed on betwixt us, while I am
translating Virgil. Therefore I give you notice, that I have done the
seaventh Eneid in the country;[108] and intend some few days hence,
to go upon the eight: when that is finished, I expect fifty pounds
in good silver; not such as I have had formerly. I am not obliged to
take gold,[109] neither will I; nor stay for it beyond four-and-twenty
houres after it is due. I thank you for the civility of your last
letter in the country; but the thirty shillings upon every book
remains with me. You always intended I should get nothing by the
second subscriptions, as I found from first to last. And your promise
to Mr Congreve, that you had found a way for my benefit, which was an
encouragement to my paines, came at last, for me to desire Sir Godfrey
Kneller and Mr Closterman to gather for me. I then told Mr Congreve,
that I knew you too well to believe you meant me any kindness: and he
promised me to believe accordingly of you, if you did not. But this is
past; and you shall have your bargain, if I live and have my health.
You may send me word what you have done in my business with the Earl of
Derby: and I must have a place for the Duke of Devonshyre. Some of your
friends will be glad to take back their three guinneys. The Countess
of Macclesfield gave her money to Will Plowden before Christmas; but
he remembered it not, and payd it not in. Mr Aston tells me, my Lord
Derby expects but one book. I find, my Lord Chesterfield and my Lord
Petre are both left out; but my Lady Macclesfield must have a place, if
I can possibly: and Will Plowden shall pay you in three guinneys, if I
can obtain so much favour from you. [110] I desire neither excuses nor
reasons from you: for I am but too well satisfyed already. The Notes
and Prefaces shall be short; because you shall get the more by saving
paper. [111]
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XVI.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, Friday night. [f. Dec. 1695. ]
Meeting Sir Robert Howard at the playhouse this morning, and asking him
how he lik’d my seaventh Eneid, he told me you had not brought it. He
goes out of town to-morrow, being Satturday, after dinner. I desire you
not to fail of carrying my manuscript for him to read in the country;
and desire him to bring it up with him, when he comes next to town. I
doubt you have not yet been with my Lord Chesterfield, and am in pain
about it.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
When you have leysure, I shou’d be glad to see how Mr Congreve and you
have worded my propositions for Virgil. [112] When my sonne’s play[113]
is acted, I intend to translate again, if my health continue. Some time
next week let me heare from you concerning the propositions.
LETTER XVII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
SIR, Friday forenoon, [f. Feb, 1695-6. ]
I receiv’d your letter very kindly,[114] because indeed I expected
none; but thought you as very a tradesman as Bentley,[115] who has
cursed our Virgil so heartily. I shall loose enough by your bill upon
Mr Knight;[116] for after having taking it all in silver, and not in
half-crowns neither, but shillings and sixpences, none of the money
will go; for which reason I have sent it all back again, and as the
less loss will receive it in guinneys at 29 shillings each. ’Tis
troublesome to be a looser, but it was my own fault to accept it this
way, which I did to avoyd more trouble.
I am not sorry that you will not allow any thing towards the notes;
for to make them good, would have cost me half a yeare’s time at
least. Those I write shall be only marginall, to help the unlearned,
who understand not the poeticall fables. The prefaces, as I intend
them, will be somewhat more learned. It wou’d require seaven yeares
to translate Virgil exactly. But I promise you once more to do my
best in the four remaining books, as I have hitherto done in the
foregoing. --Upon triall I find all of your trade are sharpers, and
you not more than others; therefore I have not wholly left you. Mr
Aston does not blame you for getting as good a bargain as you cou’d,
though I cou’d have gott an hundred pounds more; and you might have
spared almost all your trouble if you had thought fit to publish the
proposalls for the first subscriptions; for I have guynneas offered
me every day, if there had been room; I believe, modestly speaking, I
have refused already 25. I mislike nothing in your letter therefore,
but onely your upbraiding me with the publique encouragement, and my
own reputation concerned in the notes; when I assure you I cou’d not
make them to my mind in less than half a year’s time. Get the first
half of Virgil transcribed as soon as possibly you can, that I may put
the notes to it; and you may have the other four books which lye ready
for you when you bring the former; that the press may stay as little
as possibly it can. My Lord Chesterfield has been to visite me, but
I durst say nothing of Virgil to him, for feare there should be no
void place for him; if there be, let me know; and tell me whether you
have made room for the Duke of Devonshire. Haveing no silver by me, I
desire my Lord Derby’s money, deducting your own. And let it be good,
if you desire to oblige me, who am not your enemy, and may be your
friend,
JOHN DRYDEN.
Let me heare from you as speedily as you can.
LETTER XVIII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
May 26th, [1696. ]
Send word, if you please, Sir, what is the most you will give for my
sonn’s play, that I may take the fairest chapman, as I am bound to do
for his benefit; and if you have any silver which will go, my wife will
be glad of it. I lost thirty shillings or more by the last payment of
fifty pounds, w^ch you made at Mr Knights.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
Sir Ro: Howard[117] writt me word, that if I cou’d make any advantage
by being paid in clipp’d money, he woud change it in the Exchequer.
LETTER XIX.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, Thursday Morning, [f. Aug. 1696. ]
I had yesterday morning two watches sent me by Mr Tompion,[118] which I
am to send my sonnes this week. [119] I cou’d not persuade him to take
gold at any rate: but he will take a goldsmiths bill for two and twenty
pounds, which is their price. I desire you wou’d give him such a bill,
and abate it out of the next fifty pounds which you are to pay me when
Virgil is finish’d. Ten Eneids are finish’d, and the ninth and tenth
written out in my own hand. You may have them with the eight, which is
in a foul copy, when you please to call for them, and to bring those
which are transcrib’d. Mr Tompion’s man will be with me at four o’clock
in the afternoon, and bring the watches, and must be payd at sight. I
desire you therefore to procure a goldsmiths bill, and let me have it
before that houre, and send an answer by my boy.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XX.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
Wednesday afternoon.
MR TONSON, From the Coffee-house. Nov. 25th.
I have the remainder of my Northamptonshyre rents come up this weeke,
and desire the favour of you to receive them for me, from the carrier
of Tocester, who lodges at the Castle in Smithfield. I suppose it is
the same man from whom you lately receiv’d them for my wife. Any time
before ten o’clock to-morrow morning will serve the turne. If I were
not deeply ingaged in my studyes, which will be finish’d in a day or
two, I would not put you to this trouble. I have inclos’d my tenant’s
letter to me, for you to shew the carrier, and to testify the sum,
which is sixteen pounds and about tenn shillings; which the letter sets
down. Pray, Sir, give in an acquittance for so much receiv’d, as I
suppose you did last time.
I am,
Your very faithful Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XXI.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
SIR, [f. Jan. 1696-7. ]
According to my promise, I have sent you all that is properly yours
of my translation. I desire, as you offer’d, that it should be
transcrib’d in a legible hand, and then sent back to me for the last
review. As for some notes on the margins, they are not every where, and
when they are, are imperfect; so that you ought not to transcribe them,
till I make them compleat. I feare you can scarcely make any thing
of my foul copy; but it is the best I have. You see, my hand fails
me, and therefore I write so short a letter. What I wrote yesterday
was too sharp; but I doubt it is all true. Your boy’s coming upon so
unseasonable a visit, as if you were frighted for yourself, discomposed
me.
Transcribe on very large paper, and leave a very large margin.
Send your boy for the foul copies, and he shall have them; for it will
not satisfy me to send them by my own servant.
I cannot yet find the first sheet of the first Eneid. If it be lost, I
will translate it over againe: but perhaps it may be amongst the loose
papers. The fourth and ninth Eclogues, which I have sent, are corrected
in my wife’s printed Miscellany. [120]
LETTER XXII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, Tuesday Morning, July the 6th, 1697.
I desire you wou’d let Mr Pate[121] know, I can print no more names of
his subscribers than I have money for, before I print their names. He
has my acknowledgment of ten guineas receiv’d from him; and, as I told
you, I owe him for above three yards of fine cloath: let him reckon for
it; and then there will remain the rest for me, out of the ten more
names w^{ch} he has given in. If he has not money by him, let him blott
out as many of his names as he thinks good; and print onely those for
which he pays or strikes off, in adjusting the accounts betwixt me and
him. This is so reasonable on both sides, that he cannot refuse it; but
I wou’d have things ended now, because I am to deal with a draper, who
is of my own perswasion,[122] and to whom I have promis’d my custome.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
I have sent to my tailour, and he sends me word, that I had three yards
and half elle of cloath from Mr Pate: I desire he would make his price,
and deduct so much as it comes to, and make even for the rest with
ready money; as also, that he would send word what the name was, for
whom Sam Atkins left him to make account for.
LETTER XXIII.
TO HIS SONS AT ROME.
