life of samuel johnson (1)

8/2/2019 Life of Samuel Johnson (1)

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TheProjectGutenbergEBookofLifeofJohnson,byJamesBoswell

ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwithalmostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayorre-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincludedwiththiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.org

Title:LifeofJohnsonAbridgedandEdited,withanIntroductionbyCharlesGrosvenorOsgood

Author:JamesBoswell

Editor:CharlesGrosvenorOsgood

ReleaseDate:May12,2006[EBook#1564]

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKLIFEOFJOHNSON***

ProducedbyDonaldLainson

BOSWELL'SLIFEOFJOHNSON

ByJamesBoswell

Abridgedandedited,withanintroduction

byCharlesGrosvenorOsgood

ProfessorofEnglishatPrincetonUniversity

Preface

InmakingthisabridgementofBoswell'sLifeofJohnsonIhaveomittedmostofBoswell'scriticisms,comments,andnotes,allofJohnson's

opinionsinlegalcases,mostoftheletters,andpartsoftheconversationdealingwithmatterswhichwereofgreaterimportanceinBoswell'sdaythannow.Ihavekeptinmindanoldhabit,commonenough,Idaresay,amongitsdevotees,ofopeningthebookofrandom,andreadingwherevertheeyefallsuponapassageofespecialinterest.Allsuchpassages,Ihope,havebeenretained,andenoughofthewholebooktoillustrateallthephasesofJohnson'smindandofhistimewhichBoswellobserved.

LoyalJohnsoniansmaylookuponsuchabookwithameasureofscorn.I



couldnothavemadeit,hadInotbelievedthatitwouldbethemeansofdrawingnewreaderstoBoswell,andeventuallyoffindingfortheminthecompleteworkwhatmanyhavealreadyfound--daysandyearsofgrowingenlightenmentandhappycompanionship,andaninnocentrefugefromthecaresandperturbationsoflife.

Princeton,June28,1917.

INTRODUCTION

PhillipsBrooksoncetoldtheboysatExeterthatinreadingbiographythreemenmeetoneanotherincloseintimacy--thesubjectofthebiography,theauthor,andthereader.Ofthethreethemostinterestingis,ofcourse,themanaboutwhomthebookiswritten.Themostprivilegedisthereader,whoisthusallowedtolivefamiliarlywithaneminentman.Leastregardedofthethreeistheauthor.Itishisparttointroducetheothers,andtodevelopbetweenthemanacquaintance,perhapsafriendship,whilehe,thougheverbusyandsolicitous,withdrawsintothebackground.

SomethinkthatBoswell,inhisLifeofJohnson,didnotsufficiently

realizehisdutyofself-effacement.Heistoomuchinevidence,toobustling,tooanxiousthathisownopinion,thoughcomparativelyunimportant,shouldgetahearing.Ingeneral,Boswell'sfaultsareeasilynoticed,andhavebeentoomuchtalkedabout.Hewasmorbid,restless,self-conscious,vain,insinuating;and,poorfellow,hediedadrunkard.ButtheessentialBoswell,theskilfulanddevotedartist,isalmostunrecognized.AsthecreatoroftheLifeofJohnsonheisalmostasmucheffacedasisHomerintheOdyssey.Heisindeedsocloselyconcealedthatthereadersuspectsnoartatall.Boswell'sperformancelookseasyenough--merelythemoreorlesscoherentstringingtogetherofamassofmemoranda.Neverthelessitwasrareanddifficult,asisthehighestachievementinart.Boswellisprimarilytheartist,andhehascreatedoneofthegreatmasterpiecesoftheworld.*Hecreated

nothingelse,thoughhisheadwascontinuallyfillingitselfwithliteraryschemesthatcametonought.ButintohisLifeofJohnsonhepouredallhisartisticenergies,asMiltonpouredhisintoParadiseLost,andVergilhisintotheAneid.

*HereIincludehisJournalofaTouroftheHebridesasessentiallyapartoftheLife.TheJournalofaTourinCorsicaisbutapropaedeuticstudy.

First,Boswellhadtheindustryandthedevotiontohistaskofanartist.Twentyyearsandmorehelaboredincollectinghismaterial.Hespeaksfranklyofhismethods.HerecordedthetalkofJohnsonandhisassociatespartlybyaroughshorthandofhisown,partlybyan

exceptionalmemory,whichhecarefullytrainedforthisverypurpose.'Oforshorthandtotakethisdown!'saidhetoMrs.ThraleastheylistenedtoJohnson;andshereplied:'You'llcarryitallinyourhead;alongheadisasgoodasshorthand.'MissHannahMorerecallsagaymeetingattheGarricks',inJohnson'sabsence,whenBoswellwasboldenoughtomatchhisskillwithnootherthanGarrickhimselfinanimitationofJohnson.ThoughGarrickwasmoresuccessfulinhisJohnsonianrecitationofpoetry,Boswellwoninreproducinghisfamiliarconversation.Helostnotimeinperfectinghisnotesbothmentalandstenographic,andsatupmanyanightfollowedbyadayofheadache,



towritetheminfinalform,thatnoneofthefreshnessandglowmightfade.Thesheerlaborofthisprocess,nottomentionthedifficulty,canbemeasuredonlybyonewhoattemptsasimilarfeat.Lethimtrytoreportthebestconversationofalivelyevening,followingitscourse,preservingitspoint,differentiatingsharplythetraitsoftheparticipants,keepingthestyle,idiom,andexactwordsofeach.Lethimrejectallpartsofit,howeverdiverting,ofwhichthecharmandforcewillevaporatewiththeoccasion,andretainonlythatwhichwillbeasamusing,significant,andlivelyaseverattheendofonehundred,or,forallthatwecansee,onethousandyears.Hewillthen,insomemeasure,realizethedifficultyofBoswell'sperformance.WhenhisworkappearedBoswellhimselfsaid:'Thestretchofmindandpromptassiduitybywhichsomanyconversationsarepreserved,Imyself,atsomedistanceoftime,contemplatewithwonder.'

HewasindefatigableinhuntingupandconsultingallwhohadknownpartsoraspectsofJohnson'slifewhichtohimwereinaccessible.Hementionsalltoldmorethanfiftynamesofmenandwomenwhomheconsultedforinformation,towhichnumbermanyothersshouldbeaddedofthosewhogavehimnothingthathecoulduse.'IhavesometimesbeenobligedtorunhalfoverLondon,inordertofixadatecorrectly.'Heagonizedoverhisworkwiththetruedevotionofanartist:'Youcannotimagine,'hesays,'whatlabor,whatperplexity,whatvexationIhaveenduredinarrangingaprodigiousmultiplicityofmaterials,in

supplyingomissions,insearchingforpapersburiedindifferentmasses,andallthisbesidestheexertionofcomposingandpolishing.'Hedespairsofmakinghispicturevividorfullenough,andofeverrealizinghispreconceptionofhismasterpiece.

Boswell'sdevotiontohisworkappearsinevenmoreextraordinaryways.Throughoutherepeatedlyoffershimselfasavictimtoillustratehisgreatfriend'swit,ill-humor,wisdom,affection,orgoodness.Heneverspareshimself,exceptnowandthentoassumeasomewhatdiaphanousanonymity.Withoutregardforhisowndignity,heexhibitshimselfashumiliated,ordrunken,orhypochondriac,orinquisitive,orresortingtopettysubterfuge--anythingfortheaccomplishmentofhisonemainpurpose.'Nay,Sir,'saidJohnson,'itwasnotthewinethatmadeyour

headache,butthesensethatIputintoit.''What,Sir,'asksthehaplessBoswell,'willsensemaketheheadache?''Yes,Sir,whenitisnotusedtoit.'

Boswellisalsotheartistinhisregardfortruth.Inhimitwasapassion.Againandagainheinsistsuponhisauthenticity.HedevelopedaninfalliblegustandunerringrelishofwhatwasgenuinelyJohnsonianinspeech,writing,oraction;andhisownaccountleadstotheinferencethathediscarded,asworthless,massesofdivertingmaterialwhichwouldhavetemptedalessscrupulouswriterbeyondresistance.'Iobservedtohim,'saidBoswell,'thattherewereveryfewofhisfriendssoaccurateasthatIcouldventuretoputdowninwritingwhattheytoldmeashissayings.'Thefaithfulnessofhisportrait,evento

theminutestdetails,ishisunremittingcare,andhesubjectsallcontributedmaterialtothesternestcriticism.

Industryandloveoftruthalonewillnotmaketheartist.WithonlytheseBoswellmighthavebeenmerelyatirelesstranscriber.Buthehadbesidesakeensenseofartisticvalues.Thisappearspartlyintheunityofhisvastwork.Thoughitwasyearsinthemaking,thoughthedetailsthatdemandedhisattentionwerecountless,yettheyallcentreconsistentlyinonefigure,andaresofocuseduponit,thatonecanhardlyopenthebookatrandomtoalinewhichhasnotitsdirect



bearingupontheonesubjectofthework.Noristheunityofthebookthatofanundeviatingnarrativeinchronologicalorderofoneman'slife;itgrowsratheroutofasingledominatingpersonalityexhibitedinallthevicissitudesofamanifoldcareer.Boswelloftenspeaksofhisworkasapainting,aportrait,andofsingleincidentsaspicturesorscenesinadrama.Hiseyeiskeenforcontrasts,forpicturesquemoments,fordramaticaction.WhileitisalwaysthesameJohnsonwhomhemakesthecentralfigure,hestudiestoshiftthebackground,theinterlocutors,thelightandshade,insearchofnewrevelationsandeffects.Hepresentsasuccessionofmanyscenes,exquisitelywrought,ofJohnsonamidwidelyvarioussettingsofEighteenth-CenturyEngland.Andsubjectandsettingaresocloselyalliedthateachborrowscharmandemphasisfromtheother.LetthedevotedreaderofBoswellaskhimselfwhatglamorwouldfadefromthechurchofSt.ClementDanes,fromtheMitre,fromFleetStreet,theOxfordcoach,andLichfield,iftheburlyfigurewerewithdrawnfromthem;orwhatcharmandillumination,ofthemanhimselfwouldhavebeenlostapartfromthesesettings.ItistheunseenhandoftheartistBoswellthathaswroughttheminseparablyintothisreciprocaleffect.

ThesinglescenesandpictureswhichBoswellhasgivenuswillallofthembearclosescrutinyfortheirprecision,theireconomyofmeans,theirlifelikeness,theirartisticeffect.Nonewaswroughtmorebeautifully,normoreardently,thanthatofJohnson'sinterviewwith

theKing.FirstweseetheplainmassivefigureofthescholaramidtheelegantcomfortofBuckinghamHouse.Heisintentonhisbookbeforethefire.ThentheapproachoftheKing,lightedonhiswaybyMr.Barnardwithcandlescaughtfromatable;theirentrancebyaprivatedoor,withJohnson'sunconsciousabsorption,hissuddensurprise,hisstartingup,hisdignity,theKing'seasewithhim,theirconversation,inwhichtheKingcourteouslydrawsfromJohnsonknowledgeofthatinwhichJohnsonisexpert,Johnson'smanlybearingandvoicethroughout--allissetforthwiththeunadornedvividnessandpermanenteffectwhichseemartlessenough,butwhicharecharacteristicofonlythegreatestart.

Boswell'sLifeofJohnsonisfurtheramasterpieceofartinthatitexertsthevigorousenergyofamasterpiece,anabundanceofwhat,for

wantofabetterword,wecallpersonality.ItisBoswell'sconfessedendeavortoaddthisqualitytotheothers,becauseheperceivedthatitwasanessentialqualityofJohnsonhimself,andhemorethanoncelamentshisinabilitytotransmitthefullforceandvitalityofhisoriginal.Besidesartisticperceptionandskillitrequiredinhimadmirationandenthusiasmtoseizethischaracteristicandimpartittohiswork.Hisadmirationheconfessesunashamed:'IsaidIworshippedhim...Icannothelpworshippinghim,heissomuchsuperiortoothermen.'Hestudiedhissubjectintensely.'Duringallthecourseofmylongintimacywithhim,myrespectfulattentionneverabated.'Uponsuchintensityandsuchardorandenthusiasmdependtheenergyandanimationofhisportrait.

Butitexhibitsotherpersonalqualitiesthanthese,which,iflessoftenremarked,areatanyrateunconsciouslyenjoyed.Boswellhadgreatsocialcharm.Hisfriendsareagreeduponhislivelinessandgoodnature.Johnsoncalledhim'clubbable,''thebesttravelingcompanionintheworld,''oneScotchmanwhoischeerful,''amanwhomeverybodylikes,''amanwhoIbelieveneverleftahousewithoutleavingawishforhisreturn.'Hisvivacity,hisloveoffun,hispassionforgoodcompanyandfriendship,hissympathy,hisamiability,whichmadehimacceptableeverywhere,havemingledthroughoutwithhisownhandiwork,andcauseittoradiateakindofgenialwarmth.Thisgenialityitmay



bewhichhasattractedsomanyreaderstothebook.Theyfindthemselvesingoodcompany,inacomfortable,pleasantplace,agreeablystimulatedwithwitandfun,andcheeredwithfriendliness.Theyarelothtoleaveit,andwouldeverenteritagain.Thisrarecharmthebookowesinlargemeasuretoitscreator.

TheallianceofauthorwithsubjectinBoswell'sJohnsonisoneofthehappiestandmostsympathetictheworldhasknown.Socloseisitthatonecannoteasilydiscernwhatgreatqualitiestheworkowestoeach.WhileitsurelyderivesmoreofitsexcellencethaniscommonlyremarkedfromtheartofBoswell,itsgreatnessafterallisultimatelythatofitssubject.ThenoblequalitiesofJohnsonhavebeenwelldiscernedbyCarlyle,andhisobviouspeculiaritiesandprejudicessomewhatmagnifiedanddistortedinMacaulay'sbrilliantrefractions.OnequalityonlyshallIdwellupon,thoughthatmaybethesumofalltherest.Johnsonhadasupremecapacityforhumanrelationship.Inhimthiscapacityamountedtogenius.

Inallrespectshewasofgreatstature.Hiscontemporariescalledhimacolossus,theliteraryGoliath,theGiant,thegreatChamofliterature,atremendouscompanion.Hisframewasmajestic;hestrodewhenhewalked,andhisphysicalstrengthandcouragewereheroic.Hismodeofspeakingwas'veryimpressive,'hisutterance'deliberateandstrong.'

Hisconversationwascomparedto'anantiquestatue,whereeveryveinandmuscleisdistinctandbold.'Fromboyhoodthroughouthislifehiscompanionsnaturallydeferredtohim,andhedominatedthemwithouteffort.Butwhatovercametheharshnessofthisautocracy,andmadeitreasonable,wasthelargenessofanaturethatlovedmenandwaseverhungryforknowledgeofthem.'Sir,'saidhe,'IlookuponeverydaylostinwhichIdonotmakeanewacquaintance.'Andagain:'Why,Sir,Iamamanoftheworld.Iliveintheworld,andItake,insomedegree,thecoloroftheworldasitmovesalong.'Thushewasapartofallthathemet,acentralfigureinhistime,withwhoseopiniononemustreckoninconsideringanyimportantmatterofhisday.

HisloveofLondonisbutapartofhishungerformen.'Thehappiness

ofLondonisnottobeconceivedbutbythosewhohavebeeninit.''Why,Sir,youfindnomanatallintellectualwhoiswillingtoleaveLondon:No,Sir,whenamanistiredofLondon,heistiredoflife;forthereisinLondonallthatlifecanafford.'AshelovedLondon,sohelovedatavernforitssociability.'Sir,thereisnothingwhichhasyetbeencontrivedbyman,bywhichsomuchhappinessisproducedasbyagoodtavern.''Atavernchairisthethroneofhumanfelicity.'

Personalwordsareoftenuponhislips,suchas'love'and'hate,'andvastisthenumber,range,andvarietyofpeoplewhoatonetimeoranotherhadbeeninsomedegreepersonallyrelatedwithhim,fromBetFlintandhisblackservantFrancis,totheadoredDuchessofDevonshireandtheKinghimself.Tonoonewhopassedawordwithhimwashe

personallyindifferent.Evenfoolsreceivedhispersonalattention.Saidone:'ButIdon'tunderstandyou,Sir.''Sir,Ihavefoundyouanargument.Iamnotobligedtofindyouanunderstanding.''Sir,youareirascible,'saidBoswell;'youhavenopatiencewithfollyorabsurdity.'

ButitisinJohnson'scapacityforfriendshipthathisgreatnessisspeciallyrevealed.'Keepyourfriendshipsingoodrepair.'Astheoldfriendsdisappeared,newonescametohim.ForJohnsonseemsnevertohavesoughtoutfriends.Hewasnotacommon'mixer.'Hestoopedtono



devicesforthesakeofpopularity.Hepoursonlyscornuponthelackofmindandconvictionwhichisnecessarytohimwhoiseverybody'sfriend.

Hisfriendshipsincludedallclassesandallages.Hewasagreatfavoritewithchildren,andknewhowtomeetthem,fromlittlefour-months-oldVeronicaBoswelltohisgodchildJaneLangton.'Sir,'saidhe,'Ilovetheacquaintanceofyoungpeople,...youngmenhavemorevirtuethanoldmen;theyhavemoregeneroussentimentsineveryrespect.'Atsixty-eighthesaid:'Ivaluemyselfuponthis,thatthereisnothingoftheoldmaninmyconversation.'Uponwomenofallclassesandagesheexertswithouttryingacharmtheconsciousnessofwhichwouldhaveturnedanyheadlessconstantthanhisown,andwiththeirfulsomeadorationhewaspleasednonethelessforperceivingitsrealvalue.

