_Jan. 1, 1711._ Morning. "I wish my dearest pretty Dingley and Stella a happy new year, and health, and mirth, and good stomachs, and _Fr's_ company. Faith, I did not know how to write _Fr_. I wondered what was the matter; but now I remember I always write _Pdfr_ [by this combination of letters, or by the word _Presto_, Swift designates himself in the Journal] * * Get the _Examiners_, and read them; the last nine or ten are full of reasons for the late change and of the abuses of the last ministry; and the great men assure me that all are true. They were written by their encouragement and direction. I must rise, and go see Sir Andrew Fountain; but perhaps to-morrow I may answer _M.D.'s_ [Stella's designation in the Journal] letter: so good morrow, my mistresses all, good morrow. I wish you both a merry new year; roast beef, minced pies, and good strong beer; and me a share of your good cheer; that I was there or you were here; and you're a little saucy dear," &c. &c. _Jan. 13, 1711._ "O faith, I had an ugly giddy fit last night in my chamber, and I have got a new box of pills to take, and I hope shall have no more this good while. I would not tell you before, because it would vex you, little rogues; but now it is better. I dined to-day with Lord Shelburn," &c. &c. _Jan. 16, 1711._ "My service to Mrs. Stode and Walls. Has she a boy or a girl? A girl, hmm!, and died in a week, hmmm!, and was poor Stella forced to stand for godmother?--Let me know how accounts stand, that you may have your money betimes. There's four months for my lodging; that must be thought on too. And zoo go dine with Manley, and lose your money, doo extravagant sluttikin? But don't fret. It will just be three weeks when I have the next letter: that is, to-morrow. Farewell, dearest beloved _M.D._, and love poor, poor Presto, who has not had one happy day since he left you, as hope to be saved."