Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18.djvu/302

288 her endeavours to make lord Bacon a liar, and instead of adding two inches to her height, would be very well satisfied to part with four. I am very sorry Mrs. Acheson is so much out of order: she is one I have a great regard for; and shall desire the favour of you to give my wife's service and mine to her, and lady Acheson, when you see them. I thank God my family and I are very well. Some time this summer I design drinking Ballispellin waters for a month. As for news we have no such thing here: only the baboon has done his visitation; that is, he goes into the churches and looks about, then asks the tumbler Sikes how long they have been coming? So long, says Sikes. Ay, replies the baboon, and we shall be as long going back; so mounts his horse and away. Who durst say the church is in danger when we have so good bishops? My wife and all here join in their kind service to the drapier. I am, good Mr. dean, your most assured and affectionate humble servant, HOWTH.

DEAR SIR,

RECEIVED your twenty pounds from lord Lanesburough's agent yesterday, and it travels to you from this on Saturday next, by one John Donaldson, one of our nobility. You will get it, I believe, on Monday.