to see her little boys laughing over Lilliput, without
any _arriere pensee_ of a sad character about the great Dean!

50 A sentimental Champollion might find a good deal of matter for his
art, in expounding the symbols of the "Little Language". Usually,
Stella is "M.D.," but sometimes her companion, Mrs. Dingley, is
included in it. Swift is "Presto"; also P.D.F.R. We have "Goodnight,
M.D.; Night, M.D.; Little M.D.; Stellakins; Pretty Stella; Dear,
roguish, impudent, pretty M.D.!" Every now and then he breaks into
rhyme, as--

I wish you both a merry new year,
Roast beef, minced-pies, and good strong beer, And me a share of
your good cheer.
That I was there, as you were here,
And you are a little saucy dear.

51 The following passages are from a paper begun by Swift on the
evening of the day of her death, Jan. 28, 1727-8:

"She was sickly from her childhood, until about the age of fifteen;
but then she grew into perfect health, and was looked upon as one of
the most beautiful, graceful, and agreeable young women in
London--only a little too fat. Her hair was blacker than a raven, and
every feature of her face in perfection.

"... Properly speaking"--he goes on with a calmness which, under the
circumstances, is terrible--"she has been dying six months!..."

"Never was any of her sex born with better gifts of the mind, or who
more improved them by reading and conversation.... All of us who had
the happiness of her friendship agreed unanimously, that in an
afternoon's or evening's conversation she never failed before we
parted of delivering the best thing that was said in the company.
Some of us have written down several of her sayings, or what the
French call _bons mots_, wherein she excelled beyond belief."

The specimens on record, however, in the Dean's paper called _Bons
Mots de Stella_, scarcely bear out this last part of the panegyric.
But the following prove her wit:

"A gentleman, who had been very silly and pert in her company, at
last began to grieve at remembering the loss of a child lately dead.
A bishop sitting by comforted him--that he should be easy, because
'the child was gone to heaven'. 'No, my lord,' said she; 'that is it
which most grieves him, because he is sure never to see his chi