Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 1.djvu/370

334 wit, sweetness, agreeableness, and firmness of soul: but by concealing yourself as you do, the world knows you not, and you lose the eulogy of millions. Ever since I have had the honour of knowing you, I have always remarked, that neither in private, nor in general conversation, has one word ever escaped you, which could be better expressed. And I protest, that after making frequently the most severe criticisms, I never have been able to find the least fault, either in your actions, or your words. Coquetry, affectation, prudery, are imperfections which you never knew. And with all this, do you think it possible not to esteem you above the rest of humankind? What beasts in petticoats are the most excellent of those, whom I see dispersed throughout the world in comparison of you! On seeing, or hearing them, I say a hundred times a day, speak not, look not, think not, do nothing like those wretches. What a calamity is it to be the cause of bringing down contempt on so many women, who but for the thoughts of you, would be tolerable enough. But it is time to release you from this trouble, and to bid you adieu. I am, and ever shall remain, with all possible respect, sincerity, and esteem, yours."

Of these two opposite characters, the one, was drawn by a man of the nicest discernment, from whose piercing eye, not the smallest blemish, particularly of female minds, could lie concealed, and whose turn lay much more to satire, than panegyrick; by one, who was intimately acquainted with the lady for whom it was drawn, from her early days, to the time of her death. The other, by a man, who far from having any knowledge of the original, had