Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18.djvu/274

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SIR,

AM extremely obliged to you for your kind intention in the purchase you mention; but it will not answer my design, because these lands are let in leases renewable for ever, and consequently can never have the rent raised; which is mortal to all estates left for ever to a publick use, and is contrary to a fundamental maxim of mine; and most corporations feel the smart of it.

I have been here several months, to amuse me in my disorders of giddiness and deafness, of which I have frequent returns — and I shall hardly return to Dublin till Christmas.

I am truly grieved at your great loss. Such misfortunes seem to break the whole scheme of man's life ; and although time may lessen sorrow, yet it cannot

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