Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/61

Rh However, we expected a very happy end of the campaign, which this sudden thaw and foul weather, begun here yesterday, will soon bring to an issue.

MY LORD,

EFORE I received the honour of your grace's of November 20, I had sent one enclosed, &c. with what account I could of affairs. Since that time, the measures are altered of dissolving your parliament, which, doubtless, is their wisest course, for certain obvious reasons, that your grace will easily apprehend; and I suppose you have now received directions about proroguing it, for I saw the order some days ago. I should have acknowledged your grace's letter, if I had not been ever since persecuted with a cruel distemper, a giddiness in my head, that would not suffer me to write or think of any thing, and of which I am now slowly recovering. I sent you word of the affair of the first-fruits being performed, which my lord Pembroke had the goodness to send me immediate notice of. I seldom see his lordship now, but when he pleases to command me; for he sees nobody in publick, and is very full of business. I fancy your grace will think it necessary that in due time his lordship should receive some kind. XI.