evidence: Jonathan Swift remained single all his life so his quotes on marriage aren’t based on personal experience. On the other hand, he loved the company of women and was a keen observer of human nature. Swift was involved in at least two intense relationships, one with Esther "Stella" Johnson and one with Esther "Vanessa" Vanhomrigh. Both were immortalised in his writings: The Journal to Stella, and Cadenus and Vanessa. As with all Swift quotes, it’s important to remember that he was a satirist and sometimes his true meaning was the exact opposite of what is being said.