Reflections on Dr. Swift's Letter to Harley (1712) and The British Academy (1712)

I know very well the Epistle has but a sorry Reputation, even with the Writer's own +Party+, that it is looked upon as a silly superficial Performance, and to be design'd only for an Opportunity to shew what a +Nack+ he has at +Panegyrick+. Be that as it will, after I had consider'd the Subject he writes more leisurely than I was won't to do, I was loth to lose those Considerations; and having put 'em into this Form, I flatter'd my self the Publick would not receive them ill; at least all those whom Faction and Prejudice have not render'd Insensible of Truth and Reason, and to such, a Man must be well set to work that writes a Task suitable to the Integrity and Ability of +Abel+ and his Brethren, among whom I am very unwilling to reckon our Author.

REFLECTIONS

on

Dr. Swift's Letter,

about

Refining the ENGLISH TONGUE.

I should be guilty of the greatest Folly in the Worl