Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/290

278 sure I did not intend to write one thither to you; but Mr. Rosingrave thinks it may do him service, in recommending him to you. If so, I am very glad of it; for it can be of no other use imaginable. I have writ letters now above twenty-two years. I have taken towns, destroyed fleets, made treaties, and settled commerce in letters. And what of all this? Why, nothing; but that I have had some subject to write upon. But to write a letter only because Mr. Rosingrave has a mind to carry one in his pocket, to tell you, that you are sure of a friendship, which can never do you three pence of good, and wish you well in England very soon, when I do not know when I am likely to be there myself: all this, I say, is very absurd for a letter; especially when I have this day written a dozen much more to the purpose. If I had seen your manuscript ; if I had received Dr. Parnell's poem; if I had any news of Landen being taken; why well and good; but as I know no more than the duke of Shrewsbury designs for England within three weeks; that I must stay here till somebody else comes, and then brings me necessarily to say, good Mr. dean, that I am like the fellow in Rehearsal, who did not know if he was to be merry or serious, or in what way or mood to act his part. One thing only I am assured of, that I love you very well; and am, most sincerely and faithfully, dear sir, your servant and brother ,

M. PRIOR.

Lord and lady Shrewsbury give their service to you. Vanhomrigh has run terribly here in debt, and, being