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._