Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 19.djvu/247

^*_*^*The two following unprinted Letters of the Dean were communicated to the Editor, by the Rev. John Williams of Llanrwst, while the present Sheet was actually in the Press.

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TO THE BISHOP OF MEATH^[1].

MAY 22, 1719.

IHAD an express sent to me yesterday by some friends, to let me know that you refused to accept my proxy, which I think was in a legal form, and with all the circumstances it ought to have. I was likewise informed of some other particulars, relating to your displeasure for my not appearing. You may remember if you please, that I promised last year never to appear again at your visitations^[2]; and I will most certainly keep my word, if the law will permit me: not from any contempt of your lordship's jurisdictions, but that I would not put you under the temptation of giving me injurious treatment, which no wise man, if he can avoid it, will receive above once from the same person.

I had the less apprehension of any hard dealing from your lordship, because I had been more than ordinary officious in my respects to you from your first coming over. I waited on you as soon I knew of your landing. I attended on you in your first

1. "Successit Joannes Evans [Episcopus Bangorensis], consecrationis ritibus initiatus, quarto Januarii 1701; anno 1715 ad Episcopatum Meidensem in Hibernia translatus." Godwin, de Præsulibus Angliæ, Cantab. 1742, fol.
2. See a subsequent letter on the same subject, July 5, 1721, in vol. XII, p. 53.

journey