Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18.djvu/248

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a gentleman of good family in Shropshire. He was designed for the church, and took deacon's [priest's] orders; but having a genius for business, and falling into the acquaintance of my lord Ranelagh, when tutor to my lord Hyde, he was sent into Flanders as paymaster general to the English troops there. He is a gentleman of very clear parts, and affects plainness and simplicity [au contraire] in his dress, and conversation particularly. He is a favourite to both parties [to neither]; and is beloved for his easy access, and affable way by those he has business to do with. He is a thin, tall man [short, if I remember right], taller than the ordinary stature, near 50 years old.

affects much the gentleman in his dress, and the minister in his conversation; is very lofty, yet courteous, when he knows his people; much envied by his fellow merchants; of asanguine complexion, taller than the ordinary size, about 40 years old. 'He seemed to he a very good natured man.

has abundance of wit, and understands most of the modern languages well; knows how to tell a story to the best advantage; but has an affected manner of conversation; is thin, splenetick, and tawny