ButthemostimportantofhisfriendshipsdevelopedbetweenhimandsuchmenofgeniusasBoswell,DavidGarrick,OliverGoldsmith,SirJoshuaReynolds,andEdmundBurke.Johnson'sgeniusleftnofittestimonyofitselffromhisownhand.Withallthegreatnessofhismindhehadnotalentinsufficientmeasurebywhichfullytoexpresshimself.Hehadnoearformusicandnoeyeforpainting,andthefinestqualitiesinthecreationsofGoldsmithwerelostuponhim.Buthisgeniusfounditstalentsinothers,andthroughthetalentsofhispersonalfriendsexpresseditselfasitwerebyproxy.Theyrubbedtheirmindsupon

his,andhesetinmotionforthemideaswhichtheymightuse.Buttheintelligenceofgeniusisprofounderandmorepersonalthanmereideas.Ithaswithinitsomethingenergetic,expansive,propulsivefrommindtomind,perennial,yetsteadyandcontrolled;anditwaswithsuchforcethatJohnson'salmostsuperhumanpersonalityinspiredtheartofhisfriends.Ofthistheywereinsomedegreeaware.ReynoldsconfessedthatJohnsonformedhismind,and'brushedfromitagreatdealofrubbish.'GibboncalledJohnson'Reynolds'oracle.'InoneofhisDiscoursesSirJoshua,mindfulnodoubtofhisownexperience,recommendsthatyoungartistsseekthecompanionshipofsuchamanmerelyasatonictotheirart.BoswelloftentestifiestothestimulatingeffectofJohnson'spresence.Oncehespeaksof'ananimatingblazeofeloquence,whichrousedeveryintellectualpowerinmetothehighestpitch';andagain

ofthe'fullglow'ofJohnson'sconversation,inwhichhefelthimself'elevatedasifbroughtintoanotherstateofbeing.'HesaysthatallmembersofJohnson's'school''aredistinguishedforaloveoftruthandaccuracywhichtheywouldnothavepossessedinthesamedegreeiftheyhadnotbeenacquaintedwithJohnson.'HequotesJohnsonatlengthandrepeatedlyastheauthorofhisownlargeconceptionofbiography.HewasGoldsmith's'greatmaster,'Garrickfearedhiscriticism,andonecannotbutrecognizethepowerofJohnson'spersonalityintheincreasingintelligenceandconsistencyofGarrick'sinterpretations,inthegrowingvigorandfirmnessofGoldsmith'sstroke,inthecharm,finality,andexuberantlifeofSirJoshua'sportraits;andaboveallintheskill,truth,brilliance,andlifelikespontaneityofBoswell'sart.ItisinsuchworksasthesethatweshallfindtherealJohnson,and

throughthemthathewillexerttheforceofhispersonalityuponus.

Biographyistheliteratureofrealizedpersonality,oflifeasithasbeenlived,ofactualachievementsorshortcomings,ofsuccessorfailure;itisnotimaginaryandembellished,notwhatmightbeormighthavebeen,notreducedtoprescribedorartificialforms,butitistheunvarnishedstoryofthatwhichwasdelightful,disappointing,possible,orimpossible,inalifespentinthisworld.



Inthissenseitispeculiarlytheliteratureoftruthandauthenticity.Elementsofimaginationandspeculationmustenterintoallotherformsofliterature,andaspurelycreativeformstheymayranksuperiortobiography;butineachcaseitwillbefoundthattheirauthenticity,theirrighttoourattentionandcredence,ultimatelyrestsuponthebiographicalelementwhichisbasicinthem,thatis,uponwhattheyhavederivedbyobservationandexperiencefromahumanlifeseriouslylived.Biographycontainsthiselementinitspurity.Forthisreasonitismoreauthenticthanotherkindsofliterature,andmorerelevant.Thethingthatmostconcernsme,theindividual,whetherIwillorno,isthemanagementofmyselfinthisworld.Thefundamentalandessentialconditionsoflifearethesameinanyage,howevertheadventitiouscircumstancesmaychange.Thebeginningandtheendarethesame,theaveragelengththesame,theproblemsandtheprizethesame.How,then,haveothersmanaged,boththosewhofailedandthosewhosucceeded,orthose,infargreatestnumber,whodidboth?Letmeknowtheirambitions,theirodds,theirhandicaps,obstacles,weaknesses,andstruggles,howtheyfinallyfared,andwhattheyhadtosayaboutit.LetmeknowagreatvarietyofsuchinstancesthatImaymarktheirdisagreements,butmoreespeciallytheiragreementaboutit.Howdidtheyplaythegame?HowdidtheyfightthefightthatIamtofight,andhowinanycasedidtheyloseorwin?Tothesequestionsbiographygivesthedirectanswer.Suchisitsimportanceoverotherliterature.Forsuchreasons,doubtless,Johnson'loved'itmost.Forsuchreasons

thebookwhichhasbeenmostcherishedandreveredforwell-nightwothousandyearsisabiography.

Biography,then,isthechieftext-bookintheartofliving,andpreeminentinitskindistheLifeofJohnson.Hereistheinstanceofamanwhowasbornintoalifestrippedofallornamentandartificiality.HisequipmentinmindandstaturewasOlympian,buttheoddsagainsthimwereproportionatetohispowers.Withoutfearorcomplaint,withoutboastornoise,hefairlyjoinedissuewiththeworldandovercameit.Hescornedcircumstance,andlaidbaretheunvaryingrealitiesofthecontest.Hewasevertheswornenemyofspeciousness,ofnonsense,ofidleandinsincerespeculation,ofthemindthatdoesnottakeseriouslythedutyofmakingitselfup,ofneglectinthegravestconsiderationof

life.Heinsistedupontherightsanddignityoftheindividualman,andatthesametimeuponthevitalnecessitytohimofreverenceandsubmission,andnomanevermorebeautifullyillustratedtheirinterdependence,andtheirexquisitecombinationinanoblenature.

Boswell'sJohnsonisconsistentlyandprimarilythelifeofoneman.Incidentallyitismore,forthroughitoneiscarriedfromhisownpresentlimitationsintoaspaciousandgenialworld.Thereadertheremeetsavastnumberofpeople,men,women,children,nayevenanimals,fromGeorgetheThirddowntothecatHodge.Bytheauthor'smagiceachisalive,andthereadermingleswiththemaswithhisacquaintances.Itisavariedworld,andincludesthesmokyandswarmingcourtsandhighwaysofLondon,itsstatelydrawing-rooms,itscheerfulinns,

itsshopsandmarkets,andbeyondisthehighroadwhichwetravelinlumberingcoachorspeedingpostchaisetovenerableOxfordwithitspoliteandleisurelydons,ortothestaunchlittlecathedralcityofLichfield,welcomingbackitsfamoussontodinnerandtea,ortotheseatofacountrysquire,orducalcastle,orvillagetavern,orthegrimbuthospitablefeudallifeoftheHebrides.AndwhereverwegowithJohnsonthereisthelivelytrafficinideas,lendingvitalityandsignificancetoeverythingabouthim.

Apartofeducationandcultureistheextensionofone'snarrowrange



oflivingtoincludewiderpossibilitiesoractualities,suchasmaybegatheredfromotherfieldsofthought,othertimes,othermen;inshort,touseaJohnsonianphrase,itis'multiplicityofconsciousness.'ThereisnobookmoreeffectivethroughlongfamiliaritytosuchextensionandsuchmultiplicationthanBoswell'sLifeofJohnson.Itaddsanewworldtoone'sown,itincreasesone'sacquaintanceamongpeoplewhothink,itgivesintimatecompanionshipwithagreatandfriendlyman.

TheLifeofJohnsonisnotabookonfirstacquaintancetobereadthroughfromthefirstpagetotheend.'No,Sir,doYOUreadbooksthrough?'askedJohnson.Hiswayisprobablythebestoneofundertakingthisbook.Openatrandom,readhereandthere,forwardandback,whollyaccordingtoinclination;followthepracticeofJohnsonandallgoodreaders,of'tearingtheheart'outofit.Inthiswayyoumostreadilycomewithinthereachofitscharmandpower.Then,notcontentwithapart,seektheunabridgedwhole,andgrowintotheinfinitepossibilitiesofit.

Butthesupremeendofeducation,wearetold,isexpertdiscernmentinallthings--thepowertotellthegoodfromthebad,thegenuinefromthecounterfeit,andtopreferthegoodandthegenuinetothebadandthecounterfeit.ThisisthesupremeendofthetalkofSocrates,anditisthesupremeendofthetalkofJohnson.'Mydearfriend,'saidhe,'clearyourmindofcant;...don'tTHINKfoolishly.'Theeffectof

longcompanionshipwithBoswell'sJohnsonisjustthis.AsSirJoshuasaid,'itbrushesawaytherubbish';itclearsthemindofcant;itinstillsthehabitofsinglingouttheessentialthing;itimpartsdiscernment.Thus,throughhisfriendshipwithBoswell,Johnsonwillrealizehiswish,stilltobeteachingastheyearsincrease.

THELIFEOFSAMUELJOHNSON,LL.D.

HadDr.Johnsonwrittenhisownlife,inconformitywiththeopinion

whichhehasgiven,thateveryman'slifemaybebestwrittenbyhimself;hadheemployedinthepreservationofhisownhistory,thatclearnessofnarrationandeleganceoflanguageinwhichhehasembalmedsomanyeminentpersons,theworldwouldprobablyhavehadthemostperfectexampleofbiographythatwaseverexhibited.Butalthoughheatdifferenttimes,inadesultorymanner,committedtowritingmanyparticularsoftheprogressofhismindandfortunes,heneverhadperseveringdiligenceenoughtoformthemintoaregularcomposition.Ofthesememorialsafewhavebeenpreserved;butthegreaterpartwasconsignedbyhimtotheflames,afewdaysbeforehisdeath.

AsIhadthehonourandhappinessofenjoyinghisfriendshipforupwardsoftwentyyears;asIhadtheschemeofwritinghislifeconstantlyin

view;ashewaswellapprisedofthiscircumstance,andfromtimetotimeobliginglysatisfiedmyinquiries,bycommunicatingtometheincidentsofhisearlyyears;asIacquiredafacilityinrecollecting,andwasveryassiduousinrecording,hisconversation,ofwhichtheextraordinaryvigourandvivacityconstitutedoneofthefirstfeaturesofhischaracter;andasIhavesparednopainsinobtainingmaterialsconcerninghim,fromeveryquarterwhereIcoulddiscoverthattheyweretobefound,andhavebeenfavouredwiththemostliberalcommunicationsbyhisfriends;Iflattermyselfthatfewbiographershaveentereduponsuchaworkasthis,withmoreadvantages;independentofliterary



abilities,inwhichIamnotvainenoughtocomparemyselfwithsomegreatnameswhohavegonebeforemeinthiskindofwriting.

Insteadofmeltingdownmymaterialsintoonemass,andconstantlyspeakinginmyownperson,bywhichImighthaveappearedtohavemoremeritintheexecutionofthework,IhaveresolvedtoadoptandenlargeupontheexcellentplanofMr.Mason,inhisMemoirsofGray.Wherevernarrativeisnecessarytoexplain,connect,andsupply,Ifurnishittothebestofmyabilities;butinthechronologicalseriesofJohnson'slife,whichItraceasdistinctlyasIcan,yearbyyear,Iproduce,whereveritisinmypower,hisownminutes,lettersorconversation,beingconvincedthatthismodeismorelively,andwillmakemyreadersbetteracquaintedwithhim,thanevenmostofthosewerewhoactuallyknewhim,butcouldknowhimonlypartially;whereasthereishereanaccumulationofintelligencefromvariouspoints,bywhichhischaracterismorefullyunderstoodandillustrated.

IndeedIcannotconceiveamoreperfectmodeofwritinganyman'slife,thannotonlyrelatingallthemostimportanteventsofitintheirorder,butinterweavingwhatheprivatelywrote,andsaid,andthought;bywhichmankindareenabledasitweretoseehimlive,andto'liveo'ereachscene'withhim,asheactuallyadvancedthroughtheseveralstagesofhislife.HadhisotherfriendsbeenasdiligentandardentasIwas,hemighthavebeenalmostentirelypreserved.Asitis,Iwill

venturetosaythathewillbeseeninthisworkmorecompletelythananymanwhohaseveryetlived.

Andhewillbeseenashereallywas;forIprofesstowrite,nothispanegyrick,whichmustbeallpraise,buthisLife;which,greatandgoodashewas,mustnotbesupposedtobeentirelyperfect.Tobeashewas,isindeedsubjectofpanegyrickenoughtoanymaninthisstateofbeing;butineverypicturethereshouldbeshadeaswellaslight,andwhenIdelineatehimwithoutreserve,Idowhathehimselfrecommended,bothbyhispreceptandhisexample.

IamfullyawareoftheobjectionswhichmaybemadetotheminutenessonsomeoccasionsofmydetailofJohnson'sconversation,andhow

happilyitisadaptedforthepettyexerciseofridicule,bymenofsuperficialunderstandingandludicrousfancy;butIremainfirmandconfidentinmyopinion,thatminuteparticularsarefrequentlycharacteristick,andalwaysamusing,whentheyrelatetoadistinguishedman.Iamthereforeexceedinglyunwillingthatanything,howeverslight,whichmyillustriousfriendthoughtitworthhiswhiletoexpress,withanydegreeofpoint,shouldperish.

OfonethingIamcertain,thatconsideringhowhighlythesmallportionwhichwehaveofthetable-talkandotheranecdotesofourcelebratedwritersisvalued,andhowearnestlyitisregrettedthatwehavenotmore,IamjustifiedinpreservingrathertoomanyofJohnson'ssayings,thantoofew;especiallyasfromthediversityofdispositionsitcannot

beknownwithcertaintybeforehand,whetherwhatmayseemtriflingtosome,andperhapstothecollectorhimself,maynotbemostagreeabletomany;andthegreaternumberthatanauthourcanpleaseinanydegree,themorepleasuredoestherearisetoabenevolentmind.

SamuelJohnsonwasbornatLichfield,inStaffordshire,onthe18thofSeptember,N.S.,1709;andhisinitiationintotheChristianChurchwasnotdelayed;forhisbaptismisrecorded,intheregisterofSt.Mary'sparishinthatcity,tohavebeenperformedonthedayofhisbirth.His



fatheristherestiledGentleman,acircumstanceofwhichanignorantpanegyristhaspraisedhimfornotbeingproud;whenthetruthis,thattheappellationofGentleman,thoughnowlostintheindiscriminateassumptionofEsquire,wascommonlytakenbythosewhocouldnotboastofgentility.HisfatherwasMichaelJohnson,anativeofDerbyshire,ofobscureextraction,whosettledinLichfieldasabooksellerandstationer.HismotherwasSarahFord,descendedofanancientraceofsubstantialyeomanryinWarwickshire.Theywerewelladvancedinyearswhentheymarried,andneverhadmorethantwochildren,bothsons;Samuel,theirfirstborn,wholivedtobetheillustriouscharacterwhosevariousexcellenceIamtoendeavourtorecord,andNathanael,whodiedinhistwenty-fifthyear.

Mr.MichaelJohnsonwasamanofalargeandrobustbody,andofastrongandactivemind;yet,asinthemostsolidrocksveinsofunsoundsubstanceareoftendiscovered,therewasinhimamixtureofthatdisease,thenatureofwhicheludesthemostminuteenquiry,thoughtheeffectsarewellknowntobeawearinessoflife,anunconcernaboutthosethingswhichagitatethegreaterpartofmankind,andageneralsensationofgloomywretchedness.Fromhimthenhissoninherited,withsomeotherqualities,'avilemelancholy,'whichinhistoostrongexpressionofanydisturbanceofthemind,'madehimmadallhislife,atleastnotsober.'Michaelwas,however,forcedbythenarrownessofhiscircumstancestobeverydiligentinbusiness,notonlyinhisshop,

butbyoccasionallyresortingtoseveraltownsintheneighbourhood,someofwhichwereataconsiderabledistancefromLichfield.Atthattimebooksellers'shopsintheprovincialtownsofEnglandwereveryrare,sothattherewasnotoneeveninBirmingham,inwhichtownoldMr.Johnsonusedtoopenashopeverymarket-day.HewasaprettygoodLatinscholar,andacitizensocreditableastobemadeoneofthemagistratesofLichfield;and,beingamanofgoodsense,andskillinhistrade,heacquiredareasonableshareofwealth,ofwhichhoweverheafterwardslostthegreatestpart,byengagingunsuccessfullyinamanufactureofparchment.Hewasazealoushigh-churchmanandroyalist,andretainedhisattachmenttotheunfortunatehouseofStuart,thoughhereconciledhimself,bycasuisticalargumentsofexpediencyandnecessity,totaketheoathsimposedbytheprevailingpower.

Johnson'smotherwasawomanofdistinguishedunderstanding.Iaskedhisoldschool-fellow,Mr.Hector,surgeonofBirmingham,ifshewasnotvainofherson.Hesaid,'shehadtoomuchgoodsensetobevain,butsheknewherson'svalue.'Herpietywasnotinferiourtoherunderstanding;andtohermustbeascribedthoseearlyimpressionsofreligionuponthemindofherson,fromwhichtheworldafterwardsderivedsomuchbenefit.Hetoldme,thatheremembereddistinctlyhavinghadthefirstnoticeofHeaven,'aplacetowhichgoodpeoplewent,'andhell,'aplacetowhichbadpeoplewent,'communicatedtohimbyher,whenalittlechildinbedwithher;andthatitmightbethebetterfixedinhismemory,shesenthimtorepeatittoThomasJackson,theirman-servant;henotbeingintheway,thiswasnotdone;butthere

wasnooccasionforanyartificialaidforitspreservation.

ThereisatraditionalstoryoftheinfantHerculesoftoryism,socuriouslycharacteristick,thatIshallnotwithholdit.ItwascommunicatedtomeinaletterfromMissMaryAdye,ofLichfield:

'WhenDr.SacheverelwasatLichfield,Johnsonwasnotquitethreeyearsold.MygrandfatherHammondobservedhimatthecathedralpercheduponhisfather'sshoulders,listeningandgapingatthemuchcelebratedpreacher.Mr.HammondaskedMr.Johnsonhowhecouldpossiblythinkof



bringingsuchaninfanttochurch,andinthemidstofsogreatacrowd.Heanswered,becauseitwasimpossibletokeephimathome;for,youngashewas,hebelievedhehadcaughtthepublickspiritandzealforSacheverel,andwouldhavestaidforeverinthechurch,satisfiedwithbeholdinghim.'

NorcanIomitalittleinstanceofthatjealousindependenceofspirit,andimpetuosityoftemper,whichneverforsookhim.Thefactwasacknowledgedtomebyhimself,upontheauthorityofhismother.Oneday,whentheservantwhousedtobesenttoschooltoconducthimhome,hadnotcomeintime,hesetoutbyhimself,thoughhewasthensonear-sighted,thathewasobligedtostoopdownonhishandsandkneestotakeaviewofthekennelbeforeheventuredtostepoverit.Hisschool-mistress,afraidthathemightmisshisway,orfallintothekennel,orberunoverbyacart,followedhimatsomedistance.Hehappenedtoturnaboutandperceiveher.Feelinghercarefulattentionasaninsulttohismanliness,heranbacktoherinarage,andbeather,aswellashisstrengthwouldpermit.

