The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 12/From Frances Worsley to Jonathan Swift - 1
FROM LADY WORSLEY[1].
I FLATTER myself, that if you had received my last letter, you would have favoured me with an answer; therefore I take it for granted it is lost.
I was so proud of your commands, and so fearful of being supplanted by my daughter, that I went to work immediately, that her box might not keep her in your remembrance, while there was nothing to put you in mind of an old friend, and humble servant. But Mrs. Barber's long stay here (who promised me to convey it to you) has made me appear very negligent. I doubt not but you think me unworthy of the share (you once told me) I had in your heart. I am yet vain enough to think I deserve it better than all those flirting girls you coquet with. I will not yield (even) to dirty Patty, whom I was the most jealous of when you was last here. What if I am a great grandmother, I can still distinguish your merit from all the rest of the world; but it is not consistent with your good breeding to put one in mind of it; therefore I am determined not to use my interest with sir Robert for a living in the Isle of Wight, though nothing else could reconcile me to the place. But if I could make you archbishop of Canterbury, I should forget my resentments, for the sake of the flock, who very much want a careful shepherd. Are we to have the honour of seeing you, or not? I have fresh hopes given me; but I dare not please myself too much with them, lest I should be again disappointed. If I had it as much in my power, as my inclination, to serve Mrs. Barber, she should not be kept thus long attending; but I hope her next voyage may prove more successful. She is just come in, and tells me you have sprained your foot, which will prevent your journey till the next summer; but assure yourself the Bath is the only infallible cure for such an accident. If you have any regard remaining for me, you will show it by taking my advice; if not, I will endeavour to forget you, if I can. But, till that doubt is cleared, I am, as much as ever, the dean's obedient humble servant,
- ↑ Endorsed, "lady Worsley, with a present of a writingbox japanned by herself."
- ↑ Frances, lady Worsley, wife of sir Robert Worsley, bart., and mother of lady Carteret, wife of John, lord Carteret, afterward earl Granville.