Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 13.djvu/20

8 a return; and overhead the same sort of a gallery, with little rooms, or cells, opening the doors into the gallery; for, by intervals, the objects affected may be permitted to walk at times in the galleries. This is according to the custom of London. Annexed to the master's house must be the kitchen and offices.

This proceeding may be so contrived, as to be enlarged from time to time, as there shall be a fund, and occasion to require additions. There is no necessity for any plans or architects; but any ordinary capacities may contrive those enlargements. Perhaps there may appear some well disposed persons who will say, they will make this enlargement, and so others; and, by such helps, they may be sufficiently done to answer all purposes.

It comes just now into my head, that there is a very proper spot, which I think the chapter of St. Patrick set to one Lee, a bricklayer, or builder. It lies back of Aungier street east, comes out of York street, down a place called the Dunghill, runs down to the end of King street, facing William street; at the north end of which some alms houses are built by Dowling and others. Also there stands, to the front of the street, a large stone building, called an alms house, made by Mrs. Mercer; though, by the by, I hear she is weary of her project, and does little in supplying that house, or endowing it. Perhaps the ground may be easily come at from Lee's heirs; and, by your application, I know not but Mrs. Mercer may give her house up to promote so good a work. This will go a good way, and being followed by subscriptions, a great and speedy progress may be made, in which I will readily join my interest