his intimacy with her, the account which she has given of him may have made an unfavourable and unjust impression, my duty, as a faithful biographer, has obliged me reluctantly to perform this unpleasing task 3. like that of his reproof to the "very celebrated lady," it may be so exhibited in the narration as to be very unlike the real fact. The evident tendency of the following anecdote is to represent Dr. Johnson as extremely deficient in affection, tenderness, or even common civility. "When I one day lamented the loss of a first cousin killed in America,- Prithee, my dear (said he), have done with canting; how would the world be the worse for it, I may ask, if all your relations were at once spitted like larks, and roasted for Presto's supper?'-Presto was the dog that lay under the table while we talked." I sus-chancellor should continue his attention to pect this too of exaggeration and distortion. I allow that he made her an angry speech; but let the circumstances fairly appear, as told by Mr. Baretti, who was present 1: "Mrs. Thrale, while supping very heartily upon larks, laid down her knife and fork, and abruptly exclaimed, O, my dear Johnson, do you know what has happened? The last letters from abroad have brought us an account that our poor cousin's head was taken off by a cannon-ball.' Johnson, who was shocked both at the fact and her light unfeeling manner of mentioning it, replied, Madam, it would give you very little concern if all your relations were spitted like those larks, and dressed for Presto's supper 2." " It is with concern that I find myself obliged to animadvert on the inaccuracies of Mrs. Piozzi's" Anecdotes," and perhaps I may be thought to have dwelt too long upon her little collection. But as from Johnson's long residence under Mr. Thrale's roof, and 1 [It must be recollected that Baretti's evidence is, in this case, worse than nothing, he having become a most brutal libeller of Mrs. Piozzi; but even if his version were the true one, Mr. Boswell should have seen that it made Dr. Johnson's illustration much more personally and pointedly offensive than as told by Mrs. Piozzi.-ED.] Having left the pious negotiation, as I called it, in the best hands, I shall here insert what relates to it. Johnson wrote to Sir Joshua Reynolds on July 6, as follows: "I am going, I hope, in a few days, to try the air of Derbyshire, but hope to see you before I go. Let me, however, mention to you what I have much at heart. If the Mr. Boswell's request, and confer with you on the means of relieving my languid state, I am very desirous to avoid the appearance of asking money upon false pretences. I desire you to represent to his lordship, what, as soon as it is suggested, he will perceive to be reasonable, that, if I grow much worse, I shall be afraid to leave my physi cians, to suffer the inconveniences of travel, and pine in the solitude of a foreign country;-that, if I grow much better, of which indeed there is now little appearance, I shall not wish to leave my friends and my domestick comforts, for I do not travel for pleasure or curiosity; yet if I should recover, curiosity would revive. In my present state I am desirous to make a struggle for a little longer life, and hope to obtain some help from a softer climate. Do for me what you can." He wrote to me July 26: "I wish your affairs could have permitted a longer and continued exertion of your zeal and kindness. They that have your kindness may want your ardour. In the mean time I am very feeble and very dejected." By a letter from Sir Joshua Reynolds I was informed, that the lord chancellor had called on him, and acquainted him that the application had not been successful; but that his lordship, after speaking highly in praise of Johnson, as a man who was an 2 Upon mentioning this to my friend Mr. honour to his country, desired Sir Joshua Wilkes, he, with his usual readiness, pleasantly to let him know, that on granting a mortmatched it with the following sentimental anec-gage of his pension 4, he should draw on his dote. He was invited by a young man of fashion at Paris to sup with him and a lady, who had been for some time his mistress, but with whom he was going to part. He said to Mr. Wilkes that he really felt very much for her, she was in such distress, and that he meant to make her a present of two hundred louis-d'ors. Mr. Wilkes observed the behaviour of mademoiselle, who sighed, indeed, very piteously, and assumed every pathetick air of grief, but ate no less than three French pigeons, which are as large as English partridges, besides other things. Mr. Wilkes whispered the gentleman, "We often say in England, excessive sorrow is exceeding dry, but I never heard excessive sorrow is exceeding hungry. Perhaps one hundred will do." The gentleman took the hint.-BosWELL. 