Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/240

234 J. That is to the tune of, All for the better. What's your cause to me when I am hanged?

H. Refractory mortal; if thou wilt not trust thy friends, take what follows: know assuredly, before next full moon, that thou wilt be hung up in chains, or thy quarters perching upon the most conspicuous places of the kingdom. Nay I don't believe they will be contented with hanging; they talk of empaling, or breaking on the wheel: and thou choosest that, before a gentle suspending of thyself for one minute. Hanging is not so painful a thing as thou imaginest. I have spoke with several, that have undergone it; they all agree it is no manner of uneasiness; be sure thou take good notice of the symptoms, the relation will be curious. It is but a kick or two with thy heels, and a wry mouth or so: sir Roger will be with thee in the twinkling of an eye.

J. But what if sir Roger should not come; will my friends be there to succour me?

H. Doubt it not; I will provide every thing against to-morrow morning; do thou keep thy own secret; say nothing: I tell thee, it is absolutely necessary for the common good, that thou shouldst go through this operation. CHAP.