Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/404

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WANTAGE, ONE O'CLOCK,

MR. DEAN,

T twelve o'clock lord Bolingbroke's man rid through Wantage, to call Mr. PackerParker [sic] to London, the queen being dead. I am confounded at the melancholy news; yet could not forbear sending it to you. Your truly humble servant,

JO. BIRCH.

DEAR DEAN,

HE earl of Oxford was removed on Tuesday; the queen died on Sunday. What a world is this! and how does fortune banter us! John Barber tells me, you have set your face toward Ireland. Pray do not go. I am against it. But this is nothing; John is against it. Ireland will be the scene of some disorder, at least it will be the scene of mortification to your friends. Here every thing is quiet, and will continue so. Beside which, as prosperity divided, misfortune