The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. - Volume 07: Historical and Political Tracts-IrishSwift, Jonathan
General
The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. - Volume 07: Historical and Political Tracts-Irish
Swift, Jonathan
Ireland -- Politics and government -- 18th century
"I think it manifest, that whatever circumstances could possibly
contribute to make a country poor and despicable, are all united
with respect to Ireland. The nation controlled by laws to which
they do not consent, disowned by their brethren and countrymen,
refused the liberty not only of trading with their own
manufactures, but even their native commodities, forced to seek for
justice many hundred miles by sea and land, rendered in a manner
incapable of serving their king and country in any employment of
honour, trust, or profit; and all this without the least demerit;
while the governors sent over thither can possibly have no
affection to the people, further than what is instilled into them
by their own justice and love of mankind, which do not always
operate; and whatever they please to represent hither is never
called in question.
"Whether the representatives of such a people, thus distressed and
laid in the dust, when they meet in a parliament, can do the public
business with that cheerfulness which might be expected from
free-born subjects, would be a question in any other country except
that unfortunate island; the English inhabitants whereof have given
more and greater examples of their loyalty and dutifulness, than
can be shown in any other part of the world.
"What part of these grievances may be thought proper to be
redressed by so wise and great a minister as Sir Robert Walpole, he
perhaps will please to consider; especially because they have been
all brought upon that kingdom since the Revolution; which, however,
is a blessing annually celebrated there with the greatest zeal and
sincerity.
"I most humbly entreat your lordship to give this paper to Sir
Robert Walpole, and desire him to read it, which he may do in a few
minutes. I am, with the greatest respect, my lord,
"Your lordship's
"most obedient and humble servant,
"JON. SWIFT."
Scott thinks that had Swift been anxious for personal favours from
Walpole he could easily have obtained them; "but the minister did
not choose to gain his adherence at the expense of sacrificing the
system which had hitherto guided England in her conduct towards the
sister kingdom, and the patriot of Ireland was not to be won at a
cheaper rate than the emancipation of his country."
The original pamphlet bears neither date nor printer's name.
[T. S.]
THE PRESENT MISERABLE STATE OF IRELAND.
SIR,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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