It would be utterly absurd to suppose that Swift had any idea of advancing a metaphysical theory. But we must not conclude that the metaphysical side of Swift's intellect was destroyed, although it was silenced, by his sarcastic vein; and without entering upon a discussion for which this is not the place, it is impossible to overlook the link that there is between Swift's jest and the theory advanced in earnest by Berkeley, in opposition to the materialism of Locke. Berkeley was Swift's friend: Locke belonged to the party between which and Swift there was a natural cleavage.