Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 13.djvu/112

100 have an excuse to write again; for I doubt it would be carrying the joke too far to trouble you too often. Adieu, dear sir, health and happiness attend you ever. I fear I have written so very ill, that I am quite unintelligible.

His grace is very much yours.

SIR,

OT many days ago I had the pleasure of yours by Mrs. Barber, whose turn seems to confirm the good impression you give of her. I want not more than your recommendation to engage my wishes to serve her, and also my endeavours, if any opportunity falls in my way. Are there no hopes of seeing you on this side of the water? Cannot the great number of your friends, and the great variety of conversation abounding here, be some kind of inducement to your coming among us? Is not Mr. Pope a temptation to one of your distinction to draw you this way? Even the variety of people in this great city might contribute to the amusement of your mind, as a journey and exercise would to your bodily health. I would use every argument I could think of to invite you hither, and consequently to preserve a life so beneficial to the publick, and so dear to all your friends. You have a spirit that should prevail against indolence, and bring you into a part of the world, which calls aloud for your talents. This winter would furnish you with many oppor-