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The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Matthew Prior to Jonathan Swift - 2

< The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift‎ | Volume 11
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FROM MR. PRIOR.


PARIS, AUG. 15-16, 1713.


AS I did not expect, my good friend Jonathan, to have received a letter from you at Dublin, so I am ​sure I did not intend to write one thither to you; but Mr. Rosingrave thinks it may do him service, in recommending him to you. If so, I am very glad of it; for it can be of no other use imaginable. I have writ letters now above twenty-two years. I have taken towns, destroyed fleets, made treaties, and settled commerce in letters. And what of all this? Why, nothing; but that I have had some subject to write upon. But to write a letter only because Mr. Rosingrave has a mind to carry one in his pocket, to tell you, that you are sure of a friendship, which can never do you three pence of good, and wish you well in England very soon, when I do not know when I am likely to be there myself: all this, I say, is very absurd for a letter; especially when I have this day written a dozen much more to the purpose. If I had seen your manuscript[1]; if I had received Dr. Parnell's poem; if I had any news of Landen being taken; why well and good; but as I know no more than the duke of Shrewsbury designs for England within three weeks; that I must stay here till somebody else comes, and then brings me necessarily to say, good Mr. dean, that I am like the fellow in Rehearsal, who did not know if he was to be merry or serious, or in what way or mood to act his part. One thing only I am assured of, that I love you very well; and am, most sincerely and faithfully, dear sir, your servant and brother[2],


Lord and lady Shrewsbury give their service to you. Vanhomrigh has run terribly here in debt, and, ​being in durance, has sent to his mother upon pecuniary concerns. Adieu once more.


What we are doing, or what is to become of us, I know not.


⁠⁠⁠"Prudens futuri temporis exitum
⁠⁠⁠Caliginosâ nocte premit Deus,
⁠⁠⁠Ridetque————"


This is all the Latin and writing I can at present spare you.


Pray give my service to your chancellor[3], and be much acquainted with judge Nutley, and love him very well for my sake. Adieu. Once more, find out my cousin Pennyfether and Nutley (if he is not too grave for you); and according to the laudable custom of your country, drink this Louis out, for a token of my generosity and your sobriety. And now I think, I have furnished out a very pretty letter.

  1. ↑ 'Of the History of the Peace of Utrecht.'
  2. ↑ He was one of the sixteen.
  3. ↑ Sir Constantine Phipps.
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