The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 13/From William King (St Mary Hall) to Jonathan Swift - 2
I DO not know for what reason the worthy gentlemen of the postoffice intercepted a letter, which I did myself the honour to write to you about two months ago. I cannot remember I said any thing that could give them the least offence. I did not mention the new halfpence; I did not praise the royal family; I did not blame the prime minister; I only returned you my thanks for a very kind letter I had just then received from you. It is true I enclosed in that letter a printed paper called Common Sense, in which the author proposes a new scheme of government for the people of Corsica, advising to make their king of the same stuff of which the Indians make their gods[2]. I thought to afford you some diversion: but perhaps it was this made the whole packet criminal.
I have this day received, a letter from Mrs. Whiteway, in which she tells me that I am to expect the manuscript by lord Orrery. I will have the pleasure to wait on him as soon as I can do it without crossing the Irish channel: and as soon as I receive the papers, you shall hear from me again. I shall have an opportunity of writing fully to you by Mr. Deane Swift, who proposes to set out for Ireland the next vacation. In making mention of this gentleman, I cannot help recommending him to your favour. I have very narrowly observed his conduct ever since I have been here; and I can, with great truth, give him the character of a modest, sober, ingenious young man. He is a hard student, and will do an honour to the society of which he is now a member.
Mrs. Whiteway says, that notwithstanding all your complaints, you are in good health and good spirits. What think you of making a trip to England this fine season, and visiting our Alma Mater? I can offer you an airy cool room during the summer, and a warm bedchamber in the winter; and I will take care that your mutton commons shall be kept long enough to be tender. If you will accept of this invitation, I promise to meet you at Chester, and to conduct you to king Edward's lodgings: and then St. Mary Hall may boast of a triumvirate, that is not to be matched in any part of the learned world, sir Thomas More, Erasmus, and the Drapier. Believe me to be with the greatest esteem, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
- ↑ Dr. King was a considerable writer in "Common Sense;" and lord Chesterfield still more so; but the ostensible author was Mr. Charles Molloy. Dr. King had large offers made him, to write in favour of sir Robert Walpole, which he declined. He died, at a very advanced age, July 16, 1767.
- ↑ This paper of Common Sense was written by Dr. King himself.