Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/256

244 hinder me from saying and writing twenty idle things, that used to divert me: will set me labouring upon majestick, sublime ideas, at which I have no manner of talent; and will make those who come to visit me, think I am grown, on the sudden, wonderful stately and reserved. But, in life, we must take the evil with the good; and it is one comfort, that I know how to be revenged. For, the sight of your grace's resemblance will perpetually remind me of paying my duty to your person; which will give your grace the torment, and me the felicity, of a more frequent attendance.

But, after all, to deal plainly with your grace, your picture (and I must say the same of my lord duke's) will be of very little use, farther than to let others see the honour you are pleased to do me: for, all the accomplishments of your mind and person are so deeply printed in the heart, and represent you so lively to my imagination, that I should take it for a high affront, if you believed it in the power of colours to refresh my memory: almost as high a one, as if your grace should deny me the justice of being, with the most profound respect and gratitude, madam, your grace's, &c.

MY LORD,

INCE I had the honour of your grace's letter, we have had a dead time of news and politicks; and I make a conscience of writing to you without  thing