DEAR SONS, Sept. the 3d. our Style, [1697. ]
Being now at Sir William Bowyer’s,[123] in the country, I cannot write
at large, because I find my self somewhat indisposed with a cold, and
am thick of hearing, rather worse than I was in town.
I am glad to
find, by your letter of July 26th, your style, that you are both in
health; but wonder you should think me so negligent as to forget to
give you an account of the ship in which your parcel is to come. I have
written to you two or three letters concerning it, which I have sent
by safe hands, as I told you; and doubt not but you have them before
this can arrive to you. Being out of town, I have forgotten the ship’s
name, which your mother will enquire, and put it into her letter, which
is joined with mine. But the master’s name I remember; he is called Mr
Ralph Thorp; the ship is bound to Leghorn, consigned to Mr Peter and Mr
Tho. Ball, merchants. I am of your opinion, that, by Tonson’s means,
almost all our letters have miscarried for this last year. [124] But,
however, he has missed of his design in the dedication, though he had
prepared the book for it;[125] for, in every figure of Æneas, he has
caused him to be drawn like King William, with a hooked nose. [126]
After my return to town, I intend to alter a play of Sir Robert
Howard’s, written long since, and lately put by him into my hands: ’tis
called the “Conquest of China by the Tartars. ”[127] It will cost me six
weeks study, with the probable benefit of an hundred pounds. In the
mean time, I am writing a song for St Cecilia’s Feast, who, you know,
is the patroness of music. This is troublesome, and no way beneficial;
but I could not deny the stewards of the feast, who came in a body
to me to desire that kindness, one of them being Mr Bridgman, whose
parents are your mother’s friends. I hope to send you thirty guineas
between Michaelmass and Christmass, of which I will give you an account
when I come to town. I remember the counsel you give me in your letter;
but dissembling, though lawful in some cases, is not my talent; yet,
for your sake, I will struggle with the plain openness of my nature,
and keep in my just resentments against that degenerate order. [128] In
the mean time, I flatter not myself with any manner of hopes, but do
my duty, and suffer for God’s sake; being assured, beforehand, never
to be rewarded, though the times should alter. Towards the latter end
of this month, September, Charles will begin to recover his perfect
health, according to his nativity, which, casting it my self, I am sure
is true; and all things hitherto have happened accordingly to the very
time that I predicted them. I hope, at the same time, to recover more
health, according to my age. Remember me to poor Harry, whose prayers I
earnestly desire. My Virgil succeeds in the world beyond its desert,
or my expectation. You know, the profits might have been more; but
neither my conscience nor my honour would suffer me to take them;[129]
but I never can repent of my constancy, since I am thoroughly persuaded
of the justice of the cause for which I suffer. It has pleased God to
raise up many friends to me amongst my enemies, though they, who ought
to have been my friends, are negligent of me. I am called to dinner,
and cannot go on with this letter, which I desire you to excuse; and am
Your most affectionate father,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_Superscribed_,
Al illustrissimo Sig^{re}.
Carlo Dryden,
Camariere d’Honore A. S. S.
Franca per Mantoua. In Roma.
_To this Letter, Lady Elizabeth Dryden subjoined, on the same paper,
the following Postscript:--_
My dear sons, I sent your letter emediately to your father, after I
had read it, as you will find by his. I have not room to say much,
having writ former letters to you, datted the 27 of August, your father
being then out of town; he writes me word--he is much at woon as to
his health, and his defnese is not wosce, but much as he was when he
was heare. He expresses a great desire to see my dear Charlles; and
trully I see noe reason why you should not both come together, to be a
comfort to woon another, and to us both, if the King of France includ
Ingland in the peace;[130] for you doe but gust make shift to live
wheare you are, and soe I hope you may doe heare; for I will leaf noe
ston unturn’d to help my belov’d sonns. If I cane, I will send this
letter by the same way it came;[131] that is, it was brought me from
woon Mr Galowway, who corresponds with Rozie; I payd woon and sixpence
for it, and do offer to pay him what he demandes, so that he would
take ceare the [packet] might come safe to your handes. I long tell I
heare my deare Charlles is better. I have only room to tell you the
names of the merchantes your parcell went in; you are to demmand them
of Mr Robert Ball and Thommas Ball in Lindovino in Livorno. You are
not to pay any charges for the box, for the port of London. If the
have demanded any of you, send word to me what it is; for otherwayes
wee shall pay twice for them; and this Mr Walkeson telles me, with his
service to you both. Farwell, my deare children: God Almighty keep you
in his protection, for that is the wishes and prayers of your most
affec: mother, that sends her blessinge to you all; not forgetting my
sonn Harry, whose prayers I desire for a comfortable meetinge. I hope I
may have some better thinges against you come, than what is sent you in
that box; there being nothing considurabell but my deare Jackes play,
who I desire in his next to me to give me a true account how my deare
sonn Charlles is head dus; for I cane be at noe rest tell I heare he is
better, or rather thourely well, which I dally pray for. [132]
LETTER XXIV.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, [f. Dec. 1697. ]
I thank you heartily for the sherry; it was, as you sayd, the best
of the kind I ever dranke. I have found the catalogue you desire, of
the subscribers’ names you left with me; and have sent them to you
inclosed. Remember, in the copy of verses for St Cecilia, to alter the
name of _Lais_, which is twice there, for _Thais_; those two ladyes
were contemporaryes, which causd that small mistake. I wish you coud
tell me how to send my sonns our Virgil, which you gave me; and should
be glad if you coud put me in a way of remitting thirty guineas to
Rome, which I woud pay heer, for my sonns to have the vallue there,
according as the exchange goes. Any time this fortnight will be soon
enough to send the money: the book, I know, will require a longer
space, because ships go not for Italy every day.
I am
Your humble servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
I hear Tom Brown is comeing out upon me. [133]
LETTER XXV.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, Wednesday, [f. Dec. 1697. ]
I have broken off my studies from the “Conquest of China,”[134] to
review Virgil, and bestowed nine entire days upon him. You may have
the printed copy you sent me to-morrow morning, if you will come for
it yourself; for the printer is a beast, and understands nothing I can
say to him of correcting the press. Dr Chetwood[135] claims my promise
of the Ode on St Cecilia’s Day, which I desire you to send to him
(according to the Parliament phrase) forthwith. My wife says you have
broken your promise about the picture, and desires it speedily; the
rest I will tell you when you come.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XXVI.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, [f. Dec. 1697. ]
You were no sooner gone, but I felt in my pocket, and found my Lady
Chudleigh’s[136] verses; which this afternoon I gave Mr Walsh to read
in the coffee-house. His opinion is the same with mine, that they are
better than any which are printed before the book: so thinks also Mr
Wycherly. I have them by me; but do not send them till I heare from
my Lord Clifford, whether my lady will put her name to them or not:
therefore I desire they may be printed last of all the copyes, and
of all the book. I have also written this day to Mr Chetwood, and let
him know, that the book is immediately goeing to the press again. My
opinion is, that the printer shou’d begin with the first Pastoral, and
print on to the end of the Georgiques; or farther, if occasion be,
till Dr Chetwood corrects his preface,[137] which he writes me word is
printed very false. You cannot take too great care of the printing this
edition exactly after my amendments; for a fault of that nature will
disoblige me eternally.
I am glad to heare from all hands, that my Ode[138] is esteem’d the
best of all my poetry, by all the town: I thought so myself when I writ
it; but, being old, I mistrusted my own judgment. I hope it has done
you service, and will do more. You told me not, but the town says you
are printing Ovid _de Arte Amandi_. I know my translation[139] is very
uncorrect; but at the same time I know, nobody else can do it better,
with all their paines. If there be any loose papers left in the Virgil
I gave you this morning, look for them, and send them back by my man:
I miss not any yet; but ’tis possible some may be left, because I gave
you the book in a hurry. I vow to God, if Everingham takes not care of
this impression, he shall never print any thing of mine heerafter: for
I will write on, since I find I can.
I desire you to make sure of the three pounds of snuff, the same
of which I had one pound from you. When you send it any morning,
I will pay for it all together. But this is not the business of
this letter. --When you were heer, I intended to have sent an answer
to poor Charles his letter; but I had not then the letter which my
chirurgeon promis’d me, of his advice, to prevent a rupture, which he
fears. [140] Now I have the surgeon’s answer, which I have inclosed in
my letter to my sonn. This is a business of the greatest consequence
in the world; for you know how I love Charles: and therefore I write
to you with all the earnestness of a father, that you will procure Mr
Francia[141] to inclose it in his packet this week: for a week lost
may be my sonn’s ruine; whom I intend to send for next summer, without
his brother, as I have written him word: and if it please God that I
must dye of over-study, I cannot spend my life better, than in saving
his. I vallue not any price for a double letter; let me know it, and
it shall be payd; for I dare not trust it by the post: being satisfy’d
by experience, that Ferrand will do by this, as he did by two letters
which I sent my sonns, about my dedicating to the king;[142] of which
they received neither. If you cannot go yourself, then send a note to
Signior Francia, as earnestly as you can write it, to beg that it may
go this day, I meane Friday. I need not tell you, how much herein you
will oblige
Your friend and servant,
J. D.
LETTER XXVII.
