Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/182

170 Mr. Southwell before his lordship, when he came to take his leave before he went to Ireland; which was, that I hoped Mr. Southwell would let the bishops and clergy of Ireland know, that my lord treasurer had long since (before the duke was governor) prevailed on the queen to remit the first-fruits, &c. and that it was his lordship's work, as the grant of the same favour in England had formerly been. My lord treasurer did then acknowledge it before Mr. Southwell, and I think Mr. Southwell should have acted accordingly; but there is a great deal of ignorance, as well as ill will, in all this matter. The duke of Ormond himself, had he engaged in it, could only act as a solicitor. Every body knows, that the lord treasurer, in such cases, must be applied to (and only he) by the greatest persons. I should think the people of Ireland might rather be pleased to see one of their own country able to find some credit at court, and in a capacity to serve them, especially one who does it without any other prospect than that of serving them. I know not any of the bishops from whom I can expect any favour, and there are not many upon whom a man of any figure could have such designs: but I will be revenged; for whenever it lies in my power, I will serve the church and kingdom, although they should use me much worse. I shall dine to morrow with the lord treasurer, and perhaps I may then see the answer he is to write. I thought to have sent this letter away to night; but I have been interrupted by business. I go to Windsor again on Saturday for a day or two, but I will leave this behind to be sent to the post.

August 21. I had wrote thus far, and was forced to