Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/491

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
DR. SWIFT.
479

FROM MR. PRIOR.


HEATHROP, AUG. 24, 1717.


YOURS, my good friend, of the sixth, finds me in Oxfordshire with the duke of Shrewsbury, which would sooner have been acknowledged, had I stayed in London. Before I left that pious city, I made due inquiries into the methods and regularity of your correspondence with the earl[1]. He has received your letters; he will answer them, but not to day, sicut olim. Nothing can change him. I can get no positive answer from him, nor can any man else; so trouble yourself no more on that head than he does. He is still in London, and possibly has answered you, while I am a little arraigning his neglect; but in all cases liberavi animam meam.

I wish you were in England, that you might a little look over the strange stuff, that I am to give our friends for their money. I shall be angry if you are near and not with me; but when I see you, that weighty question may easily be decided. In the mean time I am taking your good counsel, and will be in the country as much as I can.

You have found two mistakes in the list, but have not corrected them. I presume we shall have it of the best edition, when you send the list back again; of which, I say, no haste is required.

6
Give