The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From William King to Jonathan Swift - 10
FROM ARCHBISHOP KING.
I RECEIVED your's of December the 30th by the last packets; it found me in the extremity of the gout, which is the more cruel, because I have not had a fit of it for two years and a half. I strain myself to give you an answer to night, apprehending that as both my feet and knees are already affected, my hands may perhaps be so by the next post; and then, perhaps, I might not be able to answer you in a month, which might lose me some part of the praise you give me as a good correspondent.
As to my lord primate, he is much better since he was put into the government, and I reckon his life may be longer than mine; but, with God's help, hereafter I will say more on this subject.
As to what is reported of Mr. Stanhope's obstinacy, I demur, till satisfied how far the kindness to him, as a manager, influences the report.
We have received an answer from his grace the duke of Ormond to our letter. It is in a very authentick and solemn form, "that his grace will take a proper time to lay our request before her majesty, and know her pleasure on it." By which I conclude two things; first, that his grace is not informed of any grant her majesty has made; for if he had, he would have applied immediately and sent it; and then it would have passed for his, and he would have had the merit of it. Secondly, that his grace is in no haste about it. And therefore let me beseech you to solicit and press it, and get the letter dated, as when first it was promised; but I confess I have still some scruple in my mind about it.
I acknowledge you have not been treated with due regard in Ireland, for which there is a plain reason, prægravat artes infra se positas, &c. I am glad you meet with more due returns where you are: and as this is the time to make some use of your interest for yourself, do not forget it.
We have published here a character of the earl of Wharton[1], late lord lieutenant of Ireland. I have so much charity and justice as to condemn all such proceedings. If a governor behave himself ill, let him be complained of and punished; but to wound any man thus in the dark *******************. When this is over, they may do what they please; and sure it will please them to see the crow stripped of her rappareed feathers. We begin to be in pain for the duke of Marlborough.
I hear an answer is printing to the earl of Wharton's character. Pray was there ever such licentiousness of the press as at this time? Will the parliament not think of curbing it?
I heartily recommend you, &c.
- ↑ See it in the fifth volume of this collection.