TO MRS STEWARD. [143]
MADAM, Saturday, Octob. 1st--98.
You have done me the honour to invite so often, that it would look
like want of respect to refuse it any longer. How can you be so good
to an old decrepid man, who can entertain you with no discours which
is worthy of your good sense, and who can onely be a trouble to you in
all the time he stays at Cotterstock. Yet I will obey your commands
as far as possibly I can, and give you the inconvenience you are
pleas’d to desire; at least for the few days which I can spare from
other necessary business, which requires me at Tichmarsh. Therefore,
if you please to send your coach on Tuesday next by eleven o’clock
in the morning, I hope to wait on you before dinner. There is onely
one more trouble, which I am almost ashamed to name. I am obliged to
visit my cousin, Dryden of Chesterton,[144] some time next week, who
is nine miles from hence, and only five from you. If it be with your
convenience to spare me your coach thether for a day, the rest of my
time till Monday is at your service; and I am sorry for my own sake it
cannot be any longer this year, because I have some visits after my
return hether, which I cannot avoyd. But if it please God to give me
life and health, I may give you occasion another time to repent of your
kindness, by makeing you weary of my company. My sonn kisses your hand.
Be pleas’d to give his humble service to my cousin Steward, and mine,
who am,
Madam,
Your most obedient oblig’d servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_For my Honour’d Cousine,_
_Mrs Steward, att Cotterstock,_
_These_.
LETTER XXVIII.
TO ELMES STEWARD, ESQ.
MY HONOUR’D COUSIN, [Probably, Nov. 20. 1698. ]
I shou’d have received your letter with too much satisfaction, if
it had not been allay’d with the bad news of my cousin your wife’s
indisposition; which yet I hope will not continue. I am sure, if care
and love will contribute to her health, she will want neither from so
tender a husband as you are: and indeed you are both worthy of each
other. You have been pleased, each of you, to be kind to my sonn[145]
and me, your poor relations, without any merit on our side, unless you
will let our gratitude pass for our desert. And now you are pleas’d
to invite another trouble on your self, which our bad company may
possibly draw upon you next year, if I have life and health to come
into Northamptonshire; and that you will please not to make so much a
stranger of me another time. --I intend my wife shall tast the plover
you did me the favour to send me. If either your lady or you shall at
any time honour me with a letter, my house is in Gerard-street, the
fifth door on the left hand, comeing from Newport-street. I pray God
I may hear better news of both your healths, and of my good cousin
Creed’s,[146] and my cousin Dorothy,[147] than I have had while I was
in this country. I shall languish till you send me word; and I assure
you I write this without poetry, who am, from the bottome of my heart,
My honour’d cousin’s most obliged
Humble servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
My sonn and I kiss my cousin Steward’s hand; and give our service to
your sister, and pretty Miss Betty.
_For my Honour’d Cousin,_
_Elmes Steward, Esq. Att Cotterstock. _
LETTER XXIX.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Nov. 23d, 1698.
To take acknowledgments of favours for favours done you, is onely
yours. I am always on the receiving hand; and you, who have been
pleas’d to be troubled so long with my bad company, in stead of
forgiveing, which is all I could expect, will turn it to a kindness on
my side. If your house be often so molested, you will have reason to
be weary of it, before the ending of the year: and wish Cotterstock
were planted in a desart, an hundred miles off from any poet. --After I
had lost the happiness of your company, I could expect no other than
the loss of my health, which followed, according to the proverb, that
misfortunes seldome come alone. I had no woman to visite[148] but
the parson’s wife; and she, who was intended by nature as a help meet
for a deaf husband, was somewhat of the loudest for my conversation;
and for other things, I will say no more then that she is just your
contrary, and an epitome of her own country. My journey to London was
yet more unpleasant than my abode at Tichmarsh; for the coach was
crowded up with an old woman fatter than any of my hostesses on the
rode. Her weight made the horses travel very heavily; but, to give them
a breathing time, she would often stop us, and plead some necessity of
nature, and tell us, we were all flesh and blood: but she did this so
frequently, that at last we conspir’d against her; and that she might
not be inconvenienc’d by staying in the coach, turn’d her out in a very
dirty place, where she was to wade up to the ankles, before she cou’d
reach the next hedge. When I was ridd of her, I came sick home, and
kept my house for three weeks together; but, by advice of my doctour,
takeing twice the bitter draught, with sena in it, and looseing at
least twelve ounces of blood, by cupping on my neck, I am just well
enough to go abroad in the afternoon; but am much afflicted that I have
you a companion of my sickness: though I ’scap’d with one cold fit of
an ague, and yours, I feare, is an intermitting feavour. Since I heard
nothing of your father, whom I left ill, I hope he is recover’d of his
reall sickness, and that your sister is well of hers, which was onely
in imagination. My wife and sonn return you their most humble service,
and I give mine to my cousin Steward. --Madam,
Your most obliged and
most obedient servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
[_The superscription has not been preserved. _]
LETTER XXX.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Dec. 12th, --98.
All my letters being nothing but acknowledgements of your favours to
me, ’tis no wonder if they are all alike: for they can but express
the same thing, I being eternally the receiver, and you the giver. I
wish it were in my power to turn the skale on the other hand, that I
might see how you, who have so excellent a wit, cou’d thank on your
side. Not to name my self or my wife, my sonn Charles is the great
commender of your last receiv’d present; who being of late somewhat
indispos’d, uses to send for some of the same sort, which we call heer
marrow-puddings, for his suppers; but the tast of yours has so spoyl’d
his markets heer, that there is not the least comparison betwixt
them. You are not of an age to be a Sybill, and yet I think you are
a prophetess; for the direction on your basket was for him; and he
is likely to enjoy the greatest part of them: for I always think the
young are more worthy than the old; especially since you are one of the
former sort, and that he mends upon your medicine. --I am very glad to
hear my cousin, your father, is comeing or come to town; perhaps this
ayr may be as beneficiall to him as it has been to me: but you tell me
nothing of your own health, and I fear Cotterstock is too agueish for
this season. --My wife and sonn give you their most humble thanks and
service; as I do mine to my cousin Steward; and am, Madam,
Your most oblig’d obedient servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_For Mrs Steward_,
_Att Cotterstock, near Oundle,_
_in the county of Northampton, These. _
_To be left with the Postmaster of Oundle. _
LETTER XXXI.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Candlemas-Day, 1698[-9. ]
Old men are not so insensible of beauty, as it may be, you young
ladies think. For my own part, I must needs acknowledge, that your
fair eyes had made me your slave before I received your fine presents.
Your letter puts me out of doubt that they have lost nothing of their
luster, because it was written with your own hand; and not heareing
of a feavour or an ague, I will please my self with the thoughts that
they have wholly left you. I wou’d also flatter my self with the hopes
of waiting on you at Cotterstock some time next summer; but my want of
health may perhaps hinder me. But if I am well enough to travell as
farr northward as Northamptonshyre, you are sure of a guest, who has
been too well us’d not to trouble you again.
My sonn, of whom you have done me the favour to enquire, mends of his
indisposition very slowly; the ayr of England not agreeing with him
hetherto so well as that of Italy. The Bath is propos’d by the doctors,
both to him and me: but we have not yet resolved absolutely on that
journey; for that city is so close and so ill situated, that perhaps
the ayr may do us more harm than the waters can do us good: for which
reason we intend to try them heer first; and if we find not the good
effect which is promis’d of them, we will save our selves the pains of
goeing thether. In the mean time, betwixt my intervals of physique, and
other remedies which I am using for my gravel, I am still drudgeing
on: always a poet, and never a good one. I pass my time sometimes with
Ovid, and sometimes with our old English poet Chaucer; translating
such stories as best please my fancy; and intend, besides them, to add
somewhat of my own; so that it is not impossible, but ere the summer
be pass’d, I may come down to you with a volume in my hand, like a dog
out of the water, with a duck in his mouth. As for the rarities you
promise, if beggars might be choosers, a part of a chine of honest
bacon wou’d please my appetite more than all the marrow puddings; for I
like them better plain; having a very vulgar stomach. My wife, and your
cousin, Charles, give you their most humble service, and thanks for
your remembrance of them. I present my own to my worthy cousin, your
husband, and am, with all respect,
Madam,
Your most obliged servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_For_
_Mrs Stewart, att Cotterstock_
_near Oundle, in Northamptonshyre,_
_These. _
_To be left with the Postmaster of Oundle. _
LETTER XXXII.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Thursday, Feb. 9th. --98[-9. ]
For this time I must follow a bad example, and send you a shorter
letter than your short one: you were hinder’d by dancers, and I am
forc’d to dance attendance all this afternoon after a troublesome
business, so soon as I have written this, and seal’d it. Onely I can
assure you, that your father and mother, and all your relations, are
in health, or were yesterday, when I sent to enquire of their welfare.