Ofthepowerofhismemory,forwhichhewasallhislifeeminenttoadegreealmostincredible,thefollowingearlyinstancewastoldmeinhispresenceatLichfield,in1776,byhisstep-daughter,Mrs.LucyPorter,asrelatedtoherbyhismother.Whenhewasachildinpetticoats,andhadlearnttoread,Mrs.Johnsononemorningputthe

commonprayer-bookintohishands,pointedtothecollectfortheday,andsaid,'Sam,youmustgetthisbyheart.'Shewentupstairs,leavinghimtostudyit:Butbythetimeshehadreachedthesecondfloor,sheheardhimfollowingher.'What'sthematter?'saidshe.'Icansayit,'hereplied;andrepeateditdistinctly,thoughhecouldnothavereaditmorethantwice.

Buttherehasbeenanotherstoryofhisinfantprecocitygenerallycirculated,andgenerallybelieved,thetruthofwhichIamtorefuteuponhisownauthority.Itistold,that,whenachildofthreeyearsold,hechancedtotreaduponaduckling,theeleventhofabrood,andkilledit;uponwhich,itissaid,hedictatedtohismotherthefollowingepitaph:

'Hereliesgoodmasterduck,WhomSamuelJohnsontrodon;Ifithadliv'd,ithadbeenGOODLUCK,Forthenwe'dhadanODDONE.'

Thereissurelyinternalevidencethatthislittlecompositioncombinesinit,whatnochildofthreeyearsoldcouldproduce,withoutanextensionofitsfacultiesbyimmediateinspiration;yetMrs.LucyPorter,Dr.Johnson'sstepdaughter,positivelymaintainedtome,inhispresence,thattherecouldbenodoubtofthetruthofthisanecdote,forshehadhearditfromhismother.Sodifficultisittoobtainanauthentickrelationoffacts,andsuchauthoritymaytherebefor

errour;forheassuredme,thathisfathermadetheverses,andwishedtopassthemforhischild's.Headded,'myfatherwasafoolisholdman;thatistosay,foolishintalkingofhischildren.'

YoungJohnsonhadthemisfortunetobemuchafflictedwiththescrophula,orking'sevil,whichdisfiguredacountenancenaturallywellformed,andhurthisvisualnervessomuch,thathedidnotseeatallwithoneofhiseyes,thoughitsappearancewaslittledifferentfromthatoftheother.Thereisamongsthisprayers,oneinscribed'When,myEYEwasrestoredtoitsuse,'whichascertainsadefectthatmanyofhis



friendsknewhehad,thoughIneverperceivedit.Isupposedhimtobeonlynear-sighted;andindeedImustobserve,thatinnootherrespectcouldIdiscernanydefectinhisvision;onthecontrary,theforceofhisattentionandperceptivequicknessmadehimseeanddistinguishallmannerofobjects,whetherofnatureorofart,withanicetythatisrarelytobefound.WhenheandIweretravellingintheHighlandsofScotland,andIpointedouttohimamountainwhichIobservedresembledacone,hecorrectedmyinaccuracy,byshewingme,thatitwasindeedpointedatthetop,butthatonesideofitwaslargerthantheother.Andtheladieswithwhomhewasacquaintedagree,thatnomanwasmorenicelyandminutelycriticalintheeleganceoffemaledress.WhenIfoundthathesawtheromantickbeautiesofIslam,inDerbyshire,muchbetterthanIdid,Itoldhimthatheresembledanableperformeruponabadinstrument.Ithasbeensaid,thathecontractedthisgrievousmaladyfromhisnurse.Hismotheryieldingtothesuperstitiousnotion,which,itiswonderfultothink,prevailedsolonginthiscountry,astothevirtueoftheregaltouch;anotion,whichourkingsencouraged,andtowhichamanofsuchinquiryandsuchjudgementasCartecouldgivecredit;carriedhimtoLondon,wherehewasactuallytouchedbyQueenAnne.Mrs.Johnsonindeed,asMr.Hectorinformedme,actedbytheadviceofthecelebratedSirJohnFloyer,thenaphysicianinLichfield.Johnsonusedtotalkofthisveryfrankly;andMrs.Piozzihaspreservedhisverypicturesquedescriptionofthescene,asitremaineduponhisfancy.BeingaskedifhecouldrememberQueenAnne,'Hehad(hesaid)

aconfused,butsomehowasortofsolemnrecollectionofaladyindiamonds,andalongblackhood.'Thistouch,however,waswithoutanyeffect.Iventuredtosaytohim,inallusiontothepoliticalprinciplesinwhichhewaseducated,andofwhichheeverretainedsomeodour,that'hismotherhadnotcarriedhimfarenough;sheshouldhavetakenhimtoROME.'

HewasfirsttaughttoreadEnglishbyDameOliver,awidow,whokeptaschoolforyoungchildreninLichfield.Hetoldmeshecouldreadtheblackletter,andaskedhimtoborrowforher,fromhisfather,abibleinthatcharacter.WhenhewasgoingtoOxford,shecametotakeleaveofhim,broughthim,inthesimplicityofherkindness,apresentofgingerbread,andsaid,hewasthebestscholarsheeverhad.He

delightedinmentioningthisearlycompliment:adding,withasmile,that'thiswasashighaproofofhismeritashecouldconceive.'HisnextinstructorinEnglishwasamaster,whom,whenhespokeofhimtome,hefamiliarlycalledTomBrown,who,saidhe,'publishedaspelling-book,anddedicatedittotheUNIVERSE;but,Ifear,nocopyofitcannowbehad.'

HebegantolearnLatinwithMr.Hawkins,usher,orunder-masterofLichfieldschool,'aman(saidhe)veryskilfulinhislittleway.'Withhimhecontinuedtwoyears,andthenrosetobeunderthecareofMr.Hunter,theheadmaster,who,accordingtohisaccount,'wasverysevere,andwrong-headedlysevere.Heused(saidhe)tobeatusunmercifully;andhedidnotdistinguishbetweenignoranceandnegligence;forhe

wouldbeataboyequallyfornotknowingathing,asforneglectingtoknowit.Hewouldaskaboyaquestion;andifhedidnotanswerit,hewouldbeathim,withoutconsideringwhetherhehadanopportunityofknowinghowtoanswerit.Forinstance,hewouldcallupaboyandaskhimLatinforacandlestick,whichtheboycouldnotexpecttobeasked.Now,Sir,ifaboycouldanswereveryquestion,therewouldbenoneedofamastertoteachhim.'

Itis,however,butjusticetothememoryofMr.Huntertomention,thatthoughhemighterrinbeingtoosevere,theschoolofLichfield



wasveryrespectableinhistime.ThelateDr.Taylor,PrebendaryofWestminster,whowaseducatedunderhim,toldme,that'hewasanexcellentmaster,andthathisushersweremostofthemmenofeminence;thatHolbrook,oneofthemostingeniousmen,bestscholars,andbestpreachersofhisage,wasusherduringthegreatestpartofthetimethatJohnsonwasatschool.ThencameHague,ofwhomasmuchmightbesaid,withtheadditionthathewasanelegantpoet.HaguewassucceededbyGreen,afterwardsBishopofLincoln,whosecharacterinthelearnedworldiswellknown.'

IndeedJohnsonwasverysensiblehowmuchheowedtoMr.Hunter.Mr.LangtononedayaskedhimhowhehadacquiredsoaccurateaknowledgeofLatin,inwhich,Ibelieve,hewasexceededbynomanofhistime;hesaid,'Mymasterwhiptmeverywell.Withoutthat,Sir,Ishouldhavedonenothing.'HetoldMr.Langton,thatwhileHunterwasflogginghisboysunmercifully,heusedtosay,'AndthisIdotosaveyoufromthegallows.'Johnson,uponalloccasions,expressedhisapprobationofenforcinginstructionbymeansoftherod.'Iwouldrather(saidhe)havetherodtobethegeneralterrourtoall,tomakethemlearn,thantellachild,ifyoudothus,orthus,youwillbemoreesteemedthanyourbrothersorsisters.Therodproducesaneffectwhichterminatesinitself.Achildisafraidofbeingwhipped,andgetshistask,andthere'sanendon't;whereas,byexcitingemulationandcomparisonsofsuperiority,youlaythefoundationoflastingmischief;youmake

brothersandsistershateeachother.'

Thatsuperiorityoverhisfellows,whichhemaintainedwithsomuchdignityinhismarchthroughlife,wasnotassumedfromvanityandostentation,butwasthenaturalandconstanteffectofthoseextraordinarypowersofmind,ofwhichhecouldnotbutbeconsciousbycomparison;theintellectualdifference,whichinothercasesofcomparisonofcharacters,isoftenamatterofundecidedcontest,beingasclearinhiscaseasthesuperiorityofstatureinsomemenaboveothers.Johnsondidnotstrutorstandontiptoe;Heonlydidnotstoop.Fromhisearliestyearshissuperioritywasperceivedandacknowledged.Hewasfromthebeginning[Greektextomitted],akingofmen.Hisschool-fellow,Mr.Hector,hasobliginglyfurnishedmewithmany

particularsofhisboyishdays:andassuredmethatheneverknewhimcorrectedatschool,butfortalkinganddivertingotherboysfromtheirbusiness.Heseemedtolearnbyintuition;forthoughindolenceandprocrastinationwereinherentinhisconstitution,wheneverhemadeanexertionhedidmorethananyoneelse.Hisfavouritesusedtoreceiveveryliberalassistancefromhim;andsuchwasthesubmissionanddeferencewithwhichhewastreated,suchthedesiretoobtainhisregard,thatthreeoftheboys,ofwhomMr.Hectorwassometimesone,usedtocomeinthemorningashishumbleattendants,andcarryhimtoschool.Oneinthemiddlestooped,whilehesatuponhisback,andoneoneachsidesupportedhim;andthushewasbornetriumphant.Suchaproofoftheearlypredominanceofintellectualvigourisveryremarkable,anddoeshonourtohumannature.Talkingtomeoncehimself

ofhisbeingmuchdistinguishedatschool,hetoldme,'theyneverthoughttoraisemebycomparingmetoanyone;theyneversaid,Johnsonisasgoodascholarassuchaone;butsuchaoneisasgoodascholarasJohnson;andthiswassaidbutofone,butofLowe;andIdonotthinkhewasasgoodascholar.'

Hediscoveredagreatambitiontoexcel,whichrousedhimtocounteracthisindolence.Hewasuncommonlyinquisitive;andhismemorywassotenacious,thatheneverforgotanythingthatheeitherheardorread.Mr.Hectorremembershavingrecitedtohimeighteenverses,which,after



alittlepause,herepeatedverbatim,varyingonlyoneepithet,bywhichheimprovedtheline.

Heneverjoinedwiththeotherboysintheirordinarydiversions:hisonlyamusementwasinwinter,whenhetookapleasureinbeingdrawnupontheicebyaboybarefooted,whopulledhimalongbyagarterfixedroundhim;noveryeasyoperation,ashissizewasremarkablylarge.Hisdefectivesight,indeed,preventedhimfromenjoyingthecommonsports;andheoncepleasantlyremarkedtome,'howwonderfullywellhehadcontrivedtobeidlewithoutthem.'Mr.Hectorrelates,that'hecouldnotobligehimmorethanbysaunteringawaythehoursofvacationinthefields,duringwhichhewasmoreengagedintalkingtohimselfthantohiscompanion.'

Dr.Percy,theBishopofDromore,whowaslongintimatelyacquaintedwithhim,andhaspreservedafewanecdotesconcerninghim,regrettingthathewasnotamorediligentcollector,informsme,that'whenaboyhewasimmoderatelyfondofreadingromancesofchivalry,andheretainedhisfondnessforthemthroughlife;sothat(addshisLordship)spendingpartofasummeratmyparsonagehouseinthecountry,hechoseforhisregularreadingtheoldSpanishromanceofFelixmarteofHircania,infolio,whichhereadquitethrough.YetIhaveheardhimattributetotheseextravagantfictionsthatunsettledturnofmindwhichpreventedhiseverfixinginanyprofession.'

1725:AETAT.16.--Afterhavingresidedforsometimeatthehouseofhisuncle,CorneliusFord,Johnsonwas,attheageoffifteen,removedtotheschoolofStourbridge,inWorcestershire,ofwhichMr.Wentworthwasthenmaster.Thisstepwastakenbytheadviceofhiscousin,theReverendMr.Ford,amaninwhombothtalentsandgooddispositionsweredisgracedbylicentiousness,butwhowasaveryablejudgeofwhatwasright.Atthisschoolhedidnotreceivesomuchbenefitaswasexpected.Ithasbeensaid,thatheactedinthecapacityofanassistanttoMr.Wentworth,inteachingtheyoungerboys.'Mr.Wentworth(hetoldme)wasaveryableman,butanidleman,andtomeverysevere;butIcannotblamehimmuch.Iwasthenabigboy;hesawIdid

notreverencehim;andthatheshouldgetnohonourbyme.Ihadbroughtenoughwithme,tocarrymethrough;andallIshouldgetathisschoolwouldbeascribedtomyownlabour,ortomyformermaster.Yethetaughtmeagreatdeal.'

Hethusdiscriminated,toDr.Percy,BishopofDromore,hisprogressathistwogrammar-schools.'Atone,Ilearntmuchintheschool,butlittlefromthemaster;intheother,Ilearntmuchfromthemaster,butlittleintheschool.'

HeremainedatStourbridgelittlemorethanayear,andthenreturnedhome,wherehemaybesaidtohaveloitered,fortwoyears,inastateveryunworthyhisuncommonabilities.Hehadalreadygivenseveral

proofsofhispoeticalgenius,bothinhisschool-exercisesandinotheroccasionalcompositions.

Hehadnosettledplanoflife,norlookedforwardatall,butmerelylivedfromdaytoday.Yethereadagreatdealinadesultorymanner,withoutanyschemeofstudy,aschancethrewbooksinhisway,andinclinationdirectedhimthroughthem.Heusedtomentiononecuriousinstanceofhiscasualreading,whenbutaboy.Havingimaginedthathisbrotherhadhidsomeapplesbehindalargefoliouponanuppershelfinhisfather'sshop,heclimbeduptosearchforthem.Therewereno



apples;butthelargefolioprovedtobePetrarch,whomhehadseenmentionedinsomepreface,asoneoftherestorersoflearning.Hiscuriosityhavingbeenthusexcited,hesatdownwithavidity,andreadagreatpartofthebook.Whathereadduringthesetwoyearshetoldme,wasnotworksofmereamusement,'notvoyagesandtravels,butallliterature,Sir,allancientwriters,allmanly:thoughbutlittleGreek,onlysomeofAnacreonandHesiod;butinthisirregularmanner(addedhe)Ihadlookedintoagreatmanybooks,whichwerenotcommonlyknownattheUniversities,wheretheyseldomreadanybooksbutwhatareputintotheirhandsbytheirtutors;sothatwhenIcametoOxford,Dr.Adams,nowmasterofPembrokeCollege,toldmeIwasthebestqualifiedfortheUniversitythathehadeverknowncomethere.'

ThatamaninMr.MichaelJohnson'scircumstancesshouldthinkofsendinghissontotheexpensiveUniversityofOxford,athisowncharge,seemsveryimprobable.ThesubjectwastoodelicatetoquestionJohnsonupon.ButIhavebeenassuredbyDr.TaylorthattheschemeneverwouldhavetakenplacehadnotagentlemanofShropshire,oneofhisschoolfellows,spontaneouslyundertakentosupporthimatOxford,inthecharacterofhiscompanion;though,infact,heneverreceivedanyassistancewhateverfromthatgentleman.

He,however,wenttoOxford,andwasenteredaCommonerofPembrokeCollegeonthe31stofOctober,1728,beingtheninhisnineteenthyear.

TheReverendDr.Adams,whoafterwardspresidedoverPembrokeCollegewithuniversalesteem,toldmehewaspresent,andgavemesomeaccountofwhatpassedonthenightofJohnson'sarrivalatOxford.Onthatevening,hisfather,whohadanxiouslyaccompaniedhim,foundmeanstohavehimintroducedtoMr.Jorden,whowastobehistutor.

Hisfatherseemedveryfullofthemeritsofhisson,andtoldthecompanyhewasagoodscholar,andapoet,andwroteLatinverses.Hisfigureandmannerappearedstrangetothem;buthebehavedmodestly,andsatsilent,tilluponsomethingwhichoccurredinthecourseofconversation,hesuddenlystruckinandquotedMacrobius;andthushegavethefirstimpressionofthatmoreextensivereadinginwhichhehad

indulgedhimself.

Histutor,Mr.Jorden,fellowofPembroke,wasnot,itseems,amanofsuchabilitiesasweshouldconceiverequisitefortheinstructorofSamuelJohnson,whogavemethefollowingaccountofhim.'Hewasaveryworthyman,butaheavyman,andIdidnotprofitmuchbyhisinstructions.Indeed,Ididnotattendhimmuch.ThefirstdayafterIcametocollegeIwaiteduponhim,andthenstaidawayfour.Onthesixth,Mr.JordenaskedmewhyIhadnotattended.IansweredIhadbeenslidinginChrist-Churchmeadow.AndthisIsaidwithasmuchnonchalanceasIamnowtalkingtoyou.IhadnonotionthatIwaswrongorirreverenttomytutor.BOSWELL:'That,Sir,wasgreatfortitudeofmind.'JOHNSON:'No,Sir;starkinsensibility.'

HehadaloveandrespectforJorden,notforhisliterature,butforhisworth.'Whenever(saidhe)ayoungmanbecomesJorden'spupil,hebecomeshisson.'

Havinggivenaspecimenofhispoeticalpowers,hewasaskedbyMr.Jorden,totranslatePope'sMessiahintoLatinverse,asaChristmasexercise.Heperformeditwithuncommonrapidity,andinsomasterlyamanner,thatheobtainedgreatapplausefromit,whicheverafterkepthimhighintheestimationofhisCollege,and,indeed,ofallthe



University.

Itissaid,thatMr.Popeexpressedhimselfconcerningitintermsofstrongapprobation.Dr.Taylortoldme,thatitwasfirstprintedforoldMr.Johnson,withouttheknowledgeofhisson,whowasveryangrywhenheheardofit.

The'morbidmelancholy,'whichwaslurkinginhisconstitution,andtowhichwemayascribethoseparticularities,andthataversiontoregularlife,which,ataveryearlyperiod,markedhischaracter,gatheredsuchstrengthinhistwentiethyear,astoafflicthiminadreadfulmanner.WhilehewasatLichfield,inthecollegevacationoftheyear1729,hefelthimselfoverwhelmedwithanhorriblehypochondria,withperpetualirritation,fretfulness,andimpatience;andwithadejection,gloom,anddespair,whichmadeexistencemisery.Fromthisdismalmaladyheneverafterwardswasperfectlyrelieved;andallhislabours,andallhisenjoyments,werebuttemporaryinterruptionsofitsbalefulinfluence.HetoldMr.Paradisethathewassometimessolanguidandinefficient,thathecouldnotdistinguishthehouruponthetown-clock.

