He promised, indeed (Sept.

3, 1735), that the letters should be burnt--a most effectual security against republication, but one not at all to Pope's taste.

Pope then admitted that, having been forced to publish some of his other letters, he should like to make use of some of those to Swift, as none would be more honourable to him.

Nay, he says, he meant to erect such a minute monument of their friendship as would put to shame all ancient memorials of the same kind.[16] This avowal of his intention to publish did not conciliate Swift.

Curll next published in 1736 a couple of letters to Swift, and Pope took advantage of this publication (perhaps he had indirectly supplied Curll with copies) to urge upon Swift the insecurity of the letters in his keeping.