Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/222

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210
SWIFT'S POEMS.

However, bring down yourself, and you bring down all; for, to say it we may venture,
In thee Delany's spleen, John's mirth, Helsham's jokes, and the soft soul of amorous Jemmy, centre[1].


POSTSCRIPT.


I had forgot to desire you to bring down what I say you have, and you'll believe me as sure as a gun, and own it;
I mean, what no other mortal in the universe can boast of, your own spirit of pun, and own wit.
And now I hope you'll excuse this rhyming, which I must say is (though written somewhat at large) trim and clean;
And so I conclude, with humble respects as usual,
Your most dutiful and obedient

George-Nim-Dan-Dean.
  1. This Invitation seems to have been the joint composition of George Rochfort, John Rochfort (who was called Nim, or Nimrod, by Dr. Swift, because he was fond of hunting), Dan Jackson, and Dr. Swift, in a vein of whim and merriment; and, in all probability, was sent off directly by the post to Sheridan. A letter from Dr. Sheridan, July 15, 1721, addressed to George-Nim-Dan-Dean, esq. seems to have suggested the hint.
TO