A Tale of a Tub

by Jonathan Swift

[153] Reference here is to the exercise by James II. of a dispensing power which illegally protected Roman Catholics, and incidentally Dissenters also; to the consequent growth of feeling against the Roman Catholics. “Jack on a great horse and eating custard” represents what was termed the occasional conformity of men who “blasphemed custard through the nose,” but complied with the law that required them to take Sacrament in the Church of England as qualification for becoming a Lord Mayor or holding any office of public authority.

[155] Père d’Orleans.—S.

[157] Trazenii, Pausan. L. 2.—S.

[160a] Henry VIII.

[160b] “Fidei Defensor.”

[161a] Edward VI.

[161b] Queen Mary.

[161c] Queen Elizabeth.

[162a] James I.

[162b] Episcopacy.