376
LETTERS TO AND FROM
such gold as will not give you trouble to change; for I much pity your loss of sight[1], which if it pleased God to let you enjoy, your other talents might have been your honest support, and have eased you of your present confinement. I am, sir, your well wishing friend and humble servant,
I know not who lent me the play; if it came from you, I will send it back to morrow.
FROM LADY HOWTH.
DEAR SIR,
DECEMBER 26, 1737.
KNOWING you to be very poor, I have sent you a couple of wild ducks, a couple of partridges, a side of venison, and some plover, which will help to keep your house this Christmas. You may make a miser's feast, and drink your blue-eyed nymph[3] in a bumper, as we do the drapier; and when these are out, let me know, and you shall have a fresh supply. I have sent them by a blackguard, know-
- ↑ Dr. Clancy had pursued the study of physick, and was patronised by Dr. Helsham; but having lost his sight by a cold in 1737, before he could regularly engage in the business of his profession, he kept a Latin school for his support.
- ↑ This letter and the packet were sealed with the head of Socrates.
- ↑ Lady Howth having very sparkling blue-gray eyes, Dr. Swift used to distinguish her by the name of "the blue-eyed nymph."
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