The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Jonathan Swift to Robert Harley - 5
TO THE EARL OF OXFORD,
ON HEARING HIS INTENTIONS TO RESIGN HIS STAFF.
TO MORROW sevennight I shall set out from hence to Ireland; my license for absense being so near out, that I can stay no longer without taking another. I say this, that if you have any commands, I shall have just time enough to receive them before I go. And if you resign in a few days, as I am told you design to do, you may possibly retire to Herefordshire, where I shall readily attend you, if you soon withdraw; or, after a few months' stay in Ireland, I will return at the beginning of winter, if you please to command me. I speak in the dark, because I am altogether so; and what I say may be absurd. You will please to pardon me; for, as I am wholly ignorant, so I have none of your composure of mind. I pray God Almighty direct and defend you, &c.