Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 19.djvu/38

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26
LETTERS TO AND FROM

without a power from the dean, who, in his absence, makes a subdean, and limits him as he pleases. And so much for deaneries, which I hope I shall never trouble your lordship with again.

I send this enclosed, and without superscription, to be sent or delivered to you by a famous friend of mine, and devoted servant of your lordship's.

I congratulate with England for joining with us here in the fellowship of slavery. It is not so terrible a thing as you imagine; we have long lived under it; and whenever you are disposed to know how you ought to behave yourselves in your new condition, you need go no farther than me for a director. But, because we are resolved to go beyond you, we have transmitted a bill to England, to be returned here, giving the government and six of the council power for three years to imprison whom they please for three months, without any trial or examination: and I expect to be among the first of those upon whom this law will be executed. We have also outdone you in the business of Ben Hoadly; and have recommended to a bishoprick one[1] whom you would not allow a curate in the smallest of your parishes. Does your lordship know that, as much as I have been used to lies in England, I am under a thousand uneasinesses about some reports relating to a person[2] that you and I love very well? I have writ to a lady[3] I upon that subject, and am impatient for an

answer.
  1. Dr. Charles Carr, bishop of Killaloe.
  2. From the following note the person alluded to appears to be lord Bolingbroke.
  3. Lady Bolingbroke; who, in her answer, dated Aug, 4, 1716, says, "To my misfortune, I am still kept in town, soliciting my unfortunate business. I have found great favour from his majesty. But form is a tedious thing to wait upon. Since it is my
fate,