Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18.djvu/281

Rh unacceptable at thy table, since it is only designed to let thee know that thy wit and parts are here in esteem at this distance from the place of thy residence. Thou needest ask no questions who this comes from, since I am a perfect stranger to thee.

DOVER STREET, JULY 15, REV. SIR,

R. Clayton telling me he was going for Ireland I could not forbear sending you a few lines by him, although I may punish you; yet it is so great a pleasure to me to think of you, and to converse with you even in this manner, that I must expect you will be so good as to forgive the trouble this gives you.

I do not know what notions you entertain of us here; I fear and believe you are in a very bad way: this is my thought, that devoured we certainly shall be; but only this will be the difference, we shall have that great favour and instance of mercy, that we shall have the honour to follow you, and be the last