Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/48

36 didst of the conde de Peterborow, when first I construed him to thee at the coffeehouse.

I labour under the distemper you complain of, deafness; especially upon the least cold. I did not take care of my ears, till I knew if my head was my own or not; but am now syringing, and I hope to profit by it. My cousin is here, and well, and I see him sometimes; but I find he has had a caution, which depended upon his expecting more from court, and is justifiable in a man, who, like him, has a great family. I have given your compliments to my two favourites. We never forget your health.

I have seen Mr. Butler, and served him to the utmost of my power with my amici potentiores: though he had a good cause, and a strong recommendation, he trusted wholly to neither of them, but added the greatest diligence to his solicitations.

Auditor Harley thanks you, for remembering him and his singing man. As to the affair of subscriptions, do all at your leisure, and in the manner you judge most proper; and so I bid you heartily farewel, assuring you, that I am ever most truly your's

M. P.

Friend Ford salutes you. Adieu.

Richardson, whom I take to be a better painter than any named in your letter, has made an excellent picture of me; from whence lord Harley (whose it is) has a stamp taken by Vertue. He has given me some of them for you to give to our friends at or about Dublin.