Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/187

Rh charges; and retrench what he lost to sharpers, and spent upon country-dances and puppetplays, to apply it to that use. This was not very grateful to the esquire; therefore, as the last experiment, he resolved to send signior Benenato, master of his foxhounds, to Mrs. Bull, to try what good he could do with her. This signior Benenato had all the qualities of a fine gentleman, that were fit to charm a lady's heart; and if any person in the world could have persuaded her, it was he. But such was her unshaken fidelity to her husband, and the constant purpose of her mind to pursue his interest, that the most refined arts of gallantry that were practised, could not seduce her heart. The necklaces, diamond crosses, and rich bracelets that were offered, she rejected with the utmost scorn and disdain. The musick and serenades that were given her, sounded more ungrateful in her ears than the noise of a screech-owl; however, she received esquire South's letter by the hands of signior Benenato with that respect, which became his quality. The copy of the letter is as follows, in which you will observe he changes a little his usual style.

MADAM,

THE writ of ejectment against Philip Baboon, (pretended lord Strutt) is just ready to pass: there want but a few necessary forms, and a verdict or two more, to put me in quiet possession of my honour and estate: I question not, but that, according to your wonted generosity and goodness, you will give Rh