Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18.djvu/391

Rh

DEAR MADAM,

AM indeed much ashamed that I have so many favours from you to acknowledge at one time. You may believe me when I assure you that my silence has not proceeded from want of respect and esteem for you. I would not put on the affectation of much business as an excuse to any body, much less to you; although the truth is, that I am hurried almost out of my life with the attendance and writing about things I have undertaken for some friends.

The dean's recommendation and yours, without any other consideration whatever, would induce me to do my utmost to serve Mr. Aulay, as I have told him by this post, when I thought I should not trouble you with a few lines. He will acquaint you with what I have done, by which you will see that I lost no time; and I have hopes to obtain the lord lieutenant's countenance for him.

I will endeavour to introduce Mr. Swift to the acquaintance of some persons before I leave this; whose countenance and friendship will at least give a young gentleman a good air his own merit entitles him to the esteem and regard of such as shall have the happiness to be acquainted with him: I am Rh