Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 13.djvu/443

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DR. SWIFT.
431

Ireland, in giving them one of their own nation to represent this university.

There is a man in my choir, one Mr. Lamb; he has at present but half a vicarship: the value of it is not quite fifty pounds per annum. You writ to me in his favour some months ago; and, if I outlive any one vicar choral, Mr. Lamb shall certainly have a full place, because he very well deserves it: and I am obliged to you very much for recommending him.





SIR,
LONDON, MAY 16, 1739.


I CANNOT let Mr. Swift return to Ireland without my acknowledgments to you for the favour you have done Mr. Lamb[2]. I know that I ought to ascribe it wholly to Mr. Pope's recommendation, as I have not the happiness to be known to you myself; but give me leave to take this occasion of assuring you how much I wish to be in the number of your friends. I think I can be so even at this distance, and though we should never come to a nearer acquaintance; for the reputation of some men is amiable, and one can love their characters, without knowing their persons.

  1. Afterward the first lord Lyttelton.
  2. One of the choir in the cathedrals of St. Patrick and Christ church.

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