For Mrs Stewart, etc.
LETTER XXXV.
TO SAMUEL PEPYS, ESQ.[157]
PADRON MIO, July the 14th, 1699.
I remember, last year, when I had the honour of dineing with you, you were pleased to recommend to me the character of Chaucer’s “Good Parson.” Any desire of yours is a command to me; and accordingly I have put it into my English, with such additions and alterations as I thought fit. Having translated as many Fables from Ovid, and as many Novills from Boccace and Tales from Chaucer, as will make an indifferent large volume in folio, I intend them for the press in Michaelmas term next. In the mean time, my Parson desires the favour of being known to you, and promises, if you find any fault in his character, he will reform it. Whenever you please, he shall wait on you, and for the safer conveyance, I will carry him in my pocket; who am
My Padrons most obedient servant, John Dryden.
For Samuel Pepys, Esq. Att his house in York-street, These.
LETTER XXXVI.
ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING BY MR PEPYS.
SIR, Friday, July 14, 1699.
You truly have obliged mee; and possibly, in saying so, I am more in earnest then you can readily think; as verily hopeing, from this your copy of one “Good Parson,” to fancy some amends made mee for the hourly offence I beare with from the sight of so many lewd originalls.
I shall with great pleasure attend you on this occasion, when ere you’l permit it; unless you would have the kindness to double it to mee, by suffering my coach to wayte on you (and who you can gayne mee ye same favour from) hither, to a cold chicken and a sallade, any noone after Sunday, as being just stepping into the ayre for 2 days.