through his numerous writings. They are now collected in a regular point of view, and arranged in a chronological series. This is one of the advantages for which the publick are indebted to the late excellent Supplement to Dean Swift's Works. It would be endless to point out the many useful additions in these volumes; they must be seen, to show their value[1]."
The Dedication and Preface of Mr. Sheridan to the edition of 1784 shall be given at large:
"TO HENRY GRATTAN, ESQ.
FOUNDER OF THE LIBERTIES OF IRELAND
THIS NEW EDITION OF THE WORKS
OF HIS GREAT PRECURSOR,
THE IMMORTAL DRAPIER!
IN WHOSE FOOTSTEPS HE HAS TRODDEN,
AND WHOSE IDEAS REALIZED,
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED
BY HIS GRATEFUL COUNTRYMAN,
(NOW MADE PROUD OF THE NAME OF IRISHMAN)
"Never did any writer show less solicitude about the fate of his Works, than Swift. From the time they were sent into the world, he seems not to have had any farther concern about them. As soon as his eaglets were fledged
He whistled them off, and let them down the wind.
To prey at fortune. Shakspeare.
And ever after he was as careless about their fate, as birds are with regard to their dispersed broods.
- ↑ The late Rev. John Duncombe, in Gent. Mag. vol. XLIX. p. 552.
