The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 13/From Jonathan Swift to Miss Hamilton - 1

by Jonathan Swift

TO MISS HAMILTON^[1], OF CALEDON.

DEANERY HOUSE, DUBLIN,

SOME days ago, my lord Orrery had the assurance to show me a letter of yours to him, where you did me the honour to say many things in my favour; I read the letter with great delight; but at the same time I reproached his lordship for his presumption, in pretending to take a lady from me, who had made so many advances, and confessed herself to be nobody's goddess but mine. However, he had the boldness to assure me, that he had your consent to take him for a husband. I therefore command you never to accept him, without my leave, under my own hand and seal. And as I do not know any lady in this kingdom of so good sense, or so many accomplishments, I have at last, with a heavy heart, permitted him to make himself the happiest man in the world; for I know no fault in him, except his treacherous dealing with me.

Pray God make you happy in yourselves, and each other; and believe me to be, with the truest esteem and respect,

MADAM,

You most obedient and obliged servant,

J. SWIFT.

I have neither mourning paper nor gilt, at this time; and if I had, I could not tell which I ought to choose.

1. Miss Hamilton of Caledon in the county of Tyrone, a great heiress in her own right, with every virtue and accomplishment to adorn her sex.