The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 18/Letter from Jonathan Swift to John Barber - 6
TO THE SAME.
MY DEAR GOOD OLD FRIEND IN THE BEST AND WORST TIMES.
MR. Richardson is come to town, and stays only for a wind to take shipping for Chester, from whence he will hasten to attend you as his governor in London. I have told you that he is a very discreet, prudent gentleman, and I believe your society can never have a better for the station he is in. I shall see him some time to day or to morrow morning, and shall desire, with all his modesty, that he press you to write me a long letter, if your health will permit; which I believe is better than mine, for I have a constant giddiness in my head, and what is more vexatious, as constant a deafness. I forget every thing but old friendship and old opinions. I did desire you, that you would at your leisure visit the few friends I have left, I mean those of them with whom you have any acquaintance, as my lord and lady Oxford, my lord Bathurst, the countess of Granville, my lord and lady Carteret, my lady Worsley, my dear friend Mr. Pope, and Mr. Lewis, who always loved both you and me. My lord Masham, and some others, have quite dropped and forgot me. Is lord Masham's son good for any thing? I did never like his disposition or education. Have you quite forgot your frequent promises of coming over hither, and pass a summer in attending your government in Derry and Colrane, as well as your visitation at the deanery? the last must be for half the months of your stay. Let me know what is become of my lord Bolingbroke how and where he lives, and whether you ever expect he will come home. Here has run about a report, that the duke of Ormond has an intention, and some countenance, to come from his banishment, which I would be extremely glad to find confirmed. That glorious exile has suffered more for his virtues, than ever the greatest villain did from the cruellest tyrant. I desire and insist that Mr. Dunkin may have the church living upon doctor Squire's decease, who I am still assured cannot long hold out, and I take it for granted, that Mr. Richardson will have no objection against him. God preserve and bless you, my dear friend. I am ever, with true esteem and friendship,
You most obedient humble servant,