Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/151

Rh concerned to see your name made so bold with in a common newspaper.

I humbly hope your grace will not disapprove of what I have done; at least, I have gratified my own inclination, in the desire of serving you; and besides, had the opportunity of giving Mr. secretary some part of your character.

I dare lay a wager, that all this happened by the gross understandings of some people, who misunderstood and misapplied something very innocent that came from your grace. I must be so bold to say, that people in that kingdom do very ill understand raillery. I can rally much safer here with a great minister of state or a duchess, than I durst do there with an attorney or his wife. And I can venture to rally with your grace, although I could not do it with many of your clergy. I myself have been a witness, when want of common sense has made people offended with your grace, where they ought to have been the most pleased. I say things every day at the best tables, which I should be turned out of company for, if I were in Ireland.

Here is one Mr. Richardson, a clergyman, who is soliciting an affair that I find your grace approves ; and therefore I do him all the service I can in it.

We are now full of the business of the Irish yarn; and I attend among the rest, to engage the members I am acquainted with in our interest. To morrow we expect it will come on.

I will shortly write to your grace some account how publick affairs stand; we hope Mr. Harley will be well in a week. We