Johnson,uponthefirstviolentattackofthisdisorder,strovetoovercomeitbyforcibleexertions.HefrequentlywalkedtoBirminghamandbackagain,andtriedmanyotherexpedients,butallinvain.Hisexpressionconcerningittomewas'Ididnotthenknowhowtomanage

it.'Hisdistressbecamesointolerable,thatheappliedtoDr.Swinfen,physicianinLichfield,hisgod-father,andputintohishandsastateofhiscase,writteninLatin.Dr.Swinfenwassomuchstruckwiththeextraordinaryacuteness,research,andeloquenceofthispaper,thatinhiszealforhisgodsonheshewedittoseveralpeople.Hisdaughter,Mrs.Desmoulins,whowasmanyyearshumanelysupportedinDr.Johnson'shouseinLondon,toldme,thatuponhisdiscoveringthatDr.Swinfenhadcommunicatedhiscase,hewassomuchoffended,thathewasneverafterwardsfullyreconciledtohim.Heindeedhadgoodreasontobeoffended;forthoughDr.Swinfen'smotivewasgood,heinconsideratelybetrayedamatterdeeplyinterestingandofgreatdelicacy,whichhadbeenentrustedtohiminconfidence;andexposedacomplaintofhisyoungfriendandpatient,which,inthesuperficialopinionofthe

generalityofmankind,isattendedwithcontemptanddisgrace.

ToJohnson,whosesupremeenjoymentwastheexerciseofhisreason,thedisturbanceorobscurationofthatfacultywastheevilmosttobedreaded.Insanity,therefore,wastheobjectofhismostdismalapprehension;andhefanciedhimselfseizedbyit,orapproachingtoit,attheverytimewhenhewasgivingproofsofamorethanordinarysoundnessandvigourofjudgement.Thathisowndiseasedimaginationshouldhavesofardeceivedhim,isstrange;butitisstrangerstillthatsomeofhisfriendsshouldhavegivencredittohisgroundlessopinion,whentheyhadsuchundoubtedproofsthatitwastotallyfallacious;thoughitisbynomeanssurprisingthatthosewhowishtodepreciatehim,should,sincehisdeath,havelaidholdofthis

circumstance,andinsisteduponitwithveryunfairaggravation.

Thehistoryofhismindastoreligionisanimportantarticle.Ihavementionedtheearlyimpressionsmadeuponhistenderimaginationbyhismother,whocontinuedherpiouscarewithassiduity,but,inhisopinion,notwithjudgement.'Sunday(saidhe)wasaheavydaytomewhenIwasaboy.Mymotherconfinedmeonthatday,andmademeread"TheWholeDutyofMan,"fromagreatpartofwhichIcouldderivenoinstruction.When,forinstance,Ihadreadthechapterontheft,whichfrommyinfancyIhadbeentaughtwaswrong,Iwasnomoreconvinced



thattheftwaswrongthanbefore;sotherewasnoaccessionofknowledge.Aboyshouldbeintroducedtosuchbooks,byhavinghisattentiondirectedtothearrangement,tothestyle,andotherexcellenciesofcomposition;thatthemindbeingthusengagedbyanamusingvarietyofobjects,maynotgrowweary.'

Hecommunicatedtomethefollowingparticularsuponthesubjectofhisreligiousprogress.'Ifellintoaninattentiontoreligion,oranindifferenceaboutit,inmyninthyear.ThechurchatLichfield,inwhichwehadaseat,wantedreparation,soIwastogoandfindaseatinotherchurches;andhavingbadeyes,andbeingawkwardaboutthis,IusedtogoandreadinthefieldsonSunday.Thishabitcontinuedtillmyfourteenthyear;andstillIfindagreatreluctancetogotochurch.IthenbecameasortoflaxTALKERagainstreligion,forIdidnotmuchTHINKagainstit;andthislastedtillIwenttoOxford,whereitwouldnotbeSUFFERED.WhenatOxford,ItookupLaw'sSeriousCalltoaHolyLife,expectingtofinditadullbook(assuchbooksgenerallyare),andperhapstolaughatit.ButIfoundLawquiteanovermatchforme;andthiswasthefirstoccasionofmythinkinginearnestofreligion,afterIbecamecapableofrationalinquiry.'Fromthistimeforwardreligionwasthepredominantobjectofhisthoughts;though,withthejustsentimentsofaconscientiousChristian,helamentedthathispracticeofitsdutiesfellfarshortofwhatitoughttobe.

TheparticularcourseofhisreadingwhileatOxford,andduringthetimeofvacationwhichhepassedathome,cannotbetraced.Enoughhasbeensaidofhisirregularmodeofstudy.Hetoldmethatfromhisearliestyearshelovedtoreadpoetry,buthardlyeverreadanypoemtoanend;thathereadShakspeareataperiodsoearly,thatthespeechoftheghostinHamletterrifiedhimwhenhewasalone;thatHorace'sOdeswerethecompositionsinwhichhetookmostdelight,anditwaslongbeforehelikedhisEpistlesandSatires.HetoldmewhathereadSOLIDLYatOxfordwasGreek;nottheGrecianhistorians,butHomerandEuripides,andnowandthenalittleEpigram;thatthestudyofwhichhewasthemostfondwasMetaphysicks,buthehadnotreadmuch,eveninthatway.Ialwaysthoughtthathedidhimselfinjusticeinhisaccountofwhathehadread,andthathemusthavebeenspeakingwithreference

tothevastportionofstudywhichispossible,andtowhichafewscholarsinthewholehistoryofliteraturehaveattained;forwhenIonceaskedhimwhetheraperson,whosenameIhavenowforgotten,studiedhard,heanswered'No,Sir;Idonotbelievehestudiedhard.Ineverknewamanwhostudiedhard.Iconclude,indeed,fromtheeffects,thatsomemenhavestudiedhard,asBentleyandClarke.'Tryinghimbythatcriterionuponwhichheformedhisjudgementofothers,wemaybeabsolutelycertain,bothfromhiswritingsandhisconversation,thathisreadingwasveryextensive.Dr.AdamSmith,thanwhomfewwerebetterjudgesonthissubject,onceobservedtomethat'Johnsonknewmorebooksthananymanalive.'Hehadapeculiarfacilityinseizingatoncewhatwasvaluableinanybook,withoutsubmittingtothelabourofperusingitfrombeginningtoend.Hehad,fromtheirritabilityofhis

constitution,atalltimes,animpatienceandhurrywhenheeitherreadorwrote.Acertainapprehension,arisingfromnovelty,madehimwritehisfirstexerciseatCollegetwiceover;buthenevertookthattroublewithanyothercomposition;andweshallseethathismostexcellentworkswerestruckoffataheat,withrapidexertion.

Nomanhadamoreardentloveofliterature,orahigherrespectforitthanJohnson.HisapartmentinPembrokeCollegewasthatuponthesecondfloor,overthegateway.Theenthusiastsoflearningwillevercontemplateitwithveneration.Oneday,whilehewassittinginit



quitealone,Dr.Panting,thenmasteroftheCollege,whomhecalled'afineJacobitefellow,'overheardhimutteringthissoliloquyinhisstrong,emphatickvoice:'Well,Ihaveamindtoseewhatisdoneinotherplacesoflearning.I'llgoandvisittheUniversitiesabroad.I'llgotoFranceandItaly.I'llgotoPadua.--AndI'llmindmybusiness.ForanAthenianblockheadistheworstofallblockheads.'

Dr.AdamstoldmethatJohnson,whilehewasatPembrokeCollege,'wascaressedandlovedbyallabouthim,wasagayandfrolicksomefellow,andpassedtherethehappiestpartofhislife.'Butthisisastrikingproofofthefallacyofappearances,andhowlittleanyofusknowoftherealinternalstateevenofthosewhomweseemostfrequently;forthetruthis,thathewasthendepressedbypoverty,andirritatedbydisease.WhenImentionedtohimthisaccountasgivenmebyDr.Adams,hesaid;'Ah,Sir,Iwasmadandviolent.Itwasbitternesswhichtheymistookforfrolick.Iwasmiserablypoor,andIthoughttofightmywaybymyliteratureandmywit;soIdisregardedallpowerandallauthority.'

TheBishopofDromoreobservesinalettertome,

'Thepleasurehetookinvexingthetutorsandfellowshasbeenoftenmentioned.ButIhaveheardhimsay,whatoughttoberecordedtothehonourofthepresentvenerablemasterofthatCollege,theReverend

WilliamAdams,D.D.,whowasthenveryyoung,andoneofthejuniorfellows;thatthemildbutjudiciousexpostulationsofthisworthyman,whosevirtueawedhim,andwhoselearningherevered,madehimreallyashamedofhimself,"thoughIfear(saidhe)Iwastooproudtoownit."

'IhaveheardfromsomeofhiscotemporariesthathewasgenerallyseenloungingattheCollegegate,withacircleofyoungstudentsroundhim,whomhewasentertainingwithwit,andkeepingfromtheirstudies,ifnotspiritingthemuptorebellionagainsttheCollegediscipline,whichinhismatureryearshesomuchextolled.'

Idonotfindthatheformedanycloseintimacieswithhisfellow-collegians.ButDr.Adamstoldmethathecontractedaloveand

regardforPembrokeCollege,whichheretainedtothelast.AshorttimebeforehisdeathhesenttothatCollegeapresentofallhisworks,tobedepositedintheirlibrary;andhehadthoughtsofleavingtoithishouseatLichfield;buthisfriendswhowereabouthimveryproperlydissuadedhimfromit,andhebequeathedittosomepoorrelations.HetookapleasureinboastingofthemanyeminentmenwhohadbeeneducatedatPembroke.InthislistarefoundthenamesofMr.HawkinsthePoetryProfessor,Mr.Shenstone,SirWilliamBlackstone,andothers;notforgettingthecelebratedpopularpreacher,Mr.GeorgeWhitefield,ofwhom,thoughDr.Johnsondidnotthinkveryhighly,itmustbeacknowledgedthathiseloquencewaspowerful,hisviewspiousandcharitable,hisassiduityalmostincredible;and,thatsincehisdeath,theintegrityofhischaracterhasbeenfullyvindicated.Beinghimself

apoet,JohnsonwaspeculiarlyhappyinmentioninghowmanyofthesonsofPembrokewerepoets;adding,withasmileofsportivetriumph,'Sir,weareanestofsingingbirds.'

Hewasnot,however,blindtowhathethoughtthedefectsofhisownCollege;andIhave,fromtheinformationofDr.Taylor,averystronginstanceofthatrigidhonestywhichheeverinflexiblypreserved.Taylorhadobtainedhisfather'sconsenttobeenteredofPembroke,thathemightbewithhisschoolfellowJohnson,withwhom,thoughsomeyearsolderthanhimself,hewasveryintimate.Thiswouldhavebeenagreat



comforttoJohnson.ButhefairlytoldTaylorthathecouldnot,inconscience,sufferhimtoenterwhereheknewhecouldnothaveanabletutor.HethenmadeinquiryallroundtheUniversity,andhavingfoundthatMr.Bateman,ofChristChurch,wasthetutorofhighestreputation,TaylorwasenteredofthatCollege.Mr.Bateman'slecturesweresoexcellent,thatJohnsonusedtocomeandgetthematsecond-handfromTaylor,tillhispovertybeingsoextremethathisshoeswerewornout,andhisfeetappearedthroughthem,hesawthatthishumiliatingcircumstancewasperceivedbytheChristChurchmen,andhecamenomore.Hewastooproudtoacceptofmoney,andsomebodyhavingsetapairofnewshoesathisdoor,hethrewthemawaywithindignation.HowmustwefeelwhenwereadsuchananecdoteofSamuelJohnson!

Theresangustadomipreventedhimfromhavingtheadvantageofacompleteacademicaleducation.Thefriendtowhomhehadtrustedforsupporthaddeceivedhim.HisdebtsinCollege,thoughnotgreat,wereincreasing;andhisscantyremittancesfromLichfield,whichhadallalongbeenmadewithgreatdifficulty,couldbesuppliednolonger,hisfatherhavingfallenintoastateofinsolvency.Compelled,therefore,byirresistiblenecessity,helefttheCollegeinautumn,1731,withoutadegree,havingbeenamemberofitlittlemorethanthreeyears.

Andnow(IhadalmostsaidPOOR)SamuelJohnsonreturnedtohisnativecity,destitute,andnotknowinghowheshouldgainevenadecent

livelihood.Hisfather'smisfortunesintraderenderedhimunabletosupporthisson;andforsometimethereappearednomeansbywhichhecouldmaintainhimself.IntheDecemberofthisyearhisfatherdied.

Johnsonwassofarfortunate,thattherespectablecharacterofhisparents,andhisownmerit,had,fromhisearliestyears,securedhimakindreceptioninthebestfamiliesatLichfield.AmongtheseIcanmentionMr.Howard,Dr.Swinfen,Mr.Simpson,Mr.Levett,CaptainGarrick,fatherofthegreatornamentoftheBritishstage;butaboveall,Mr.GilbertWalmsley,RegisterofthePrerogativeCourtofLichfield,whosecharacter,longafterhisdecease,Dr.Johnsonhas,inhisLifeofEdmundSmith,thusdrawnintheglowingcoloursofgratitude:

'OfGilbertWalmsley,thuspresentedtomymind,letmeindulgemyselfintheremembrance.Iknewhimveryearly;hewasoneofthefirstfriendsthatliteratureprocuredme,andIhopethat,atleast,mygratitudemademeworthyofhisnotice.

'Hewasofanadvancedage,andIwasonlynotaboy,yetheneverreceivedmynotionswithcontempt.Hewasawhig,withallthevirulenceandmalevolenceofhisparty;yetdifferenceofopiniondidnotkeepusapart.Ihonouredhimandheenduredme.

'Atthisman'stableIenjoyedmanycheerfulandinstructivehours,withcompanions,suchasarenotoftenfound--withonewhohaslengthened,

andonewhohasgladdenedlife;withDr.James,whoseskillinphysickwillbelongremembered;andwithDavidGarrick,whomIhopedtohavegratifiedwiththischaracterofourcommonfriend.Butwhatarethehopesofman!Iamdisappointedbythatstrokeofdeath,whichhaseclipsedthegaietyofnations,andimpoverishedthepublickstockofharmlesspleasure.'

Inthesefamilieshepassedmuchtimeinhisearlyyears.Inmostofthem,hewasinthecompanyofladies,particularlyatMr.Walmsley's,whosewifeandsisters-in-law,ofthenameofAston,anddaughtersofa



Baronet,wereremarkableforgoodbreeding;sothatthenotionwhichhasbeenindustriouslycirculatedandbelieved,thatheneverwasingoodcompanytilllateinlife,and,consequentlyhadbeenconfirmedincoarseandferociousmannersbylonghabits,iswhollywithoutfoundation.Someoftheladieshaveassuredme,theyrecollectedhimwellwhenayoungman,asdistinguishedforhiscomplaisance.

Intheforlornstateofhiscircumstances,heacceptedofanoffertobeemployedasusherintheschoolofMarket-Bosworth,inLeicestershire,towhichitappears,fromoneofhislittlefragmentsofadiary,thathewentonfoot,onthe16thofJuly.

Thisemploymentwasveryirksometohimineveryrespect,andhecomplainedgrievouslyofitinhisletterstohisfriendMr.Hector,whowasnowsettledasasurgeonatBirmingham.Thelettersarelost;butMr.Hectorrecollectshiswriting'thatthepoethaddescribedthedullsamenessofhisexistenceinthesewords,"Vitamcontinetunadies"(onedaycontainsthewholeofmylife);thatitwasunvariedasthenoteofthecuckow;andthathedidnotknowwhetheritwasmoredisagreeableforhimtoteach,ortheboystolearn,thegrammarrules.'HisgeneralaversiontothispainfuldrudgerywasgreatlyenhancedbyadisagreementbetweenhimandSirWolstanDixey,thepatronoftheschool,inwhosehouse,Ihavebeentold,heofficiatedasakindofdomestickchaplain,sofar,atleast,astosaygraceattable,butwastreatedwithwhat

herepresentedasintolerableharshness;and,aftersufferingforafewmonthssuchcomplicatedmisery,herelinquishedasituationwhichallhislifeafterwardsherecollectedwiththestrongestaversion,andevenadegreeofhorrour.Butitisprobablethatatthisperiod,whateveruneasinesshemayhaveendured,helaidthefoundationofmuchfutureeminencebyapplicationtohisstudies.

Beingnowagaintotallyunoccupied,hewasinvitedbyMr.HectortopasssometimewithhimatBirmingham,ashisguest,atthehouseofMr.Warren,withwhomMr.Hectorlodgedandboarded.Mr.WarrenwasthefirstestablishedbooksellerinBirmingham,andwasveryattentivetoJohnson,whohesoonfoundcouldbeofmuchservicetohiminhistrade,byhisknowledgeofliterature;andheevenobtainedtheassistanceof

hispeninfurnishingsomenumbersofaperiodicalEssayprintedinthenewspaper,ofwhichWarrenwasproprietor.Afterverydiligentinquiry,IhavenotbeenabletorecoverthoseearlyspecimensofthatparticularmodeofwritingbywhichJohnsonafterwardssogreatlydistinguishedhimself.

HecontinuedtoliveasMr.Hector'sguestforaboutsixmonths,andthenhiredlodgingsinanotherpartofthetown,findinghimselfaswellsituatedatBirminghamashesupposedhecouldbeanywhere,whilehehadnosettledplanoflife,andveryscantymeansofsubsistence.Hemadesomevaluableacquaintancesthere,amongstwhomwereMr.Porter,amercer,whosewidowheafterwardsmarried,andMr.Taylor,whobyhisingenuityinmechanicalinventions,andhissuccessintrade,acquired

animmensefortune.ButthecomfortofbeingnearMr.Hector,hisoldschool-fellowandintimatefriend,wasJohnson'schiefinducementtocontinuehere.

Hisjuvenileattachmentstothefairsexwereverytransient;anditiscertainthatheformednocriminalconnectionwhatsoever.Mr.Hector,wholivedwithhiminhisyoungerdaysintheutmostintimacyandsocialfreedom,hasassuredme,thatevenatthatardentseasonhisconductwasstrictlyvirtuousinthatrespect;andthatthoughhelovedtoexhilaratehimselfwithwine,heneverknewhimintoxicatedbutonce.



