Life of Jonathan Swift

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1829 edition. Excerpt: ... the task of defending bis small dominions against the archbishop, and endeavouring to reduce his rebellious choir. Perditur, is the melancholy summing up, perditur inter hate misero lux. If it be possible that any one should peruse these pages, to whom the wayward history of Swift's domestic misfortunes are altogether unknown, such a reader may be surprised, that, endowed with a competence which his economy was speedily increasing into opulence, he had not now at length relieved the tedium of celibacy, and diverted his painful reflections upon public affairs, and the fate of his friends, by seeking domestic comfort and society in an union with Stella, who had forsaken England on his account, and towards whom so much affection is expressed in the earlier part of his journal. But the fate of a third person was now entwined with theirs, and the misfortunes which followed must be the subject of an uninterrupted narrative. SECTION V. Swift's first Acquaintance with Miss Vanhomrigh--She follows him to Ireland--Swift's Marriage with Stella-- Death of Miss Vanhomrigh--Poem of Cadenus and Vanessa--Swift's Studies during his retirement from 1714 to 1720--His system of Life and Amusements-- Engages in Irish Politics--His Proposal for Encouragement of Irish Manufactures--and other Tracts-- Drapitr's Letters--SwifCs subsequent popularity. At the period of Swift's residence in England, he was possessed, in an eminent degree, of many of the qualities which are the surest passports to female favour. He was not only a man of the highest talents, but he enjoyed, in full extent, all the public notice and distinction which the reputation of such talents can confer. He moved in the highest circles, was concerned in the most important business of the time, ..