The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 13/From Robert Arbuthnot to Jonathan Swift - 1
FROM MR. ROBERT ARBUTHNOT[1].
I HAVE flattered myself these many years, that vapours or company would have brought you over seas to Spa, or to some such place, and that you would have taken Paris in your way; and so I should have had the pleasure of seeing you in some place of my own, I wonder much that a person of so much good humour can let yourself grow old, or die without seeing some other country than your own. I am not quite so wicked as to wish you any real illness to bring you to us, though I should not be sorry that you thought you had need of change of air. I wish you a happy new year, and many more; and (whatever interest I have against it) good health, and prosperity, and every thing that I can wish to one that I much honour and esteem.
I recommended to your friendship and acquaintance the bearer, Mr. de la Mar. His brother, now dead, has been with you in Ireland: and this gentleman deserves from me all the kindness my friends can show him. Adieu, dear sir, If I can serve you in any thing, command me always, for I am, with great esteem, your most humble and most obedient servant,
- ↑ Mr. Arbuthnot married a widow lady of Suffolk, with 600l. a year. See his character in Mr. Pope's letter to lord Digby, September 1, 1722.