CHAPTER X.
1729 CORRESPONDENCE With the composition of "Polly," the literary life of Gay came practically to an end, although he survived until December 4th, 1732.
During these four years he worked not at all, save occasionally on the second series of "Fables." After the prohibition of "Polly," Gay, who had been ill during 1728, had a severe attack of fever, during which he was attended by the faithful Arbuthnot, and carefully tended by the Duchess of Queensberry.
ALEXANDER POPE TO JOHN GAY.
[_circa_ December, 1728.] "No words can tell you the great concern I feel for you; I assure you it was not, and is not, lessened by the immediate apprehension I have now every day lain under of losing my mother.

Be assured, no duty less than that should have kept me one day from attending your condition.

I would come and take a room by you at Hampstead, to be with you daily, were she not still in danger of death.

I have constantly had particular accounts of you from the doctor [Arbuthnot], which have not ceased to alarm me yet.

God preserve your life, and restore your health! I really beg it for my own sake, for I feel I love you more than I thought in health, though I always loved you a great deal.