Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 1.djvu/384

upon principles of humanity. Besides, the tongue of scandal had been very busy with his fame in regard to miss Vanhomrigh; and they who could charge him with an illicit amour there, would not fail to aggravate the matter, by showing that he had a wife at the same time. On these considerations he had long resolved that the secret of the ceremony's having passed between them, should never be divulged; and he had all the reason in the world to believe that Mrs. Johnson was in the same sentiments. How anxious he was to guard against any appearance of that sort, we may learn from his letters to Mr. Worrall, written from England at the time her life was despaired of, in which there are the following passages, July 15, 1726. "What you tell me of Mrs. Johnson, I have long expected, with great oppression and heaviness of heart. I have these two months seen through Mrs. Dingley's disguises; and indeed ever since I left you, my heart has been so sunk, that I have not been the same man, nor ever shall be again, but drag on a wretched life, till it shall please God to call me away. I wish it could be brought about that she might make her will. Her intentions are, to leave the interest of all her fortune to her mother and sister, during their lives, and afterward to Dr. Stephens's hospital, to purchase lands for such uses there, as she designs. Think how I am disposed while I write this, and forgive the inconsistencies. I would not for the universe be present at such a trial as that of seeing her depart. She will be among friends, that upon her own account and great worth, will tend her with all possible care, where I should be a trouble to her, and the greatest torment to myself. In

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