LETTER XLVI.

TO MRS STEWARD.

MADAM, Feb. 23d. [1699-1700.]

Though I have not leisure to thank you for the last trouble I gave you, yet haveing by me two lampoons lately made, I know not but they may be worth your reading; and therefore have presum’d to send them. I know not the authours; but the town will be ghessing. The “Ballad of the Pews,” which are lately rais’d higher at St James’s church,[188] is by some sayd to be Mr Manwareing, or my Lord Peterborough. The poem of the “Confederates” some think to be Mr Walsh: the copies are both lik’d.[189] And there are really two factions of ladyes, for the two playhouses. If you do not understand the names of some persons mention’d, I can help you to the knowledge of them. You know Sir Tho: Skipwith is master of the playhouse in Drury-Lane; and my Lord Scarsdale is the patron of Betterton’s house, being in love with somebody there. The Lord Scott is second sonn to the Duchess of Monmouth. I need not tell you who my Lady Darentwater is; but it may be you know not her Lord is a poet,and none of the best. Forgive this hasty billet from

Your most obliged servant,

JOHN DRYDEN.

_For Mrs Stewart_, _Att Cotterstock, near Oundle_, _in Northamptonshyre, These._ _To be left with the Postmaster of Oundle_.