Knowing that the Count's master, Charles XII.

of Sweden, had been a party to the plot, he yet writes in a most amiable tone of friendliness towards both, with a parenthetical sneer at "his present Britannic Majesty." Undoubtedly this dedication might easily and fairly be taken as strong presumptive evidence of a leaning on Swift's part towards the Pretender.

It will, however, be more truly interpreted, if it be considered as an expression of contempt for the King of England and the ministry in power.
The text of the present reprint is that given by Deane Swift from his edition of his kinsman's works issued in 1765 and 1768 (4to edit, vols.
viii.

and xiii.).

Deane Swift thought that the narratives of Rufus, Henry I.and Stephen, would "appear to be such a model of English history, as will make all men of taste, and especially foreigners, regret that he pursued his plan no further." [T.S.] TO THE COUNT DE GYLLENBORG.[1] [Footnote 1: Charles, Count Gyllenborg (1679-1746), was Swedish Ambassador at London 1710-16.