relates to the pretender is of the utmost use to him; and therefore I am as much surprised at his delay, as at his ungenerous manner of treating an unknown author, to whom he is so much obliged. But perhaps I may wrong him, and he would not desire to turn the whole to his own advantage. If it had come to me yesterday, or to day, I was resolved to have sent it to some other printer without any amendment; but now I shall wait till I have your directions. I wish you had employed somebody else at first; but what signifies wishing now? After what B.[1] writ in his last, I can hardly think he will be such a as not to let me have it: and in my answer I have given him all manner of encouragement to do it. He has as much assurance as he can well desire, that the alterations shall be complied with, and a positive promise that it shall be returned to him the same day he leaves it at St. Dunstan's[2].
I cannot imagine why we have no mischief yet. Sure we are not to be disappointed at last, after the bustle that has been made. It is impossible they[3] can ever agree, and I want something to make my letters still entertaining. I doubt you will hardly thank me for them, now the parliament is up; but as soon as any thing happens you shall know it.
- ↑ Barber.
- ↑ See two other letters from Mr. Ford, on the subject of this pamphlet, July 22 and 24. It is plain, however, by Mr. Barber's letter of July 6, that he knew the real author of the pamphlet. He tells Dr. Swift, "I have shown it only to one person, who is charmed with it, and will make some small alterations and additions to it, with your leave. You will the easier give leave, when I tell you that it is one of the best pens in England."
- ↑ Lord Oxford and Bolingbroke.