3 [The Editor's duty has obliged him to endeavour to remove the " unjust and unfavourable impressions" which Mr. Boswell has given of Mrs. Piozzi; but he is too well aware of the inevitable inaccuracy of all anecdotes-nay, even of those like Mr. Boswell's own, written down after short intervals-to give implicit confidence to Mrs. Piozzi's recollection; the chief claim of her Anecdotes to credit is, that they are confirmed in may instances by Dr. Johnson's correspondence, and in many more by Mr. Boswell's own work.-ED.] 4 [This offer has in the first view of it the appearance rather of a commercial than a gratuitous transaction; but Sir Joshua clearly understood at the making it that Lord Thurlow designedly put it in that form. He was fearful that Johnson's TO THE LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR 1. "September, 1784. "MY LORD,-After a long and not inattentive observation of mankind, the generosity of your lordship's offer raises in me not less wonder than gratitude. Bounty, so liberally bestowed, I should gladly receive, if my condition made it necessary; for, to such a mind, who would not be proud to own his obligations? But it has pleased God to restore me to so great a measure of health, that if I should now appropriate so much of a fortune destined to do good, I could not escape from myself the charge of advancing a false claim. My journey to the continent, though I once thought it necessary, was never much encouraged by my physicians; and I was very desirous that your lordship should be told of it by Sir Joshua Reynolds as an event very uncertain; for if I grew much better, I should not be willing, if much worse, not able, to migrate. Your lordship was first solicited without my knowledge; but, when I was told that you were pleased to honour me with your pa high spirit would induce him to reject it as a donation, but thought that in the way of loan it might be accepted.-Hawkins's Life, p. 572.ED.] 1 Sir Joshua Reynolds, on account of the excellence both of the sentiment and expression of this letter, took a copy of it, which he showed to some of his friends: one of whom [Lady Lucan, it is said], who admired it, being allowed to peruse it leisurely at home, a copy was made, and found its way into the newspapers and magazines. It was transcribed with some inaccuracies. I print it from the original draft in Johnson's own handwriting.-BOSWELL. tronage, I did not expect to hear of a refusal; yet, as I have had no long time to brood hope, and have not rioted in imaginary opulence, this cold reception has been scarce a disappointment; and, from your lordship's kindness, I have received a benefit, which only men like you are able to bestow. I shall now live mihi carior, with a higher opinion of my own merit. I am, my lord, your lordship's most obliged, most grateful, and most humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON." Hawk. p. 572, 573. [An incorrect copy of the above letter, though of a private nature, found its way into the publick papers in this manner. It was given to Sir Joshua Reynolds, unsealed, to be delivered to Lord Thurlow. Sir Joshua, looking upon it as a handsome testimony of gratitude, and as it related to a transaction in which he had concerned himself, took a copy of it, and showed it to a few of his friends. Among these was a lady of quality, who, having heard it read, the next day desired to be gratified with the perusal of it at home: the use she made of this favour was, the copying and sending it to one of the newspapers, whence it was taken and inserted in others, as also in the Gentleman's and many other magazines. Johnson, upon being told that it was in print, exclaimed in my hearing-"I am betrayed;" but soon after forgot, as he was ever ready to do all real or supposed injuries, the error that made the publication possible.] Upon this unexpected failure I abstain from presuming to make any remarks, or to offer any conjectures 2. [This affair soon became a topic ED. of conversation, and it was stated that the cause of the failure was the refusal of the king himself; but from the following letter it appears that the matter was never mentioned to his majesty; that, as time pressed, his lordship proposed the beforementioned arrangement as from himself, running the risk of obtaining the king's subsequent approbation when he should have an opportunity of mentioning it to his majesty. This affords some, and yet not a satisfactory, 2 [It is rather singular that Mr. Boswell, who was so angry that Sir J. Hawkins did not inquire from Sir Joshua about the beginning of this negotiation, should himself have been so much more negligent as not to inquire about its end. If he had done so, Sir Joshua would no doubt have communicated to him Lord Thurlow's letter of the 18th Nov., and thus saved Mr. Boswell the pain which it is clear he felt at supposing that the king himself had rejected his lordship's humane proposition. It seems somewhat odd that Sir Joshua, after the appearance of the above passage in Mr. Boswell's first edition, did not explain the true state of the case to him. See the following note.