Inamanwhomreligiouseducationhassecuredfromlicentiousindulgences,thepassionoflove,whenonceithasseizedhim,isexceedinglystrong;beingunimpairedbydissipation,andtotallyconcentratedinoneobject.ThiswasexperiencedbyJohnson,whenhebecametheferventadmirerofMrs.Porter,afterherfirsthusband'sdeath.MissPortertoldme,thatwhenhewasfirstintroducedtohermother,hisappearancewasveryforbidding:hewasthenleanandlank,sothathisimmensestructureofboneswashideouslystrikingtotheeye,andthescarsofthescrophulaweredeeplyvisible.Healsoworehishair,whichwasstraightandstiff,andseparatedbehind:andheoftenhad,seemingly,convulsivestartsandoddgesticulations,whichtendedtoexciteatoncesurprizeandridicule.Mrs.Porterwassomuchengagedbyhisconversationthatsheoverlookedalltheseexternaldisadvantages,andsaidtoherdaughter,'thisisthemostsensiblemanthatIeversawinmylife.'

ThoughMrs.PorterwasdoubletheageofJohnson,andherpersonandmanner,asdescribedtomebythelateMr.Garrick,werebynomeanspleasingtoothers,shemusthavehadasuperiorityofunderstandingandtalents,asshecertainlyinspiredhimwithamorethanordinarypassion;andshehavingsignifiedherwillingnesstoacceptofhishand,hewenttoLichfieldtoaskhismother'sconsenttothemarriage,whichhecouldnotbutbeconsciouswasaveryimprudentscheme,bothon

accountoftheirdisparityofyears,andherwantoffortune.ButMrs.Johnsonknewtoowelltheardourofherson'stemper,andwastootenderaparenttoopposehisinclinations.

IknownotforwhatreasonthemarriageceremonywasnotperformedatBirmingham;butaresolutionwastakenthatitshouldbeatDerby,forwhichplacethebrideandbridegroomsetoutonhorseback,Isupposeinverygoodhumour.ButthoughMr.TophamBeauclerkusedarchlytomentionJohnson'shavingtoldhim,withmuchgravity,'Sir,itwasalovemarriageonbothsides,'Ihavehadfrommyillustriousfriendthefollowingcuriousaccountoftheirjourneytochurchuponthenuptialmorn:

9thJULY:--'Sir,shehadreadtheoldromances,andhadgotintoherheadthefantasticalnotionthatawomanofspiritshoulduseherloverlikeadog.So,Sir,atfirstshetoldmethatIrodetoofast,andshecouldnotkeepupwithme;and,whenIrodealittleslower,shepassedme,andcomplainedthatIlaggedbehind.Iwasnottobemadetheslaveofcaprice;andIresolvedtobeginasImeanttoend.Ithereforepushedonbriskly,tillIwasfairlyoutofhersight.Theroadlaybetweentwohedges,soIwassureshecouldnotmissit;andIcontrivedthatsheshouldsooncomeupwithme.Whenshedid,Iobservedhertobeintears.'

This,itmustbeallowed,wasasingularbeginningofconnubialfelicity;butthereisnodoubtthatJohnson,thoughhethussheweda

manlyfirmness,provedamostaffectionateandindulgenthusbandtothelastmomentofMrs.Johnson'slife:andinhisPrayersandMeditations,wefindveryremarkableevidencethathisregardandfondnessforherneverceased,evenafterherdeath.

Henowsetupaprivateacademy,forwhichpurposehehiredalargehouse,wellsituatednearhisnativecity.IntheGentleman'sMagazinefor1736,thereisthefollowingadvertisement:

'AtEdial,nearLichfield,inStaffordshire,younggentlemenareboarded



andtaughttheLatinandGreeklanguages,bySAMUELJOHNSON.'

ButtheonlypupilsthatwereputunderhiscarewerethecelebratedDavidGarrickandhisbrotherGeorge,andaMr.Offely,ayounggentlemanofgoodfortunewhodiedearly.Thetruthis,thathewasnotsowellqualifiedforbeingateacherofelements,andaconductorinlearningbyregulargradations,asmenofinferiourpowersofmind.Hisownacquisitionshadbeenmadebyfitsandstarts,byviolentirruptionsintotheregionsofknowledge;anditcouldnotbeexpectedthathisimpatiencewouldbesubdued,andhisimpetuosityrestrained,soastofithimforaquietguidetonovices.

Johnsonwasnotmoresatisfiedwithhissituationasthemasterofanacademy,thanwiththatoftheusherofaschool;weneednotwonder,therefore,thathedidnotkeephisacademyaboveayearandahalf.FromMr.Garrick'saccounthedidnotappeartohavebeenprofoundlyreverencedbyhispupils.Hisodditiesofmanner,anduncouthgesticulations,couldnotbutbethesubjectofmerrimenttothem;and,inparticular,theyoungroguesusedtolistenatthedoorofhisbed-chamber,andpeepthroughthekey-hole,thattheymightturnintoridiculehistumultuousandawkwardfondnessforMrs.Johnson,whomheusedtonamebythefamiliarappellationofTettyorTetsey,which,likeBettyorBetsey,isprovinciallyusedasacontractionforElisabeth,herchristianname,butwhichtousseemsludicrous,whenappliedtoa

womanofherageandappearance.Mr.Garrickdescribedhertomeasveryfat,withabosomofmorethanordinaryprotuberance,withswelledcheeksofafloridred,producedbythickpainting,andincreasedbytheliberaluseofcordials;flaringandfantastickinherdress,andaffectedbothinherspeechandhergeneralbehaviour.IhaveseenGarrickexhibither,byhisexquisitetalentofmimickry,soastoexcitetheheartiestburstsoflaughter;buthe,probably,asisthecaseinallsuchrepresentations,considerablyaggravatedthepicture.

JohnsonnowthoughtoftryinghisfortuneinLondon,thegreatfieldofgeniusandexertion,wheretalentsofeverykindhavethefullestscope,andthehighestencouragement.ItisamemorablecircumstancethathispupilDavidGarrickwentthitheratthesametime,*withintentionto

completehiseducation,andfollowtheprofessionofthelaw,fromwhichhewassoondivertedbyhisdecidedpreferenceforthestage.

*BothofthemusedtotalkpleasantlyofthistheirfirstjourneytoLondon.Garrick,evidentlymeaningtoembellishalittle,saidonedayinmyhearing,'werodeandtied.'AndtheBishopofKillaloeinformedme,thatatanothertime,whenJohnsonandGarrickwerediningtogetherinaprettylargecompany,Johnsonhumorouslyascertainingthechronologyofsomething,expressedhimselfthus:'thatwastheyearwhenIcametoLondonwithtwo-pencehalf-pennyinmypocket.'Garrickoverhearinghim,exclaimed,'eh?whatdoyousay?withtwo-pencehalf-pennyinyourpocket?'--

JOHNSON,'Whyyes;whenIcamewithtwo-pencehalf-pennyinMYpocket,andthou,Davy,withthreehalf-penceinthine.'--BOSWELL.

TheywererecommendedtoMr.Colson,aneminentmathematicianandmasterofanacademy,bythefollowingletterfromMr.Walmsley:

'TOTHEREVERENDMR.COLSON.



'Lichfield,March2,1737.

'DearSir,Ihadthefavourofyours,andamextremelyobligedtoyou;butIcannotsayIhadagreateraffectionforyouuponitthanIhadbefore,beinglongsincesomuchendearedtoyou,aswellbyanearlyfriendship,asbyyourmanyexcellentandvaluablequalifications;and,hadIasonofmyown,itwouldbemyambition,insteadofsendinghimtotheUniversity,todisposeofhimasthisyounggentlemanis.

'He,andanotherneighbourofmine,oneMr.SamuelJohnson,setoutthismorningforLondontogether.DavyGarrickistobewithyouearlythenextweek,andMr.Johnsontotryhisfatewithatragedy,andtoseetogethimselfemployedinsometranslation,eitherfromtheLatinortheFrench.Johnsonisaverygoodscholarandpoet,andIhavegreathopeswillturnoutafinetragedy-writer.Ifitshouldanywaylieinyourway,doubtnotbutyouwouldbereadytorecommendandassistyourcountryman.

'G.WALMSLEY.'

HowheemployedhimselfuponhisfirstcomingtoLondonisnotparticularlyknown.'

*OnecuriousanecdotewascommunicatedbyhimselftoMr.JohnNichols.Mr.Wilcox,thebookseller,onbeinginformedbyhimthathisintentionwastogethislivelihoodasanauthour,eyedhisrobustframeattentively,andwithasignificantlook,said,'Youhadbetterbuyaporter'sknot.'Hehoweveradded,'Wilcoxwasoneofmybestfriends.'--BOSWELL.

Hehadalittlemoneywhenhecametotown,andheknewhowhecouldliveinthecheapestmanner.HisfirstlodgingswereatthehouseofMr.Norris,astaymaker,inExeter-street,adjoiningCatharine-street,intheStrand.'Idined(saidhe)verywellforeight-pence,withverygoodcompany,atthePineAppleinNew-street,justby.Severalofthem

hadtravelled.Theyexpectedtomeeteveryday;butdidnotknowoneanother'snames.Itusedtocosttherestashilling,fortheydrankwine;butIhadacutofmeatforsix-pence,andbreadforapenny,andgavethewaiterapenny;sothatIwasquitewellserved,nay,betterthantherest,fortheygavethewaiternothing.'Heatthistime,Ibelieve,abstainedentirelyfromfermentedliquors:apracticetowhichherigidlyconformedformanyyearstogether,atdifferentperiodsofhislife.

HisOfellusintheArtofLivinginLondon,Ihaveheardhimrelate,wasanIrishpainter,whomheknewatBirmingham,andwhohadpractisedhisownpreceptsofoeconomyforseveralyearsintheBritishcapital.HeassuredJohnson,who,Isuppose,wasthenmeditatingtotryhisfortune

inLondon,butwasapprehensiveoftheexpence,'thatthirtypoundsayearwasenoughtoenableamantolivetherewithoutbeingcontemptible.Heallowedtenpoundsforclothesandlinen.Hesaidamanmightliveinagarretateighteen-penceaweek;fewpeoplewouldinquirewherehelodged;andiftheydid,itwaseasytosay,"Sir,Iamtobefoundatsuchaplace."Byspendingthree-penceinacoffeehouse,hemightbeforsomehourseverydayinverygoodcompany;hemightdineforsix-pence,breakfastonbreadandmilkforapenny,anddowithoutsupper.Onclean-shirt-dayhewentabroad,andpaidvisits.'Ihaveheardhimmorethanoncetalkofthisfrugalfriend,whomherecollected



withesteemandkindness,anddidnotliketohaveonesmileattherecital.'Thisman(saidhe,gravely)wasaverysensibleman,whoperfectlyunderstoodcommonaffairs:amanofagreatdealofknowledgeoftheworld,freshfromlife,notstrainedthroughbooks.Heamusedhimself,Iremember,bycomputinghowmuchmoreexpencewasabsolutelynecessarytoliveuponthesamescalewiththatwhichhisfrienddescribed,whenthevalueofmoneywasdiminishedbytheprogressofcommerce.Itmaybeestimatedthatdoublethemoneymightnowwithdifficultybesufficient.'

Amidstthiscoldobscurity,therewasonebrilliantcircumstancetocheerhim;hewaswellacquaintedwithMr.HenryHervey,oneofthebranchesofthenoblefamilyofthatname,whohadbeenquarteredatLichfieldasanofficerofthearmy,andhadatthistimeahouseinLondon,whereJohnsonwasfrequentlyentertained,andhadanopportunityofmeetinggenteelcompany.Notverylongbeforehisdeath,hementionedthis,amongotherparticularsofhislife,whichhewaskindlycommunicatingtome;andhedescribedthisearlyfriend,'HarryHervey,'thus:'Hewasaviciousman,butverykindtome.IfyoucalladogHERVEY,Ishalllovehim.'

HetoldmehehadnowwrittenonlythreeactsofhisIrene,andthatheretiredforsometimetolodgingsatGreenwich,whereheproceededinitsomewhatfurther,andusedtocompose,walkinginthePark;butdidnot

staylongenoughatthatplacetofinishit.

InthecourseofthesummerhereturnedtoLichfield,wherehehadleftMrs.Johnson,andthereheatlastfinishedhistragedy,whichwasnotexecutedwithhisrapidityofcompositionuponotheroccasions,butwasslowlyandpainfullyelaborated.Afewdaysbeforehisdeath,whileburningagreatmassofpapers,hepickedoutfromamongthemtheoriginalunformedsketchofthistragedy,inhisownhand-writing,andgaveittoMr.Langton,bywhosefavouracopyofitisnowinmypossession.

Johnson'sresidenceatLichfield,onhisreturntoitatthistime,wasonlyforthreemonths;andashehadasyetseenbutasmallpartof

thewondersoftheMetropolis,hehadlittletotellhistownsmen.Herelatedtomethefollowingminuteanecdoteofthisperiod:'Inthelastage,whenmymotherlivedinLondon,thereweretwosetsofpeople,thosewhogavethewall,andthosewhotookit;thepeaceableandthequarrelsome.WhenIreturnedtoLichfield,afterhavingbeeninLondon,mymotheraskedme,whetherIwasoneofthosewhogavethewall,orthosewhotookit.NOWitisfixedthateverymankeepstotheright;or,ifoneistakingthewall,anotheryieldsit;anditisneveradispute.'

HenowremovedtoLondonwithMrs.Johnson;butherdaughter,whohadlivedwiththematEdial,wasleftwithherrelationsinthecountry.HislodgingswereforsometimeinWoodstock-street,near

Hanover-square,andafterwardsinCastle-street,nearCavendish-square.

Histragedybeingbythistime,ashethought,completelyfinishedandfitforthestage,hewasverydesirousthatitshouldbebroughtforward.Mr.PeterGarricktoldme,thatJohnsonandhewenttogethertotheFountaintavern,andreaditover,andthatheafterwardssolicitedMr.Fleetwood,thepatenteeofDrury-lanetheatre,tohaveitactedathishouse;butMr.Fleetwoodwouldnotacceptit,probablybecauseitwasnotpatronizedbysomemanofhighrank;anditwasnotactedtill1749,whenhisfriendDavidGarrickwasmanagerofthattheatre.



TheGentleman'sMagazine,begunandcarriedonbyMr.EdwardCave,underthenameofSYLVANUSURBAN,hadattractedthenoticeandesteemofJohnson,inaneminentdegree,beforehecametoLondonasanadventurerinliterature.Hetoldme,thatwhenhefirstsawSt.John'sGate,theplacewherethatdeservedlypopularmiscellanywasoriginallyprinted,he'behelditwithreverence.'

ItappearsthathewasnowenlistedbyMr.Caveasaregularcoadjutorinhismagazine,bywhichheprobablyobtainedatolerablelivelihood.Atwhattime,orbywhatmeans,hehadacquiredacompetentknowledgebothofFrenchandItalian,Idonotknow;buthewassowellskilledinthem,astobesufficientlyqualifiedforatranslator.Thatpartofhislabourwhichconsistedinemendationandimprovementoftheproductionsofothercontributors,likethatemployedinlevellingground,canbeperceivedonlybythosewhohadanopportunityofcomparingtheoriginalwiththealteredcopy.Whatwecertainlyknowtohavebeendonebyhiminthisway,wastheDebatesinbothhousesofParliament,underthenameof'TheSenateofLilliput,'sometimeswithfeigneddenominationsoftheseveralspeakers,sometimeswithdenominationsformedofthelettersoftheirrealnames,inthemannerofwhatiscalledanagram,sothattheymighteasilybedecyphered.Parliamentthenkeptthepressinakindofmysteriousawe,whichmadeitnecessarytohaverecoursetosuchdevices.Inourtimeithasacquiredanunrestrainedfreedom,so

thatthepeopleinallpartsofthekingdomhaveafair,open,andexactreportoftheactualproceedingsoftheirrepresentativesandlegislators,whichinourconstitutionishighlytobevalued;though,unquestionably,therehasoflatebeentoomuchreasontocomplainofthepetulancewithwhichobscurescribblershavepresumedtotreatmenofthemostrespectablecharacterandsituation.

ThisimportantarticleoftheGentlemen'sMagazinewas,forseveralyears,executedbyMr.WilliamGuthrie,amanwhodeservestoberespectablyrecordedintheliteraryannalsofthiscountry.ThedebatesinParliament,whichwerebroughthomeanddigestedbyGuthrie,whosememory,thoughsurpassedbyotherswhohavesincefollowedhiminthesamedepartment,wasyetveryquickandtenacious,weresentbyCave

toJohnsonforhisrevision;and,aftersometime,whenGuthriehadattainedtogreatervarietyofemployment,andthespeechesweremoreandmoreenrichedbytheaccessionofJohnson'sgenius,itwasresolvedthatheshoulddothewholehimself,fromthescantynotesfurnishedbypersonsemployedtoattendinbothhousesofParliament.Sometimes,however,ashehimselftoldme,hehadnothingmorecommunicatedtohimthanthenamesoftheseveralspeakers,andthepartwhichtheyhadtakeninthedebate.*

*JohnsonlatertoldBoswellthat'assoonashefoundthatthespeecheswerethoughtgenuinehedeterminedthathewouldwritenomoreofthem:for"hewouldnotbeaccessarytothepropagationoffalsehood."Andsuchwasthe

tendernessofhisconscience,thatashorttimebeforehisdeathheexpressedhisregretforhishavingbeentheauthouroffictionswhichhadpassedforrealities.'--Ed.

Butwhatfirstdisplayedhistranscendentpowers,and'gavetheworldassuranceoftheMAN,'washisLondon,aPoem,inImitationoftheThirdSatireofJuvenal:whichcameoutinMaythisyear,andburstforthwithasplendour,theraysofwhichwillforeverencirclehisname.Boileauhadimitatedthesamesatirewithgreatsuccess,applyingittoParis;butanattentivecomparisonwillsatisfyeveryreader,thatheis



muchexcelledbytheEnglishJuvenal.Oldhamhadalsoimitatedit,andappliedittoLondon;allwhichperformancesconcurtoprove,thatgreatcities,ineveryage,andineverycountry,willfurnishsimilartopicksofsatire.WhetherJohnsonhadpreviouslyreadOldham'simitation,Idonotknow;butitisnotalittleremarkable,thatthereisscarcelyanycoincidencefoundbetweenthetwoperformances,thoughupontheverysamesubject.

