Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 1.djvu/339

Rh which she was the subject, and where she saw herself drest out in the most flattering colours, was not likely to administer to her cure. On the contrary, it only served to add fresh fuel to the flame. And as his love originally arose from sympathy, it must, from the same cause, increase with the growth of hers.

Meantime the unfortunate Stella languished in absence and neglect. The Journal was not renewed, nor are there any traces remaining of the least correspondence between them, during Swift's whole stay in England: while a continual intercourse was kept up between Vanessa and him. She was the first person he wrote to on his retirement to Letcomb, some time before the queen's death; and the last, on his departure from that place to Ireland. He arrived there in a much more gloomy state of mind than before, as the death of the queen had broke all his measures, and put an end to all future prospects, either for the publick or himself. He has given vent to his melancholy reflections on his situation, in a short poem, written during a fit of illness which had seized him soon after his arrival; of which the following lines make a part:

My state of health none care to learn, My life is here no soul's concern. And those with whom I now converse, Without a tear will tend my hearse. Some formal visits, looks, and words. What mere humanity affords, I meet perhaps from three or four, From whom I once expected more; Which, those who tend the sick for pay, Can act as decently as they. VOL. I.