Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 13.djvu/96

84 What you tell Mr. Pilkington of my speaking disrespectfully of the Irish, is false and scandalous; I never used such an expression in my life: I appeal to all my acquaintance. I love the Irish.

Pray God restore your health; and believe me always, with gratitude, your most obedient humble servant,

JOHN BARBER.

LONDON, AUG. 12, 1733.

AM truly sorry, my dear sir, that I have not heard from you so long; but am much more concerned with Barber's account of your being not as well as I wish you. For God's sake try the change of air, and let not any other attachment than to your health employ your thoughts. Consider how dear you are to your friends; but if that would not do, let the detestation you must feel, from giving pleasure to the unworthy, make you careful of yourself. Indeed I should be glad to make you sensible, that you are valued by all that have a taste for merit; and I should be very much pleased, if you would think you owe so much to them, that you would, for their sakes, preserve yourself. Believe me, sir, illness is not to be trifled with : I can speak on this subject as an experienced person; and I earnestly entreat you to take remedies