Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/218

206 which you must guess. To know upon what small circumstances, and by what degrees, this change has been brought about, would require a great deal more than I can, or dare write.

There is not one, which I did not give warning of to those chiefly concerned, many months ago; and so did some others, for they were visible enough. This must infallibly end either in an entire change of measures and ministry, or in a firm establishment of our side. Delay, and tenderness to an inveterate party, have been very instrumental to this ill state of affairs. They tell me you in Ireland are furious against a peace; and it is a great jest to see people in Ireland furious for or against any thing.

I hope to see you in spring, when travelling weather comes on. But I have a mind to see the issue of this session. I reckon your hands are now out of mortar, and that your garden is finished: and I suppose you have now one or two fifty pounds ready for books, which I will lay out for you, if you will give me directions.

I have increased my own little library very considerably; I mean, as far as one fifty pounds, which is very considerable for me. I have just had a letter from the St. Mary ladies, &c. I thought they were both dead; but I find they sometimes drink your claret still, and win your money. I am sir, your most obedient humble servant,

You know who.

P. S. I had sealed my letter, but have broke it open, to tell you, and all that love the church and

crown,