The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 18/Letter from Thomas Sheridan to Jonathan Swift - 19

by Thomas Sheridan (1687-1738)

FROM DR. SHERIDAN.

I RECEIVED yours some day or other this week, by the hands of Mrs. Donaldson, who has made affidavit before our town magistrate, that I never borrowed a fly of her in my life; and I have likewise deposed upon oath, that I caught the fly perched upon a rose tree in my own garden; and I would have you to know, that I have above four hundred thousand of the same species; for I counted them last Sunday. If you will not believe me, pray come down and see. Mr. Jones has your six hundred and sixty pounds ready, but can get no bills to remit it. I beseech you lose no time; for he is uneasy about it. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you put off the time of coming down longer, you will lose the best things our country can afford. The ladies are full of your coming; viz.

My wife^[1],
2 ladies Lanesborough,
Mrs. Maxwell,
Mrs. Fitzmaurice,
Mrs. Hort,
Mrs. Hamilton,
Mrs. Sanderson,
Mrs. Nuburgh,
Mrs. Cromer,
Mrs. White,
Mrs. Nesbitt,
Her 5 daughters,
Mrs. Stephens,
Mrs. and miss Clement,
Mrs. Tighe,
Mrs. Coote,
Miss Pratt,
Mrs. Fitzherbert,
Mrs. Jones,
Beauty Copeland,
Miss Brook, 1, 2, 3, 4, &c. &c. &c.
All your Cavan mistresses.

News.

Doctor Thompson's servant almost cudgelled him to death going from a christening.

Colonel Nuburgh's fine arched market house, quite finished with a grand cupola on the top, fell flat to the earth. It is now begun upon again. Sic transit gloria mundi.

Grouse pouts,
Fine trouts,
Right venison.
For my benison.

Leave your stinking town in haste,
For you have no time to waste.

Let me know what day I shall meet you. Price and I will stretch to Virginia. That all happiness may for ever attend you is the sincere wish of, dear sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

THOMAS SHERIDAN.

1. Who, by the by, hated Dr. Swift above all the human race.