Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18.djvu/237

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OF THE COURT OF QUEEN ANNE.
223


One of the finest gentlemen in England in the reign of king Charles II, of great learning [small, or none], extremely witty, and has been the author of some of the finest poems in the English language; especially satire. The Mæcenas and prince of our English poets. One of the pleasantest companions in the world, when he likes his company [not of late years, but a very dull one]. He is very fat, troubled with the spleen, and turned of 50 years old.


He was one of the greatest rakes in England in his younger days; but always a lover of the constitution of his country; is a gentleman of very good sense, and very cunning; brave in his person, a lover of play, and understands it perfectly well; has a very good estate, and improves it every day; something covetous; is a tall handsome man, and of a very fair complexion. He is turned of 40 years old. An arrant knave in common dealings, and very prostitute.


He is supposed to be the richest subject in Europe, very profuse in gardening, birds, and household furniture, but mighty frugal in every thing else, of a very lofty mien, and yet not proud; of no deep understanding, considering his experience, neither much beloved nor hated by any sort of people, English or Dutch. He is turned of 50 years old. As great a dunce as ever I knew.

EARL