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LADY R. RUSSELL TO LORD W. RUSSELL.

Stratton, November 22, 1681.

As often as you are absent, we are taught, by experience, who gives life to this house and family; but we dodge on in a dull way, as well as we can. Our eldest master (Mr. James Russell) walks contentedly to Mitcheldever and back again, then talks with Richard, then sits down to a woodcock and toasts: but the highest gusto I find he has, is going to bed at ten, and expecting to sleep there till eleven next morning, without being disturbed; which he was in fear not to do when you are at home; and he complains you are not content to wake him, but throw off his clothes to boot. I think he expects a return to his visit before he makes another*. This is a day of care; for Richard is gone upon Dun, both to the he and she: so at night we expect to know something; then he will spur up that way, I suppose. If the mountain come not to us, Mahomet will go to it. I just come from our little master he is very well; so I left him, and saw your girls a lacing. Miss Kate says, Sure papa is upon the road. I wish for Wednesday, that I may know if I am to hope he will be so this week. If you should buy the new stuff for my closet, do not let them make chairs: for now I think cane will do best in a small room. Pray remember the door be turned against the wood places in my chamber. One remembrance more,

This, and what follows, again alludes to the proposal of marriage mentioned in the last letter.

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THE COUNTESS DOWAGER OF SUNDERLAND * TO THE EARL OF HALIFAX.

June 20th, 1680.

WHAT measures soever you take of my kindness and good will, I fear, my dear lord, you cannot but think me impertinent in writing so many letters to you. By this post you will receive my son's desire to meet him: on Tuesday he intends to go. He says you will, he knows, be well satisfied with what is already done and intended. My brother Harry will go to Althorpe: he longs to see you, he says, and more of your friends: I saw them both yesterday, and they told me so. My son had a sore mouth that vexed him, with the ill news from Tangiers, that the fort is taken. Our men must get it back again : a terrible scene, they say, that will be. My Lord Middleton is to go to the emperor as envoy. I am told by our ministers we are assured of his declaring at the Diet to be in league with us and the Dutch; and my brother says, he does not doubt but, by Michaelmas, almost all the princes of Europe will do so too. He says, that from this city did come letters to the States of Holland, to persuade them not to make a league with us; for we were in so ill condition by the divisions amongst ourselves, if they quitted France for us, they were ruined. This did stagger them awhile. It is certain the mutineers are out of their wits, and may be ashamed of the lies they have told: either they

This lady was the Sacharissa celebrated by Waller.

+ Thus the courtiers of that day called those in opposition to their measures.

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