TO THE READER, THIS poetical account of the Life and Character of the Reverend Dr. Swift, so celebrated through the world for his many ingenious writings, was occasioned by a maxim of Rochefoucault; and is now published from the author's last correct copy, being dedicated by the publisher to Alexander Pope of Twickenham, Esq. TO ALEXANDER POPE, Esq. Of Twickenham, in the County of Middlesex. "As you have been long an intimate friend of the author of the following poem, I thought you would not be displeased with being informed of some particulars, how he came to write it, and how I, very innocently, procured a copy. "It seems the Dean, in conversation with some friends, said, he could guess the discourse of the world concerning his character after his death, and thought it might be no improper subject for a poem. This happened above a year before he finished it; for it was written by small pieces, just as leisure or humour allowed him. He showed some parts of it to several friends, and when it was completed, he seldom refused the sight of it to any visitor: so that, probably, it hath been perused by fifty persons; which being against his usual practice, many people judged, likely enough, that he had a desire to make the people of Dublin impatient to see it published, and at the same time to disappoint them: for he never would be prevailed on to grant a copy, and yet several lines were retained by memory, and are often repeated in Dublin. It is thought, that one of his servants, in whom he had great confidence, and who had access to his closet, took an opportunity, while his master was riding some miles out of town, to transcribe the whole poem: and it is probable, that the servant lent it to others, who were not trusty, (as is generally the case.) By this accident I having got a very correct copy from a friend in Dublin, lie under no obligation to conceal it. I have shown it to very good judges, friends of the Dean, (If I may venture to say so to you, who are such a superior judge and poet,) who are well acquainted with the author's style and manner; and they all allow it to be genuine, as well as perfectly finished and correct; his particular genius appearing in every line, together with his peculiar way of thinking and writing. "I should be very sorry to offend the Dean, although I am a perfect stranger to his person: but since the poem will infallibly be soon printed, either here or in Dublin, I take myself to have the best title to send it to the press; and I shall direct the printer to commit as few errors as possible. I am, SIR, with the greatest respect, your most obedient, and most humble servant, From my chambers in the Inner-Temple, L. M. THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF DR. JONATHAN SWIFT. Upon a Maxim in Rochefoucault, In the adversity of our best friends, we always find something that doth not displease us. WISE Rochefoucault a maxim writ, But hold:-before we farther go, We see a comrade get a fall, Yet laugh our hearts out, one and all. Tom for a wealthy wife looks round, Loll out their tongues, and thus they talk, |