Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/304

292 whigs begin to be sensible they must expect no great countenance from him, and begin to be a little down in the mouth, since they find Broderick is not to be their speaker. I am, with very great truth, your most obedient humble servant.

SIR,

OU have the character of employing, in good offices to others, the honour and happiness you have of being often with my lord treasurer. This use of your access to him is an uncommon instance of generosity, deserving the highest praises; for, most commonly, men are most apt to convert such advantages to their own single interest, without any regard of others; though, in my poor opinion, not so wisely. Acts of friendship create friends, even among strangers, that taste not of them; and in my experience, I hardly ever knew a man friendly in the course of his proceedings, but he was supported in the world; ingratitude being the vice, of which the generality of men are most ashamed to be thought guilty.

My son and I have reasons to return you our thanks, for what you have already done of this kind in