The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Henry St. John to Jonathan Swift - 5

by Henry St. John

FROM LORD BOLINGBROKE.

THE earl of Oxford was removed on Tuesday; the queen died on Sunday. What a world is this! and how does fortune banter us! John Barber tells me, you have set your face toward Ireland. Pray do not go. I am against it. But this is nothing; John is against it. Ireland will be the scene of some disorder, at least it will be the scene of mortification to your friends. Here every thing is quiet, and will continue so. Beside which, as prosperity divided, misfortune may perhaps to some degree unite us. The tories seem to resolve not to be crushed; and that is enough to prevent them from being so. Pope has sent me a letter from Gay: being learned in geography, he took Binfield^[1] to be the ready way from Hanover to Whitehall. Adieu. But come to London, if you stay no longer than a fortnight. Ever yours, dear Jonathan, most sincerely.

I have lost all by the death of the queen, but my spirit; and I protest to you, I feel that increase upon me. The whigs are a pack of jacobites; that shall be the cry in a month, if you please.

1. A village where Mr. Pope's father lived, and whence several of Mr. Pope's letters were written. It is in Windsor forest, and lies in Berkshire.