The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 18/Letter from William St. Lawrence to Jonathan Swift - 1

FROM LORD HOWTH.


KILLFANE, JULY 6, 1735.


I AM very much obliged to my good dean of St. Patrick's for the honour he did me in sitting for his picture; and have wrote to Dr. Grattan to give Mr. Bindon strict charge in the finishing of it: and when that is done to bring it to his house, for fear I should get a copy instead of the original. I am very much concerned at the account you give me of your health, but do not in the least doubt but the change of air would be of service to you, and a most hearty welcome you may be sure of. The archbishop of Cashel told me he would wait on you the day after he went to Dublin; and does mightily admire be has not seen you oftener. I have taken your advice;, and kept very good hours since I came last here. Every second day I am out six or seven hours an otter hunting. As to reading and working, my wife observes your directions: and could wish she would do the same as to exercise. She desires me to tell you that the liking she has to the baboon[1] is out of the true regard she has for you, he being one of your greatest favourites. Your giant[2] will use her endeavours to make lord Bacon a liar, and instead of adding two inches to her height, would be very well satisfied to part with four. I am very sorry Mrs. Acheson is so much out of order: she is one I have a great regard for; and shall desire the favour of you to give my wife's service and mine to her, and lady Acheson, when you see them. I thank God my family and I are very well. Some time this summer I design drinking Ballispellin waters for a month. As for news we have no such thing here: only the baboon has done his visitation; that is, he goes into the churches and looks about, then asks the tumbler Sikes how long they have been coming? So long, says Sikes. Ay, replies the baboon, and we shall be as long going back; so mounts his horse and away. Who durst say the church is in danger when we have so good bishops? My wife and all here join in their kind service to the drapier. I am, good Mr. dean, your most assured and affectionate humble servant,

HOWTH.


  1. The bishop of Ossory so called.
    Could you see his grin, for a pound to a penny,
    You'd swear it must be the baboon of Killkenny.
    See Swift's Poem on the Bishops.
  2. Miss Rice, an exceeding tall young lady, and niece to my lord Howth.