unacceptable at thy table, since it is only designed to let thee know that thy wit and parts are here in esteem at this distance from the place of thy residence[1]. Thou needest ask no questions who this comes from, since I am a perfect stranger to thee.
FROM THE EARL OF OXFORD.
MR. Clayton telling me he was going for Ireland I could not forbear sending you a few lines by him, although I may punish you; yet it is so great a pleasure to me to think of you, and to converse with you even in this manner, that I must expect you will be so good as to forgive the trouble this gives you.
I do not know what notions you entertain of us here; I fear and believe you are in a very bad way: this is my thought, that devoured we certainly shall be; but only this will be the difference, we shall have that great favour and instance of mercy, that we shall have the honour to follow you, and be the
- ↑ This is not the only proof of the dean's fame having early extended to the American continent. May 20, 1728, he tells Mr. Pope, "I have with great pleasure shown the New England newspaper with the two names Jonathan Gulliver. And I remember Mr. Fortescue sent you an account from the assizes, of one Lemuel Gulliver, who had a cause there, and lost it on the ill reputation of being a liar."
