pared me to be a high churchman, that I might never hear him read, nor read him more. You must know, that I am as busy about my hermitage, which is between the chateau and the maison bourgeoise, as if I was to pass my life in it: and if I could see you now and then, I should be willing enough to do so. I have in my wood the biggest and the clearest spring perhaps in Europe, which forms, before it leaves the park, a more beautiful river than any which flows in Greek or Latin verse. I have a thousand projects about this spring, and, among others, one, which will employ some marble. Now marble, you know, makes one think of inscriptions; and if you will correct this, which I have not yet committed to paper, it shall be graved, and help to fill the table-books of Spons and Missons* yet to come. "Propter fidem adversus Reginam, et Partes, Propter operam in pace generali conciliandâ Impotentiâ vesanæ factionis Solum vertere coactus, Hîc ad aquæ lene caput sacræ Dulce vivit, H. De B. An." &c. Ob were better than propter, but ob operam would never please the ear. In a proper place, before the large folio volume of sermons on the 119th Psalm.-B. Sir Walter St John and his lady were both somewhat addicted to puritanism; and their son was educated in early life among the dissenters. He mentions Manton in similar terms in a letter to Pope, as a puritanical parson, who made 119 sermons upon the 119th psalm; and whose folios he was compelled to read while a boy. * James Spon, M. D. and Maximilian Misson, were two eminent travellers, who have published their travels; in which are inserted many inscriptions.-B. front of the house, which I have new built, I have Hanc villam instauro et exorno: Hic, mortem nec appetens nec timens, Doctâ quiete, If in a year's time you should find leisure to write to me, send me some mottoes for groves, and streams, and fine prospects, and retreat, and contempt of grandeur, &c. I have one for my greenhouse, and one for an alley which leads to my apartment, which are happy enough. The first is, Hic ver assiduum, atque alienis mensibus astas. The other isfallentis semita vitæ. You see I amuse myself de la bagatelle as much as you; but here lies the difference; your bagatelle leads to something better; as fiddlers flourish carelessly, before they play a fine air. But mine begins, proceeds, and ends in bagatelle. Adieu: it is happy for you that my hand is tired. I will take care that you shall have my picture, and I am simple enough to be obliged to you for asking for it. If you do not write to me soon, I hope it will fall down as soon as you have it, and break your head. FROM THE DUCHESS OF ORMOND. SIR, Sept. 1, 1721. I Do not know how to account for your long silence, unless your time has been taken up in making an interest with those in power here, for one of the two archbishopricks, *that we heard were void, but I am very glad are not so. Set your heart at rest, for they are promised; and therefore you may as well write to a sister, when next you honour this kingdom with any dispatches, as to any greater people. It is a shame to think how you have neglected those of your own house. I had once determined to write to you no more, since no answer was to be expected; but then revenge came into my head, and I was resolved to tease you, till at last, to be quiet, you will send me some plausible excuse at least, for never inquiring after brother or sister. I wonder when you will be good-natured enough to come and see how we do; but Ireland has such powerful charms, that I question whether you would leave it to be one of our archbishops. I was at your brother Arran'st a good while this summer, and have been much upon the ramble, or else you would have sooner had these just reproaches from me; whom you have no way of appeasing, but by a letter of at least four sides of paper: though I am so * Probably those of Tuam and Dublin, both incumbents being very old. +A member of the club of sixteen.-H. good a Christian, upon this occasion, as to be, notwithstanding all this ill-treatment, Sir, Your most sincere friend, and humble servant, M. ORMOND. TO MR WORRAL. DEAR JACK, Gallstown, Sept. 14, 1721. I ANSWERED your letter long ago, and have little to say at present. I shall be in town by the beginning of next month, although a fit of good weather would tempt me a week longer; for I never saw or heard of so long a continuance of bad, which has hindered me from several little rambles I intended; but I row or ride every day in spite of the rain, in spite of a broken shin, or falling into the lakes, and several other trifling accidents. Pray what have you done with the Lichfield-man? Has he mended his voice, or is he content to sit down with his Christ-church preferment? I doubt Mrs Brent will be at a loss about her industry-book, † for want of a new leaf, with a list drawn of the debtI know you are such a bungler you cannot do it, and therefore I desire that you would, in a loose sheet of paper, make a survey-list, in your ors. * One of the cathedrals in Dublin.-F. The book wherein Mrs Brent kept the account of the money lent by Dr Swift to poor industrious tradesmen, in small sums, without interest.-F. bungling manner, as soon as she wants it, and let that serve till I come. Present my service to Mrs Worral. I wonder how you, and she, and your heir,* have spent the summer, and how often you have been at Dunleary, † and whether you have got her another horse, and whether she hates dying in the country as much as ever. Desire Mrs Brent, if a messenger goes from hence, to give him my fustian waistcoat, because the mornings grow cold. I have now and then some threatenings with my head; but have never been absolutely giddy above a minute, and cannot complain of my health, I thank God. Pray send them enclosed to the postoffice. I hear you have let your house to Mrs Dopping, who will be a good tenant, if she lives. I suppose your new house is finished, and if Mrs Worral does not air it well, it may get you a new wife, which I would not have you tell her, because it will do the business better than a boat at Dalky. † I hope you have ordered an account of absent vicars, and that their behaviour has not been so bad as usual during my sickness in town: if so, I have but an ill subdean. I am, Sir, yours, &c. P. S. Tell Mrs Brent, that if Lloyd agrees, I shall be glad one of his hogsheads was left unracked. * Mr Fairbrother.-F. + A village at the sea-side, near Dublin.-F. A most delightful island, within six or seven miles of Dublin.-F. |