The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Erasmus Lewis to Jonathan Swift - 17

by Erasmus Lewis

FROM ERASMUS LEWIS, ESQ.

LAST night I received yours of the 5th instant; and since you tell me I am your only correspondent, I think I ought to be the more punctual in my returns, and the more full in what relates to our friends here. You will see by the publick prints, that Monday next come se'nnight is appointed for the trial of my lord Oxford, and that no less than six and twenty doughty members are appointed to manage it. The lords have likewise settled the whole forms of the proceedings. My lord has asked, that two lawyers more might be added to his counsel: yet is all this but a farce; for there is not a creature living who thinks he will ever be tried; for they publickly own, that they neither have, nor ever had, any evidence; and laugh at impeachments, and attainders, and party gambols; and say, that all people deserve to be so punished, who presume to dispossess the whigs of their indefeasible right to the administration. But since he is not to be tried, the next question is, in what manner he is to be brought off, so as to save the honour of his prosecutors? I think it will be by an act of grace. Others say, it will be by the commons asking more time, and the lords of their party agreeing to refuse it. But as we are wholly ignorant of their intentions, it is possible neither of these guesses may be right, and that they may keep him yet another year in prison; which my lord Marlborough seems passionately to desire.

We labour here under all the disadvantages in the world in every respect; for the tide of party runs still very strong every where, but in no place more than in Westminster-hall. Those on this side, whose honour and interest both require that all people, who pay obedience, should be protected, seem to want a capacity to govern; and the similitude of circumstances between the ——^[1] and the regent, render the latter a firm ally, contrary to the natural interest of France. Thus we are secure from any foreign enemy.

I agree with you, that Snape's letter^[2] is really but a letter, and that it is much too short and too slight for such a subject. However, his merit was great, in being the first to give the alarm to his brethren, and setting himself in the front of the battle against his adversaries. In those respects, his letter has had its full effect.

I desire you will be as quick as you can in the assistance you intend Prior; for those who subscribed here, are impatient to have their books; and we cannot keep it off much longer, without passing for common cheats. Dr. Arbuthnot, and Mr. Charleton, and I, remember you often. Lady Masham always asks for you very affectionately. By the way, I am perfectly restored to grace there, and am invited to their house in the country. As soon as lord Oxford's affair is over, I intend to go amongst my friends in the country, not to return hither till about Michaelmas. But if you will direct to me at my house in town, your letters will be conveyed to me, wherever I am. Mr. Rochfort^[3] seems to have a great many good qualities, and I am heartily glad he has met with success. Adieu.

1. The king should probably fill the blank.
2. To the bishop of Bangor, Dr. Hoadly, occasioned by his lordship's sermon preached before the king on March 31, 1717, 'concerning the nature of the kingdom and church of Christ.'
3. Lord chief baron of the exchequer in queen Anne's reign. See in vol. VII, "The Country Life," written by the dean while he was spending part of a summer at the house of George Rochfort, esq., son of the lord chief baron.