The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 13/From Jonathan Swift to Michael Clancy - 1
TO DR. CLANCY.
SIR,
CHRISTMAS DAY, 1737.
SOME friend of mine lent me a comedy[1], which I am told was written by you: I read it carefully, with much pleasure, on account both of the characters and the moral. I have no interest with the people of the playhouse, else I should gladly recommend it to them. I send you a small present[2], in such gold as will not give you trouble to change; for I much pity your loss of sight[3], which if it pleased God to let you enjoy, your other talents might have been your honest support, and have eased you of your present confinement. I am, sir, your well wishing friend and humble servant,
I know not who lent me the play; if it came from you, I will send it back to morrow.
- ↑ The Sharper, the principal character of which performance was designed to represent colonel Chartres.
- ↑ This packet contained five pounds in small pieces of gold of different kinds, of which the largest did not exceed the value of five shillings. A little time after (says Dr. Clancy) I sent him a parcel of tickets: he kept but one, which he said he had paid for, and afterward sent me two four pound pieces for more. See Clancy's Memoirs, vol. II, page 56.
- ↑ Dr. Clancy had pursued the study of physick, and was patronised by Dr. Helsham; but having lost his sight by a cold in 1737, before he could regularly engage in the business of his profession, he kept a Latin school for his support.
- ↑ This letter and the packet were sealed with the head of Socrates.