Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 13.djvu/17

Rh silly in him to give a copyright to any, which can only put the manner of publishing them hereafter out of his own and his friends power, into that of mercenaries."

I really think this is a very useful precaution, considering how you have been treated by these sort of fellows.

The duke is fast asleep, or he would add a line.

DEAR SIR,

T has been the observation of travellers (as I have been frequently told) that in all the countries they have seen, they never met with fewer publick charitable foundations than in this kingdom.

Private charities, no doubt, will have their reward; but publick are great incitements: and good examples often draw others on, though grudgingly; and so a good work be done, no matter who are the workmen.

When I was lord mayor, I saw some miserable lunaticks exposed, to the hazard of others, as well as themselves. I had six strong cells made at the workhouse for the most outrageous, which were soon filled; and by degrees, in a short time, those few drew upon us the solicitations of many, till by the time the old corporation ceased, we had, in that house, forty and upward. The door being opened, Rh