Johnson'sLondonwaspublishedinMay,1738;anditisremarkable,thatitcameoutonthesamemorningwithPope'ssatire,entitled'1738;'sothatEnglandhadatonceitsJuvenalandHoraceaspoeticalmonitors.TheReverendDr.Douglas,nowBishopofSalisbury,towhomIamindebtedforsomeobligingcommunications,wasthenastudentatOxford,andrememberswelltheeffectwhichLondonproduced.Everybodywasdelightedwithit;andtherebeingnonametoit,thefirstbuzoftheliterarycircleswas'hereisanunknownpoet,greatereventhanPope.'AnditisrecordedintheGentleman'sMagazineofthatyear,thatit'gottothesecondeditioninthecourseofaweek.'

OneofthewarmestpatronsofthispoemonitsfirstappearancewasGeneralOglethorpe,whose'strongbenevolenceofsoul,'wasunabatedduringthecourseofaverylonglife;thoughitispainfultothink,thathehadbuttoomuchreasontobecomecoldandcallous,anddiscontentedwiththeworld,fromtheneglectwhichheexperiencedof

hispublickandprivateworth,bythoseinwhosepoweritwastogratifysogallantaveteranwithmarksofdistinction.Thisextraordinarypersonwasasremarkableforhislearningandtaste,asforhisothereminentqualities;andnomanwasmoreprompt,active,andgenerous,inencouragingmerit.IhaveheardJohnsongratefullyacknowledge,inhispresence,thekindandeffectualsupportwhichhegavetohisLondon,thoughunacquaintedwithitsauthour.

Pope,whothenfilledthepoeticalthronewithoutarival,itmayreasonablybepresumed,musthavebeenparticularlystruckbythesuddenappearanceofsuchapoet;and,tohiscredit,letitberemembered,thathisfeelingsandconductontheoccasionwerecandidandliberal.HerequestedMr.Richardson,sonofthepainter,toendeavourtofind

outwhothisnewauthourwas.Mr.Richardson,aftersomeinquiry,havinginformedhimthathehaddiscoveredonlythathisnamewasJohnson,andthathewassomeobscureman,Popesaid;'hewillsoonbedeterre.'Weshallpresentlysee,fromanotewrittenbyPope,thathewashimselfafterwardsmoresuccessfulinhisinquiriesthanhisfriend.

Whileweadmirethepoeticalexcellenceofthispoem,candourobligesustoallow,thattheflameofpatriotismandzealforpopularresistancewithwhichitisfraught,hadnojustcause.Therewas,intruth,no'oppression;'the'nation'wasNOT'cheated.'SirRobertWalpolewasawiseandabenevolentminister,whothoughtthatthehappinessandprosperityofacommercialcountrylikeours,wouldbebestpromotedbypeace,whichheaccordinglymaintained,withcredit,duringaverylong

period.JohnsonhimselfafterwardshonestlyacknowledgedthemeritofWalpole,whomhecalled'afixedstar;'whilehecharacterisedhisopponent,Pitt,as'ameteor.'ButJohnson'sjuvenilepoemwasnaturallyimpregnatedwiththefireofopposition,anduponeveryaccountwasuniversallyadmired.

Thoughthuselevatedintofame,andconsciousofuncommonpowers,hehadnotthatbustlingconfidence,or,Imayrathersay,thatanimatedambition,whichonemighthavesupposedwouldhaveurgedhimtoendeavouratrisinginlife.Butsuchwashisinflexibledignityof



character,thathecouldnotstooptocourtthegreat;withoutwhich,hardlyanymanhasmadehiswaytoahighstation.HecouldnotexpecttoproducemanysuchworksashisLondon,andhefeltthehardshipsofwritingforbread;hewas,therefore,willingtoresumetheofficeofaschoolmaster,soastohaveasure,thoughmoderateincomeforhislife;andanofferbeingmadetohimofthemastershipofaschool,providedhecouldobtainthedegreeofMasterofArts,Dr.Adamswasappliedto,byacommonfriend,toknowwhetherthatcouldbegrantedhimasafavourfromtheUniversityofOxford.Butthoughhehadmadesuchafigureintheliteraryworld,itwasthenthoughttoogreatafavourtobeasked.

Pope,withoutanyknowledgeofhimbutfromhisLondon,recommendedhimtoEarlGower,whoendeavouredtoprocureforhimadegreefromDublin.

Itwas,perhaps,nosmalldisappointmenttoJohnsonthatthisrespectableapplicationhadnotthedesiredeffect;yethowmuchreasonhastherebeen,bothforhimselfandhiscountry,torejoicethatitdidnotsucceed,ashemightprobablyhavewastedinobscuritythosehoursinwhichheafterwardsproducedhisincomparableworks.

Aboutthistimehemadeoneotherefforttoemancipatehimselffromthedrudgeryofauthourship.HeappliedtoDr.Adams,toconsultDr.SmalbrokeoftheCommons,whetherapersonmightbepermittedto

practiceasanadvocatethere,withoutadoctor'sdegreeinCivilLaw.'Iam(saidhe)atotalstrangertothesestudies;butwhateverisaprofession,andmaintainsnumbers,mustbewithinthereachofcommonabilities,andsomedegreeofindustry.'Dr.AdamswasmuchpleasedwithJohnson'sdesigntoemployhistalentsinthatmanner,beingconfidenthewouldhaveattainedtogreateminence.

AsMr.Pope'snoteconcerningJohnson,alludedtoinaformerpage,refersbothtohisLondon,andhisMarmorNorfolciense,Ihavedeferredinsertingittillnow.IamindebtedforittoDr.Percy,theBishopofDromore,whopermittedmetocopyitfromtheoriginalinhispossession.ItwaspresentedtohisLordshipbySirJoshuaReynolds,towhomitwasgivenbythesonofMr.Richardsonthepainter,theperson

towhomitisaddressed.Ihavetranscribeditwithminuteexactness,thatthepeculiarmodeofwriting,andimperfectspellingofthatcelebratedpoet,maybeexhibitedtothecuriousinliterature.ItjustifiesSwift'sepithetof'Paper-sparingPope,'foritiswrittenonaslipnolargerthanacommonmessage-card,andwassenttoMr.Richardson,alongwiththeImitationofJuvenal.

'ThisisimitatedbyoneJohnsonwhoputinforaPublick-schoolinShropshire,butwasdisappointed.Hehasaninfirmityoftheconvulsivekind,thatattackshimsometimes,soastomakehimasadSpectacle.Mr.P.fromtheMeritofthisWorkwhichwasalltheknowledgehehadofhimendeavour'dtoservehimwithouthisownapplication;&wrotetomyLd

gore,buthedidnotsucceed.Mr.JohnsonpublishedafterwdsanotherPoeminLatinwithNotesthewholeveryHumerouscall'dtheNorfolkProphecy.P.'

Johnsonhadbeentoldofthisnote;andSirJoshuaReynoldsinformedhimofthecomplimentwhichitcontained,but,fromdelicacy,avoidedshewinghimthepaperitself.WhenSirJoshuaobservedtoJohnsonthatheseemedverydesiroustoseePope'snote,heanswered,'WhowouldnotbeproudtohavesuchamanasPopesosolicitousininquiringabout



him?'

TheinfirmitytowhichMr.Popealludes,appearedtomealso,asIhaveelsewhereobserved,tobeoftheconvulsivekind,andofthenatureofthatdistempercalledSt.Vitus'sdance;andinthisopinionIamconfirmedbythedescriptionwhichSydenhamgivesofthatdisease.'Thisdisorderisakindofconvulsion.Itmanifestsitselfbyhaltingorunsteadinessofoneofthelegs,whichthepatientdrawsafterhimlikeanideot.Ifthehandofthesamesidebeappliedtothebreast,oranyotherpartofthebody,hecannotkeepitamomentinthesameposture,butitwillbedrawnintoadifferentonebyaconvulsion,notwithstandingallhiseffortstothecontrary.'SirJoshuaReynolds,however,wasofadifferentopinion,andfavouredmewiththefollowingpaper.

'ThosemotionsortricksofDr.Johnsonareimproperlycalledconvulsions.Hecouldsitmotionless,whenhewastoldsotodo,aswellasanyotherman;myopinionisthatitproceededfromahabitwhichhehadindulgedhimselfin,ofaccompanyinghisthoughtswithcertainuntowardactions,andthoseactionsalwaysappearedtomeasiftheyweremeanttoreprobatesomepartofhispastconduct.Wheneverhewasnotengagedinconversation,suchthoughtsweresuretorushintohismind;and,forthisreason,anycompany,anyemploymentwhatever,hepreferredtobeingalone.Thegreatbusinessofhislife(hesaid)was

toescapefromhimself;thisdispositionheconsideredasthediseaseofhismind,whichnothingcuredbutcompany.

'Oneinstanceofhisabsenceandparticularity,asitischaracteristickoftheman,maybeworthrelating.WhenheandItookajourneytogetherintotheWest,wevisitedthelateMr.Banks,ofDorsetshire;theconversationturninguponpictures,whichJohnsoncouldnotwellsee,heretiredtoacorneroftheroom,stretchingouthisrightlegasfarashecouldreachbeforehim,thenbringinguphisleftleg,andstretchinghisrightstillfurtheron.Theoldgentlemanobservinghim,wentuptohim,andinaverycourteousmannerassuredhim,thatthoughitwasnotanewhouse,theflooringwasperfectlysafe.TheDoctorstartedfromhisreverie,likeapersonwakedoutofhissleep,butspokenota

word.'

Whileweareonthissubject,myreadersmaynotbedispleasedwithanotheranecdote,communicatedtomebythesamefriend,fromtherelationofMr.Hogarth.

JohnsonusedtobeaprettyfrequentvisitoratthehouseofMr.Richardson,authourofClarissa,andothernovelsofextensivereputation.Mr.HogarthcameonedaytoseeRichardson,soonaftertheexecutionofDr.Cameron,forhavingtakenarmsforthehouseofStuartin1745-6;andbeingawarmpartisanofGeorgetheSecond,heobservedtoRichardson,thatcertainlytheremusthavebeensomeveryunfavourablecircumstanceslatelydiscoveredinthisparticularcase,

whichhadinducedtheKingtoapproveofanexecutionforrebellionsolongafterthetimewhenitwascommitted,asthishadtheappearanceofputtingamantodeathincoldblood,andwasveryunlikehisMajesty'susualclemency.Whilehewastalking,heperceivedapersonstandingatawindowintheroom,shakinghishead,androllinghimselfaboutinastrangeridiculousmanner.Heconcludedthathewasanideot,whomhisrelationshadputunderthecareofMr.Richardson,asaverygoodman.Tohisgreatsurprise,however,thisfigurestalkedforwardstowhereheandMr.Richardsonweresitting,andallatoncetookuptheargument,andburstoutintoaninvectiveagainstGeorgetheSecond,asone,



who,uponalloccasionswasunrelentingandbarbarous;mentioningmanyinstances,particularly,thatwhenanofficerofhighrankhadbeenacquittedbyaCourtMartial,GeorgetheSecondhadwithhisownhand,struckhisnameoffthelist.Inshort,hedisplayedsuchapowerofeloquence,thatHogarthlookedathimwithastonishment,andactuallyimaginedthatthisideothadbeenatthemomentinspired.NeitherHogarthnorJohnsonweremadeknowntoeachotheratthisinterview.

1740:AETAT.31.]--In1740hewrotefortheGentleman'sMagazinethe'Preface,''LifeofSirFrancisDrake,'andthefirstpartsofthoseof'AdmiralBlake,'andof'PhilipBaretier,'bothwhichhefinishedthefollowingyear.Healsowrotean'EssayonEpitaphs,'andan'EpitaphonPhilips,aMusician,'whichwasafterwardspublishedwithsomeotherpiecesofhis,inMrs.Williams'sMiscellanies.ThisEpitaphissoexquisitelybeautiful,thatIrememberevenLordKames,strangelyprejudicedashewasagainstDr.Johnson,wascompelledtoallowitveryhighpraise.IthasbeenascribedtoMr.Garrick,fromitsappearingatfirstwiththesignatureG;butIhaveheardMr.Garrickdeclare,thatitwaswrittenbyDr.Johnson,andgivethefollowingaccountofthemannerinwhichitwascomposed.Johnsonandheweresittingtogether;when,amongstotherthings,GarrickrepeatedanEpitaphuponthisPhilipsbyaDr.Wilkes,inthesewords:

'Exaltedsoul!whoseharmonycouldplease

Thelove-sickvirgin,andthegoutyease;Couldjarringdiscord,likeAmphion,moveTobeauteousorderandharmoniouslove;Resthereinpeace,tillangelsbidtheerise,AndmeetthyblessedSaviourintheskies.'

Johnsonshookhisheadatthesecommon-placefunereallines,andsaidtoGarrick,'Ithink,Davy,Icanmakeabetter.'Then,stirringabouthisteaforalittlewhile,inastateofmeditation,healmostextemporeproducedthefollowingverses:

'Philips,whosetouchharmoniouscouldremoveThepangsofguiltypowerorhaplesslove;

Resthere,distress'dbypovertynomore,Herefindthatcalmthougav'stsooftbefore;Sleep,undisturb'd,withinthispeacefulshrine,Tillangelswaketheewithanotelikethine!'

1742:AETAT.33.]--In1742hewrote...'ProposalsforPrintingBibliothecaHarleiana,oraCatalogueoftheLibraryoftheEarlofOxford.'HewasemployedinthisbusinessbyMr.ThomasOsbornethebookseller,whopurchasedthelibraryfor13,000l.,asumwhichMr.Oldyssays,inoneofhismanuscripts,wasnotmorethanthebindingofthebookshadcost;yet,asDr.Johnsonassuredme,theslownessofthesalewassuch,thattherewasnotmuchgainedbyit.Ithasbeenconfidentlyrelated,withmanyembellishments,thatJohnsononeday

knockedOsbornedowninhisshop,withafolio,andputhisfootuponhisneck.ThesimpletruthIhadfromJohnsonhimself.'Sir,hewasimpertinenttome,andIbeathim.Butitwasnotinhisshop:itwasinmyownchamber.'

1744:AETAT.35.]--Heproducedoneworkthisyear,fullysufficienttomaintainthehighreputationwhichhehadacquired.ThiswasTheLifeofRichardSavage;aman,ofwhomitisdifficulttospeakimpartially,withoutwonderingthathewasforsometimetheintimatecompanionofJohnson;forhischaracterwasmarkedbyprofligacy,insolence,and



ingratitude:yet,asheundoubtedlyhadawarmandvigorous,thoughunregulatedmind,hadseenlifeinallitsvarieties,andbeenmuchinthecompanyofthestatesmenandwitsofhistime,hecouldcommunicatetoJohnsonanabundantsupplyofsuchmaterialsashisphilosophicalcuriositymosteagerlydesired;andasSavage'smisfortunesandmisconducthadreducedhimtotheloweststateofwretchednessasawriterforbread,hisvisitstoSt.John'sGatenaturallybroughtJohnsonandhimtogether.

Itismelancholytoreflect,thatJohnsonandSavageweresometimesinsuchextremeindigence,*thattheycouldnotpayforalodging;sothattheyhavewanderedtogetherwholenightsinthestreets.Yetinthesealmostincrediblescenesofdistress,wemaysupposethatSavagementionedmanyoftheanecdoteswithwhichJohnsonafterwardsenrichedthelifeofhisunhappycompanion,andthoseofotherPoets.

*SoonafterSavage'sLifewaspublished,Mr.HartedinedwithEdwardCave,andoccasionallypraisedit.Soonafter,meetinghim,Cavesaid,'Youmadeamanveryhappyt'otherday.'--'Howcouldthatbe.'saysHarte;'nobodywastherebutourselves.'Caveanswered,byremindinghimthataplateofvictualswassentbehindascreen,whichwastoJohnson,dressedsoshabbily,thathedidnotchoosetoappear;butonhearingtheconversation,washighly

delightedwiththeencomiumsonhisbook--MALONE.

HetoldSirJoshuaReynolds,thatonenightinparticular,whenSavageandhewalkedroundSt.James's-squareforwantofalodging,theywerenotatalldepressedbytheirsituation;butinhighspiritsandbrimfulofpatriotism,traversedthesquareforseveralhours,inveighedagainsttheminister,and'resolvedtheywouldstandbytheircountry.'

InJohnson'sLifeofSavage,althoughitmustbeallowedthatitsmoralisthereverseof--'Respicereexemplarvitaemorumquejubebo,'averyusefullessonisinculcated,toguardmenofwarmpassionsfromatoofreeindulgenceofthem;andthevariousincidentsarerelatedinsoclearandanimatedamanner,andilluminatedthroughoutwithsomuch

philosophy,thatitisoneofthemostinterestingnarrativesintheEnglishlanguage.SirJoshuaReynoldstoldme,thatuponhisreturnfromItalyhemetwithitinDevonshire,knowingnothingofitsauthour,andbegantoreaditwhilehewasstandingwithhisarmleaningagainstachimney-piece.Itseizedhisattentionsostrongly,that,notbeingabletolaydownthebooktillhehadfinishedit,whenheattemptedtomove,hefoundhisarmtotallybenumbed.Therapiditywithwhichthisworkwascomposed,isawonderfulcircumstance.Johnsonhasbeenheardtosay,'Iwroteforty-eightoftheprintedoctavopagesoftheLifeofSavageatasitting;butthenIsatupallnight.'

Itisremarkable,thatinthisbiographicaldisquisitionthereappearsaverystrongsymptomofJohnson'sprejudiceagainstplayers;aprejudice

whichmaybeattributedtothefollowingcauses:first,theimperfectionofhisorgans,whichweresodefectivethathewasnotsusceptibleofthefineimpressionswhichtheatricalexcellenceproducesuponthegeneralityofmankind;secondly,thecoldrejectionofhistragedy;and,lastly,thebrilliantsuccessofGarrick,whohadbeenhispupil,whohadcometoLondonatthesametimewithhim,notinamuchmoreprosperousstatethanhimself,andwhosetalentsheundoubtedlyratedlow,comparedwithhisown.Hisbeingoutstrippedbyhispupilintheraceofimmediatefame,aswellasoffortune,probablymadehimfeelsomeindignation,asthinkingthatwhatevermightbeGarrick'smerits



inhisart,therewardwastoogreatwhencomparedwithwhatthemostsuccessfuleffortsofliterarylabourcouldattain.AtallperiodsofhislifeJohnsonusedtotalkcontemptuouslyofplayers;butinthisworkhespeaksofthemwithpeculiaracrimony;forwhich,perhaps,therewasformerlytoomuchreasonfromthelicentiousanddissolutemannersofthoseengagedinthatprofession.Itisbutjusticetoadd,thatinourowntimesuchachangehastakenplace,thatthereisnolongerroomforsuchanunfavourabledistinction.

