Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/398

386 here by this time; for I have to tell you, all your articles are agreed to; and that I only love my own way, when I meet not with others whose ways I like better. I am in great hopes that I shall approve of yours; for, to tell you the truth, I am at present a little tired of my own. I have not a clear or distinct voice, except when I am angry; but I am a very good nurse, when people do not fancy themselves sick. Mr. Gay knows this; and he knows too how to play at backgammon. Whether the parson of the parish can, I know not; but if he cannot hold his tongue, I can. Pray set out the first fair wind, and stay with us as long as ever you please. I cannot name my fixed time that I shall like to maintain you and your equipage; but, if I do not happen to like you, I know I can so far govern my temper, as to endure you for about five days. So come away directly; at all hazards, you will be allowed a good breathing time. I shall make no sort of respectful conclusions; for till I know you, I cannot tell what I am to you.

The direction is to the duke of Queensberry's, in Burlington gardens, Piccadilly. Now I have told you this, you have no excuse from writing but one, which is coming; get over your lawsuit, and receive your money.

The duchess adds, "He shall not write a word more from Amesbury, in Wiltshire. Your groom was mistaken; for the house is big enough, but the park is too little." TO