WRITTEN BY THE LATE JONATHAN SWIFT, D. D. DEAN OF ST. PATRICK'S, DUBLIN, AND SEVERAL OF HIS FRIENDS. FROM THE YEAR 1710 TO 1742. PUBLISHED FROM THE ORIGINALS; COLLECTED AND REVISED BY DEANE SWIFT, ESQ OF GOODRICH, IN HEREFORDSHIRE. VOLUME IV. LONDON, Printed for C. BATHURST, H. WOODFALL, W. STRAHAN, то Mr. WILLIAM JOHNSTON, In LUDGATE STREET. SIR, ALTHOUGH I gave you my reafons, fome time ago, for not troubling either the Public or myself with any Preface to these volumes of Dr. SWIFT'S Writings, you ftill prefs for fome kind of Advertisement, by way of ushering them into the world. But what occasion is there for fuch formality? If the Letters now printed merit general regard, they will have a chance to live as long as the reft of his Epiftles: If they deferve contempt, their days will be of fhort continuance. And, as for the reigns of WILLIAM RUFUS, HENRY the FIRST, and STEPHEN; it is fuppofed they will appear to be fuch a model of English hiftory, as will make all men of tate, and especially foreigners, regret that he pursued his plan no farther. I can tell you a fecret, which I was not apprized of myself until about a year ago, and which perhaps may give you pleasure. There are many of the Dr.'s best writings, long fince printed (don't be furprized, for I am supported in what I fay by the authority of manufcripts now in my own ftudy) which are not to be met with in any collection of his Works: fo indifferent he was, and careless, whether they lived or died. Yet even thefe, by one means or other, as I know their titles, and conjecture where they can be found, I hope I fhall. 4. be |