On Tuesday night we had a violent wind, which blew down three of my
chimneys, and dismantled all one side of my house, by throwing down
the tiles. My neighbours, and indeed all the town, suffer’d more or
less; and some were kill’d. The great trees in St James’s Park are many
of them torn up from the roots; as they were before Oliver Cromwell’s
death,[149] and the late queen’s: but your father had no damage. I sent
my man for the present you designed me; but he return’d empty-handed;
for there was no such man as _Carter_ a carrier, inning at the Bear
and Ragged Staff in Smithfield, nor any one there ever heard of such
a person; by which I guess that some body has deceived you with a
counterfeited name. Yet my, obligations are the same; and the favour
shall be always own’d by,
Madam,
Your most humble servant,
and kinsman,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_For Mrs Stewart_,
_Att Cotterstock neare Oundle_, &c.
LETTER XXXIII.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, March the 4th, 1698[-9. ]
I have reason to be pleas’d with writeing to you, because you are
daily giveing me occasions to be pleas’d. The present which you made
me this week, I have receiv’d; and it will be part of the treat I am
to make to three of my friends about Tuesday next: my cousin Driden,
of Chesterton, having been also pleas’d to add to it a turkey hen with
eggs, and a good young goose; besides a very kind letter, and the news
of his own good health, which I vallue more than all the rest; he
being so noble a benefactor to a poor and so undeserving a kinsman,
and one of another persuasion in matters of religion. Your enquiry of
his welfare, and sending also mine, have at once oblig’d both him and
me. I hope my good cousin Stewart will often visite him, especially
before hunting goes out,[150] to be a comfort to him in his sorrow
for the loss of his deare brother,[151] who was a most extraordinary
well-natur’d man, and much my friend. Exercise, I know, is my cousin
Driden’s life, and the oftner he goes out will be the better for his
health. We poor Catholics daily expect a most severe proclamation to
come out against us;[152] and at the same time are satisfyed that the
king is very unwilling to persecute us, considering us to be but an
handfull, and those disarmed; but the archbishop of Canterbury is our
heavy enemy, and heavy indeed he is in all respects. [153]
This day was played a revived comedy of Mr Congreve’s, called “The
Double Dealer,” which was never very takeing. In the play-bill was
printed--“Written by Mr Congreve; with severall expressions omitted. ”
What kind of expressions those were, you may easily ghess, if you
have seen the Monday’s Gazette, wherein is the king’s order for the
reformation of the stage:[154] but the printing an author’s name in a
play-bill is a new manner of proceeding, at least in England. When
any papers of verses in manuscript, which are worth your reading,
come abroad, you shall be sure of them; because, being a poetess
yourself, you like those entertainments. I am still drudging at a book
of Miscellanyes,[155] which I hope will be well enough; if otherwise,
threescore and seven may be pardon’d. --Charles is not yet so well
recover’d as I wish him; but I may say, without vanity, that his
virtue and sobriety have made him much belov’d in all companies. Both
he and his mother give you their most humble acknowledgments of your
rememb’ring them. Be pleas’d to give mine to my cousin Stewart, who am
both his and your
Most obliged obedient servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
You may see I was in hast, by writing on the wrong side of the paper.
_For Mrs Steward, etc. ut supra. _
LETTER XXXIV.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Tuesday, July the 11th, [1699. ]
As I cannot accuse myself to have receiv’d any letters from you without
answer, so, on the other side, I am oblig’d to believe it, because
you say it. ’Tis true, I have had so many fitts of sickness, and so
much other unpleasant business, that I may possibly have receiv’d
those favours, and deferr’d my acknowledgment till I forgot to thank
you for them. However it be, I cannot but confess, that never was any
unanswering man so civilly reproach’d by a fair lady.
indeed the best right to give them, since you have them in propriety;
but they are no more mine when I receive them than the light of the
moon can be allowed to be her own, who shines but by the reflexion of
her brother. Your own poetry is a more powerful example, to prove that
the modern writers may enter into comparison with the ancients, than
any which Perrault could produce in France: yet neither he, nor you,
who are a better critick, can persuade me, that there is any room left
for a solid commendation at this time of day, at least for me.
If I undertake the translation of Virgil, the little which I can
perform will shew at least, that no man is fit to write after him, in
a barbarous modern tongue. Neither will his machines be of any service
to a Christian poet. We see how ineffectually they have been tryed by
Tasso, and by Ariosto. It is using them too dully, if we only make
devils of his gods: as if, for example, I would raise a storm, and
make use of Æolus, with this only difference of calling him Prince of
the Air; what invention of mine would there be in this? or who would
not see Virgil thorough me; only the same trick played over again by
a bungling juggler? Boileau has well observed, that it is an easy
matter in a Christian poem, for God to bring the Devil to reason. I
think I have given a better hint for new machines in my preface to
Juvenal; where I have particularly recommended two subjects, one of
King Arthur’s conquest of the Saxons, and the other of the Black Prince
in his conquest of Spain. But the guardian angels of monarchys and
kingdoms are not to be touched by every hand: a man must be deeply
conversant in the Platonic philosophy, to deal with them; and therefore
I may reasonably expect, that no poet of our age will presume to handle
those machines, for fear of discovering his own ignorance; or if he
should, he might perhaps be ingrateful enough not to own me for his
benefactour. [102]
After I have confessed thus much of our modern heroic poetry, I cannot
but conclude with Mr Rymer, that our English comedy is far beyond any
thing of the ancients: and notwithstanding our irregularities, so is
our tragedy. Shakspeare had a genius for it; and we know, in spite
of Mr Rymer, that genius alone is a greater virtue (if I may so call
it) than all other qualifications put together. You see what success
this learned critick has found in the world, after his blaspheming
Shakspeare. [103] Almost all the faults which he has discovered are
truly there; yet who will read Mr Rymer, or not read Shakspeare? For my
own part I reverence Mr Rymer’s learning, but I detest his ill-nature
and his arrogance. I indeed, and such as I, have reason to be afraid
of him, but Shakspeare has not. [104]
There is another part of poetry, in which the English stand almost
upon an equal foot with the ancients; and it is that which we call
Pindarique; introduced, but not perfected, by our famous Mr Cowley: and
of this, Sir, you are certainly one of the greatest masters. You have
the sublimity of sense as well as sound, and know how far the boldness
of a poet may lawfully extend. I could wish you would cultivate this
kind of Ode; and reduce it either to the same measures which Pindar
used, or give new measures of your own. For, as it is, it looks like a
vast tract of land newly discovered: the soil is wonderfully fruitful,
but unmanured; overstocked with inhabitants, but almost all savages,
without laws, arts, arms, or policy.
I remember, poor Nat. Lee, who was then upon the verge of madness, yet
made a sober and a witty answer to a bad poet, who told him, “It was
an easie thing to write like a madman:” “No,” said he, “it is very
difficult to write like a madman, but it is a very easie matter to
write like a fool. ” Otway and he are safe by death from all attacks,
but we poor poets militant (to use Mr Cowley’s expression) are at
the mercy of wretched scribblers: and when they cannot fasten upon
our verses, they fall upon our morals, our principles of state, and
religion. For my principles of religion, I will not justifie them to
you: I know yours are far different. For the same reason, I shall say
nothing of my principles of state. I believe you and yours follow the
dictates of your reason, as I in mine do those of my conscience. If
I thought myself in an errour, I would retract it. I am sure that I
suffer for them; and Milton makes even the Devil say, that no creature
is in love with pain. For my morals betwixt man and man, I am not to be
my own judge. I appeal to the world, if I have deceived or defrauded
any man: and for my private conversation, they who see me every day can
be the best witnesses, whether or no it be blameless and inoffensive.
Hitherto I have no reason to complain that men of either party shun
my company. I have never been an impudent beggar at the doors of
noblemen: my visits have indeed been too rare to be unacceptable; and
but just enough to testifie my gratitude for their bounty, which I have
frequently received, but always unasked, as themselves will witness.
