Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 13.djvu/385

Rh safer. You may say, where is the occasion of abusing any body? I never did in my life; but you have often told truth of persons, who would rather you had abused them in the grossest manner.

I may say in parliament, that we are impoverished at home, and rendered contemptible abroad, because nobody will care to call upon me to prove it; but I do not know whether I may venture to put that in a letter, at least in a letter to a disaffected person; such you will be reputed as long as you live; after your death, perhaps, you may stand rectus in curia.

I met our friend Pope in town; he is as sure to be there in a bustle, as a porpus in a storm. He told me, that he would retire to Twickenham for a fortnight; but I doubt it much. Since I found, by your last, that your hand and your head are both in so good a condition, let me hear from you some times. And do not be discouraged that I send you nothing worth reading now: I have talked with nobody, for some time past, but farmers and ploughmen; when I come into good company again, I may possibly be less insipid; but in whatever condition I am, I shall always be most ambitious of your friendship, and most desirous of your esteem, being most faithfully and sincerely, dear sir, your obedient humble servant,

BATHURST. Rh