"that of a discreet physician, who first gives a new medicine to a
dog, before he prescribes it to a human creature." It seems that
Swift had been consulted by Somers on the question of the repeal,
and had given his opinion very frankly. The letter to Archbishop
King, revealing this, contains some bitter remarks about "a certain
lawyer of Ireland." The lawyer was Speaker Brodrick, afterwards
Lord Midleton, who was enthusiastic for the repeal. The present
letter gives a very clear idea of what Swift thought should be a
Speaker's duties both as the chairman of the House and as related
to this particular measure of the Test.

* * * * *

The text of the present reprint is based on the original manuscript
in Swift's handwriting; but as this was found to be somewhat
illegible, it has been collated with the text given in vol. viii.
of the quarto edition of Swift's collected works, published in
1765.

[T. S.]




A LETTER TO A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, IN IRELAND, UPON THE CHOOSING A NEW
SPEAKER THERE.


SIR,