I have written more than I needed to you on this subject; for I dare
say you justifie me to yourself. As for that which I first intended
for the principal subject of this letter, which is my friend’s passion
and his design of marriage, on better consideration I have changed my
mind; for having had the honour to see my dear friend Wycherly’s letter
to him on that occasion, I find nothing to be added or amended. But
as well as I love Mr Wycherly, I confess I love myself so well, that
I will not shew how much I am inferiour to him in wit and judgment,
by undertaking any thing after him. There is Moses and the Prophets
in his council. Jupiter and Juno, as the poets tell us, made Tiresias
their umpire in a certain merry dispute, which fell out in heaven
betwixt them. Tiresias, you know, had been of both sexes, and therefore
was a proper judge; our friend Mr Wycherly is full as competent an
arbitrator; he has been a bachelor, and marryed man, and is now a
widower. Virgil says of Ceneus,
----_Nunc vir, nunc fœmina, Ceneus,
Rursus et in veterem fato revoluta figuram. _
Yet I suppose he will not give any large commendations to his middle
state: nor, as the sailer said, will be fond after a shipwrack to put
to sea again. [105] If my friend will adventure after this, I can but
wish him a good wind, as being his, and,
My dear Mr Dennis,
Your most affectionate
and most faithful Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
_The copy money for translating the Æneid was fifty pounds for each
Book. The rising of the second subscription seems, to allude to the
practice of fixing a day, after which no subscriptions were to be
received except on payment of an advanced price. The first subscribers
to Dryden’s Virgil paid five guineas; a plate was dedicated to each of
them, and ornamented with his arms. A second class paid two guineas
only, and were not so honoured. In the subsequent letters there occur
several allusions to these arrangements, and to the transference of
names from the higher to the lower class. _
Wednesday morning.
MR TONSON, [Probably written in April 1695. ]
It is now three dayes since I have ended the fourth Eneid; and I am
this morning beginning to transcribe it, as you may do afterwards; for
I am willing some few of my friends may see it, and shall give leave to
you, to shew your transcription to some others, whose names I will tell
you. The paying Ned Sheldon the fifty pounds put me upon this speed;
but I intend not so much to overtoil myself, after the sixth book is
ended. If the second subscriptions rise, I will take so much the more
time, because the profit will incourage me the more; if not, I must
make the more haste; yet always with as much care as I am able. But
however, I will not fail in my paines of translating the sixth Eneid
with the same exactness as I have performed the fourth: because that
book is my greatest favourite. You know money is now very scrupulously
receiv’d: in the last which you did me the favour to change for my
wife, besides the clip’d money, there were at least forty shillings
brass. You may, if you please, come to me at the Coffee-house this
afternoon, or at farthest to-morrow, that we may take care together,
where and when I may receive the fifty pounds and the guinneys; which
must be some time this week.
I am your Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
I have written to my Lord Lawderdail, for his decorations. [106]
LETTER XIII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON,
MR TONSON. Saturday, June the 8th. [f. 1695. ]
’Tis now high time for me to think of my second subscriptions; for the
more time I have for collecting them, the larger they are like to
be. I have now been idle just a fortnight; and therefore might have
called sooner on you, for the remainder of the first subscriptions. And
besides, Mr Aston will be goeing into Cheshire a week hence, who is my
onely help, and to whom you are onely beholding for makeing the bargain
betwixt us, which is so much to my loss; but I repent nothing of it
that is passed, but that I do not find myself capable of translating
so great an author, and therefore feare to lose my own credit, and to
hazard your profit, which it wou’d grieve me if you should loose, by
your too good opinion of my abilities. I expected to have heard of you
this week, according to the intimation you gave me of it; but that
failing, I must defer it no longer than till the ensueing week, because
Mr Aston will afterwards be gone, if not sooner.
Be pleased to send me word what day will be most convenient to you; and
be ready with the price of paper, and of the books. No matter for any
dinner; for that is a charge to you, and I care not for it. [107] Mr
Congreve may be with us, as a common friend; for as you know him for
yours, I make not the least doubt, but he is much more mine; send an
immediate answer, and you shall find me ready to do all things w^{ch}
become
Your Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XIV.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MY GOOD FRIEND, [Wednesday the 13th of 7 ber f. 1695. ]
This is onely to acquaint you, that I have taken my place in the Oundel
coach for Tuesday next; and hope to be at London on Wednesday night.
I had not confidence enough to hope Mr Southern and Mr Congreve woud
have given me the favour of their company for the last foure miles;
but since they will be so kind to a friend of theirs, who so truely
loves both them and you, I will please myself with expecting it, if the
weather be not so bad as to hinder them.
I assure you I lay up your last kindnesses to me in my heart; and the
less I say of them, I charge them to account so much the more; being
very sensible that I have not hitherto deserved them. Haveing been
obliged to sit up all last night almost out of civility to strangers,
who were benighted, and to resign my bed to them, I am sleepy all this
day; and if I had not taken a very lusty pike that day, they must have
gone supperless to bed, foure ladyes and two gentlemen; for Mr Dudley
and I were alone, with but one man and no mayd in the house. --This time
I cannot write to my wife; do me the favour to let her know I received
her letter, am well, and hope to be with her on Wednesday next, at
night. No more but that
I am very much
Your Friend and Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XV.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, October the 29h. [f. 1695. ]
Some kind of intercourse must be carryed on betwixt us, while I am
translating Virgil. Therefore I give you notice, that I have done the
seaventh Eneid in the country;[108] and intend some few days hence,
to go upon the eight: when that is finished, I expect fifty pounds
in good silver; not such as I have had formerly. I am not obliged to
take gold,[109] neither will I; nor stay for it beyond four-and-twenty
houres after it is due. I thank you for the civility of your last
letter in the country; but the thirty shillings upon every book
remains with me. You always intended I should get nothing by the
second subscriptions, as I found from first to last. And your promise
to Mr Congreve, that you had found a way for my benefit, which was an
encouragement to my paines, came at last, for me to desire Sir Godfrey
Kneller and Mr Closterman to gather for me. I then told Mr Congreve,
that I knew you too well to believe you meant me any kindness: and he
promised me to believe accordingly of you, if you did not. But this is
past; and you shall have your bargain, if I live and have my health.
You may send me word what you have done in my business with the Earl of
Derby: and I must have a place for the Duke of Devonshyre. Some of your
friends will be glad to take back their three guinneys. The Countess
of Macclesfield gave her money to Will Plowden before Christmas; but
he remembered it not, and payd it not in. Mr Aston tells me, my Lord
Derby expects but one book. I find, my Lord Chesterfield and my Lord
Petre are both left out; but my Lady Macclesfield must have a place, if
I can possibly: and Will Plowden shall pay you in three guinneys, if I
can obtain so much favour from you. [110] I desire neither excuses nor
reasons from you: for I am but too well satisfyed already. The Notes
and Prefaces shall be short; because you shall get the more by saving
paper. [111]
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XVI.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, Friday night. [f. Dec. 1695. ]
Meeting Sir Robert Howard at the playhouse this morning, and asking him
how he lik’d my seaventh Eneid, he told me you had not brought it. He
goes out of town to-morrow, being Satturday, after dinner. I desire you
not to fail of carrying my manuscript for him to read in the country;
and desire him to bring it up with him, when he comes next to town. I
doubt you have not yet been with my Lord Chesterfield, and am in pain
about it.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
When you have leysure, I shou’d be glad to see how Mr Congreve and you
have worded my propositions for Virgil. [112] When my sonne’s play[113]
is acted, I intend to translate again, if my health continue. Some time
next week let me heare from you concerning the propositions.
LETTER XVII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
SIR, Friday forenoon, [f. Feb, 1695-6. ]
I receiv’d your letter very kindly,[114] because indeed I expected
none; but thought you as very a tradesman as Bentley,[115] who has
cursed our Virgil so heartily. I shall loose enough by your bill upon
Mr Knight;[116] for after having taking it all in silver, and not in
half-crowns neither, but shillings and sixpences, none of the money
will go; for which reason I have sent it all back again, and as the
less loss will receive it in guinneys at 29 shillings each. ’Tis
troublesome to be a looser, but it was my own fault to accept it this
way, which I did to avoyd more trouble.
I am not sorry that you will not allow any thing towards the notes;
for to make them good, would have cost me half a yeare’s time at
least. Those I write shall be only marginall, to help the unlearned,
who understand not the poeticall fables. The prefaces, as I intend
them, will be somewhat more learned. It wou’d require seaven yeares
to translate Virgil exactly. But I promise you once more to do my
best in the four remaining books, as I have hitherto done in the
foregoing. --Upon triall I find all of your trade are sharpers, and
you not more than others; therefore I have not wholly left you. Mr
Aston does not blame you for getting as good a bargain as you cou’d,
though I cou’d have gott an hundred pounds more; and you might have
spared almost all your trouble if you had thought fit to publish the
proposalls for the first subscriptions; for I have guynneas offered
me every day, if there had been room; I believe, modestly speaking, I
have refused already 25. I mislike nothing in your letter therefore,
but onely your upbraiding me with the publique encouragement, and my
own reputation concerned in the notes; when I assure you I cou’d not
make them to my mind in less than half a year’s time. Get the first
half of Virgil transcribed as soon as possibly you can, that I may put
the notes to it; and you may have the other four books which lye ready
for you when you bring the former; that the press may stay as little
as possibly it can. My Lord Chesterfield has been to visite me, but
I durst say nothing of Virgil to him, for feare there should be no
void place for him; if there be, let me know; and tell me whether you
have made room for the Duke of Devonshire. Haveing no silver by me, I
desire my Lord Derby’s money, deducting your own. And let it be good,
if you desire to oblige me, who am not your enemy, and may be your
friend,
JOHN DRYDEN.
