Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 9.djvu/388



HEN his lordship had said a few words, and presented the instrument, the dean gently put it back, and desired first to be heard. He said, "He was much obliged to his lordship and the city for the honour they were going to do him; and which, as he was informed, they had long intended him: That it was true, this honour was mingled with a little mortification, by the delay which attended it; but which, however, he did not impute to his lordship or the city; and that the mortification was the less, because he would willingly hope the delay was founded on a mistake; for which opinion he would tell his reason." He said, "It " was