The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 7/Dr. Delany to Dr. Swift to Be Admitted to Speak to Him

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The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7
(1724)
by Patrick Delany, edited by Thomas Sheridan, John Nichols, John Boyle, Patrick Delany, John Hawkesworth, Deane Swift, William Bowyer, John Birch, and George Faulkner

From Dr. Delany to Dr. Swift

The Answer

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The next poem, The Answer, is a response to this poem.

1560642The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7
— From Dr. Delany to Dr. Swift1724Patrick Delany

Sent by Dr. DELANY to Dr. SWIFT,

IN ORDER TO BE ADMITTED TO SPEAK TO HIM, WHEN HE WAS DEAF, 1724.

DEAR sir, I think 'tis doubly hard,
Your ears and doors should both be barr'd.
Can any thing be more unkind?
Must I not see, 'cause you are blind?
Methinks a friend at night should cheer you,
A friend that loves to see and hear you.
Why am I robb'd of that delight,
When you can be no loser by't?
Nay, when 'tis plain (for what is plainer?)
That, if you heard, you'd be no gainer?
For sure you are not yet to learn,
That hearing is not your concern.
Then be your doors no longer barr'd
Your business, sir, is to be heard.