Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 1.djvu/498

462 manner of asking a favour with distaste, and positively refused him. He said, she should sing, or he would make her. "Why, madam, I suppose you take me for one of your poor English hedge parsons; sing when I bid you." As the earl did nothing but laugh at this freedom, the lady was so vexed, that she burst into tears, and retired.

His first compliment to her when he saw her again, was, "Pray, madam, are you as proud and as illnatured now, as when I saw you last?" To which she answered with great humour, "No, Mr. dean; I'll sing for you, if you please." From which time he conceived great esteem for her. But who that knew him would take offence at his bluntness? He was a perpetual friend to merit and learning; and utterly incapable of envy; for in true genuine wit he could fear no rival.

It has been often observed, that where great talents are bestowed, there the strongest passions are likewise given. This great man sometimes let them have dominion over him, and that on trifling occasions, especially at meal times: however, when the cloth was taken away, he made his guests rich amends for any pain he had given them. For then,

Was truly mingled in the friendly bowl, The feast of reason, and the flow of soul. .

Yet he preserved strict temperance: for he never drank above half a pint of wine, in every glass of which he mixed water and sugar, yet, if he liked his company, would sit many hours over it, unlocking all the springs