I have made no interest, neither for approbation or money: nor has anybody been pressed to take tickets for my benefit: notwithstanding which, I think I shall make an addition to my fortune of between six and seven hundred pounds.

I know this account will give you pleasure, as I have pushed through this precarious affair without servility or flattery.
"As to any favours from great men, I am in the same state you left me, but I am a great deal happier, as I have no expectations.

The Duchess of Queensberry has signalised her friendship to me upon this occasion 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 mouths.

Lord Cobham says, I should have printed it in Italian over against the English, that the ladies might have understood what they read.

The outlandish (as they now call it) Opera has been so thin of late, that some have called it the Beggar's Opera, and if the run continues, I fear I shall have remonstrances drawn up against me by the Royal Academy of Music."[19][20] DEAN SWIFT TO JOHN GAY.
Dublin, February 26th, 1728.
"I wonder whether you begin to taste the pleasures of independency; or whether you do not sometimes leer upon the Court, _sculo retorto_?
Will you now think of an annuity when you are two years older, and have doubled your purchase-money?
Have you dedicated your opera, and got the usual dedication fee of twenty guineas?
Does W[alpole] think you intended an affront to him in your opera?
Pray God he may, for he has held the longest hand at hazard that ever fell to any sharper's share, and keeps his run when the dice are charged.