The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Richard Steele to Jonathan Swift - 3
FROM MR. STEELE.
I HAVE received your's, and find it is impossible for a man to judge in his own case. For an allusion to you, as one under the imputation of helping the Examiner, and owning I was restrained out of respect to you, you tell Addison, under your hand, "you think me the vilest of mankind," and bid him tell me so. I am obliged to you for any kind things said in my behalf to the treasurer; and assure you, when you were in Ireland, you were the constant subject of my talk to men in power at that time. As to the vilest of mankind, it would be a glorious world if I were: for I would not conceal my thoughts in favour of an injured man, though all the powers on earth gainsaid it, to be made the first man in the nation. This position, I know, will ever obstruct my way in the world; and I have conquered my desires accordingly. I have resolved to content myself with what I can get by my own industry, and the improvement of a small estate, without being anxious whether I am ever in a court again or not. I do assure you, I do not speak this calmly, after the ill usage in your letter to Addison, out of terrour of your wit, or my lord treasurer's power; but pure kindness to the agreeable qualities, I once so passionately delighted in, in you. You know, I know nobody, but one that talked after you, could tell, "Addison had bridled me in point of party." This was ill hinted, both with relation to him, and, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,