Hisschoolfellowandfriend,Dr.Taylor,toldmeapleasantanecdoteofJohnson'striumphingoverhispupilDavidGarrick.WhenthatgreatactorhadplayedsomelittletimeatGoodman'sfields,JohnsonandTaylorwenttoseehimperform,andafterwardspassedtheeveningatatavernwithhimandoldGiffard.Johnson,whowaseverdepreciatingstage-players,aftercensuringsomemistakesinemphasiswhichGarrickhadcommittedinthecourseofthatnight'sacting,said,'Theplayers,Sir,havegotakindofrant,withwhichtheyrunon,withoutanyregardeithertoaccentoremphasis.'BothGarrickandGiffardwereoffendedatthissarcasm,andendeavouredtorefuteit;uponwhichJohnsonrejoined,'Wellnow,I'llgiveyousomethingtospeak,withwhichyouarelittleacquainted,andthenweshallseehowjustmyobservationis.Thatshallbethecriterion.LetmehearyourepeattheninthCommandment,"Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitnessagainstthyneighbour."'Bothtriedatit,saidDr.Taylor,andbothmistooktheemphasis,whichshouldbeuponnot

andfalsewitness.Johnsonputthemright,andenjoyedhisvictorywithgreatglee.

Johnson'spartialityforSavagemadehimentertainnodoubtofhisstory,howeverextraordinaryandimprobable.ItneveroccurredtohimtoquestionhisbeingthesonoftheCountessofMacclesfield,ofwhoseunrelentingbarbarityhesoloudlycomplained,andtheparticularsofwhicharerelatedinsostrongandaffectingamannerinJohnson'slifeofhim.Johnsonwascertainlywellwarrantedinpublishinghisnarrative,howeveroffensiveitmightbetotheladyandherrelations,becauseheralledgedunnaturalandcruelconducttoherson,andshamefulavowalofguilt,werestatedinaLifeofSavagenowlyingbeforeme,whichcameoutsoearlyas1727,andnoattempthadbeenmade

toconfuteit,ortopunishtheauthourorprinterasalibeller:butforthehonourofhumannature,weshouldbegladtofindtheshockingtalenottrue;and,fromarespectablegentlemanconnectedwiththelady'sfamily,Ihavereceivedsuchinformationandremarks,asjoinedtomyowninquiries,will,Ithink,renderitatleastsomewhatdoubtful,especiallywhenweconsiderthatitmusthaveoriginatedfromthepersonhimselfwhowentbythenameofRichardSavage.

1746:AETAT.37.]--Itissomewhatcurious,thathisliterarycareerappearstohavebeenalmosttotallysuspendedintheyears1745and1746,thoseyearswhichweremarkedbyacivilwarinGreat-Britain,whenarashattemptwasmadetorestoretheHouseofStuarttothethrone.ThathehadatendernessforthatunfortunateHouse,iswell

known;andsomemayfancifullyimagine,thatasympathetickanxietyimpededtheexertionofhisintellectualpowers:butIaminclinedtothink,thathewas,duringthistime,sketchingtheoutlinesofhisgreatphilologicalwork.

1747:AETAT.38.]--Thisyearhisoldpupilandfriend,DavidGarrick,havingbecomejointpatenteeandmanagerofDrury-lanetheatre,JohnsonhonouredhisopeningofitwithaPrologue,whichforjustandmanlydramatickcriticism,onthewholerangeoftheEnglishstage,aswellasforpoeticalexcellence,isunrivalled.LikethecelebratedEpilogueto



theDistressedMother,itwas,duringtheseason,oftencalledforbytheaudience.

Buttheyear1747isdistinguishedastheepoch,whenJohnson'sarduousandimportantwork,hisDICTIONARYOFTHEENGLISHLANGUAGE,wasannouncedtotheworld,bythepublicationofitsPlanorProspectus.

Howlongthisimmenseundertakinghadbeentheobjectofhiscontemplation,Idonotknow.Ionceaskedhimbywhatmeanshehadattainedtothatastonishingknowledgeofourlanguage,bywhichhewasenabledtorealiseadesignofsuchextent,andaccumulateddifficulty.Hetoldme,that'itwasnottheeffectofparticularstudy;butthatithadgrownupinhismindinsensibly.'IhavebeeninformedbyMr.JamesDodsley,thatseveralyearsbeforethisperiod,whenJohnsonwasonedaysittinginhisbrotherRobert'sshop,heheardhisbrothersuggesttohim,thataDictionaryoftheEnglishLanguagewouldbeaworkthatwouldbewellreceivedbythepublick;thatJohnsonseemedatfirsttocatchattheproposition,but,afterapause,said,inhisabruptdecisivemanner,'IbelieveIshallnotundertakeit.'Thathe,however,hadbestowedmuchthoughtuponthesubject,beforehepublishedhisPlan,isevidentfromtheenlarged,clear,andaccurateviewswhichitexhibits;andwefindhimmentioninginthattract,thatmanyofthewriterswhosetestimoniesweretobeproducedasauthorities,wereselectedbyPope;whichprovesthathehadbeenfurnished,probably

byMr.RobertDodsley,withwhateverhintsthateminentpoethadcontributedtowardsagreatliteraryproject,thathadbeenthesubjectofimportantconsiderationinaformerreign.

ThebooksellerswhocontractedwithJohnson,singleandunaided,fortheexecutionofawork,whichinothercountrieshasnotbeeneffectedbutbytheco-operatingexertionsofmany,wereMr.RobertDodsley,Mr.CharlesHitch,Mr.AndrewMillar,thetwoMessieursLongman,andthetwoMessieursKnapton.Thepricestipulatedwasfifteenhundredandseventy-fivepounds.

ThePlan,wasaddressedtoPhilipDormer,EarlofChesterfield,thenoneofhisMajesty'sPrincipalSecretariesofState;anoblemanwhowasvery

ambitiousofliterarydistinction,andwho,uponbeinginformedofthedesign,hadexpressedhimselfintermsveryfavourabletoitssuccess.Thereis,perhapsineverythingofanyconsequence,asecrethistorywhichitwouldbeamusingtoknow,couldwehaveitauthenticallycommunicated.Johnsontoldme,'Sir,thewayinwhichthePlanofmyDictionarycametobeinscribedtoLordChesterfield,wasthis:Ihadneglectedtowriteitbythetimeappointed.DodsleysuggestedadesiretohaveitaddressedtoLordChesterfield.Ilaidholdofthisasapretextfordelay,thatitmightbebetterdone,andletDodsleyhavehisdesire.Isaidtomyfriend,Dr.Bathurst,"NowifanygoodcomesofmyaddressingtoLordChesterfield,itwillbeascribedtodeeppolicy,when,infact,itwasonlyacasualexcuseforlaziness."'

Dr.AdamsfoundhimonedaybusyathisDictionary,whenthefollowingdialogueensued.'ADAMS.Thisisagreatwork,Sir.Howareyoutogetalltheetymologies?JOHNSON.Why,Sir,hereisashelfwithJunius,andSkinner,andothers;andthereisaWelchgentlemanwhohaspublishedacollectionofWelchproverbs,whowillhelpmewiththeWelch.ADAMS.But,Sir,howcanyoudothisinthreeyears?JOHNSON.Sir,IhavenodoubtthatIcandoitinthreeyears.ADAMS.ButtheFrenchAcademy,whichconsistsoffortymembers,tookfortyyearstocompiletheirDictionary.JOHNSON.Sir,thusitis.Thisistheproportion.Letmesee;fortytimesfortyissixteenhundred.Asthreetosixteenhundred,



soistheproportionofanEnglishmantoaFrenchman.'Withsomucheaseandpleasantrycouldhetalkofthatprodigiouslabourwhichhehadundertakentoexecute.

Forthemechanicalpartheemployed,ashetoldme,sixamanuenses;andletitberememberedbythenativesofNorth-Britain,towhomheissupposedtohavebeensohostile,thatfiveofthemwereofthatcountry.ThereweretwoMessieursMacbean;Mr.Shiels,whoweshallhereafterseepartlywrotetheLivesofthePoetstowhichthenameofCibberisaffixed;Mr.Stewart,sonofMr.GeorgeStewart,bookselleratEdinburgh;andaMr.Maitland.ThesixthofthesehumbleassistantswasMr.Peyton,who,Ibelieve,taughtFrench,andpublishedsomeelementarytracts.

Toallthesepainfullabourers,Johnsonshewedanever-ceasingkindness,sofarastheystoodinneedofit.TheelderMr.MacbeanhadafterwardsthehonourofbeingLibrariantoArchibald,DukeofArgyle,formanyyears,butwasleftwithoutashilling.JohnsonwroteforhimaPrefacetoASystemofAncientGeography;and,bythefavourofLordThurlow,gothimadmittedapoorbrotheroftheCharterhouse.ForShiels,whodiedofaconsumption,hehadmuchtenderness;andithasbeenthoughtthatsomechoicesentencesintheLivesofthePoetsweresuppliedbyhim.Peyton,whenreducedtopenury,hadfrequentaidfromthebountyofJohnson,whoatlastwasattheexpenseofburyingbothhimandhis

wife.

WhiletheDictionarywasgoingforward,JohnsonlivedpartofthetimeinHolborn,partinGough-square,Fleet-street;andhehadanupperroomfitteduplikeacounting-houseforthepurpose,inwhichhegavetothecopyiststheirseveraltasks.Thewords,partlytakenfromotherdictionaries,andpartlysuppliedbyhimself,havingbeenfirstwrittendownwithspacesleftbetweenthem,hedeliveredinwritingtheiretymologies,definitions,andvarioussignifications.Theauthoritieswerecopiedfromthebooksthemselves,inwhichhehadmarkedthepassageswithablack-leadpencil,thetracesofwhichcouldeasilybeeffaced.Ihaveseenseveralofthem,inwhichthattroublehadnotbeentaken;sothattheywerejustaswhenusedbythecopyists.Itis

remarkable,thathewassoattentiveinthechoiceofthepassagesinwhichwordswereauthorised,thatonemayreadpageafterpageofhisDictionarywithimprovementandpleasure;anditshouldnotpassunobserved,thathehasquotednoauthourwhosewritingshadatendencytohurtsoundreligionandmorality.

Thenecessaryexpenseofpreparingaworkofsuchmagnitudeforthepress,musthavebeenaconsiderabledeductionfromthepricestipulatedtobepaidforthecopy-right.Iunderstandthatnothingwasallowedbythebooksellersonthataccount;andIrememberhistellingme,thatalargeportionofithavingbymistakebeenwrittenuponbothsidesofthepaper,soastobeinconvenientforthecompositor,itcosthimtwentypoundstohaveittranscribedupononesideonly.

Heisnowtobeconsideredas'tuggingathisoar,'asengagedinasteadycontinuedcourseofoccupation,sufficienttoemployallhistimeforsomeyears;andwhichwasthebestpreventiveofthatconstitutionalmelancholywhichwaseverlurkingabouthim,readytotroublehisquiet.Buthisenlargedandlivelymindcouldnotbesatisfiedwithoutmorediversityofemployment,andthepleasureofanimatedrelaxation.HethereforenotonlyexertedhistalentsinoccasionalcompositionverydifferentfromLexicography,butformedaclubinIvy-lane,Paternoster-row,withaviewtoenjoyliterarydiscussion,andamusehis



eveninghours.ThemembersassociatedwithhiminthislittlesocietywerehisbelovedfriendDr.RichardBathurst,Mr.Hawkesworth,afterwardswellknownbyhiswritings,Mr.JohnHawkins,anattorney,andafewothersofdifferentprofessions.

1749:AETAT.40.]--InJanuary,1749,hepublishedtheVanityofhumanWishes,beingtheTenthSatireofJuvenalimitated.He,Ibelieve,composedittheprecedingyear.Mrs.Johnson,forthesakeofcountryair,hadlodgingsatHampstead,towhichheresortedoccasionally,andtherethegreatestpart,ifnotthewhole,ofthisImitationwaswritten.Thefervidrapiditywithwhichitwasproduced,isscarcelycredible.Ihaveheardhimsay,thathecomposedseventylinesofitinoneday,withoutputtingoneofthemuponpapertilltheywerefinished.IrememberwhenIonceregrettedtohimthathehadnotgivenusmoreofJuvenal'sSatires,hesaidheprobablyshouldgivemore,forhehadthemallinhishead;bywhichIunderstoodthathehadtheoriginalsandcorrespondentallusionsfloatinginhismind,whichhecould,whenhepleased,embodyandrenderpermanentwithoutmuchlabour.Someofthem,however,heobservedweretoogrossforimitation.

Theprofitsofasinglepoem,howeverexcellent,appeartohavebeenverysmallinthelastreign,comparedwithwhatapublicationofthesamesizehassincebeenknowntoyield.Ihavementioned,uponJohnson'sownauthority,thatforhisLondonhehadonlytenguineas;

andnow,afterhisfamewasestablished,hegotforhisVanityofHumanWishesbutfiveguineasmore,asisprovedbyanauthentickdocumentinmypossession.

HisVanityofHumanWisheshaslessofcommonlife,butmoreofaphilosophickdignitythanhisLondon.Morereaders,therefore,willbedelightedwiththepointedspiritofLondon,thanwiththeprofoundreflectionofTheVanityofHumanWishes.Garrick,forinstance,observedinhissprightlymanner,withmorevivacitythanregardtojustdiscrimination,asisusualwithwits:'WhenJohnsonlivedmuchwiththeHerveys,andsawagooddealofwhatwaspassinginlife,hewrotehisLondon,whichislivelyandeasy.Whenhebecamemoreretired,hegaveushisVanityofHumanWishes,whichisashardasGreek.Hadhegoneon

toimitateanothersatire,itwouldhavebeenashardasHebrew.'

GarrickbeingnowvestedwiththeatricalpowerbybeingmanagerofDrury-lanetheatre,hekindlyandgenerouslymadeuseofittobringoutJohnson'stragedy,whichhadbeenlongkeptbackforwantofencouragement.ButinthisbenevolentpurposehemetwithnosmalldifficultyfromthetemperofJohnson,whichcouldnotbrookthatadramawhichhehadformedwithmuchstudy,andhadbeenobligedtokeepmorethanthenineyearsofHorace,shouldberevisedandalteredatthepleasureofanactor.YetGarrickknewwell,thatwithoutsomealterationsitwouldnotbefitforthestage.Aviolentdisputehavingensuedbetweenthem,GarrickappliedtotheReverendDr.Taylortointerpose.Johnsonwasatfirstveryobstinate.'Sir,(saidhe)the

fellowwantsmetomakeMahometrunmad,thathemayhaveanopportunityoftossinghishandsandkickinghisheels.'Hewas,however,atlast,withdifficulty,prevailedontocomplywithGarrick'swishes,soastoallowofsomechanges;butstilltherewerenotenough.

Dr.AdamswaspresentthefirstnightoftherepresentationofIrene,andgavemethefollowingaccount:'Beforethecurtaindrewup,therewerecatcallswhistling,whichalarmedJohnson'sfriends.ThePrologue,whichwaswrittenbyhimselfinamanlystrain,soothedtheaudience,andtheplaywentofftolerably,tillitcametotheconclusion,when



Mrs.Pritchard,theheroineofthepiece,wastobestrangleduponthestage,andwastospeaktwolineswiththebowstringroundherneck.Theaudiencecriedout"Murder!Murder!"Sheseveraltimesattemptedtospeak;butinvain.Atlastshewasobligedtogooffthestagealive.'Thispassagewasafterwardsstruckout,andshewascarriedofftobeputtodeathbehindthescenes,astheplaynowhasit.TheEpilogue,asJohnsoninformedme,waswrittenbySirWilliamYonge.Iknownothowhisplaycametobethusgracedbythepenofapersonthensoeminentinthepoliticalworld.

NotwithstandingallthesupportofsuchperformersasGarrick,Barry,Mrs.Cibber,Mrs.Pritchard,andeveryadvantageofdressanddecoration,thetragedyofIrenedidnotpleasethepublick.Mr.Garrick'szealcarrieditthroughforninenights,sothattheauthourhadhisthreenights'profits;andfromareceiptsignedbyhim,nowinthehandsofMr.JamesDodsley,itappearsthathisfriendMr.RobertDodsleygavehimonehundredpoundsforthecopy,withhisusualreservationoftherightofoneedition.

Whenaskedhowhefeltupontheillsuccessofhistragedy,hereplied,'LiketheMonument;'meaningthathecontinuedfirmandunmovedasthatcolumn.Andletitberemembered,asanadmonitiontothegenusirritabileofdramatickwriters,thatthisgreatman,insteadofpeevishlycomplainingofthebadtasteofthetown,submittedtoits

decisionwithoutamurmur.Hehad,indeed,uponalloccasions,agreatdeferenceforthegeneralopinion:'Aman(saidhe)whowritesabook,thinkshimselfwiserorwittierthantherestofmankind;hesupposesthathecaninstructoramusethem,andthepublicktowhomheappeals,must,afterall,bethejudgesofhispretensions.'

Onoccasionofhisplaybeingbroughtuponthestage,Johnsonhadafancythatasadramatickauthourhisdressshouldbemoregaythanwhatheordinarilywore;hethereforeappearedbehindthescenes,andeveninoneofthesideboxes,inascarletwaistcoat,withrichgoldlace,andagold-lacedhat.HehumourouslyobservedtoMr.Langton,'thatwheninthatdresshecouldnottreatpeoplewiththesameeaseaswheninhisusualplainclothes.'Dressindeed,wemustallow,hasmoreeffect

evenuponstrongmindsthanoneshouldsuppose,withouthavinghadtheexperienceofit.Hisnecessaryattendancewhilehisplaywasinrehearsal,andduringitsperformance,broughthimacquaintedwithmanyoftheperformersofbothsexes,whichproducedamorefavourableopinionoftheirprofessionthanhehadharshlyexpressedinhisLifeofSavage.Withsomeofthemhekeptupanacquaintanceaslongasheandtheylived,andwaseverreadytoshewthemactsofkindness.HeforaconsiderabletimeusedtofrequenttheGreenRoom,andseemedtotakedelightindissipatinghisgloom,bymixinginthesprightlychit-chatofthemotleycirclethentobefoundthere.Mr.DavidHumerelatedtomefromMr.Garrick,thatJohnsonatlastdeniedhimselfthisamusement,fromconsiderationsofrigidvirtue;saying,'I'llcomenomorebehindyourscenes,David;forthesilkstockingsandwhitebosomsofyour

actressesexcitemyamorouspropensities.'

