Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 1.djvu/329

Rh or put a period to all expectation of that sort: both which, from some maxims laid down by him, it was his business to avoid. In this way of writing too, he might give a loose to all expressions of endearment and tenderness, with which his heart overflowed for one of the objects, without at the same time giving her a right to apply them solely to herself, as they were addressed to both. Accordingly we find, interspersed through the Journal, several passages containing the warmest effusions of affection, which the utmost sensibility of heart could pour forth. Among many others, I shall quote a few of these, as they occur in the early part of his Journal. "And so you kept Presto's little birthday, I warrant: would to God I had been present at the health, rather than here, where I have no manner of pleasure, nothing but eternal business on my hands. I shall grow wise in time, but no more of that: only I say. Amen, with my heart and vitals, that we may never be asunder again, ten days together, while poor Presto lives." "Do as you please, and love poor Presto, that loves MD better than his life, a thousand million of times." "You are welcome as my blood to every farthing I have in the world; and all that grieves me is, I am not richer, for MD's sake, as hope saved." "Farewell, my dearest lives, and delights; I love you better than ever, if possible, as hope saved I do, and ever will. God Almighty bless you ever, and make us happy together; I pray for this twice every day, and I hope God will hear my poor hearty prayers." "I will say no more, but beg you to be easy till fortune takes her course, and to believe that MD's felicity is the great end I aim at in all Rh