inclinations to please my own, and that my intentions were the same with
yours. In answer to all which I will, upon my conscience and honour, tell you
the naked truth. First, I think I have said to you before that, if my
fortunes and humour served me to think of that state, I should certainly,
among all persons upon earth, make your choice; because I never saw that
person whose conversation I entirely valued but hers; this was the utmost I
ever gave way to. And secondly, I must assure you sincerely that this regard
of mine never once entered into my head to be an impediment to you." He had
thought Tisdall not rich enough to marry; "but the objection of your fortune
being removed, I declare I have no other; nor shall any consideration of my
own misfortune, in losing so good a friend and companion as her, prevail on
me, against her interest and settlement in the world, since it is held so
necessary and convenient a thing for ladies to marry, and that time takes off
from the lustre of virgins in all other eyes but mine. I appeal to my letters
to herself whether I was your friend or not in the whole concern, though the
part I designed to act in it was purely passive." He had even thought "it
could not be decently broken," without disadvantage to the lady's credit,
since he supposed it was known to the town; and he had always spoken of her in
a manner far from discouraging. Though he knew many ladies of rank, he had
"nowhere met with an humour, a wit, or conversation so agreeable, a better
portion of good sense, or a truer judgment of men or things." He envied
Tisdall his prudence and temper, and love of peace and settlement, "the
reverse of which has been the great uneasiness of my life, and is likely to
continue so."

This letter has been quoted at some length because of its great importance.
It is obviously capable of various interpretations, and some, like Dr.
Johnson, have concluded that Swift was resolved to keep Stella in his power,
and therefore prevented an advantageous match by making unreasonable demands.
I cannot see any ground for this interpretation, though it is probable that