The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 18/Letter from Thomas Sheridan to Jonathan Swift - 9
FROM DR. SHERIDAN.
I RECEIVED your letter of reproaches with pleasure; and as I know you hate excuses, I shall make none. Whoever has informed you that I was not in my school at the right time appointed, has not done me justice; for whatever else I may disappoint, that shall be inviolably and punctually observed by me. * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As for my quondam friends, as you style them, quondam them all. It is the most decent way I can curse them; for they lulled me asleep till they stole my school into the hands of a blockhead, and have driven me toward the latter end of my life to a disagreeable solitude, where I have the misery to reflect upon my folly in making such a perfidious choice, at a time when it was not in my nature to suspect any soul upon earth. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Now to think a little for myself. The duke of Dorset does certainly owe me a small living, for the expensive entertainment I gave him from Terence[1]. I only want a proper person to dun him; and I know it will be done if my lord Orrery will undertake it. Do not think me sanguine in this; for more unlikely and less reasonable favours have been granted. God knows whether, during my life, we shall have another scholar sent us for a lord lieutenant. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I wish you as much happiness as I have plague, which is enough for any honest man. I am, dear sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,