Quote 28
I have already computed the charge of nursing a beggar's child (in which list I reckon all cottagers, labourers, and four fifths of farmers) to be about two shillings per annum, rags included. (14)
Cottagers were generally known as people who lived in the country. If you were a kid who didn't live in the city, you were out of luck.
Quote 29
Those who are more thrifty (as I must confess the times require) may flay the carcass, the skin of which, artificially dressed, will make admirable gloves for ladies and summer boots for fine gentlemen. (15)
Swift brings a new meaning to kidskin gloves. But seriously, one of Swift's pet peeves was spending too much time and money on appearance.
Quote 30
I desire those politicians who dislike my overture, and perhaps be so bold to attempt an answer, that they will first ask the parents of these mortals whether they would not at this day think it a great happiness to have been sold for food at a year old in the manner I prescribe. (34)
If you couldn't read, you probably didn't get to contribute to the discussion of Ireland's problems.