The Works of Dr. Jonathan Swift, Dean of St. Patrick's, Dublin (Volume 15) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1765. Excerpt: ... A N ENQUIRY Iwo tht BEHAVIOUR of the QjJEEN's LAST MINISTRY, With Relation to their Quarrels among themfelves, and the Defign charged upon them of altering the Succeilion of the Crown. J U N E M DCCXv. SINCE the death of the Queen, it was reasonable enough for me to conclude that I had done with all public affairs and fpeculations: Befides, the fcene and ftation I am in have reduced my thoughts into a narrow compafs: And being wholly excluded from any view of favour under the prefent adminiftration, upon that invincible reafon of having been in fome degree of truft and confidence with the former; I have not found the tranfition very difficult into a private life, for which I am better qualified both by nature and education. The reading and enquiring after news not being one of my diverfions, having al E 2 ways ways dif iked a mixed and general converfation, which, however it fell to my lot, is now in my power to avoid; and being placed by the duties of my function at a great diflance from the feat of bufinefs; I am altogether ignorant of many common events which happen in the world: Only, from the little I know and hear, it is manifeft that the hearts of moft men are filled with doubts, fears, and jealoufies, or elfe with hatred and rage, to a degree that there feems to be an end of all amicable commerce between people of different parties; and what the confequences of this may be, let thofe confider who have contributed to the caufes; which, I thank God, is no concern of mine. There are two points, with reference to the conduct of the late Miniftry, much infifled on, and little underflood by thofe who write or talk upon that1 fubject; wherein I am fufficiently qualified to give fatisfaction; and would gladly do it, becaufe I fee very.much weight laid upo...