Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 13.djvu/399

Rh say, is it not shocking! But indeed most of our nobility with great estates are in the same way. My lord Burlington is now selling, in one article, 9000l. a year in Ireland, for 200000l. which wont pay his debts.

Dr. Mead is proud of your compliments, and returns his thanks and service.

Mr. Lewis I have not seen, but hear he is pretty well.

Mr. Ford, I am told, is the most regular man living; for from his lodgings to the Mall — to the Cocoa — to the tavern — to bed, is his constant course.

These cold winds of late have affected me; but as the warm weather is coming on, I hope to be better than I am, though, I thank God, I am now in better health than I have been in for many years. Among the other blessings I enjoy, I am of a cheerful disposition, and I laugh, and am laughed at in my turn, which helps off the tedious hours.

I hope the spring will have a good effect upon you, and will help your hearing and other infirmities, and that I shall have the pleasure to hear so from your own hand.

You will please to observe that I am proud of every occasion of showing my gratitude to you, sir, to whom I must ever own the greatest obligations.

Pray God bless you and preserve you, and believe me always, dear sir, your most faithful and most obedient humble servant,

JOHN BARBER. Rh