The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Jonathan Swift to Archdeacon Walls - 1

TO THE REV. MR. ARCHDEACON WALLS.


WINDSOR CASTLE, OCT. 1, 1713.


I HAD just now a letter from you, wherein you mention the design of making me prolocutor. I will confess to you, there are two reasons why I should comply with it; one is, that I am heartily weary of courts, and ministers, and politicks, for several reasons impossible to tell you; and I have a mind to be at home, since the queen has been pleased that Ireland should be my home: the other reason is, that I think somebody educated in Dublin college should be prolocutor; and I hear there are designs of turning it another way. But, if you find it will not do, I hope you will quit the design in proper season. I condole with you for the loss of your[1] companions this winter; and I was always of opinion they should be in town, unless they find their health better at Trim.

I am a little disappointed in Parvisol's[2] return. I hoped it would have amounted to near five hundred pounds in the tithes; I doubt not the cause, and beg you will have no sort of tenderness for him, farther than it regards my interest; as to the land rents, they are one hundred and seventy-four pounds a year in the country, besides some small things in town; and I am in no pain about them, because they are sure; nor do I desire him to concern himself about them.

I hoped, and was told, my license would be under six pounds, though all was paid, and I heard, if lord chancellor[3] had taken his fees, it would have been eight pounds. Tell Mr. Fetherston, I have spoken to baron Scroup about his affair, who promises to dispatch it with the first opportunity. I am now with some ministers and lords, and other company, and withdrawn to a table, and hardly know what I write, they are so loud. My humble service to your Dorothy, and alderman Stoyte, his wife, and Cellarius; and duty to the bishop of Dromore. Your's,