The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 13/From Jonathan Swift to John Temple - 1
TO JOHN TEMPLE, ESQ.
THE letter which I had the favour to receive from you, I read to your cousin, Mrs. Dingley, who lodges in my neighbourhood. She was very well pleased to hear of your welfare; but a little mortified that you did not mention or inquire after her. She is quite sunk with years and unwieldiness; as well as a very scanty support. I sometimes make her a small present, as my abilities can reach; for I do not find her nearest relations consider her in the least.
Jervas told me that your aunt's picture[1] is in sir Peter Lely's best manner, and the drapery all in the same hand. I shall think myself very well paid for it, if you will be so good, as to order some mark of your favour to Mrs. Dingley. I do not mean a pension, but a small sum to put her for once out of debt: and if I live any time, I shall see that she keeps herself clear of the world; for she is a woman of as much piety and discretion as I have known.
I am sorry to have been so much a stranger to the state of your family. I know nothing of your lady or what children you have, or any other circumstances; neither do I find that Mr. Hatch can inform me in any one point. I very much approve of your keeping up your family house at Moor park. I have heard it is very much changed for the better, as well as the gardens. The tree on which I carved those words, factura nepotibus umbram, is one of those elms that stand in the hollow ground just before the house: but I suppose the letters are widened and grown shapeless by time.
I know nothing more of your brother, than that he has an Irish title (I should be sorry to see you with such a feather) and that some reason or other drew us into a correspondence, which was very rough. But I have forgot what was the quarrel.
This letter goes by my lord Castledurrow[2], who is a gentleman of very good sense and wit. I suspect, by taking his son[3] with him, that he designs to see us no more. I desire to present my most humble service to your lady[4] with hearty thanks of her remembrance of me.
I am, sir,
your most humble faithful servant,
- ↑ Picture of lady Giffard, sister of sir William Temple.
- ↑ Nephew to Mr. Temple; his father having married Mary, the fourth daughter of sir John Temple.
- ↑ Henry, created viscount Ashbrook, Sept. 30, 1751.
- ↑ Mr. Temple was the nephew, and his lady the grandaughter, of sir William Temple, by his only son, who died young. Mr. Temple died at Moor park, in Feb. 1752.