The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 12/From Jonathan Swift to Thomas Sheridan - 19

by Jonathan Swift

DR. SWIFT TO DR. SHERIDAN.

SEPT. 18, 1728^[1].

MY continuance here is owing partly to indolence, and partly to my hatred to Dublin. I am in a middling way, between healthy and sick, hardly ever without a little giddiness or deafness, and sometimes both: so much for that. As to what you call my lesson, I told you I would think no more of it, neither do I conceive the world deserves so much trouble from you or me. I think the sufferings of the country for want of silver deserves a paper^[2], since the remedy is so easy, and those in power so negligent. I had some other subjects in my thoughts; but truly I am taken up so much with long lampoons on a person, who owns you for a back, that I have no time for any thing else; and if I do not produce one every now and then of about two hundred lines, I am chid for my idleness, and threatened with you. I desire you will step to the deanery, speak to Mrs. Brent^[3], bid her open the middle great drawer of Ridgeway's scrutoire in my closet, and then do you take out from thence the history^[4] in folio, marble cover; and two thin folios fairly writ. I forget the titles, but you have read them; one is an account of the proceedings of lord Oxford's ministry, and the other^[5] to the same purpose. There are foul copies of both in the same drawer, but do you take out the fair ones, not in my hand. Let them be packed up, and brought hither by the bearer. My lady is perpetually quarrelling with sir Arthur and me, and shows every creature the libels I have writ against her^[6].

Mr. Worrall sent me the particulars of the havock made in Naboth's vineyard^[7]. — The d— burst, &c.

I think lady Dun's burning would be an admirable subject to show, how hateful an animal a human creature is, that is known to have never done any good. The rabble all rejoicing, &c, which they would not have done at any misfortune to a man known to be charitable.

I wish you could get in with the primate, on the account of some discourse about you here to day with Whaley and Walmsley. Whaley goes to Dublin on Monday next in order for England. I would have you see him. I fancy you may do some good with the primate as to the first good vacant school, if you wheedle him, and talk a little whiggishly.

1. This should also be dated from Market-hill.
2. In the Intelligencer, the xixth number of which is on this subject.
3. The dean's housekeeper.
4. History of the Peace of Utrecht.
5. The State of Affairs in 1714.
6. See Hamilton's Bawn, or the Grand Question Debated.
7. A field not far from the deanery house, which doctor Swift enclosed at a great expense with a fine stone wall lined with brick, against which he planted vines and the best chosen fruit trees, for the benefit of the dean of St. Patrick's for the time being.