The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 13/From John Boyle to Martha Whiteway - 1
FROM THE EARL OF ORRERY TO MRS. WHITEWAY.
I MUST answer a letter I never received. The dean tells me you wrote to me; but the seas, or the postmasters, are in possession of the manuscript. Should it fall into Curll's hands, it may come into print, and then I must answer it in print, which will give me a happy opportunity of letting the world know how much I am your admirer and servant.
I agree entirely with the person who writes three or four paragraphs in the dean's letter. Humour and wit are, like gold and silver, in great plenty in Ireland; nor is there any body that wants either but that abominable dean, the bane of all learning, sense, and virtue. I wish we had him here to punish him for his various offences, particularly for his abhorrence of the dear dear fashions of this polite age. Pray, madam, send him, and you will hear what a simple figure he will make among the great men of our island, who are every day improving themselves in all valuable qualities and noble principles.
I rejoice to hear your fair daughter is in health. I am, to her and you, a most obedient humble servant,