Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/43

Rh grace's pardon; but I still insist, that if it had been solicited four years ago by no abler a hand than my own, while the duke of Ormond was in Ireland, it might have been done in a month; and I believe it may be so still, if his excellency lays any weight of his credit upon it; otherwise, God knows when. For myself, I have nothing more to do here but to attend my lord lieutenant's motions, of whose return we are very uncertain, and to manage some personal affairs of my own. I beg the continuance of your grace's favour, and your blessing; and am, with all respect,

GRANGE, SEPT. 16, 1708.

ESTERDAY the weatherglass was at 28 inches, which is lower than ever I saw it; the wind was at east, a very dull quarter; the garden so wet, there was no looking into it; and I myself, by consequence, in the spleen. Before night, the glass rose, the wind changed, the garden dried, I received your letter, and was as well as ever I was in my life, to my thinking, though perhaps you may think otherwise. The reason why your letter was so long a coming to my hands, was, its being directed to me near Winchester; and Alresford is the post town nearest to me. If the officers should come to you, doctor, if you