-ED.] it: explanation of the device suggested by exhibit a cautious yet encouraging view of Lord Thurlow of Johnson's giving him a mortgage on his pension.] ["LORD THURLOW TO SIR J. Reynolds. MSS. "Thursday, 18th November, 1784. "DEAR SIR,-My choice, if that Reyn had been left me, would certainly have been that the matter should not have been talked of at all. The only object I regarded was my own pleasure, in contributing to the health and comfort of a man whom I venerate sincerely and highly for every part, without exception, of his exalted character. This you know I proposed to do, as it might be without any expense, in all events at a rate infinitely below the satisfaction I proposed to myself. It would have suited the purpose better if nobody had heard of it, except Dr. Johnson, you, and J. Boswell 1. But the chief objection to the rumour is that his majesty is supposed to have refused it. Had that been so, I should not have communicated the circumstance. It was impossible for me to take the king's pleasure on the suggestion I presumed to move. I am an untoward solicitor. The time seemed to press, and I chose rather to take on myself the risk of his majesty's concurrence than delay a journey which might conduce to Dr. Johnson's health and comfort. "But these are all trifles, and scarce deserve even this eursory explanation. The only question of any worth is whether Dr. Johnson has any wish to go abroad, or other occasion for my assistance. Indeed he should give me credit for perfect simplicity, when I treat this as merely a pleasure afforded me, and accept it accordingly: any reluctance, if he examines himself thoroughly, will certainly be found to rest, in some part or other, upon a doubt of the disposition with which I offer it. I am, dear sir, with great regard, your most faithful and obedient servant, "THURLOW."] Having, after repeated reasonings, brought Dr. Johnson to agree to my removing to London, and even to furnish me with arguments in favour of what he had opposed; I wrote to him, requesting he would write them for me; he was so good as to comply, and I shall extract that part of his letter to me of June 11, as a proof how well he could 1 [That this letter was designedly kept from Mr. Boswell's knowledge is rendered probable by the following curious circumstance. On the face of the original letter his name has been obliterated with so much care that but for the different col our of the ink and some other small circumstances, it would not have been discoverable; it is artfully done, and the sentence appears to run except Dr. Johnson, you, and Ï"-" Boswell" being erased.-ED.] "I remember, and entreat you to remember, that virtus est vitium fugere; the first approach to riches is security from poverty. The condition upon which you have my consent to settle in London is, that your expense never exceeds your annual income. Fixing this basis of security, you cannot be hurt, and you may be very much advanced. The loss of your Scottish business, which is all that you can lose, is not to be reckoned as any equivalent to the hopes and possibilities that open here upon you. If you succeed, the question of prudence is at an end; every body will think that done right which ends happily; and though your expectations, of which I would not advise you to talk too much, should not be totally answered, you can hardly fail to get friends who will do for you all that your present situation allows you to hope; and if, after a few years, you should return to Scotland, you will return with a mind supplied by various conversation, and many opportunities of inquiry, with much knowledge, and materials for reflection and instruction." ["DR. JOHNSON TO DR. ADAMS. in Pemb. MSS. "London, 11th June (July), 1784. "DEAR SIR,-I am going into Staffordshire and Derbyshire quest of some relief, of which my need is not less than when I was treated at your house with so much tenderness. "I have now received the Collations for Xenophon, which I have sent you with the letters that relate to them. I cannot at present take any part in the work, but I would rather pay for a Collation of Oppian than see it neglected; for the Frenchmen act with great liberality. Let us not fall below them. "I know not in what state Dr. Edwards left his book 2. Some of his emendations seemed to me to (be) irrefragably certain, and such, therefore, as ought not to be lost. His rule was not (to) change the text; and, therefore, I suppose he has left notes to be subjoined. As the book is posthumous, some account of the editor ought to be given. "You have now the whole process of the correspondence before you. When the Prior is answered, let some apology be made for me. "I was forced to divide the Collation, but as it is paged you will easily put every part in its proper place. Mrs. and Miss Adams. I am, sir, your "Be pleased to convey my respects to most humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON."] [See ante, p. 200.