Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/454

scattered in country towns; and even these are half worn out. So that, whatever little genius God has given me, I may justly pretend to have been the worst manager of it to my own advantage of any man upon earth.

Aug. 2.] What I have above written has long lain by me, that I might consider farther: but I have been partly out of order, and partly plagued with a lawsuit of ten years standing, and I doubt very ill closed up, although it concerns two thirds of my little fortune. Think whether such periods of life are proper to encourage poetical or philosophical speculations.

I shall not therefore tire you any longer; but, with great acknowledgment for the distinction you please to show me, desire to be always thought, with great truth and a most particular esteem, sir,

Your most obedient

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and obliged servant,

J. SWIFT.

We have sometimes editions printed here of books from England, which I know not whether you are in a way of getting. I will name some below, and if you approve of any, I shall willingly increase your library; they are small, consequently more portable in your marches, and, which is more important, the present will be cheaper for me.

Dr. Young's Satires.
Mr. Gay's works.
Mr. Pope's works.
Pope's Dunciad.
Gay's Fables.
Art of Politicks, and some other trifles in verse,&c.

TO