I was going into my coach, the dust being trouble

some:

The dust in smaller particles arose,

Than those which fluid bodies do compose:
Contraries in extremes do often meet,

'Twas now so dry, that you might call it wet.

I do not give you these hints to divert you, but that you may have your thoughts, and work upon them.

I know you love me heartily, and yet I will not own, that you love me better than I love you. My Lord and Lady Masham love you too, and read your letter to me with pleasure. My lady says she will write to you, whether you write to her or not.— Dear friend, adieu.

TO LORD-TREASURER OXFORD. *

MY LORD,

July 1, 1714.

WHEN I was with you, I have said more than once, that I would never allow quality or station made any real difference between men. Being now absent and forgotten, I have changed my mind: you have a thousand people who can pretend they love you, with as much appearance of sincerity

This high-spirited and excellent letter, written to a minister in Oxford's situation, whether considered in reference to his immediate power, or to his approaching fall, does the greatest credit to Dean Swift's heart and understanding. It was dated, like the preceding letters, during his retreat to Letcombe.

as I; so that, according to common justice, I can have but a thousandth part in return of what I give.. And this difference is wholly owing to your station. And the misfortune is still the greater, because I always loved you just so much the worse for your station for, in your public capacity, you have often angered me to the heart; but, as a private man, never once. So that, if I only look toward myself, I could wish you a private man to-morrow: for I have nothing to ask; at least nothing that you will give, which is the same thing: and then you would see whether I should not with much more willingness attend you in a retirement, whenever you please to give me leave, than ever I did at London or Windsor. From these sentiments I will never write to you, if I can help it, otherwise than as to a private person, or allow myself to have been obliged to you in any other capacity.

The memory of one great instance of your candour and justice, I will carry to my grave: that having been in a manner domestic with you for almost four years, it was never in the power of any public or concealed enemy, to make you think ill of me, though malice and envy were often employed to that end. If I live, posterity shall know that, and more: which, though you, and somebody that shall be nameless, seem to value less than I could wish, is all the return I can make you. Will you give me leave to say how I would desire to stand in your memory? As one, who was truly sensible of the honour you did him, though he was too proud to be vain upon it: as one, who was neither assuming, officious, nor teasing; who never wilfully misrepresented persons or facts to you, nor consulted his passions when he gave a character: and lastly, as one, whose indiscretions proceeded

altogether from a weak head, and not an ill heart. I will add one thing more, which is the highest compliment I can make, that I never was afraid of offending you, nor am now in any pain for the manner I write to you in. I have said enough; and, like one at your levee, having made my bow, I shrink back into the crowd.

I am, &c.

JON. SWIFT.

FROM MR BARBER.

HONOURED SIR,

London, July 6th, 1714.

I HAD yours of the 3d instant, and am heartily glad of your being in health, which I hope will continue. Pray draw what bills you please: I will pay them on demand.

I will take care of Mrs Rolt's affair. I wish you would write to her. I had a visit from Mrs Brackley to-day; she gives her humble service, and desired my assistance with general Hill. I told her it was best to stay till there was a master ;* and I did not doubt but something would be done.

I fortunately met Lord Bolingbroke yesterday, the minute I had your letter. I attacked him for some wine, and he immediately ordered you two dozen of red French wine, and one dozen of strong Aaziana white wine. The hamper will be sent to

* i. e. A prime minister, for Oxford's dismission was now daily expected.

morrow by Robert Stone the Wantage carrier, and will be there on Friday. I am afraid it will cost you 5s. to George, my lord's butler; but I would do nothing without order. My lord bid me tell you this morning, that he will write to you, and let you know, that as great a philosoper as you are, you have had the pip; that the public affairs are carried on with the same zeal and quick dispatch as when you was here; nay, that they are improved in several particulars; that the same good understanding continues; that he hopes the world will be the better for your retirement; that your inimitable pen was never more wanted than now; and more, which I cannot remember. I believe he expects you should write to him. He spoke many affectionate and handsome things in your favour. I told him your story of the spaniel, which made him laugh heartily.

FROM MR BARBER TO MR FORD. *

SIR,

Lambeth Hill, July 6, 1714

I THANKFULLY acknowledge the receipt of a packet † sent last Sunday. I have shewn it only to one person, who is charmed with it, and will make

* This letter was disguisedly directed "To Samuel Bridges, Esq. at St Dunstan's coffeehouse, Fleet Street ;" and is thus endorsed by the Dean," John Barber's letter about the pamphlet.” -N.

+ "Free Thoughts on the present State of Affairs."-B.

This was Lord Bolingbroke. The communication and the

some small alterations and additions to it, with your leave. You will the easier give leave, when I tell you, that it is one of the best pens in England. Pray favour me with a line.

I SHOULD not have presumed to break in upon your retirement, nor so much as inquire for your address, had not the inclosed given me a fair occasion to ask after your health. I need not add any thing to what the papers will inform you touching that affair. The person mentioned in the baron's letter has not yet called upon me. When you have endorsed the letter of attorney, please to return that and the baron's letter, that I may punctually follow his directions. I dare not mention any thing of politics to one that has purposely withdrawn himself from the din of it. I shall only tell you, that your friends applaud your conduct with relation to your own ease; but they think it hard you should abdicate at a juncture your friendship seems to be of most use to them. I am sure some of them want your advice, as well as assistance. You will forgive this digression from business, when I

alterations proposed in consequence, were alike disagreeable to Swift, and prevented the publication of the treatise.