Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/404

FROM MR. JOHN BIRCH.

WANTAGE, ONE O'CLOCK,

AT twelve o'clock lord Bolingbroke's man rid through Wantage, to call Mr. Packer to London, the queen being dead. I am confounded at the melancholy news; yet could not forbear sending it to you. Your truly humble servant,

JO. BIRCH^[1].

To the reverend the dean of St. Patrick's, Letcomb.

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FROM LORD BOLINGBROKE.

THE earl of Oxford was removed on Tuesday; the queen died on Sunday. What a world is this! and how does fortune banter us! John Barber tells me, you have set your face toward Ireland. Pray do not go. I am against it. But this is nothing; John is against it. Ireland will be the scene of some disorder, at least it will be the scene of mortification to your friends. Here every thing is quiet, and will continue so. Beside which, as prosperity divided,

1. Endorsed, "Mr. Birch, of Wantage. Received half after one on Sunday afrernoon, Aug. 1, 1714. Queen's death. She died at seven that morning."

misfortune