Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 12.djvu/78

beginning of next month, although a fit of good weather would tempt me a week longer; for I never saw or heard of so long a continuance of bad, which has hindered me from several little rambles I intended; but I row or ride every day, in spite of the rain, in spite of a broken shin, or falling into the lakes, and several other trifling accidents. Pray what have you done with the Litchfield man? Has he mended his voice, or is he content to sit down with his Christchurch^[1] preferment? I doubt Mrs. Brent will be at a loss about her industry book^[2], for want of a new leaf, with a list drawn of the debtors. I know you are such a bungler you cannot do it, and therefore I desire that you would, in a loose sheet of paper, make a survey list, in your bungling manner, as soon as she wants it, and let that serve till I come. Present my service to Mrs. Worrall. I wonder how you, and she, and your heir^[3], have spent the summer, and how often you have been at Dunleary^[4], and whether you have got her another horse, and whether she hates dying in the country as much as ever. Desire Mrs. Brent, if a messenger goes from hence, to give him my fustian waistcoat, because the mornings grow cold. I have now and then some threatnings with my head; but have never been absolutely giddy above a minute, and cannot complain of my health, I thank God. Pray send them inclosed to the postoffice. I hear you have let your

1. One of the cathedrals in Dublin.
2. The book wherein Mrs. Brent kept the account of the money lent by Dr. Swift to poor industrious tradesmen, in small sums without interest.
3. Mr. Fairbrother.
4. A village at the seaside near Dublin.

house