The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 18/Letter from William King to Jonathan Swift - 24

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Letter from Elizabeth Germain to Jonathan Swift - 27

The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18
(1735)
William King, edited by Thomas Sheridan, John Nichols, John Boyle, Patrick Delany, John Hawkesworth, Deane Swift, William Bowyer, John Birch, and George Faulkner

Letter from William King to Jonathan Swift - 24

Letter from Benjamin Motte to Jonathan Swift - 2

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1691395The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18
— Letter from William King to Jonathan Swift - 241735William King

FROM DR. KING.

SIR,

LONDON, SEPT. 20, 1735.

SOON after I came into England I was obliged to cross the seas again, and go into France, upon a business of consequence to my private affairs. I am but just returned to this place, where I have met with your letter of 21st of last month. Since you are so kind as to repeat the promise you made me when I was in Ireland, I shall expect the paper with the greatest impatience. While I was reading your letter, a person called on me, who does business for you. I was in hopes he had brought it with him: but he told me, it would be sent by another hand. I will say nothing more of it here, than that I am very sure it will please the publick, and do honour to the author.

The gentleman, concerning whom you inquire, is a member of our hall; but I have never yet seen him. He had left Oxford about the time I came from Dublin, to spend the summer vacation in Herefordshire. My son, who is well acquainted with him, assures me that he is very sober, that he studies hard, and constantly attends the exercises of the house. But I shall be able to give you a more particular account of him the next term, when I shall probably meet him in the hall: and he shall find me ready to do him any kind of service that may be in my power.

I do not know whether my lawsuit will force me into Ireland again the next term; as yet I have not received any summons from my managers. I should indeed be well pleased to defer my journey till the next spring, for Dublin is not a very good winter abode for a water drinker. However, I do not neglect my defence, especially that part of it which you mention^[1], It is now in such forwardness, that as I compute, it will be finished in six weeks at farthest. There are some alterations, which I hope you will approve.

I rejoice to hear that the honest doctor^[2] has good success in his new school. If the load of his baggage should endanger his vessel again, I think he has no other remedy left, but to throw it into the sea. What is he doing with his bons mots? and when does he design to send them abroad?

My son, who is very proud to be in your thoughts, desires me to present his most humble service to you. I am, with great truth, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

W.K.

↑ This alludes to The Toast, a satirical poem, to which Dr. King was instigated by some monstrous usage that he had received from his antagonists in the suit.
↑ Sheridan.

[1] This alludes to The Toast, a satirical poem, to which Dr. King was instigated by some monstrous usage that he had received from his antagonists in the suit.

[2] Sheridan.

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