The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 12/From John Arbuthnot to Jonathan Swift - 8
FROM DR. ARBUTHNOT.
THIS serves for an envelope to the enclosed; for I cannot tell whether you care to hear from any of your friends on this side. In your last, I think, you desired me to let you alone to enjoy your own spleen. Can you purchase your fifty pounds a year in Wales as yet? I can tell you, beforehand, Lewis scorns to live with you there. He keeps company with the greatest, and is principal governor in many families. I have been in France; six weeks at Paris, and as much at Rouen; where, I can assure you, I hardly heard a word of news or politicks, except a little clutter about sending some impertinent presidents du parliament to prison, that had the impudence to talk for the laws and liberties of their country. I was asked for monsieur Swift by many people, I can assure you; and particularly by the duke d'Aumont. I was respectfully and kindly treated by many folks, and even by the great Mr. Laws[1]. Amongst other things, I had the honour to carry an Irish lady[2] to court, that was admired beyond all the ladies in France for her beauty. She had great honours done her. The hussar himself was ordered to bring her the king's cat to kiss. Her name is Bennet. Among other folks I saw your old friend lord Bolingbroke, who asked for you. He looks just as he did. Your friends here are in good health; not changed in their sentiments toward you. I left my two girls in France with their uncle, which was my chief business. I do not know that I have any friends on your side, beside Mr. Ford, to whom give my service, and to Dr. Parnell and Mr. Jervis[3].
If it be possible for you, obey the contents of the enclosed; which, I suppose, is a kind invitation. The dragon is just as he was, only all his old habits ten times stronger upon him than ever. Let me beg of you not to forget me, for I can never cease to love and esteem you, being ever your most affectionate and obliged humble servant,
- ↑ The contrivers of the Mississippi scheme.
- ↑ The celebrated beauty miss Nelly Bennet, on whom these lines were written:
For when as Nelly came to France,
(Invited by her cousins)
Across the Thuilleries, each glance
Killed Frenchmen by whole dozens.
The king, as he at dinner sat
Did beckon to his hussar,
And bid him bring his tabby cat,
For charming Nell to buss her.
The ladies were with rage provok'd,
To see her so respected:
The men look'd arch, as Nelly strok'd,
And puss her tail erected.
But not a man did look employ,
Except on pretty Nelly;
Then said the duke de Villeroi,
Ah! qu'elle est bien jolie?
The courtiers all, with one accord,
Broke out in Nelly's praises;
Admir'd her rose, and lis sans farde,
Which are your terms Francoises. - ↑ The very eminent painter.