The Grand Question debated Whether Hamilton's Bawn should be turned into a Barrack or a Malt House (1729)

Swift mocks the argument between Sir Arthur and his wife about what to do with Hamilton's Bawn, a property which presumably he owned. A Bawn was a place near the house enclosed with mud or stone walls, to keep cattle from being stolen in the night. At this time Hamilton's Bawn was described by Swift as "A large old house two miles from Sir A A's Seat".

Rumms were poor country clergymen, Hannah was Lady Acheson's waiting woman, Darby and Wood were two of Sir Arthur's managers, Doctor Jenny was a clergyman at Armagh, Noveds, and Blutraks, and Omurs are Ovids, Plutarchs and Homers, Skinny and Lean are of course nicknames for Lady Acheson.

THE Author of the following Poem, is said to be Dr J. S. D. S. P. D. who wrote it, as well as several other Copies of Verses of the like Kind, by Way of Amusement, in the Family of an honourable Gentleman in the North of Ireland, where he spent a Summer about two or three years ago. A certain very great Person, then in that Kingdom, having heard much of this Poem, obtained a Copy from the Gentleman, or, as some say, the Lady, in whose House it was written, from whence, I know not by what Accident, several other Copies were transcribed, full of Errors. As I have a great Respect for the supposed Author, I have procured a true Copy of the Poem, the Publication whereof can do him less Injury than printing any of those incorrect ones which run about in Manuscript, and would infallibly be soon in the Press, if not thus prevented. Some Expressions being peculiar to Ireland, I have prevailed on a Gentleman of that Kingdom to explain them, and I have put the several Explanations in their proper Places.