Let me heare from you as speedily as you can.
LETTER XVIII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
May 26th, [1696. ]
Send word, if you please, Sir, what is the most you will give for my
sonn’s play, that I may take the fairest chapman, as I am bound to do
for his benefit; and if you have any silver which will go, my wife will
be glad of it. I lost thirty shillings or more by the last payment of
fifty pounds, w^ch you made at Mr Knights.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
Sir Ro: Howard[117] writt me word, that if I cou’d make any advantage
by being paid in clipp’d money, he woud change it in the Exchequer.
LETTER XIX.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, Thursday Morning, [f. Aug. 1696. ]
I had yesterday morning two watches sent me by Mr Tompion,[118] which I
am to send my sonnes this week. [119] I cou’d not persuade him to take
gold at any rate: but he will take a goldsmiths bill for two and twenty
pounds, which is their price. I desire you wou’d give him such a bill,
and abate it out of the next fifty pounds which you are to pay me when
Virgil is finish’d. Ten Eneids are finish’d, and the ninth and tenth
written out in my own hand. You may have them with the eight, which is
in a foul copy, when you please to call for them, and to bring those
which are transcrib’d. Mr Tompion’s man will be with me at four o’clock
in the afternoon, and bring the watches, and must be payd at sight. I
desire you therefore to procure a goldsmiths bill, and let me have it
before that houre, and send an answer by my boy.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XX.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
Wednesday afternoon.
MR TONSON, From the Coffee-house. Nov. 25th.
I have the remainder of my Northamptonshyre rents come up this weeke,
and desire the favour of you to receive them for me, from the carrier
of Tocester, who lodges at the Castle in Smithfield. I suppose it is
the same man from whom you lately receiv’d them for my wife. Any time
before ten o’clock to-morrow morning will serve the turne. If I were
not deeply ingaged in my studyes, which will be finish’d in a day or
two, I would not put you to this trouble. I have inclos’d my tenant’s
letter to me, for you to shew the carrier, and to testify the sum,
which is sixteen pounds and about tenn shillings; which the letter sets
down. Pray, Sir, give in an acquittance for so much receiv’d, as I
suppose you did last time.
I am,
Your very faithful Servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XXI.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
SIR, [f. Jan. 1696-7. ]
According to my promise, I have sent you all that is properly yours
of my translation. I desire, as you offer’d, that it should be
transcrib’d in a legible hand, and then sent back to me for the last
review. As for some notes on the margins, they are not every where, and
when they are, are imperfect; so that you ought not to transcribe them,
till I make them compleat. I feare you can scarcely make any thing
of my foul copy; but it is the best I have. You see, my hand fails
me, and therefore I write so short a letter. What I wrote yesterday
was too sharp; but I doubt it is all true. Your boy’s coming upon so
unseasonable a visit, as if you were frighted for yourself, discomposed
me.
Transcribe on very large paper, and leave a very large margin.
Send your boy for the foul copies, and he shall have them; for it will
not satisfy me to send them by my own servant.
I cannot yet find the first sheet of the first Eneid. If it be lost, I
will translate it over againe: but perhaps it may be amongst the loose
papers. The fourth and ninth Eclogues, which I have sent, are corrected
in my wife’s printed Miscellany. [120]
LETTER XXII.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, Tuesday Morning, July the 6th, 1697.
I desire you wou’d let Mr Pate[121] know, I can print no more names of
his subscribers than I have money for, before I print their names. He
has my acknowledgment of ten guineas receiv’d from him; and, as I told
you, I owe him for above three yards of fine cloath: let him reckon for
it; and then there will remain the rest for me, out of the ten more
names w^{ch} he has given in. If he has not money by him, let him blott
out as many of his names as he thinks good; and print onely those for
which he pays or strikes off, in adjusting the accounts betwixt me and
him. This is so reasonable on both sides, that he cannot refuse it; but
I wou’d have things ended now, because I am to deal with a draper, who
is of my own perswasion,[122] and to whom I have promis’d my custome.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
I have sent to my tailour, and he sends me word, that I had three yards
and half elle of cloath from Mr Pate: I desire he would make his price,
and deduct so much as it comes to, and make even for the rest with
ready money; as also, that he would send word what the name was, for
whom Sam Atkins left him to make account for.
LETTER XXIII.
TO HIS SONS AT ROME.
DEAR SONS, Sept. the 3d. our Style, [1697. ]
Being now at Sir William Bowyer’s,[123] in the country, I cannot write
at large, because I find my self somewhat indisposed with a cold, and
am thick of hearing, rather worse than I was in town.
I am glad to
find, by your letter of July 26th, your style, that you are both in
health; but wonder you should think me so negligent as to forget to
give you an account of the ship in which your parcel is to come. I have
written to you two or three letters concerning it, which I have sent
by safe hands, as I told you; and doubt not but you have them before
this can arrive to you. Being out of town, I have forgotten the ship’s
name, which your mother will enquire, and put it into her letter, which
is joined with mine. But the master’s name I remember; he is called Mr
Ralph Thorp; the ship is bound to Leghorn, consigned to Mr Peter and Mr
Tho. Ball, merchants. I am of your opinion, that, by Tonson’s means,
almost all our letters have miscarried for this last year. [124] But,
however, he has missed of his design in the dedication, though he had
prepared the book for it;[125] for, in every figure of Æneas, he has
caused him to be drawn like King William, with a hooked nose. [126]
After my return to town, I intend to alter a play of Sir Robert
Howard’s, written long since, and lately put by him into my hands: ’tis
called the “Conquest of China by the Tartars. ”[127] It will cost me six
weeks study, with the probable benefit of an hundred pounds. In the
mean time, I am writing a song for St Cecilia’s Feast, who, you know,
is the patroness of music. This is troublesome, and no way beneficial;
but I could not deny the stewards of the feast, who came in a body
to me to desire that kindness, one of them being Mr Bridgman, whose
parents are your mother’s friends. I hope to send you thirty guineas
between Michaelmass and Christmass, of which I will give you an account
when I come to town. I remember the counsel you give me in your letter;
but dissembling, though lawful in some cases, is not my talent; yet,
for your sake, I will struggle with the plain openness of my nature,
and keep in my just resentments against that degenerate order. [128] In
the mean time, I flatter not myself with any manner of hopes, but do
my duty, and suffer for God’s sake; being assured, beforehand, never
to be rewarded, though the times should alter. Towards the latter end
of this month, September, Charles will begin to recover his perfect
health, according to his nativity, which, casting it my self, I am sure
is true; and all things hitherto have happened accordingly to the very
time that I predicted them. I hope, at the same time, to recover more
health, according to my age. Remember me to poor Harry, whose prayers I
earnestly desire. My Virgil succeeds in the world beyond its desert,
or my expectation. You know, the profits might have been more; but
neither my conscience nor my honour would suffer me to take them;[129]
but I never can repent of my constancy, since I am thoroughly persuaded
of the justice of the cause for which I suffer. It has pleased God to
raise up many friends to me amongst my enemies, though they, who ought
to have been my friends, are negligent of me. I am called to dinner,
and cannot go on with this letter, which I desire you to excuse; and am
Your most affectionate father,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_Superscribed_,
Al illustrissimo Sig^{re}.
Carlo Dryden,
Camariere d’Honore A. S. S.
Franca per Mantoua. In Roma.
