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the near kinsman and biographer of the celebrated Dean of St Patrick's, a collection of manuscripts of various descriptions concerning Swift and his affairs which remained in the hands of Dr Lyons, the gentleman under whose charge Swift was placed during the last sad period of his existence, together with various letters and original unpublished pieces in Swift's handwriting. In addition to the valuable materials thus furnished, it has been the object of the writer to condense the information afforded by Mr Sheridan, Lord Orrery, Dr Delany,' Deane Swift, Dr Johnson, and others, into one succinct and comprehensive narrative.

ABBOTSFORD, 1st June, 1824.

MEMOIRS

OF

JONATHAN SWIFT, D. D.

SECTION I.

Swift's parentage and birth-His life at college-His first residence with Sir William Temple-Visits Oxford— He takes orders, and obtains the living of KilrootResigns that living in favour of a friend, and returns to England-His second residence with Sir William Temple-The Battle of the Books, and Tale of a Tub— Verses on the burning of Whitehall-Swift's correspondence with Miss Waryng-He becomes acquainted with Stella-Sir William Temple dies, and bequeaths his works to Swift-Swift's views of promotion at the Court are disappointed.

THE life of Swift forms an interesting and instructive narrative to all who love to contemplate those alternations of good and evil which chequer the fate of individuals, distinguished by their talents and by their fame. Born under circumstances of the most pressing calamity, educated by the cold and careless charity of relations, denied the usual honours at

VOL. I.

I

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