were easier to be found in those of your rank. I have indeed sometimes heard what your grace was told I reported; but as I am a stranger to coffeehouses, so it is a great deal below me to spread coffeehouse reports. This accusation is a little the harder upon me, because I have always appeared fond of your grace's character; and have, with great industry, related several of your generous actions, on purpose to remove the imputation of the only real fault[1] (for I say nothing of common frailties) which I ever heard laid to your charge. I confess, I have often thought that Homer's description of Achilles bore some resemblance to your grace, but I do not remember that ever I said so. At the same time, I think few men were ever born with nobler qualities, to fulfil and adorn every office of a subject, a friend, and a protector, &c.
FROM ROBERT HUNTER, ESQ[2].
I THINK I am indebted to you for two letters, and should have continued so, had it not been for the apprehension of your putting a wrong construction upon my neglect. My friends being few in number,
- ↑ In another letter, Dr. Swift speaks of "his unquiet and ambitious spirit, never easy while there was any one above him."
- ↑ Brigadier Hunter, governor of New York and New Jersey, who was afterward appointed governor and captain general of Jamaica, in the room of the duke of Portland, who died there, July 4th, 1726.