-ED.] Let us now contemplate Johnson thirty years after the death of his wife, still retain ing for her all the tenderness of affection 1. "TO THE REVEREND MR. BAGSHAW, AT BROMLEY 2. "12th July, 1784. "SIR,-Perhaps you may remember, that in the year 1753 you committed to the ground my dear wife. I now entreat your permission to lay a stone upon her; and have sent the inscription, that, if you find it proper, you may signify your allowance. "You will do me a great favour by showing the place where she lies, that the stone may protect her remains. "Mr. Ryland will wait on you for the inscription 3, and procure it to be engraved. You will easily believe that I shrink from this mournful office. When it is done, if I have strength remaining, I will visit Bromley once again, and pay you part of the respect to which you have a right from, reverend sir, your most humble servant, the lowest state of a degraded mind. Boileau says to his pupil, 'Que les vers ne soient pas votre eternel emploi, 'Cultivez vos amis.' That voluntary debility which modern language is content to term indolence will, if it is not counteracted by resolution, renderin time the strongest faculties lifeless, and turn the flame to the smoke of virtue.-I do not expect or desire to see you, because I am much pleased to find that your mother stays so long with you, and I should think you neither elegant nor grateful, if you did not study her gratification. You will pay my respects to both the ladies, and to all the young people.-I am going northward for a while, to try what help the country can give me; but if you will write, the letter will come after me." Next day he set out on a jaunt to Staffordshire and Derbyshire, flattering himself that he might be in some degree relieved. During his absence from London he kept up a correspondence with several of On the same day he wrote to Mr. Lang- his friends, from which I shall select what ton: "SAM. JOHNSON." "I cannot but think that in my languid and anxious state, I have some reason to complain that I receive from you neither inquiry nor consolation. You know how much I value your friendship, and with what confidence I expect your kindness, if I wanted any act of tenderness that you could perform; at least if you do not know it, I think your ignorance is your own fault. Yet how long is it that I have lived almost in your neighbourhood without the least notice?—I do not, however, consider this neglect as particularly shown to me; I hear two of your most valuable friends make the same complaint. But why are all thus overlooked? You are not oppressed by sickness, you are not distracted by business; if you are sick, you are sick of leisure:And allow yourself to be told, that no disease is more to be dreaded or avoided. Rather to do nothing than to do good, is [If Sir J. Hawkins and Mrs. Piozzi sometimes took an unfavourable impression of Dr. Johnson's conduct, Mr. Boswell occasionally runs into the other extreme. Surely it is no such exemplary proof of " tenderness of affection" that he, for thirty-one years, had neglected one of the first offices not merely of affection, but of common regard, and seems to have been awakened at last to the melancholy recollection only by the near prospect of needing, himself, a similar memorial. Mr. Boswell's injudicious panegyric forces our thoughts into a contrary direction.-ED.] ? See vol. i. p. 320.-Boswell. appears to me proper for publication, without attending nicely to chronological order. "DR. JOHNSON TO DR. BROCKLESBY. "Ashbourne, 20th July. "The kind attention which you have so long shown to my health and happiness makes it as much a debt of gratitude as a call of interest to give you an account of what befalls me, when accident removes 4 me from your immediate care. The journey of the first day was performed with very little sense of fatigue; the second day brought me to Lichfield without much lassitude; but I am afraid that I could not have borne such violent agitation for many days together. Tell Dr. Heberden, that in the coach I read Ciceronianus,' which I concluded as I entered Lichfield. My affection and understanding went along with Erasmus, except that once or twice he somewhat unskilfully entangles Cicero's civil or moral with his rhetorical character. -I staid five days at Lichfield, but, being unable to walk, had no great pleasure, and yesterday (19th) I came hither, where I am to try what air and attention can perform.-Of any improvement in my health I cannot yet please myself with the perception. ******.