The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 12/From John Arbuthnot to Jonathan Swift - 17
FROM DR. ARBUTHNOT.
I HAVE writ three times to Mr. dean of St. Patrick's, without receiving so much as an acknowledgment of the receipt of my letters. At the same time, I hear of other letters, which his acquaintances receive from him. I believe I should hardly have brought myself to have written this, were it not to serve you and a friend at the same time.
I recommended one Mr. Mason, son of Mason gentleman of the queen's chapel, a barytone voice, for the vacancy of a singer in your cathedral. This letter was writ from Bath last September. The same Mason[1] informs me, that there is another vacancy: therefore I renew my request. I believe you will hardly get a better; he has a pleasant mellow voice, and has sung several times in the king's chapel this winter, to the satisfaction of the audience. I beg at least your answer to this. Your friends in town, such as I know, are well. Mr. Pope is happy again, in having his mother recovered. Mr. Gay is gone to Scotland with the duke of Queensberry. He has about twenty lawsuits with booksellers for pirating his book. The king goes soon to Hanover. These are all the news I know. I hope you do not imagine I am so little concerned about your health, as not to desire to be informed of the state of it from yourself. I have been tolerably well this winter, I thank God. My brother Robin is here, and longs, as well as I, to know how you do. This with my best wishes and respects, from, dear sir, your most faithful humble servant,