The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 12/From Jonathan Swift to Thomas Sheridan - 6
TO DR. SHERIDAN.
I WROTE to you yesterday, and said as many things as I could then think on, and gave it a boy of Kells who brought me yours. It is strange, that I, and Stella, and Mrs. Mackfadin[1], should light on the same thought to advise you to make a great appearance of temperance while you are abroad. But Mrs. Johnson and I go farther, and say, you must needs observe all grave forms, for the want of which both you and I have suffered. On supposal that you are under the bishop of Cork, I send you a letter enclosed to him, which I desire you will seal. Mrs. Johnson put me in mind to caution you not to drink or pledge any health in his company, for you know his weak side in that matter[2]. I hope Mr. Tickell has not complimented you with what fees are due to him for your patent; I wish you would say to him (if he refuses them) that I told you it was Mr. Addison's maxim to excuse nobody; for here, says he, I may have forty friends, whose fees may be two guineas apiece then I lose eighty guineas, and my friends save but two apiece.
I must tell you, Dan Jackson ruined his living by huddling over the first year, and then hoping to mend it the next: therefore pray take all the care you can to inquire into the value, and set it at the best rate to substantial people.
I know not whether you are under the bishop of Cork, or not; if not, you may burn the letter.
I must desire that you will not think of enlarging your expenses, no not for some years to come, much less at present; but rather retrench them. You might have lain destitute till Antichrist came, for any thing you could have got from those you used to treat; neither let me hear of one rag of better clothes for your wife or brats, but rather plainer than ever. This is positively Stella's advice as well as mine. She says, now you need not be ashamed to be thought poor.
We compute, you cannot be less than 30 days absent; and pray do not employ your time in lolling abed till noon to read Homer, but mind your business effectually: and we think you ought to have no breaking up this August; but affect to adhere to your school closer than ever; because you will find that your ill wishers will give out, you are now geing to quit your school, since you have got preferment, &c.
Pray send me a large bundle of exercises, good as well as bad, for I want something to read.
I would have you carry down three or four sermons, and preach every Sunday at your own church, and be very devout.
I sent you in my last a bill of twenty pounds on Mr. Worral, I hope you have received it.
Pray remember to leave the pamphlet with Worral, and give him directions, unless you have settled it already some other way. You know, it must come out just when the parliament meets.
Keep these letters where I advise you about your living, till you have taken advice.
Keep very regular hours for the sake of your health and credit; and wherever you lie a night within twenty miles of your living, be sure call the family that evening to prayers.
I desire you will wet no commission with your old crew, nor with any but those who befriend you, as Mr. Tickell, &c.
- ↑ Mrs. Mackfadln was mother to Dr. Sheridan's wife.
- ↑ He wrote a pamphlet against drinking to the memory of the dead.