Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 13.djvu/376

364 article of company. Writing no longer amuses me, for I cannot think. I dine constantly at home, in my chamber, with a grave housekeeper, whom I call sir Robert; and some times receive one or two friends, and a female cousin, with strong high tenour voices.

I am, &c.

DEANERY HOUSE, DUBLIN, GENTLEMEN,

RECEIVED from you, some weeks ago, the honour of my freedom in a silver box, by the hands of Mr. Stannard ; but it was not delivered to me in as many weeks more; because, I suppose, he was too full of more important business. Since that time I have been wholly confined by sickness, so that I was not able to return you my acknowledgment; and, it is with much difficulty I do it now, my head continuing in great disorder. Mr. Faulkner will be the bearer of my letter, who sets out this morning for Cork.

I could have wished, as I am a private man, that, in the instrument of my freedom, you had pleased to assign your reasons for making choice of me. I know