"Dear Isaac,
"I burn with impatience to know what and who you are. The curiosity of my whole sex is fallen upon me, and has kept me waking these three nights. I have dreamed often of you within this fortnight, and every time you appeared in a different form. As you value my repose, tell me in which of them I am to be
Your admirer,
SYLVIA"
It is natural for a man who receives a favour of this kind from an unknown fair, to frame immediately some idea of her person, which, being suited to the opinion we have of our own merit, is commonly as beautiful and perfect as the most lavish imagination can furnish out. Strongly possessed with these notions, I have read over Sylvia's billet; and notwithstanding the reserve I have had upon this matter, am resolved to go a much greater length than I yet ever did, in making myself known to the world, and in particular to my charming correspondent. In order
gentleman high in esteem; and (as Swift expresses it) "a little pretty fellow, with a great deal of wit, good sense, and good nature;" but had at that time no other income than fortypounds a year, as governor to one of the duke of Queensberry's sons. He fortunately attracted the favour of Dr. Swift; whose generous solicitations with Mr. St. John obtained for him the very reputable employment of secretary to lord Raby, then ambassador at the Hague. A letter from him while at Utrecht is printed in vol. XI, p. 238, to which Dr. Birch has annexed some curious particulars of Mr. Harrison; who did not long enjoy his rising fortune; dying Feb. 14, 1712-13. See the Journal to Stella, of that and the following day; where Dr. Swift laments his loss with the most unaffected sincerity of heart.
