The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 12/From Elizabeth Germain to Jonathan Swift - 6
FROM LADY BETTY GERMAIN.
I BELIEVE in my conscience, that though you had answered mine before, the second was never the less welcome.
So much for your topscript, not postscript; and in very sincere earnest I heartily thank you for remembering me so often. Since I came out of the country, my riding days are over; for I never was for your Hyde park courses, although my courage serves me very well at a handgallop in the country, six or seven miles, with one horseman, and a ragged lad, a labourer's boy, that is to be clothed when he can run fast enough to keep up with my horse, who has yet only proved his dexterity by escaping from school. But my courage fails me for riding in town, where I should have the happiness to meet with plenty of your very pretty fellows, that manage their own horses to show their art; or that think a postillion's cap, with a white frock, the most becoming dress. These and their grooms I am most bitterly afraid of; because, you must know, if my complaisant friend, your presbyterian housekeeper[1], can remember any thing like such days with me, that is a very good reason for me to remember that time is past; and your toupets would rejoice to see a horse throw an ancient gentlewoman.
I am sorry to hear you are no wiser in Ireland than we English; for our birthday was as fine as hands could make us; but I question much whether we all paid ready money. I mightily approve of my duchess's being dressed in your manufacture[2]; if your ladies will follow her example in all things, they cannot do amiss. And I dare say you will soon find that the more you know of them both, the better you will like them; or else Ireland has strangely depraved your taste, and that my own vanity will not let me believe, since you still flatter me.
Why do you tantalize me? Let me see you in England again, if you dare; and choose your residence, summer or winter, St. James's square, or Drayton. I defy you in all shapes; be it dean of St. Patrick's governing England or Ireland, or politician drapier. But my choice should be the parson in lady Betty's chamber. Make haste then, if you have a mind to oblige your ever sincere and hearty old friend,
- ↑ Mrs. Brent, widow of a printer in Dublin, with whom the dean lodged when a young man.
- ↑ The duchess appeared at the castle in Dublin, wholly clad in the manufactures of Ireland, on his majesty's birth day in 1753, when the duke was a second time lord lieutenant.