Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/127

Rh when you meet, if that ever happen, to cast such a mist before your eyes, that you shall not perceive she wants either of them.

DEAR SIR,

T is impossible for you to imagine with what satisfaction I received your kind letter; and though I had been so long without hearing from you, I could never impute it to want of friendship in one, whose goodness to me has always been abundantly more than I could deserve. I had writ often to you; but having no safe conveyance, chose rather to inquire after your health and welfare of some people that could give me an account of it. And I do assure you, from the bottom of my heart, there is not a person living I have a greater friendship for than yourself, and shall have to the end of my life. Indeed now I can show it only in expressions; but I flatter myself you believe them sincere. I long to see you at my retired habitation, where you will meet with a most hearty welcome and faithful friends, and none more so, than her who is

H. MASHAM.

My lord, children, brother, and sister are your humble servants. Rh