Remember, at this time there is a great deal of land to be sold, but
few purchasers. I have spooke to S^r Miles Cooke, who promises to lett
me have your settlement to peruse, and to end matters fairly. Since I
writt my letter 'tis reported ... is surrendered or taken.
These ffor Richard Bingh[=a], Esq., at
Bingham's Malcombe, to be left at
the post-house in St. Andrew's,
Milborne, Dorsett.
* * * * *
Minor Notes.
_Lines on the Institution of the Order of the Garter._--I send you the
following, which may be worth a corner in "N. & Q." The only account I can
give of them is that I found them in MS. among other poetical extracts,
without date or author's name:--
"When Salisbury's famed Countess was dancing with glee,
Her stocking's security fell from her knee.
Allusions and hints, sneers and whispers went round;
The trifle was scouted, and left on the ground.
When Edward the Brave, with true soldier-like spirit,
Cried, 'The garter is mine; 'tis the order of merit;
The first knight in my court shall be happy to wear,
Proud distinction! the garter that fell from the fair:
While in letters of gold--'tis your monarch's high will--
Shall there be inscribed, "Ill to him that thinks ill."'"