DR. SWIFT.
337
The duke of Portland so far answers our expectations, that indeed he exceeds them; for he makes the best husband, the best father, and the best son; these qualities are, I assure you, very rare in this age.
I wish you would make my compliments to my lord Orrery; do you design to keep him with you? I do not blame you, if you can. I am, with true esteem and regard, sir, your most obliged and most faithful humble servant,
I wish master Faulkner, when he sends any thing to me, would say how you do[1].
TO DR. SHERIDAN.
APRIL 9, 1737.
ABOUT a month ago I received your last letter, wherein you complain of my long silence; what will you do when I am so long in answering? I have one excuse which will serve all my friends, I am quite
- ↑ Mr. Faulkner was with Dr. Swift when he received this letter, which he instantly answered, and made Faulkner read it to him: the purport of which was, "that although he loved his lordship's father more than he ever did any man; yet, as a human creature, he had his faults, and therefore, as an impartial writer, he could not conceal them." The dean made Faulkner write on the same sheet of paper to his lordship to answer for himself, and to put it into the postoffice, as he would not trust a servant with it, that he might vouch the truth, if ever he should hear his character called in question upon this occasion.
Vol. XIII.
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