Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 13.djvu/321

Rh some time past, is so confirmed by the sanction of your opinion of it, that I resolve this same rust shall be as dear to me, as that which enhanced the value of poor Dr. Woodward's shield; though it gave such offence to his cleanly maid, that she polished it to none at all.

I shall appear very inconsistent with myself in now telling you, that I still design the latter end of next month for England. You allow I have some pretence to go there. My progress with my son will be farther; for which, perhaps, you too will condemn me, as well as other friends do. I shall be proud of the honour of your commands, and, with your leave, will wait upon you for them. I design to send you a pot of woodcocks for a christmas box: small as the present is, pray believe I am, with sincere respect, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

CASTLEDURROW.

Lætitia's Character of her Lover rendered in metre.

Old women sometimes can raise his desire; The young, in their turn, set his heart all on fire. And sometimes again he abhors womankind. Was ever poor wretch of so fickle a mind! Rh