Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 14.djvu/98

would in time carry any point that was right; and that the common method of a majority, by calllng to the question, would never hold long when reason was on the other side. Whether politicks do not change, like gaming, by the invention of new tricks, I am ignorant: but I believe in your time you would never, as a minister, have suffered an act to pass through the H. of C——s, only because you were sure of a majority in the H. of L—s, to throw it out; because it would be unpopular, and consequently a loss of reputation. Yet this we are told has been the case in the qualification bill relating to pensioners. It should seem to me, that corruption, like avarice, has no bounds. I had opportunities to know the proceedings of your ministry better than any other man of my rank; and having not much to do, I have often compared it with these last sixteen years of a profound peace all over Europe, and we running seven millions in debt. I am forced to play at small game, to set the beasts here a madding, merely for want of better game. Tentanda via est qua me quoque possim^[1] &c. — The Devil take those politicks, where a dunce might govern for a dozen years together. I will come in person to England, if I am provoked, and send for the dictator from the plough. I disdain to say, O mihi præteritos — but cruda deo viridisque senectus^[2]. Pray my lord how are the gardens? have you taken

1. New ways I must attempt, my grovelling name
   To raise aloft, and wing my flight to fame.
2. O could I turn to that fair prime again!
   ———— yet in his years are seen
   A manly vigour, and autumnal green.

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