Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-11-23
Gistorifal.
STELLA AND VANESSA.

During Swifl's visit TO London in ITO,
he had regularly transmitted to Stella, by
which name Esther johnson is made known
to posterity, an account of his daily doingS
with the new Government. The Journal
exhibits the view of the of the writer that
his conduct invariably presents. 1t is full
OF tenderness and confidence, and not with
out coarseness that sartles and shocks. 1t
contains detailed and minute account, not
only of all that passed between Swift and
the Government but of his changeful feel
ings as they arose from day to day, and of
his physical infirmltieS, that are commonly
whispered into the ear of the physician
Ii Swift loved Stella in the ordinary accep-
tation of the terms, he took small pains in
his diary to elevate the sentiments with
which she regarded her hero. The Jour-
nal is not n harmony throughout. To-
wards the close it lacks the tenderness and
warmth, the minuteness and confidential
utterance, that are so visible at the begin
ming. We are enabled to account for the
difference. Swift had enlarged the circle
of his female acquaintance whilst fighting
for his friends IN London He had become
constant visitor, especially, at the house
OF Mrs. Fanhomrigh, who had two daugh-
ters, the eldest of whom was about 90 years
of age, and had the same Christian name
as Stella. Esther Yanhomrigh had great
taste fpr reading, and Swift, who seems to
have delighted in such occupation, conde-
scendsd,, for the second time in his life, to
become young lady'S instructor. Before
Miss Vanhomrigh had made much progress
in her studies, she was over head and ears
in love, and, to the aStonishment of her
master, she one day declared the passionate
and undy,ng character of her attachment.
Swift met the confession with weapon
far more potent when opposed to politi-
cal foe than when directed against the
weak heart OF doting woman. He had
recourse TO raIllery, but, finding his banter
of no avail, endeavored to appease the un-
happy girl by San offer of devoted and ev-
erlasting friendship, founded on the basis
of virtuous esteem" He might with equal
success have attempted to put out contla-
grafton with bucket of cold water. There
was no help for the miserable man. q He
returned to his deanery at the death of
Queen Anne with two love affairs upon
his hands, but with the stern resolution of
encouraging neither, and overcoming both.
Before quitting England, he wrote to
Esther Vanhomrigh, or Vanessa, as he styles
her in his correspondence, intimating his
intention to forget everything in England,
and TO write to her as seldom as possibe.-
So far the claims OF Vaaessa We're disposed
OF. As soon as he reached his deanery he
secured lodgings for Stella and her compan-
ION, and reiterated his determination to
pursue his intercourse with the young lady
upon the prudent terms originally establish
ed. 80 lar his mind was set at rest in re-
spect of Stella. Bot Swift had scarcely
time to congratulate himself upon his plan.
before vanessa presented herself in rDu.
bin, and made known to The Dean her reso'
luton to take up her abode permanent,
in Irelands Her mother was dead, so were
her two 'brothersj she and her sister wer.
alone in the world, and they had a smal
property near Dublin, TO which it suitee
them to retire. Swift, alarmed by the pro
ceeding, demonstrated, threatened, denoun
ced-all in vain. Vanessa met his re
proaches with complaints of cruelty an,
neglect, and warned him OF the consequen
| ces OF leaving her without the solace Of hi
| friendship and presence. Perplexed an,
distressed, the Dean had no other resourc
than to leave events to their own develop