The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Erasmus Lewis to Jonathan Swift - 19
FROM THE SAME.
I HAVE the pleasure to inform you, that lord Oxford's impeachment was discharged last night, by the unanimous consent of all the lords present; and, as nearly as I could count, their number was one hundred and six, the duke of Marlborough, my lord Cadogan, lord Coningsby, and a few others of the most violent, having withdrawn themselves before the lords came into Westminster-hall. The acclamations were as great as upon any occasion; and our friend, who seems more formed for adversity than prosperity, has at present many more friends than ever he had before, in any part of his life. I believe he will not have the fewer, from a message he received this morning from the king, by my lord chamberlain, to forbid him the court. You know the prosecution was at first the resentment of a party; but it became at last a ridiculous business, weakly carried on by the impotent rage of a woman, (I mean of my lady Marlborough) who is almost distracted that she could not obtain her revenge.
I am now going out of town, with an intention to roll about from place to place, till about Michaelmas next. If you write to me, direct to me hither as usual, and your letter will be conveyed to me, whereever I am.
Dr. Arbuthnot, Mr. Charleton, and Mr. Currey, have dined with me to day, and you have not been forgot. I was in hopes we should have seen you ere this. The doctor says, you wait for the act of grace.
Is it so? I hope to see you by next winter.