1) In his introduction, Swift's projector explains the reason for his proposal: "for Preventing the Children of poor People in Ireland, from being a Burden to their Parents or Country; and for making them beneficial to the Publick."

2) "It is a melancholy object to those who walk through this great town, or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads, and cabin-doors crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags, ad importuning every passenger for an alms."

3) "But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars; it is of a much greater extent.."

4) ".I calculate there may be about two hundred thousand couple whose wives are breeders."

5) "I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child, well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food.."

6) "Infants' flesh will be in season throughout the year.."

7) "I compute that Dublin would take off annually about twenty thousand carcasses.."

8) "I can think of no one objection that will possibly be raised against this proposal.."

9) ".I could name a country which would be glad to eat up our whole nation without it."

10) "I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavoring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the public good of my country.."