[366]

"I like the description of Africanus, wch is Sir Scipio Hill ... Sir Scipio Hill with his new project of getting money occasions some diversion and talk at White's. You may have heard for this long while he was dieing of the ——; he now come abroad and look a divel, or at least a sad memento mori. He gives forescore guineas to receive ten guineas a quarter for his life, Sir James of the Peak is his agent, and runs about offering it all that will take. Boscowen has took it, and two or three more, who are of opinion he will not live a month. Those he had made his heirs does not approve of this whim, for he's resolved to dispose of all his ready money this way if he can find substantial fools enough to take it; but the crack begins to run as if he may live a great while for all he looks so ill, for he has recovered his voice to a miracle" (Peter Wentworth to Lord Raby, July 1 and 8, 1709; "Wentworth Papers," pp. 92-3).

[367]

The waiter. See [No. 16].

[368]

Said to be Sir Humphrey Monoux, Bart., who was elected M.P. for Tavistock in 1728, and for Stockbridge in 1734. He succeeded to the baronetage in 1707, and died without issue in 1757.

[369]

"Thou that hast no sense of death, art happier than one that" (folio; altered in Errata in [No. 37]).

[370]

"This paper, with a blank leaf to write business on, may be had of J. Morphew, near Stationers'-hall" (folio).

No. 37.

[?STEELE.[371]

From Saturday, July 2, to Tuesday, July 5, 1709.

White's Chocolate-house, July 2.