Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/142

130 to be answered, otherwise than by disclaiming that sort of passive obedience which the tories are charged with. This dispute would soon be ended, if the dunces who write on each side, would plainly tell us what the object of this passive obedience is in our country: for, I dare swear, nine in ten of the whigs will allow it to be the legislature, and as many of the tories deny it to the prince alone; and I hardly ever saw a whig and tory together, whom I could not immediately reconcile on that article, when I made them explain themselves.

My lord, the queen knew what she did, when she sent your lordship to spur up a dull northern court: yet, I confess, I had rather have seen that activity of mind and body employed in conquering another kingdom, or the same over again. I am,

Ash-Wednesday, Feb. 22, 1710-11.

REVEREND SIR,

BEG leave to put you in mind of the inscription, which you are to prepare for the earl of Berkeley's monument. My lady dowager has determined to have it in Latin; so that I hope you want no farther directions toward the finishing of it. The workman calls upon me for it, which is the reason of this trouble given you, by, rev. sir,

ROBERT NELSON. On