Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/153

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
DR. SWIFT.
141

bear the disappointment of a good scheme by the October club?

I have with great uneasiness received imperfect accounts of disagreement among ourselves. The party we have to struggle with has strength enough to require our united endeavours. We should not attack their firm body like Hussars. Let the victory be secure before we quarrel for the spoils; let it be considered whether their yoke were easy, or their burden light. What! must there ever be in St. Stephen's chapel, a majority either of knaves or fools?

But seriously, I have long apprehended the effects of that universal corruption, which has been improved with so much care, and has so fitted us for the tyranny designed, that we are grown I fear insensible of slavery, and almost unworthy of liberty.

The gentlemen, who give you no other satisfaction in politicks than the appearances of ease and mirth, I wish I could partake with them in their good humour; but tockay itself has no effect upon me while I see affairs so unsettled; faction so strong, and credit so weak; and all services abroad under the utmost difficulties by past miscarriages, and present want of money; but we are told here, that in the midst of victory, orders are given to sound a parley, I will say a retreat. Give me leave to tell the churchman, that there is not in * * * * * *.

I have rid the resty horse you say they gave me, in ploughed lands, till I have made him tame, I wish they manage the dull jades as well at home, and get them forward either with a whip or spur.

I depend