The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 12/From Edward Harley to Jonathan Swift - 5
FROM THE EARL OF OXFORD.
I WAS very much concerned to hear you were so much out of order when I went to the North; and upon my return, which was but lately, I was in hopes to have found you here, and that you would not have gone to your deanery till the Spring. I should be glad to hear that you are well, and have got rid of that troublesome distemper, your deafness.
I have seen Pope but once, and that was but for a few minutes; he was very much out of order, but I hope it only proceeded from being two days in town, and staying out a whole opera. He would not see the coronation, although he might have seen it with little trouble.
I came last night well home, after attending and paying my duty in my rank at the coronation. I hope there will not be another till I can have the laudable excuse of old age not to attend; which is no ill wish to their present majesties, since Nottingham at fourscore could bear the fatigue very well. I will not trouble you with an account of the ceremony; I do not doubt but you will have a full and true account from much better hands.
I have been put in hopes that we shall see you again early in the Spring, which will be a very great pleasure to me.
There is a gentleman that is now upon putting out a new edition of the Oxford Marmora: I should take it for a great favour if you would be so kind to lend me your copy of that book. I think there are some corrections: if you think fit to do this, Mr. Clayton, who is in Ireland, will take care to bring it safe to me, and I will with great care return it to you again.
I must not conclude this without making my wife's compliments to you. I am, with true respect, sir, your most humble servant,
You forgot to send me the ballad.
Mr. Clayton will call upon you before he comes to England; I have written to him to that purpose.