Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/44

 you want a security, that your children shan't be troublesome to the parish, pray make use of me. I'll stand 'em all, though you were to have as many as the Holland countess. We have had a tedious expectation of the success of the siege of Lisle: the country people begin to think there is no such thing, and say the newspapers talk of it to make people bear paying taxes a year longer. I don't know how Steele will get off of it; his veracity is at stake in Hantshire. Pray desire him to take the town, though he should leave the citadel for a nestegg. I han't the honour to know colonel Hunter; but I never saw him in so good company as you have put him, lord Halifax, Mr. Addison, Mr. Congreve, and the gazetteer. Since he is there, let him stay there. Pray doctor, let me know whether writing letters be talking to one's self, or talking to other folks: for I think the world has settled it, that talking to one's self, which offends no body, is madness; and talking to other people, which generally is not quite so harmless, is wit, or good breeding, or religion, or — I wont write a word more till you have satisfied me what I have been doing all this while. I am sure one need not have writ two pages to introduce my assuring you, that I am

Your most affectionate humble servant,

A. HENLEY. ANTH.