great veracity, who had lived many winters in Hol land, that nothing is more common than for hot pudding to freeze in that cold country: but then what convinces me that by sir John, the Dutch must be meant, is, that you find he creeps out of a stopperhole, which alludes to their mean origin. I must observe too, that gammer Vangs had an old woman to her son. That's a bob for Glorious *.But I am under great concern to find so hard a sentence past upon poor Swift, because he's little. I think him better than any of them, and hope to see him greater. FROM MR. PRIOR†. MY DEAR DEAN, LONDON, SEPT. 25, 1718. My I HAVE now made an end of what you, in your haughty manner, have called wretched work. book is quite printed off; and if you are as much upon the bagatelle as you pretend to be, more pleasure in it than you imagine. you will find We are going to print the subscribers names: if, therefore, you have any by you, which are not yet remitted, pray send them over by the next post. If have not, pray send me word of that too; that, in all cases, I may at last hear from you. The earl of Oxford has been in town all this summer, is now going into He you *The common appellation in Ireland for king William III. + On the back of this letter the dean has written-" Levanda "est enim paupertas eorum hominum, qui diu reipublicæ viventes, pauperes sunt, & nullorum magis." refordshire, refordshire, and says I shall see you very soon in England. I would tell you with what pleasure this would be, if I knew upon what certainty the hopes of it were founded. Write me word of this too; for upon it I would order my matters so, that I may be as much with you as I can; and this you will find no little favour; for, I assure you, we are all so changed, that there is very little choice of such company as you would like; and except about eighteen hundred that have subscribed to my book, I do not hear of as many more in this nation, that have common sense. My cousin Pennyfeather and Will. Phillips drink your health. I cough, but I am otherwise well; and till I cease to cough, i. e. to live, I am, with entire friendship and affection, dear sir, your most obedient and humble servant, FROM MR. ADDISON. M. PRIOR. DEAR SIR, BRISTOL, OCT. 1, 1718. I HAVE received the honour of your letter at Bristol, where I have just finished a course of water drinking, which I hope has pretty well recovered me from the leavings of my last winter's sickness. As for the subject of your letter, though you know an affair of that nature cannot well nor safely be treated of in writing, I desired a friend of mine to acquaint sir Ralph Gore*, that I was under a preengagement, and not at my own choice to act in it, and have since * Some time after speaker of the house of commons, and of the lords justice, of Ireland. B 3 troubled troubled my lady Ashe with a letter to the same effect, which I hope has not miscarried. However, upon my return to London, I will farther inquire that matter, and see if there is any room left for me to negotiate as you propose. I live still in hopes of seeing you in England, and if you would take my house at Bilton in your way, (which lies upon the road within a mile of Rugby) I would strain hard to meet you there, provided you would make me happy in your company for some days. The greatest pleasure I have met with for some months, is in the conversation of my old friend Dr. Smalridge*; who, since the death of the excellent man you mention, is to me the most candid and agreeable of all bishops; I would say clergymen, were not deans comprehended under that title. We have often talked of you; and when I assure you he has an exquisite taste of writing, I need not tell you how he talks on such a subject. I look upon it as my good fortune, that I can express my esteem of you, even to those who are not of the bishop's party without giving offence. When a man has so much compass in his character, he affords his friends topicks enough to enlarge upon, that all sides admire. I am sure a sincere and zealous friendly behaviour distinguishes you as much as your many more shining talents; and as I have received particular instances of it, you must have a very bad opinion of me, me, if you do not think I heartily love and respect you; and that I am ever, dear sir, your most obedient, and most humble servant, J. ADDISON. * Who had been promoted to the bishoprick of Bristol in 1713. FROM FROM DR. ARBUTHNOT. DEAR SIR, LONDON, OCT. 14, 1718. THIS serv serves for an envelope to the enclosed; for I cannot tell whether you care to hear from any of your friends on this side. In your last, I think, you desired me to let you alone to enjoy your own spleen. Can you purchase your fifty pounds a year in Wales as yet? I can tell you, beforehand, Lewis scorns to live with you there. He keeps company with the greatest, and is principal governor in many families. I have been in France; six weeks at Paris, and as much at Rouen; where, I can assure you, I hardly heard a word of news or politicks, except a little clutter about sending some impertinent presidents du parliament to prison, that had the impu dence to talk for the laws and liberties of their country. I was asked for monsieur Swift by many people, I can assure you; and particularly by the duke d'Aumont. I was respectfully and kindly treated by many folks, and even by the great Mr. Laws *. Amongst other things, I had the honour to carry an Irish lady to court, that was admired beyond The contrivers of the Mississippi scheme. all + The celebrated beauty miss Nelly Bennet, on whom these all the ladies in France for her beauty. She had great honours done her. The hussar himself was ordered to bring her the king's cat to kiss. Her name is Bennet. Among other folks I saw your old friend lord Bolingbroke, who asked for you. He looks just as he did. Your friends here are in good health; not changed in their sentiments toward you. I left my two girls in France with their uncle, which was my chief business. I do not know that I have any friends on your side, beside Mr. Ford, to whom give my service, and to Dr. Parnell and Mr. Jervis *. If it be possible for you, obey the contents of the enclosed; which, I suppose, is a kind invitation. The dragon is just as he was, only all his old habits ten times stronger upon him than ever. Let me beg of The king, as he at dinner sat Did beckon to his hussar, The ladies were with rage provok'd, The men look'd arch, as Nelly strok'd, But not a man did look employ, Except on pretty Nelly; The courtiers all, with one accord, The very eminent painter. you |