[260] Introduction to Law’s _Memorials_, p. lxxx.
[261] See letters of Gay, Swift, Pope, and Arbuthnot, in Scott’s
edition of Swift.
[262] In a letter from Gay to Swift, dated February 15, 1727-8, we find
the subject illustrated as follows: ‘As to my favours from great men,
I am in the same state you left me; but I am a great deal happier, as
I have expectations. The Duchess of Queensberry has signalised her
friendship to me upon this occasion [the bringing out of the _Beggar’s
Opera_] in such a conspicuous manner, that I hope (for her sake) you
will take care to put your fork to all its proper uses, and suffer
nobody for the future to put their knives in their mouth.’
In the _P.S._ to a letter from Gay to Swift, dated Middleton Stoney,
November 9, 1729, Gay says: ‘To the lady I live with I owe my life and
fortune. Think of her with respect—value and esteem her as I do—and
never more despise a fork with three prongs. I wish, too, you would not
eat from the point of your knife. She has so much goodness, virtue, and
generosity, that if you knew her, you would have a pleasure in obeying
her as I do. She often wishes she had known you.’