At present the versifyers are much humbled, for the laurel-grove is their chiefest delight; ’tis their park, their playhouse, their assembly. I find all the vices of the mind are common here, as in your superiour regions: separating from the clay has only taken from us the means of whoring and drinking, but the mind retains still the wicked propensity. I considered not the pressing number of your affairs, and that I hazard your ill-will by detaining you so long from the publick: give me leave only to desire the favour of you, when your servant goes through _Chancery-lane_, to put up a cargo of the _spread-eagle_ pudding for our very good friend counsellor _Wallop_, for he is inconsolable: twenty of the best cooks, nay, Mr. _Lamb_ himself can’t make one to please him. Live in health, I know you cannot learn. _Mr._ PRIOR_’s Answer_. _Worthy Sir_, I was not wanting in my wishes to preserve that esteem you honoured me with, or to give you fresher instances of it; but since your stars summoned you on the other side of the black water, and I did not know whither to address myself exactly to you, I was obliged to suspend my writing till such time as I received your’s. I am heartily glad the two crowns are agreed to permit a pacquet to go between them; and as for our friend the counsellor, I never shall be dilatory in serving him to the utmost of my abilities, and never shall call to mind but with veneration and wonder, his most heroick conduct and magnanimity in pudding-fighting. He sequester’d himself from flesh and blood very opportunely, and with a prudence that always accompanied him in the minutest of his actions; for sugars and fruits are risen already, and, in all probability, will continue to bear a good price, since _Portugal_ has deserted us; so I dare not pretend to be positive that the cargo I send will be as delicious as formerly, tho’ its novelty may make amends for some time, for small cheats in that profession. Honest _John_ the faithful companion of your wanton hours, was very much rejoiced to hear from you, and would needs take a leap after you, maugre all I could say to him: with this trusty servant I have sent you what you desired, and that I might be certain of its not miscarrying any where upon the road, I tuck’d friend _John_ up with it, and so dispatch’d him presently. I was in hopes to have heard from more of our merry companions, or of them at least: how does _Rochester_ behave himself with his old gang? is Sir _George_ as facetious as ever? is my lady still that formal creature as when in our hemisphere? has she the benefit of cards and a tea-table? how did my lord _Jefferies_ receive his son? and with what constancy did her grace hear Sir _John Germain_ was married? I was in hopes you