The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 12/From Matthew Prior to Jonathan Swift - 7
I HAVE now made an end of what you, in your haughty manner, have called wretched work. My book is quite printed off; and if you are as much upon the bagatelle as you pretend to be, you will find more pleasure in it than you imagine. We are going to print the subscribers names: if, therefore, you have any by you, which are not yet remitted, pray send them over by the next post. If you have not, pray send me word of that too; that, in all cases, I may at last hear from you. The earl of Oxford has been in town all this summer, is now going into Herefordshire, and says I shall see you very soon in England. I would tell you with what pleasure this would be, if I knew upon what certainty the hopes of it were founded. Write me word of this too; for upon it I would order my matters so, that I may be as much with you as I can; and this you will find no little favour; for, I assure you, we are all so changed, that there is very little choice of such company as you would like; and except about eighteen hundred that have subscribed to my book, I do not hear of as many more in this nation, that have common sense. My cousin Pennyfeather and Will. Phillips drink your health. I cough, but I am, otherwise well; and till I cease to cough, i. e., to live, I am, with entire friendship and affection, dear sir, your most obedient and humble servant,