Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/484

478 faithflil counsellor, under many severe trials, and bitter persecutions, to the manifest hazard both of his liberty and fortune! — He lived a blessing, he died a benefactor, and his name will ever live an honour, to Ireland." D.

"It happened very luckily, that, a little before I had resolved on this design, a gentleman had written predictions, and two or three pieces in my name, which had rendered it famous through all parts of Europe; and, by an inimitable spirit and humour, raised it to as high a pitch of reputation as it could possibly arrive at. By this good fortune the name of Isaac Bickerstaff gained an audience of all who had any taste of wit." S, Dedication to the first volume of Tatlers.

"My sincere love for this valuable, indeed incomparable man, will accompany him through life: and pursue his memory, were I to live a hundred lives, as many as his works will live; which are absolutely original, unequalled, unexampled. His humanity, his charity, his condescension, are equal to his wit; and require as good and as true a taste to be equally valued." P, Letter to the earl of Orrery, March 17, 1736.

"He too, from whom attentive Oxford draws Rules for just thinking, and poetick laws, To growing bards his learned aid shall lend, The strictest critick, and the kindest friend." T, Prospect of Peace.

"It is now about fifty years," says Dr. Lowth, Gramm. p. iv, "since Dr. Swift made a publick remonstrance, addressed to the earl of Oxford, then lord treasurer, of the imperfect state of our "guage;