Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 15.djvu/358

350 I put it off several times, but was forced at last to promise I would come to night; and it never was in my head till I was locked up, and I have called and called, but my man is gone to bed; so I will write an excuse to morrow, I detest that Tom Leigh, and am as formal to him as I can when I happen to meet him in the park. The rogue frets me if he knew it. He asked me, "Why I did not wait on the bishop of Dromore ?" I answered, "I had not the honour to be acquainted with him, and would not presume," &c. He takes me seriously; and says, "The bishop is no proud man," &c. He tells me of a judge in Ireland, that has done ill things. I ask, "Why he is not out?" Says he, "I think the bishops, and you, and I, and the rest of the clergy, should meet and consult about it." I beg his pardon, and say, "I cannot be serviceable that way." He answers, "Yes, every body may help something." Don't you see how curiously he continues to vex me; for the dog knows, that with half a word I could do more than all of them together. But he only does it from the pride and envy of his own heart, and not out of a humorous design of teasing. He is one of those that would rather a service should not be done, than done by a private man, and of his own country. You take all this; don't you. Night, dearest sirrahs! I will go to sleep.

24. I dined to day with the chancellor of the exchequer, in order to look over some of my papers; but nothing was done. I have been also mediating between the Hamilton family and lord Abercorn, to have them compound with him; and I believe they will