Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/427

 MATHEW. 423 this time, except what are reserved for us.” Swift, in his usual manner, called out to the coachman to stop, and bade him turn about, and drive him back to Dublin, for he could not think of mixing with such a crowd.— “Well," said he afterwards, suddenly, “there is no remedy, I must submit; but I have lost a fortnight of my life.”—Mr. Mathew received him at the door, with uncommon marks of respect; and then conducting him to his apartment, after some compliments, made him his usual speech, acquainting him with the customs of the house, and retired leaving him in possession of his castle. Soon after the cook appeared with his bill of fare, to receive his directions about supper; and the butler, at the same time, with a list of wines and other liquors. “And is a l l this really so,” said Swift; “and may I command here a s i n my own house " The gentleman before mentioned assured him h e might; and that nothing could b e more agreeable t o the owner o f that mansion, than that all under his roof should live conformably t o their own inclinations, without the least restraint. “Well, then,” said Swift, “I invite you and Dr. Sheridan t o b e my guests while I stay, for, I think, I shall hardly b e tempted t o mix with the mob below.” Three days were passed i n riding over the demesne, and viewing the several improvements, without ever seeing Mr. Mathew o r any o f his guests. On the fourth day, Swift entered the room where the company were assembled before dinner, and addressed Mr. Mathew i n one o f his finest complimental speeches, which h e concluded b y saying, “And now, ladies and gentle men, I am come t o live among you, and i t shall b e n o fault o f mine i f we d o not pass our time agreeably.” After dinner, being i n high spirits, h e entertained the company with several pleasantries. Dr. Sheridan and h e played into one another's hands; they joked, they punned, they laughed, and a general gaiety was diffused through the whole company. When the time came which obliged Dr. Sheridan t o return t o his school, the company were s o delighted with the dean, that they earnestly entreated him