Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/74

62 condition of the clergy of Ireland, by which it will appear how much we stand in need of such a gift. This we could not well send to his excellency, because it is very long, and we apprehend, that it might be improper to give him so much trouble at first, before he was any way apprised of the matter; but if you think, that his excellency may judge it agreeable, that it should be laid before him, I entreat the favour of you to apply to my lord Pembroke's secretary, with whom it is, for the original, or a copy of it, and present it to my lord lieutenant, or leave it with his secretary. I have engaged for you to my brethren, that you will be at this trouble: and there is a memorial to this purpose, at the foot of the copy of the representation made to the earl of Pembroke, transmitted with the other papers. What charges you are at upon this account, will be answered by me.

The good impression you have given me of Mr. Addison, my lord lieutenant's secretary, has encouraged me to venture a letter to him on this subject, which I have enclosed, and make you the full and sole judge, whether it ought to be delivered. I can't be competently informed by any here, whether it may be pertinent or no; but I may and do depend on your prudence in the case, who, I believe, will neither omit what may be useful, nor suffer me to do an officious or improper thing. I mix no other matter with this, beside what agrees with all occasions, the tender of the hearty prayers and wishes for you of,

WILL. DUBLIN. The