Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/189

Rh deserve it. For, thanks to party, I have met in both kingdoms with ingratitude enough.

If I have been ill informed, you have not been much better, that I declared no great regard to your family; for so you express yourself: I never had occasion or opportunity to make use of any such words. The last time I saw you in London, was the last intercourse that I remember to have had with your family. But having always trusted to my own innocence, I was never inquisitive to know my accusers. When I mentioned my loss of interest with you, I did it with concern, and I had no resentment; because I supposed it to arise only from different sentiments in publick matters.

My lord, if my letter were polite, it was against my intention, and I entreat your pardon for it. If I have wit, I will keep it to show when I am angry; which at present I am not: because, although nothing can excuse those intemperate words your pen hath let fall, yet I shall give allowance to a hasty person hurried on by a mistake beyond all rules of decency. If a first minister of state had used me as you have done, he should have heard from me in another Style; because in that case retaliating would be thought a mark of courage. But as your lordship is not in a situation to do me good, nor, I am sure, of a disposition to do me mischief; so I should lose the merit of being bold, because I incurred no danger.

In this point alone we are exactly equal; but in wit and politeness I am as ready to yield to you, as in tides and estate.

I have found out one secret; that although you call me a great wit, you do not think me so;. XII.