such a kind dissolution; but Swift was totally insensible of happiness, or pain.  He had not even the power or expression of a child, appearing for some years before his death, referred only as an example to mortify human pride, and to reverse that fine description of human nature, which is given us by the inimitable Shakespeare.  ’What a piece of work is man! how noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a God! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals!’ Swift’s friends often heard him lament the state of childhood and idiotism, to which some of the greatest men of this nation were reduced before their death.  He mentioned, as examples within his own time, the duke of Marlborough and lord Somers; and when he cited these melancholy instances, it was always with a heavy sigh, and with gestures that shewed great uneasiness, as if he felt an impulse of what was to happen to him before he died.  He left behind him about twelve thousand pounds, inclusive of the specific legacies mentioned in his will, and which may be computed at the sum of twelve hundred pounds, so that the remaining ten thousand eight hundred pounds, is entirely applicable to the Hospital for Idiots and Lunatics; an establishment remarkably generous, as those who receive the benefit, must for ever remain ignorant of their benefactor.

Lord Orerry has observed, that a propension to jocularity and humour is apparent in the last works of Swift.  His Will, like all his other writings, is drawn up in his own peculiar manner.  Even in so serious a composition, he cannot help indulging himself in leaving legacies, that carry with them an air of raillery and jest.  He disposes of his three best hats (his best, his second best, and his third best beaver) with an ironical solemnity, that renders the bequests ridiculous.  He bequeaths, ’To Mr. John Grattan a silver-box, to keep in it the tobacco which the said John usually chewed, called pigtail.’  But his legacy to Mr. Robert Grattan, is still more extraordinary.  ’Item, I bequeath to the Revd.  Mr. Robert Grattan, Prebendary of St. Audeon’s, my strong box, on condition of his giving the sole use of the said box to his brother, Dr. James Grattan, during the life of the said Doctor, who hath more occasion for it.’

These are so many last expressions of his turn, and way of thinking, and no doubt the persons thus distinguished looked upon these instances as affectionate memorials of his friendship, and tokens of the jocose manner, in which he had treated them during his life-time.