As I cannot accuse myself to have receiv’d any letters from you without answer, so, on the other side, I am oblig’d to believe it, because you say it. ’Tis true, I have had so many fitts of sickness, and so much other unpleasant business, that I may possibly have receiv’d those favours, and deferr’d my acknowledgment till I forgot to thank you for them. However it be, I cannot but confess, that never was any unanswering man so civilly reproach’d by a fair lady. I presum’d to send you word by your sisters[156] of the trouble I intended you this summer; and added a petition, that you would please to order some small beer to be brew’d for me without hops, or with a very inconsiderable quantity; because I lost my health last year by drinking bitter beer at Tichmarsh. It may perhaps be sour, but I like it not the worse, if it be small enough. What els I have to request, is onely the favour of your coach, to meet me at Oundle, and to convey me to you: of which I shall not fail to give you timely notice. My humble service attends my cousin Stewart and your relations at Oundle. My wife and sonn desire the same favour; and I am particularly, Madam, Your most obedient servant, JOHN DRYDEN. _For Mrs Stewart, etc._ LETTER XXXV. TO SAMUEL PEPYS, ESQ.[157] PADRON MIO, July the 14th, 1699. I remember, last year, when I had the honour of dineing with you, you were pleased to recommend to me the character of Chaucer’s “Good Parson.” Any desire of yours is a command to me; and accordingly I have put it into my English, with such additions and alterations as I thought fit. Having translated as many Fables from Ovid, and as many Novills from Boccace and Tales from Chaucer, as will make an indifferent large volume in folio, I intend them for the press in Michaelmas term next. In the mean time, my Parson desires the favour of being known to you, and promises, if you find any fault in his character, he will reform it. Whenever you please, he shall wait on you, and for the safer conveyance, I will carry him in my pocket; who am My _Padrons_ most obedient servant, JOHN DRYDEN. _For Samuel Pepys, Esq. Att his house in York-street, These._ LETTER XXXVI. ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING BY MR PEPYS. SIR, Friday, July 14, 1699. You truly have obliged mee; and possibly, in saying so, I am more in earnest then you can readily think; as verily hopeing, from this your copy of one “Good Parson,” to fancy some amends made mee for the hourly offence I beare with from the sight of so many lewd originalls. I shall with great pleasure attend you on this occasion, when ere you’l permit it; unless you would have the kindness to double it to mee, by suffering my coach to wayte on you (and who you can gayne mee y^e same favour from) hither, to a cold chicken and a sallade, any noone after Sunday, as being just stepping into the ayre for 2 days. I am, most respectfully, Your hono^{rd} and obed^{nt} servant, S. P.