sely on a bitter quarrel with him.

In the year 1720 he began to reassume the character of a political
writer. A small pamphlet, in defence of the Irish manufactories, was
supposed to be his first essay, in Ireland, in that kind of writing;
and to that pamphlet he owed the turn of the popular tide in his
favor. The pamphlet recommended the universal use of the Irish
manufactures within the kingdom. Some little pieces of poetry to the
same purpose were no less acceptable and engaging; nor was the dean's
attachment to the true interest of Ireland any longer doubted. His
patriotism was as manifest as his wit; he was looked upon with
pleasure and respect as he passed through the streets, and had
attained to so high a degree of popularity as to become the arbitrator
in disputes among his neighbors.

But the popular affection which the dean had hitherto acquired, may be
said not to have been universal until the publication of the Drapier's
Letters, in 1724, which made all ranks and professions universal in
his applause. These letters were occasioned by a patent having been
obtained by one William Wood, to coin L180,000 of halfpence for the
use of Ireland. The dean, in character of a draper, wrote a series of
letters to the people, urging them not to receive this money; and
Wood, though powerfully supported, was compelled to withdraw his
patent, and his money was totally suppressed. Never was any name
bestowed with more universal approbation than the name of the Drapier
was bestowed upon the dean, who had no sooner assumed it than he
became the idol of Ireland, even to a degree of devotion; and bumpers
were poured forth to the Drapier, as large and as frequent as to the
glorious and immortal memory of King William III. Acclamations and
vows for his prosperity attended him wherever he went, and his
portrait was painted in every street in Dublin.

The dean was consulted in all points relating to domestic policy in
general, and to the trade of Ireland in particular; but he was more
immediately looked on as the legislator of the weavers, who frequently
came to him in a body to receive his advice in settling the rates of
their manufactures, and the wages of their journeymen. When elections
were pending for the city of Dublin, many of the companies refused to
declare themselves till they had consulted his sentiments and
inclinations.

In 1727 died his beloved Stella, in the forty-fourth year of her age,
regretted by the dean wi