—The asthma has no abatement. Opiates stop the fit, so as that I can sit and sometimes lie easy, but they do not now procure me the power of motion; and 4 [This, by an error either of the transcript or the press, was printed recovers: Mr. Malone made the correction.-Ed.] I am afraid that my general strength of body does not increase. The weather indeed is not benign; but how low is he sunk whose strength depends upon the weather! I am now looking into Floyer 1, who lived with his asthma to almost his ninetieth year. His book, by want of order, is obscure; and his asthma, I think, not of the same kind with mine. Something, however, I may perhaps learn.-My appetite still continues keen enough; and what I consider as a symptom of radical health, I have a voracious delight in raw summer fruit, of which I was less eager a few years ago. You will be pleased to communicate this account to Dr. Heberden, and if any thing is to be done, let me have your joint opinion.-Now-abite, curœ!—let me inquire after the Club 2." 31st July. mitted, perceptibly remitted, and I moved with more ease than I have enjoyed for many weeks. May God continue his mercy. This account I would not delay, because I am not a lover of complaints or complainers, and yet I have, since we parted, uttered nothing till now but terrour and sorrow. Write to me, dear sir." 16th August. "Better, I hope, and better. My respiration gets more and more ease and liberty. I went to church yesterday, after a very liberal dinner, without any inconvenience; it is indeed no long walk, but I never walked it without difficulty, since I came, before. * the intention was only to overpower the seeming vis inertia of the pectoral and pulmonary muscles.—I am favoured with a degree of ease that very "Not reco.lecting tnat Dr. Heberden much delights me, and do not despair of might be at Windsor, I thought your letter another race up the stairs of the Academy. long in coming. But, you know, nocitura-If I were, however, of a humour to see, petuntur; the letter which I so much de- or to show, the state of my body, on the sired tells me that I have lost one of my dark side, I might say, best and tenderest friends 3. My comfort is, that he appeared to live like a man that had always before his eyes the fragility of our present existence, and was therefore, I hope, not unprepared to meet his Judge. Your attention, dear sir, and that of Dr. Heberden, to my health, is extremely kind. I am loth to think that I grow worse; and cannot fairly prove even to my own partiality that I grow much better." "5th August. "I return you thanks, aear sir, for your unwearied attention both medicinal and friendly, and hope to prove the effect of your care by living to acknowledge it." "12th August. "Pray be so kind as to have me in your thoughts, and mention my case to others as you have opportunity. I seem to myself neither to gain nor lose strength. I have lately tried milk, but have yet found no advantage, and am afraid of it merely as a liquid. My appetite is still good, which I know is dear Dr. Heberden's criterion of the vis vita.-As we cannot now see each other, do not omit to write, for you cannot think with what warmth of expectation I reckon the hours of a post-day." 'Quid te exempta juvat spinis de pluribus una? › The nights are still sleepless, and the water rises, though it does not rise very fast. Let us, however, rejoice in all the good that we have. The remission of one disease will enable nature to combat the rest.—The squills I have not neglected; for I have taken more than a hundred drops a day, and one day took two hundred and fifty, which, according to the popular equivalent of a drop to a grain, is more than half an ounce. I thank you, dear sir, for your attention in ordering the medicines; your attention to me has never failed. If the virtue of medicines could be enforced by the benevolence of the prescriber, how soon should I be well!" "19th August. "The relaxation of the asthma still continues, yet I do not trust it wholly to itself, but soothe it now and then with an opiate. I not only perform the perpetual act of respiration with less labour, but I can walk with fewer intervals of rest, and with greater freedom of motion. I never thought well of Dr. James's compounded medicines; his ingredients appear to me sometimes inefficacious and trifling, and sometimes heterogeneous and destructive of each other. This prescription exhibits a composition of about three hundred and thirty grains, in which there are four grains of emetick tartar, and six drops [of] thebaic tincture. He that writes thus surely writes for show. The basis of his medicine is the gum ammoniacum, which dear Dr. Lawrence used to give, but of which I never saw any effect. We will, if you please, let this medicine alone. The squills have every suffrage, |