[Sir] Gilbert Dolben to unnamed person [?Jonathan Swift, dean of St Patrick's Cathedral,...

[Sir] Gilbert Dolben to unnamed person [?Jonathan Swift, dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin]: recommends as replacement for late Mr Swords as vicar [? choral] of St Patrick's Mr Williams, 'whose singing to the organ is very much better than to the tossing of a boat'. In musicians' language, he is 'a ready-sight [?]-man', agreeable in voice and manner. Currently has a supernumerary's salary, which will be saved if he is made vicar. Grateful for your friendship in pleading my cause effectively with Philippus. My wife bids me say, 'If you be disposed to play a Christmas gambol with the lion, he is now mounted on a tankard (burnishd without and unctuous within). Hopes mild weather, passable ways and above all heartiness of invitation will tempt you to think this as good a place to spend a month of leisure in, as'Ev'n Lingerland' it self'. Dated at Finedon [Northants]. ff. 37-38