spirit; and when you have pruned the rough feathers, the ands and thats, &c. you will send the Kite to the Faulconer, to set it a flying. I am your very faithful and obedient servant, J. H. May not I claim three or four copies when printed? TO MISS HARRISON, Feb. 23, 1735-6. DEAR MISS HARRISON, I AM in all possible concern for your present situation I heartily wish you could prevail on your mother to remove immediately to some friend or neighbour's house, that she may be out of the sight and hearing of what must be done to-day. I wish your eldest brother Whiteway would take care to carry her to some part of the town where she might continue until your house may be put in order, and every thing that might renew the memory of melancholy objects be removed. Let your brother Whiteway write to me, that I may know how you all are, particularly your poor mother. I am ever, &c. JON. SWIFT. FROM DR SHERIDAN. DEAR SIR, February 23, 1735-6. I AM extremely concerned to find your old disorder has got hold of you again, which would not have happened if you had taken my advice to continue here where you were well. I cannot help retorting, that I never knew any person so unadvisable as you are, especially when it comes from me, who am famous for giving the best advice, and following the worst. Surely Mr cannot be so unjust as to let me be above pounds a sufferer for that profligate brute he shaked off upon me: if he does persevere in it, I will let all mankind know, that he acts rather like a little rascally Irish solicitor than a man of honour. I have already almost finished a dialogue between Lady Betty Tattle and John Solemn (if my money be not paid, necessity must make me write for bread) upon a subject they will not much like; which I vow to God shall be published. As I do not wear a sword, I must have recourse to the weapon in my hand. It is a better method than a lawsuit. My school only supplies me with present food, without which I cannot live. I hope, if I have any friends left, it may increase, and once more put me out of a miserable dependence upon the caprice of friendship. This year has been to me like steering through the Cyclades in a storm without a rudder; I hope to have a less dangerous and more open sea the next; and as you are out of all danger to feel the like sufferings, I pray God you may never feel a dun to the end of your life; for it is too shocking to an honest heart. It grieves me much to hear poor Mr Harrison is in such a dangerous way. I pray God preserve him, not only for his poor mother's sake, but the good of mankind; for I think I never knew so valuable a young man. I beseech you to let me know, by the next post, how he is. I fear the worst of that horrid treacherous distemper. I am, dear Sir, with all respect, Your most obedient and very humble servant, THOMAS SHERIDAN. I lost sixty-six pounds by a rogue who run off to Drumcor last year. TO MRS WHITEWAY. DEAR MADAM, Feb. 25, 1735-6. In the midst of your grief and my own for the same misfortune, I cannot forbear complaining of your conduct through the whole course of your affliction, which made you not only neglect yourself, but the greater part of those who are left, and, by the same law of nature, have an equal title to your care. I writ on Monday to Miss Harrison, that she would beg you, in my name, to remove some hours to a neighbour, that your ears might not be harassed with the preparations for what was then to be done. She told me you would not yield; and, at the same time, she much feared she must lose you too. Some degree of wisdom is required in the greatest calamity, because God requires it; because he knows what is best for us because he never intended any thing like perfect happiness in the present life; and, because it is our duty, as well as interest, to submit. I will make you another proposal, and shall take it very unkindly if you do not comply. do not comply. It is, that you would come hither this day immediately, where you will have a convenient apartment, and leave the scene that will be always putting you in mind of your loss. Your daughter can manage the house, and sometimes step to see you. All care should be taken of you, and Dr Robinson will visit you with more ease, if you have occasion for him. Mrs Ridgeway shall attend you, and I will be your companion. Let Miss Harrison return me an answer, and things shall be ready for you. with true esteem and affection, dear Madam, Your most obedient servant and cousin, I am ever, JON. SWIFT. FROM DR SHERIDAN. Feb. 29, 1735-6. DEAR SIR, I SINCERELY Condole with you for the unspeakable loss of Mr Harrison, which cannot be repaired in any other of his age in this world. It wounds my heart every moment I recollect him. I do verily believe no man living has met with such severe trials in losses of this kind as you have; and for this last, I must own, that I have great compassion for you, as he was every day growing more and more into a friend and companion; especially at a time of life which requires such a comfort. God Almighty support his poor mother; for none else can give her consolation under such a dreadful affliction. Poor old Mr Price cannot hold out a fortnight; and his son claims your promise of getting him something from the Concordatum; if it overtakes him alive, it may be a legacy for a worthy suffering person, who has fallen a sacrifice to his principles. I am, dear Sir, with all respect, Your most obedient and very humble servant, THOMAS SHERIDAN. SIR, FROM MR CARTER.* Henrietta Street, March 15, 1735-6. I WOULD have waited on you, when I sent my servant with a message, but was informed you did not see company. I have no doubt the printer will have occasion for a great many cargoes from our friend Mr Jervas. † I am very glad I had an opportunity of doing any thing agreeable to you. I have long wished *Mr Carter was Master of the Rolls in Ireland.-D. S. + A fine print of the Dean, engraved by Fourdrinier, from an original picture painted by Jervas, which was afterward purchased by the Earl of Chesterfield, and placed in his elegant library at May Fair, in the collection of English authors.-D. S. |