Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 9.djvu/391

Rh in two journeys at his expense, he had procured a grant of the first-fruits to the clergy, in the late queen's time; for which he thought he deserved some gentle treatment from his brethren. That during all the administration of the said ministry, he had been a constant advocate for those who are called the whigs; had kept many of them in their employments, both in England and here, and some who were afterward the first to lift up their heels against him." He reflected a little upon the severe treatment he had met with upon his return to Ireland after her majesty's death, and for some years after: "That, being forced to live retired, he could think of no better way to do publick service, than by employing all the little money he could save, and lending it, without interest, in small sums, to poor industrious tradesmen, without examining their party or their faith. And God had so far pleased to bless his endeavours, that his managers tell him he has recovered above two hundred families in this city from ruin, and placed most of them in a comfortable way of life." The dean related how much he had suffered in his purse, and with what hazard to his liberty, by a most iniquitous judge; who, to gratify his ambition and rage of party, had condemned an innocent book, written with no worse a design, than to persuade the people of this kingdom to wear their own manufactures. How the said judge had endeavoured to get a jury to his mind; but they proved so honest, that he was forced to keep them eleven hours, and send them back nine times, until at last they were compelled to leave the printer to the mercy of the court; and the dean was forced to procure a noli prosequi from a noble