Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 1.djvu/90

54 year those admirable papers on Partridge the almanack maker, which appeared under the name of Isaac Bickerstaff, esq.; and in poetry, An Elegy on the supposed Death of Partridge; the Story of Baucis and Philemon; and two copies of verses on Vanbrugh's house It appears from a memorandum in Swift's handwriting, that he had an intention this year to publish a volume of his works, consisting of the following articles: October, 1708.

Discourse on Athens and Rome. Bickerstaff's Predictions. Elegy on Partridge. Letter to Bishop of K. Harris's Petition. Baucis and Philemon. Vanbrugh's House. The Salamander. Epigram on Mrs. Floyd. Meditation on a Broomstick. Sentiments of a Church of England Man. Reasons against abolishing Christianity. Essay on Conversation. Conjectures on the Thoughts of Posterity about me. On the present Taste of Reading. Apology for the Tale, &c. Part of an Answer to Tindal. History of Van's House. Apollo outwitted. To Ardelia. Project for Reformation of Manners. A Lady's Tablebook. Tritical Essay. . So wide a display of such different talents; such knowledge in political affairs; so much good sense and strength of reasoning, joined to so pure and masterly a style; and above all, so much wit, and such uncommon powers of ridicule, could not fail of raising prognosticks, that he would prove the most able and formidable champion living, of that party whose cause he should espouse. The whigs therefore, who had hitherto neglected him, as considering him in the light of a half brother, began now to dread, and consequently to pay him great court. Their apprehensions were quickened by the narrow escape which they just then had of being turned out of power, by the intrigues of Mr. Harley; which had very nearly taken place then, in the manner they did two