Herald Of The United States

ANECDOTE of SWIFT.

WHEN Swift was at Quilca, a country seat of Dr. Sheridan's, he went one Sunday to church at the distance of more than two hours ride. The parson of the parish invited him to dinner but Swift excused himself by saying it was too far to ride home afterwards ; -no, I shall dine with my neighbour Reilly at Virginia, which is half way home. Reilly,who was what was called there a gentleman Farmer, was proud of the honor, and immediately sent a messenger to his wife to prepare for the reception of so extraordinary a guest. She dressed herself out in the best apparel ; the son put on his new suit, and his silver laced hat adorned his head. When the lady was introduced to the Dean, he saluted her with the same air as if she had been a Duchess, making several congees down to the ground, and then handed her with great formality to her seat. After some high flown compliments he addressed his host-"Mr. Reilly, I suppose you have a considerable estate here : let us go and look over your demesne." Estate, says Reilly, Devil a foot of land belongs to me or any of my generation. I have a pretty good lease here indeed from Lord Fingal, but he threatens that he will not renew it, and I have but a few years of it to come.

"Well-but when am I to see Mrs. Reilly ? " Why don't you see her there before you ? " That Mrs. Reilly ! impossible ! I have heard she is a prudent woman, and as such would never dress herself out in silks, and other ornaments, fit only for ladies of fashion.- No-Mrs. Reilly the farmer's wife, would never wear any thing better than plain stuff, with other things suitable to it." Mrs. Reilly happened to be a woman of good sense, and taking the hint, immediately withdrew, changed her dress as speedily as possible, and in a short time returned to the parlour in her common apparel. Swift saluted her in the most friendly manner, taking her by the hand, and saying, "I am heartily glad to see you Mrs. Reilly. This husband of yours would fain have palmed a fine lady upon me, all dressed out in silks, and in the pink of the mode; for his wife, but I was not to be taken in so. He then laid hold of young master's fine hat ; with his pen-knife ripped off the lace, and folding it up in several papers, thrust it into the fire. When it was sufficiently burnt, he wrapped it up in fresh pa per, and put it in his pocket. It may be supposed that the family was put into no small confusion at this strange proceeding ; but they did not dare to shew that they took any umbrage at it, as the presence of Swift struck every one with uncommon awe, who were not well acquainted with him. However, as he soon resumed his good humour, entertaining them with many pleasantries to their taste (for no man knew better how to adopt his conversation to all classes of people) they soon recovered their spirits, and the day was passed very cheerfully.- When he was taking his leave, he said, I do not intend to rob you Mr. Reilly ; I shall take nothing belonging to you away with me; there's your son's hat lace, I have only changed the form of it to a much better one. So God bless you, and thanks for your good entertainment. When he was gone, Mrs. Reilly. opening the paper, found there were four guineas enclosed in it, together with the burnt lace. While he stayed in the country, he kept an eye upon them, and found his lessons had not been thrown away, as they were cured of their vanities, and lived in a manner more consonant to their situation in life. In consequence of which one of the first things he did on his return to Dublin, was to pay a visit to Lord Fingal, and engage him to renew Reilly's lease ; without which the poor man would in a few years, have had nothing for his own or his family's support.