_To this Letter, Lady Elizabeth Dryden subjoined, on the same paper,
the following Postscript:--_
My dear sons, I sent your letter emediately to your father, after I
had read it, as you will find by his. I have not room to say much,
having writ former letters to you, datted the 27 of August, your father
being then out of town; he writes me word--he is much at woon as to
his health, and his defnese is not wosce, but much as he was when he
was heare. He expresses a great desire to see my dear Charlles; and
trully I see noe reason why you should not both come together, to be a
comfort to woon another, and to us both, if the King of France includ
Ingland in the peace;[130] for you doe but gust make shift to live
wheare you are, and soe I hope you may doe heare; for I will leaf noe
ston unturn’d to help my belov’d sonns. If I cane, I will send this
letter by the same way it came;[131] that is, it was brought me from
woon Mr Galowway, who corresponds with Rozie; I payd woon and sixpence
for it, and do offer to pay him what he demandes, so that he would
take ceare the [packet] might come safe to your handes. I long tell I
heare my deare Charlles is better. I have only room to tell you the
names of the merchantes your parcell went in; you are to demmand them
of Mr Robert Ball and Thommas Ball in Lindovino in Livorno. You are
not to pay any charges for the box, for the port of London. If the
have demanded any of you, send word to me what it is; for otherwayes
wee shall pay twice for them; and this Mr Walkeson telles me, with his
service to you both. Farwell, my deare children: God Almighty keep you
in his protection, for that is the wishes and prayers of your most
affec: mother, that sends her blessinge to you all; not forgetting my
sonn Harry, whose prayers I desire for a comfortable meetinge. I hope I
may have some better thinges against you come, than what is sent you in
that box; there being nothing considurabell but my deare Jackes play,
who I desire in his next to me to give me a true account how my deare
sonn Charlles is head dus; for I cane be at noe rest tell I heare he is
better, or rather thourely well, which I dally pray for. [132]
LETTER XXIV.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, [f. Dec. 1697. ]
I thank you heartily for the sherry; it was, as you sayd, the best
of the kind I ever dranke. I have found the catalogue you desire, of
the subscribers’ names you left with me; and have sent them to you
inclosed. Remember, in the copy of verses for St Cecilia, to alter the
name of _Lais_, which is twice there, for _Thais_; those two ladyes
were contemporaryes, which causd that small mistake. I wish you coud
tell me how to send my sonns our Virgil, which you gave me; and should
be glad if you coud put me in a way of remitting thirty guineas to
Rome, which I woud pay heer, for my sonns to have the vallue there,
according as the exchange goes. Any time this fortnight will be soon
enough to send the money: the book, I know, will require a longer
space, because ships go not for Italy every day.
I am
Your humble servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
I hear Tom Brown is comeing out upon me. [133]
LETTER XXV.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, Wednesday, [f. Dec. 1697. ]
I have broken off my studies from the “Conquest of China,”[134] to
review Virgil, and bestowed nine entire days upon him. You may have
the printed copy you sent me to-morrow morning, if you will come for
it yourself; for the printer is a beast, and understands nothing I can
say to him of correcting the press. Dr Chetwood[135] claims my promise
of the Ode on St Cecilia’s Day, which I desire you to send to him
(according to the Parliament phrase) forthwith. My wife says you have
broken your promise about the picture, and desires it speedily; the
rest I will tell you when you come.
Yours,
JOHN DRYDEN.
LETTER XXVI.
TO MR JACOB TONSON.
MR TONSON, [f. Dec. 1697. ]
You were no sooner gone, but I felt in my pocket, and found my Lady
Chudleigh’s[136] verses; which this afternoon I gave Mr Walsh to read
in the coffee-house. His opinion is the same with mine, that they are
better than any which are printed before the book: so thinks also Mr
Wycherly. I have them by me; but do not send them till I heare from
my Lord Clifford, whether my lady will put her name to them or not:
therefore I desire they may be printed last of all the copyes, and
of all the book. I have also written this day to Mr Chetwood, and let
him know, that the book is immediately goeing to the press again. My
opinion is, that the printer shou’d begin with the first Pastoral, and
print on to the end of the Georgiques; or farther, if occasion be,
till Dr Chetwood corrects his preface,[137] which he writes me word is
printed very false. You cannot take too great care of the printing this
edition exactly after my amendments; for a fault of that nature will
disoblige me eternally.
I am glad to heare from all hands, that my Ode[138] is esteem’d the
best of all my poetry, by all the town: I thought so myself when I writ
it; but, being old, I mistrusted my own judgment. I hope it has done
you service, and will do more. You told me not, but the town says you
are printing Ovid _de Arte Amandi_. I know my translation[139] is very
uncorrect; but at the same time I know, nobody else can do it better,
with all their paines. If there be any loose papers left in the Virgil
I gave you this morning, look for them, and send them back by my man:
I miss not any yet; but ’tis possible some may be left, because I gave
you the book in a hurry. I vow to God, if Everingham takes not care of
this impression, he shall never print any thing of mine heerafter: for
I will write on, since I find I can.
I desire you to make sure of the three pounds of snuff, the same
of which I had one pound from you. When you send it any morning,
I will pay for it all together. But this is not the business of
this letter. --When you were heer, I intended to have sent an answer
to poor Charles his letter; but I had not then the letter which my
chirurgeon promis’d me, of his advice, to prevent a rupture, which he
fears. [140] Now I have the surgeon’s answer, which I have inclosed in
my letter to my sonn. This is a business of the greatest consequence
in the world; for you know how I love Charles: and therefore I write
to you with all the earnestness of a father, that you will procure Mr
Francia[141] to inclose it in his packet this week: for a week lost
may be my sonn’s ruine; whom I intend to send for next summer, without
his brother, as I have written him word: and if it please God that I
must dye of over-study, I cannot spend my life better, than in saving
his. I vallue not any price for a double letter; let me know it, and
it shall be payd; for I dare not trust it by the post: being satisfy’d
by experience, that Ferrand will do by this, as he did by two letters
which I sent my sonns, about my dedicating to the king;[142] of which
they received neither. If you cannot go yourself, then send a note to
Signior Francia, as earnestly as you can write it, to beg that it may
go this day, I meane Friday. I need not tell you, how much herein you
will oblige
Your friend and servant,
J. D.
LETTER XXVII.
TO MRS STEWARD. [143]
MADAM, Saturday, Octob. 1st--98.
You have done me the honour to invite so often, that it would look
like want of respect to refuse it any longer. How can you be so good
to an old decrepid man, who can entertain you with no discours which
is worthy of your good sense, and who can onely be a trouble to you in
all the time he stays at Cotterstock. Yet I will obey your commands
as far as possibly I can, and give you the inconvenience you are
pleas’d to desire; at least for the few days which I can spare from
other necessary business, which requires me at Tichmarsh. Therefore,
if you please to send your coach on Tuesday next by eleven o’clock
in the morning, I hope to wait on you before dinner. There is onely
one more trouble, which I am almost ashamed to name. I am obliged to
visit my cousin, Dryden of Chesterton,[144] some time next week, who
is nine miles from hence, and only five from you. If it be with your
convenience to spare me your coach thether for a day, the rest of my
time till Monday is at your service; and I am sorry for my own sake it
cannot be any longer this year, because I have some visits after my
return hether, which I cannot avoyd. But if it please God to give me
life and health, I may give you occasion another time to repent of your
kindness, by makeing you weary of my company. My sonn kisses your hand.
Be pleas’d to give his humble service to my cousin Steward, and mine,
who am,
Madam,
Your most obedient oblig’d servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_For my Honour’d Cousine,_
_Mrs Steward, att Cotterstock,_
_These_.
LETTER XXVIII.
TO ELMES STEWARD, ESQ.
MY HONOUR’D COUSIN, [Probably, Nov. 20. 1698. ]
I shou’d have received your letter with too much satisfaction, if
it had not been allay’d with the bad news of my cousin your wife’s
indisposition; which yet I hope will not continue. I am sure, if care
and love will contribute to her health, she will want neither from so
tender a husband as you are: and indeed you are both worthy of each
other. You have been pleased, each of you, to be kind to my sonn[145]
and me, your poor relations, without any merit on our side, unless you
will let our gratitude pass for our desert. And now you are pleas’d
to invite another trouble on your self, which our bad company may
possibly draw upon you next year, if I have life and health to come
into Northamptonshire; and that you will please not to make so much a
stranger of me another time. --I intend my wife shall tast the plover
you did me the favour to send me. If either your lady or you shall at
any time honour me with a letter, my house is in Gerard-street, the
fifth door on the left hand, comeing from Newport-street. I pray God
I may hear better news of both your healths, and of my good cousin
Creed’s,[146] and my cousin Dorothy,[147] than I have had while I was
in this country. I shall languish till you send me word; and I assure
you I write this without poetry, who am, from the bottome of my heart,
My honour’d cousin’s most obliged
Humble servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
My sonn and I kiss my cousin Steward’s hand; and give our service to
your sister, and pretty Miss Betty.
_For my Honour’d Cousin,_
_Elmes Steward, Esq. Att Cotterstock. _
LETTER XXIX.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Nov. 23d, 1698.
