Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 2.djvu/60

viii Early in 1710 a new edition of the Tale of a Tub was in great forwardness. The Author's Apology, dated June 3, 1709, had been some time in the bookseller's possession; and the cuts (then first added) were delayed, for sir Andrew Fountaine's approbation of the designs. In a letter to Ben Tooke from Dublin, June 29, 1710, Jonathan complains much of the liberty taken with his character in the Key; talks of trying to obtain redress; and adds, "I cannot but think, that little Parson Cousin of mine is at the bottom of this; for, having lent him a copy of some parts of, &c. [N. B.] and he showing it, after I was gone for Ireland, and the thing abroad; he affected to talk suspiciously, as if he had some share in it. If he should happen to be in town, and you light on him; I think you ought to tell him gravely; that if he be the Author, he should set his name to the &c. and railly him a little upon it, and tell him; if he can explain some things, you will (if he pleases) set his name to the next edition. I should be glad to see how far the foolish impudence of a Dunce could go. I shall, at the end, take a little contemptible notice of the thing you sent me." This he performed; in a single page of Postscript to the Apology. To Dr. Swift's letter, B. Tooke answered, July 10; "As to that Cousin of yours, which you speak of: I neither know him; nor ever heard of him, till the Key mentioned him." Thus, we see, Thomas vied