Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/340

me in the teeth for hankering after the court. In that you mistook me; for I know by experience that there is no dependance that can be sure, but a dependance upon one's self. I will take care of the little fortune I have got. I know you will take this resolution kindly, and you see my inclinations will make me write to you, whether you will write to me or not. I am, dear sir, yours most sincerely and most affectionately,

J. GAY.

P. S. To the lady I live with, I owe my life and fortune: think of her with respect; value and esteem her as I do; and never more despise a fork with three prongs. I wish too you would not eat from the point of your knife. She has so much goodness, virtue, and generosity, that if you knew her, you would have a pleasure in obeying her as I do. She often wishes she had known you.

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TO A CERTAIN ESQUIRE.

SEEING your frank on the outside, and your address in the same hand, it was obvious who was the writer. And before I opened it, a worthy friend being with me, I told him the contents of the difference between us: That your tithes being generally worth five or six pounds per annum, and by the terrour of squireship, frighting my agent to take what you graciously thought fit to give, you wronged me

of