Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/121

Rh 2dly. A distinct guardian spirit or patron is assigned to each person in particular:

Of these am I, who thy protection claim, A watchful sprite ——

3dly. They are made directly to inspire dreams, visions, and revelations.

Her guardian sylph prolonged her balmy rest, 'Twas he had summon'd to her silent bed The morning dream ——

4thly. They are made to be subordinate in different degrees, some presiding over others. So Ariel has his several under officers at command:

Superiour by the head was Ariel plac'd.

5thly. They are employed in various offices, and each hath his office assigned him:

Some in the fields of purest ether play, And bask and whiten in the blaze of day; Some guide the course, &c.

6thly. He hath given his spirits the charge of the several parts of dress; intimating thereby that the saints preside over the several parts of human bodies. They have one saint to cure the toothach, another the gripes, another the gout, and so of the rest.

The flutt'ring fan be Zephyretta's care, The drops to thee, Brillante, we consign, &c.

7thly. They are represented to know the thoughts of men:

As on the nosegay in her breast reclin'd, He watch'd th' ideas rising in her mind. Rh