Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/491

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DR. SWIFT.
479

how, and put neither delay nor humour in a matter which requires dispatch and management. Though I have room, I will not say one word to you about Berkeley's[1] or Delany's[2] book. Some part of the former is hard to be understood; none of the latter is to be read. I propose, however, to reconcile you to metaphysicks; by showing how they may be employed against metaphysicians; and that whenever you do not understand them, nobody else does, no not those who write them.

I know you are inquisitive about the health of the poor woman who inhabits this place; it is tolerable, better than it has been in some years. Come and see her; you shall be nursed, fondled, and humoured. She desires you to accept this assurance, with her humble service. Your horses shall be grazed in summer, and fothered in winter; and you and your man shall have meat, drink, and lodging. Washing I cannot afford, Mr. dean; for I am grown saving, thanks to your sermon about frugality.





DRAYTON, JULY 19, 1732.


I BELIEVE you will not wonder at my long silence, when I tell you, that Mrs. Floyd came ill here, but she kept pretty much to herself; and ever since she has been here, till within these two or three days, I

  1. "Alciphron; or The Minute Philosopher."
  2. "Revelation examined with Candour."
have