Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/440

428 some mistake. As to writing, I look on you just in the prime of life for it, the very season when judgment and invention draw together. But schemes are perfectly accidental ; some will appear barren of hints and matter, but prove to be fruitful; and others the contrary: and what you say, is past doubt, that every one can best find hints for himself: though it is possible that sometimes a friend may give you a lucky one just suited to your own imagination. But all this is almost past with me: my invention and judgment are perpetually at fistycuffs, till they have quite disabled each other; and the meerest trifles I ever wrote, are serious philosophical lucubrations, in comparison to what I now busy myself about; as (to speak in the author's phrase) the world may one day see.

DRAYTON, SEPT. 7, 1731.

O show how strictly I obey your orders, I came from the duchess of Dorset's country house to my own, where I have rid and walked as often as the weather permitted me. Nor am I very nice in that; for, if you remember, I was not bred up very tenderly, nor a fine lady; for which I acknowledge myself exceedingly obliged to my parents: for had I had that sort of education, I should not have been so easy and happy, as I thank God, I now am. As to