Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/212

greatest charms I can boast of: the fine lady I have left to Moll (who I suppose was at the Bath) or any other that will take it up; for I am grown a good housewife; I can pot and pickle, sir, and handle a needle very prettily; see Miss Hessy's scarf, I think that is improving mightily. If Miss Hessy keeps company with the eldest Hatton, and is still a politician, she is not the girl I took her for; but to me she seems melancholy. Sure Mr. St. John is not so altered but he will make returns; but how can I pretend to judge of any thing, when my poor cousin is taken for an hermaphrodite; a thing I as little suspected her for as railing at any body; I know so little cause for it, that I must be silent. I hear but little of what is done in the world, but should be glad the ministry did themselves the justice to distinguish men of merit: may I wish you joy of any preferment? I shall do it heartily: but if you have got nothing, I am busy to as much purpose as you, although my employments are next to picking straws. Oh, but you are acquainted with my lord Fitzharding, for which I rejoice with you, and am your most obedient servant,

ANNE LONG.

MR.