To take acknowledgments of favours for favours done you, is onely
yours. I am always on the receiving hand; and you, who have been
pleas’d to be troubled so long with my bad company, in stead of
forgiveing, which is all I could expect, will turn it to a kindness on
my side. If your house be often so molested, you will have reason to
be weary of it, before the ending of the year: and wish Cotterstock
were planted in a desart, an hundred miles off from any poet. --After I
had lost the happiness of your company, I could expect no other than
the loss of my health, which followed, according to the proverb, that
misfortunes seldome come alone. I had no woman to visite[148] but
the parson’s wife; and she, who was intended by nature as a help meet
for a deaf husband, was somewhat of the loudest for my conversation;
and for other things, I will say no more then that she is just your
contrary, and an epitome of her own country. My journey to London was
yet more unpleasant than my abode at Tichmarsh; for the coach was
crowded up with an old woman fatter than any of my hostesses on the
rode. Her weight made the horses travel very heavily; but, to give them
a breathing time, she would often stop us, and plead some necessity of
nature, and tell us, we were all flesh and blood: but she did this so
frequently, that at last we conspir’d against her; and that she might
not be inconvenienc’d by staying in the coach, turn’d her out in a very
dirty place, where she was to wade up to the ankles, before she cou’d
reach the next hedge. When I was ridd of her, I came sick home, and
kept my house for three weeks together; but, by advice of my doctour,
takeing twice the bitter draught, with sena in it, and looseing at
least twelve ounces of blood, by cupping on my neck, I am just well
enough to go abroad in the afternoon; but am much afflicted that I have
you a companion of my sickness: though I ’scap’d with one cold fit of
an ague, and yours, I feare, is an intermitting feavour. Since I heard
nothing of your father, whom I left ill, I hope he is recover’d of his
reall sickness, and that your sister is well of hers, which was onely
in imagination. My wife and sonn return you their most humble service,
and I give mine to my cousin Steward. --Madam,
Your most obliged and
most obedient servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
[_The superscription has not been preserved. _]
LETTER XXX.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Dec. 12th, --98.
All my letters being nothing but acknowledgements of your favours to
me, ’tis no wonder if they are all alike: for they can but express
the same thing, I being eternally the receiver, and you the giver. I
wish it were in my power to turn the skale on the other hand, that I
might see how you, who have so excellent a wit, cou’d thank on your
side. Not to name my self or my wife, my sonn Charles is the great
commender of your last receiv’d present; who being of late somewhat
indispos’d, uses to send for some of the same sort, which we call heer
marrow-puddings, for his suppers; but the tast of yours has so spoyl’d
his markets heer, that there is not the least comparison betwixt
them. You are not of an age to be a Sybill, and yet I think you are
a prophetess; for the direction on your basket was for him; and he
is likely to enjoy the greatest part of them: for I always think the
young are more worthy than the old; especially since you are one of the
former sort, and that he mends upon your medicine. --I am very glad to
hear my cousin, your father, is comeing or come to town; perhaps this
ayr may be as beneficiall to him as it has been to me: but you tell me
nothing of your own health, and I fear Cotterstock is too agueish for
this season. --My wife and sonn give you their most humble thanks and
service; as I do mine to my cousin Steward; and am, Madam,
Your most oblig’d obedient servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_For Mrs Steward_,
_Att Cotterstock, near Oundle,_
_in the county of Northampton, These. _
_To be left with the Postmaster of Oundle. _
LETTER XXXI.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Candlemas-Day, 1698[-9. ]
Old men are not so insensible of beauty, as it may be, you young
ladies think. For my own part, I must needs acknowledge, that your
fair eyes had made me your slave before I received your fine presents.
Your letter puts me out of doubt that they have lost nothing of their
luster, because it was written with your own hand; and not heareing
of a feavour or an ague, I will please my self with the thoughts that
they have wholly left you. I wou’d also flatter my self with the hopes
of waiting on you at Cotterstock some time next summer; but my want of
health may perhaps hinder me. But if I am well enough to travell as
farr northward as Northamptonshyre, you are sure of a guest, who has
been too well us’d not to trouble you again.
My sonn, of whom you have done me the favour to enquire, mends of his
indisposition very slowly; the ayr of England not agreeing with him
hetherto so well as that of Italy. The Bath is propos’d by the doctors,
both to him and me: but we have not yet resolved absolutely on that
journey; for that city is so close and so ill situated, that perhaps
the ayr may do us more harm than the waters can do us good: for which
reason we intend to try them heer first; and if we find not the good
effect which is promis’d of them, we will save our selves the pains of
goeing thether. In the mean time, betwixt my intervals of physique, and
other remedies which I am using for my gravel, I am still drudgeing
on: always a poet, and never a good one. I pass my time sometimes with
Ovid, and sometimes with our old English poet Chaucer; translating
such stories as best please my fancy; and intend, besides them, to add
somewhat of my own; so that it is not impossible, but ere the summer
be pass’d, I may come down to you with a volume in my hand, like a dog
out of the water, with a duck in his mouth. As for the rarities you
promise, if beggars might be choosers, a part of a chine of honest
bacon wou’d please my appetite more than all the marrow puddings; for I
like them better plain; having a very vulgar stomach. My wife, and your
cousin, Charles, give you their most humble service, and thanks for
your remembrance of them. I present my own to my worthy cousin, your
husband, and am, with all respect,
Madam,
Your most obliged servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_For_
_Mrs Stewart, att Cotterstock_
_near Oundle, in Northamptonshyre,_
_These. _
_To be left with the Postmaster of Oundle. _
LETTER XXXII.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Thursday, Feb. 9th. --98[-9. ]
For this time I must follow a bad example, and send you a shorter
letter than your short one: you were hinder’d by dancers, and I am
forc’d to dance attendance all this afternoon after a troublesome
business, so soon as I have written this, and seal’d it. Onely I can
assure you, that your father and mother, and all your relations, are
in health, or were yesterday, when I sent to enquire of their welfare.
On Tuesday night we had a violent wind, which blew down three of my
chimneys, and dismantled all one side of my house, by throwing down
the tiles. My neighbours, and indeed all the town, suffer’d more or
less; and some were kill’d. The great trees in St James’s Park are many
of them torn up from the roots; as they were before Oliver Cromwell’s
death,[149] and the late queen’s: but your father had no damage. I sent
my man for the present you designed me; but he return’d empty-handed;
for there was no such man as _Carter_ a carrier, inning at the Bear
and Ragged Staff in Smithfield, nor any one there ever heard of such
a person; by which I guess that some body has deceived you with a
counterfeited name. Yet my, obligations are the same; and the favour
shall be always own’d by,
Madam,
Your most humble servant,
and kinsman,
JOHN DRYDEN.
_For Mrs Stewart_,
_Att Cotterstock neare Oundle_, &c.
LETTER XXXIII.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, March the 4th, 1698[-9. ]
I have reason to be pleas’d with writeing to you, because you are
daily giveing me occasions to be pleas’d. The present which you made
me this week, I have receiv’d; and it will be part of the treat I am
to make to three of my friends about Tuesday next: my cousin Driden,
of Chesterton, having been also pleas’d to add to it a turkey hen with
eggs, and a good young goose; besides a very kind letter, and the news
of his own good health, which I vallue more than all the rest; he
being so noble a benefactor to a poor and so undeserving a kinsman,
and one of another persuasion in matters of religion. Your enquiry of
his welfare, and sending also mine, have at once oblig’d both him and
me. I hope my good cousin Stewart will often visite him, especially
before hunting goes out,[150] to be a comfort to him in his sorrow
for the loss of his deare brother,[151] who was a most extraordinary
well-natur’d man, and much my friend. Exercise, I know, is my cousin
Driden’s life, and the oftner he goes out will be the better for his
health. We poor Catholics daily expect a most severe proclamation to
come out against us;[152] and at the same time are satisfyed that the
king is very unwilling to persecute us, considering us to be but an
handfull, and those disarmed; but the archbishop of Canterbury is our
heavy enemy, and heavy indeed he is in all respects. [153]
This day was played a revived comedy of Mr Congreve’s, called “The
Double Dealer,” which was never very takeing. In the play-bill was
printed--“Written by Mr Congreve; with severall expressions omitted. ”
What kind of expressions those were, you may easily ghess, if you
have seen the Monday’s Gazette, wherein is the king’s order for the
reformation of the stage:[154] but the printing an author’s name in a
play-bill is a new manner of proceeding, at least in England. When
any papers of verses in manuscript, which are worth your reading,
come abroad, you shall be sure of them; because, being a poetess
yourself, you like those entertainments. I am still drudging at a book
of Miscellanyes,[155] which I hope will be well enough; if otherwise,
threescore and seven may be pardon’d. --Charles is not yet so well
recover’d as I wish him; but I may say, without vanity, that his
virtue and sobriety have made him much belov’d in all companies. Both
he and his mother give you their most humble acknowledgments of your
rememb’ring them. Be pleas’d to give mine to my cousin Stewart, who am
both his and your
Most obliged obedient servant,
JOHN DRYDEN.
You may see I was in hast, by writing on the wrong side of the paper.
_For Mrs Steward, etc. ut supra. _
LETTER XXXIV.
TO MRS STEWARD.
MADAM, Tuesday, July the 11th, [1699. ]
As I cannot accuse myself to have receiv’d any letters from you without
answer, so, on the other side, I am oblig’d to believe it, because
you say it. ’Tis true, I have had so many fitts of sickness, and so
much other unpleasant business, that I may possibly have receiv’d
those favours, and deferr’d my acknowledgment till I forgot to thank
you for them. However it be, I cannot but confess, that never was any
unanswering man so civilly reproach’d by a fair lady.
