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.