1750:AETAT.41.]--In1750hecameforthinthecharacterforwhichhewaseminentlyqualified,amajestickteacherofmoralandreligiouswisdom.Thevehiclewhichhechosewasthatofaperiodicalpaper,whichheknewhadbeen,uponformeroccasions,employedwithgreatsuccess.TheTatler,Spectator,andGuardian,werethelastofthekindpublishedinEngland,whichhadstoodthetestofalongtrial;andsuchanintervalhadnowelapsedsincetheirpublication,asmadehimjustlythinkthat,tomanyofhisreaders,thisformofinstructionwould,in



somedegree,havetheadvantageofnovelty.AfewdaysbeforethefirstofhisEssayscameout,therestartedanothercompetitorforfameinthesameform,underthetitleofTheTatlerRevived,whichIbelievewas'bornbuttodie.'Johnsonwas,Ithink,notveryhappyinthechoiceofhistitle,TheRambler,whichcertainlyisnotsuitedtoaseriesofgraveandmoraldiscourses;whichtheItalianshaveliterally,butludicrouslytranslatedbyIlVagabondo;andwhichhasbeenlatelyassumedasthedenominationofavehicleoflicentioustales,TheRambler'sMagazine.HegaveSirJoshuaReynoldsthefollowingaccountofitsgettingthisname:'WhatMUSTbedone,Sir,WILLbedone.WhenIwastobeginpublishingthatpaper,Iwasatalosshowtonameit.Isatdownatnightuponmybedside,andresolvedthatIwouldnotgotosleeptillIhadfixeditstitle.TheRamblerseemedthebestthatoccurred,andItookit.'

Withwhatdevoutandconscientioussentimentsthispaperwasundertaken,isevidencedbythefollowingprayer,whichhecomposedandofferedupontheoccasion:'AlmightyGOD,thegiverofallgoodthings,withoutwhosehelpalllabourisineffectual,andwithoutwhosegraceallwisdomisfolly;grant,IbeseechThee,thatinthisundertakingthyHolySpiritmaynotbewith-heldfromme,butthatImaypromotethyglory,andthesalvationofmyselfandothers:grantthis,OLORD,forthesakeofthysonJESUSCHRIST.Amen.'

ThefirstpaperofTheRamblerwaspublishedonTuesdaythe20thofMarch,1750;anditsauthourwasenabledtocontinueit,withoutinterruption,everyTuesdayandFriday,tillSaturdaythe17thofMarch,1752,onwhichdayitclosed.Thisisastrongconfirmationofthetruthofaremarkofhis,whichIhavehadoccasiontoquoteelsewhere,that'amanmaywriteatanytime,ifhewillsethimselfdoggedlytoit;'for,notwithstandinghisconstitutionalindolence,hisdepressionofspirits,andhislabourincarryingonhisDictionary,heansweredthestatedcallsofthepresstwiceaweekfromthestoresofhismind,duringallthattime.

Posteritywillbeastonishedwhentheyaretold,upontheauthorityofJohnsonhimself,thatmanyofthesediscourses,whichweshouldsuppose

hadbeenlabouredwithalltheslowattentionofliteraryleisure,werewritteninhasteasthemomentpressed,withoutevenbeingreadoverbyhimbeforetheywereprinted.Itcanbeaccountedforonlyinthisway;thatbyreadingandmeditation,andaverycloseinspectionoflife,hehadaccumulatedagreatfundofmiscellaneousknowledge,which,byapeculiarpromptitudeofmind,waseverreadyathiscall,andwhichhehadconstantlyaccustomedhimselftoclotheinthemostaptandenergetickexpression.SirJoshuaReynoldsonceaskedhimbywhatmeanshehadattainedhisextraordinaryaccuracyandflowoflanguage.Hetoldhim,thathehadearlylaiditdownasafixedruletodohisbestoneveryoccasion,andineverycompany;toimpartwhateverheknewinthemostforciblelanguagehecouldputitin;andthatbyconstantpractice,andneversufferinganycarelessexpressionstoescapehim,

orattemptingtodeliverhisthoughtswithoutarrangingthemintheclearestmanner,itbecamehabitualtohim.

AsTheRamblerwasentirelytheworkofoneman,therewas,ofcourse,suchauniformityinitstexture,asverymuchtoexcludethecharmofvariety;andthegraveandoftensolemncastofthinking,whichdistinguisheditfromotherperiodicalpapers,madeit,forsometime,notgenerallyliked.Soslowlydidthisexcellentwork,ofwhichtwelveeditionshavenowissuedfromthepress,gainupontheworldatlarge,thatevenintheclosingnumbertheauthoursays,'Ihaveneverbeen



muchafavouriteofthepublick.'

Johnsontoldme,withanamiablefondness,alittlepleasingcircumstancerelativetothiswork.Mrs.Johnson,inwhosejudgementandtastehehadgreatconfidence,saidtohim,afterafewnumbersofTheRamblerhadcomeout,'Ithoughtverywellofyoubefore;butIdidnotimagineyoucouldhavewrittenanythingequaltothis.'Distantpraise,fromwhateverquarter,isnotsodelightfulasthatofawifewhomamanlovesandesteems.Herapprobationmaybesaidto'comehometohisbosom;'andbeingsonear,itseffectismostsensibleandpermanent.

Mr.JamesElphinston,whohassincepublishedvariousworks,andwhowaseveresteemedbyJohnsonasaworthyman,happenedtobeinScotlandwhileTheRamblerwascomingoutinsinglepapersatLondon.Withalaudablezealatoncefortheimprovementofhiscountrymen,andthereputationofhisfriend,hesuggestedandtookthechargeofaneditionofthoseEssaysatEdinburgh,whichfollowedprogressivelytheLondonpublication.

Thisyearhewrotetothesamegentlemanuponamournfuloccasion.

'ToMR.JAMESELPHINSTON.

September25,1750.

'DEARSIR,Youhave,asIfindbyeverykindofevidence,lostanexcellentmother;andIhopeyouwillnotthinkmeincapableofpartakingofyourgrief.Ihaveamother,noweighty-twoyearsofage,whom,therefore,Imustsoonlose,unlessitpleaseGODthatsherathershouldmournforme.Ireadthelettersinwhichyourelateyourmother'sdeathtoMrs.Strahan,andthinkIdomyselfhonour,whenItellyouthatIreadthemwithtears;buttearsareneithertoYOUnortoMEofanyfurtheruse,whenoncethetributeofnaturehasbeenpaid.Thebusinessoflifesummonsusawayfromuselessgrief,andcallsustotheexerciseofthosevirtuesofwhichwearelamentingourdeprivation.Thegreatestbenefitwhichonefriendcanconferuponanother,isto

guard,andexcite,andelevatehisvirtues.Thisyourmotherwillstillperform,ifyoudiligentlypreservethememoryofherlife,andofherdeath:alife,sofarasIcanlearn,useful,wise,andinnocent;andadeathresigned,peaceful,andholy.Icannotforbeartomention,thatneitherreasonnorrevelationdeniesyoutohope,thatyoumayincreaseherhappinessbyobeyingherprecepts;andthatshemay,inherpresentstate,lookwithpleasureuponeveryactofvirtuetowhichherinstructionsorexamplehavecontributed.Whetherthisbemorethanapleasingdream,orajustopinionofseparatespirits,is,indeed,ofnogreatimportancetous,whenweconsiderourselvesasactingundertheeyeofGOD:yet,surely,thereissomethingpleasinginthebelief,thatourseparationfromthosewhomweloveismerelycorporeal;anditmaybeagreatincitementtovirtuousfriendship,ifitcanbemade

probable,thatthatunionthathasreceivedthedivineapprobationshallcontinuetoeternity.

'Thereisoneexpedientbywhichyoumay,insomedegree,continueherpresence.Ifyouwritedownminutelywhatyourememberofherfromyourearliestyears,youwillreaditwithgreatpleasure,andreceivefromitmanyhintsofsoothingrecollection,whentimeshallremoveheryetfartherfromyou,andyourgriefshallbematuredtoveneration.Tothis,howeverpainfulforthepresent,Icannotbutadviseyou,astoasourceofcomfortandsatisfactioninthetimetocome;forallcomfort



andallsatisfactionissincerelywishedyouby,dearSir,yourmostobliged,mostobedient,andmosthumbleservant,

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

TheRamblerhasincreasedinfameasinage.Soonafteritsfirstfolioeditionwasconcluded,itwaspublishedinsixduodecimovolumes;anditsauthourlivedtoseetennumerouseditionsofitinLondon,besidethoseofIrelandandScotland.

ThestyleofJohnsonwas,undoubtedly,muchformeduponthatofthegreatwritersinthelastcentury,Hooker,Bacon,Sanderson,Hakewell,andothers;those'GIANTS,'astheywerewellcharacterisedbyAGREATPERSONAGE,whoseauthority,wereItonamehim,wouldstampareverenceontheopinion.

Johnsonassuredme,thathehadnottakenuponhimtoaddmorethanfourorfivewordstotheEnglishlanguage,ofhisownformation;andhewasverymuchoffendedatthegenerallicence,bynomeans'modestlytaken'inhistimenotonlytocoinnewwords,buttousemanywordsinsensesquitedifferentfromtheirestablishedmeaning,andthosefrequentlyveryfantastical.

SirThomasBrown,whoselifeJohnsonwrote,wasremarkablyfondofAnglo-Latindiction;andtohisexamplewearetoascribeJohnson'ssometimesindulginghimselfinthiskindofphraseology.Johnson'scomprehensionofmindwasthemouldforhislanguage.Hadhisconceptionsbeennarrower,hisexpressionwouldhavebeeneasier.Hissentenceshaveadignifiedmarch;and,itiscertain,thathisexamplehasgivenageneralelevationtothelanguageofhiscountry,formanyofourbestwritershaveapproachedveryneartohim;and,fromtheinfluencewhichhehashaduponourcomposition,scarcelyanythingiswrittennowthatisnotbetterexpressedthanwasusualbeforeheappearedtoleadthenationaltaste.

ThoughTheRamblerwasnotconcludedtilltheyear1752,Ishall,

underthisyear,sayallthatIhavetoobserveuponit.Someofthetranslationsofthemottosbyhimselfareadmirablydone.Heacknowledgestohavereceived'eleganttranslations'ofmanyofthemfromMr.JamesElphinston;andsomeareveryhappilytranslatedbyaMr.F.Lewis,ofwhomIneverheardmore,exceptthatJohnsonthusdescribedhimtoMr.Malone:'Sir,helivedinLondon,andhunglooseuponsociety.'

HisjustabhorrenceofMilton'spoliticalnotionswaseverstrong.ButthisdidnotpreventhiswarmadmirationofMilton'sgreatpoeticalmerit,towhichhehasdoneillustriousjustice,beyondallwhohavewrittenuponthesubject.AndthisyearhenotonlywroteaPrologue,whichwasspokenbyMr.GarrickbeforetheactingofComusatDrury-lane

theatre,forthebenefitofMilton'sgrand-daughter,buttookaveryzealousinterestinthesuccessofthecharity.

1751:AETAT.42.]--In1751wearetoconsiderhimascarryingonbothhisDictionaryandRambler.

ThoughJohnson'scircumstanceswereatthistimefarfrombeingeasy,hishumaneandcharitabledispositionwasconstantlyexertingitself.Mrs.AnnaWilliams,daughterofaveryingeniousWelshphysician,andawomanofmorethanordinarytalentsandliterature,havingcometo



Londoninhopesofbeingcuredofacataractinbothhereyes,whichafterwardsendedintotalblindness,waskindlyreceivedasaconstantvisitorathishousewhileMrs.Johnsonlived;andafterherdeath,havingcomeunderhisroofinordertohaveanoperationuponhereyesperformedwithmorecomforttoherthaninlodgings,shehadanapartmentfromhimduringtherestofherlife,atalltimeswhenhehadahouse.

1752:AETAT.43.]--In1752hewasalmostentirelyoccupiedwithhisDictionary.ThelastpaperofhisRamblerwaspublishedMarch2,thisyear;afterwhich,therewasacessationforsometimeofanyexertionofhistalentsasanessayist.But,inthesameyear,Dr.Hawkesworth,whowashiswarmadmirer,andastudiousimitatorofhisstyle,andthenlivedingreatintimacywithhim,beganaperiodicalpaper,entitledTheAdventurer,inconnectionwithothergentlemen,oneofwhomwasJohnson'smuch-belovedfriend,Dr.Bathurst;and,withoutdoubt,theyreceivedmanyvaluablehintsfromhisconversation,mostofhisfriendshavingbeensoassistedinthecourseoftheirworks.

Thatthereshouldbeasuspensionofhisliterarylaboursduringapartoftheyear1752,willnotseemstrange,whenitisconsideredthatsoonafterclosinghisRambler,hesufferedalosswhich,therecanbenodoubt,affectedhimwiththedeepestdistress.Foronthe17thofMarch,O.S.,hiswifedied.

ThefollowingverysolemnandaffectingprayerwasfoundafterDr.Johnson'sdecease,byhisservant,Mr.FrancisBarber,whodeliveredittomyworthyfriendtheReverendMr.Strahan,VicarofIslington,whoatmyearnestrequesthasobliginglyfavouredmewithacopyofit,whichheandIcomparedwiththeoriginal:

'April26,1752,beingafter12atNightofthe25th.

'OLord!Governourofheavenandearth,inwhosehandsareembodiedanddepartedSpirits,ifthouhastordainedtheSoulsoftheDeadtoministertotheLiving,andappointedmydepartedWifetohavecare

ofme,grantthatImayenjoythegoodeffectsofherattentionandministration,whetherexercisedbyappearance,impulses,dreamsorinanyothermanneragreeabletothyGovernment.Forgivemypresumption,enlightenmyignorance,andhowevermeaneragentsareemployed,grantmetheblessedinfluencesofthyholySpirit,throughJesusChristourLord.Amen.'

Thathisloveforhiswifewasofthemostardentkind,and,duringthelongperiodoffiftyyears,wasunimpairedbythelapseoftime,isevidentfromvariouspassagesintheseriesofhisPrayersandMeditations,publishedbytheReverendMr.Strahan,aswellasfromothermemorials,twoofwhichIselect,asstronglymarkingthe

tendernessandsensibilityofhismind.

'March28,1753.IkeptthisdayastheanniversaryofmyTetty'sdeath,withprayerandtearsinthemorning.IntheeveningIprayedforherconditionally,ifitwerelawful.'

'April23,1753.IknownotwhetherIdonottoomuchindulgethevainlongingsofaffection;butIhopetheyinteneratemyheart,andthatwhenIdielikemyTetty,thisaffectionwillbeacknowledgedinahappyinterview,andthatinthemeantimeIamincitedbyittopiety.I



will,however,notdeviatetoomuchfromcommonandreceivedmethodsofdevotion.'

Herweddingring,whenshebecamehiswife,was,afterherdeath,preservedbyhim,aslongashelived,withanaffectionatecare,inalittleroundwoodenbox,intheinsideofwhichhepastedaslipofpaper,thusinscribedbyhiminfaircharacters,asfollows:

'Eheu!Eliz.JohnsonNuptaJul.91736,Mortua,eheu!Mart.171752.'

Afterhisdeath,Mr.FrancisBarber,hisfaithfulservantandresiduarylegatee,offeredthismemorialoftendernesstoMrs.LucyPorter,Mrs.Johnson'sdaughter;butshehavingdeclinedtoacceptofit,hehaditenamelledasamourningringforhisoldmaster,andpresentedittohiswife,Mrs.Barber,whonowhasit.

Ihave,indeed,beentoldbyMrs.Desmoulins,who,beforehermarriage,livedforsometimewithMrs.JohnsonatHampstead,thatsheindulgedherselfincountryairandniceliving,atanunsuitableexpense,while

herhusbandwasdrudginginthesmokeofLondon,andthatshebynomeanstreatedhimwiththatcomplacencywhichisthemostengagingqualityinawife.Butallthisisperfectlycompatiblewithhisfondnessforher,especiallywhenitisrememberedthathehadahighopinionofherunderstanding,andthattheimpressionswhichherbeauty,realorimaginary,hadoriginallymadeuponhisfancy,beingcontinuedbyhabit,hadnotbeeneffaced,thoughsheherselfwasdoubtlessmuchalteredfortheworse.Thedreadfulshockofseparationtookplaceinthenight;andheimmediatelydispatchedalettertohisfriend,theReverendDr.Taylor,which,asTaylortoldme,expressedgriefinthestrongestmannerhehadeverread;sothatitismuchtoberegrettedithasnotbeenpreserved.TheletterwasbroughttoDr.Taylor,athishouseintheCloisters,Westminster,aboutthreeinthemorning;and

asitsignifiedanearnestdesiretoseehim,hegotup,andwenttoJohnsonassoonashewasdressed,andfoundhimintearsandinextremeagitation.Afterbeingalittlewhiletogether,Johnsonrequestedhimtojoinwithhiminprayer.Hethenprayedextempore,asdidDr.Taylor;andthus,bymeansofthatpietywhichwaseverhisprimaryobject,histroubledmindwas,insomedegree,soothedandcomposed.

Thenextdayhewroteasfollows:

'ToTHEREVERENDDR.TAYLOR.

'DEARSIR,--Letmehaveyourcompanyandinstruction.Donotliveaway

fromme.Mydistressisgreat.

'PraydesireMrs.TaylortoinformmewhatmourningIshouldbuyformymotherandMissPorter,andbringanoteinwritingwithyou.

'Remembermeinyourprayers,forvainisthehelpofman.Iam,dearSir,&c.

'March18,1752.'



'SAM.JOHNSON.'

Thathissufferingsuponthedeathofhiswifeweresevere,beyondwhatarecommonlyendured,Ihavenodoubt,fromtheinformationofmanywhowerethenabouthim,tononeofwhomIgivemorecreditthantoMr.FrancisBarber,hisfaithfulnegroservant,whocameintohisfamilyaboutafortnightafterthedismalevent.Thesesufferingswereaggravatedbythemelancholyinherentinhisconstitution;andalthoughheprobablywasnotoftenerinthewrongthanshewas,inthelittledisagreementswhichsometimestroubledhismarriedstate,duringwhich,heownedtome,thatthegloomyirritabilityofhisexistencewasmorepainfultohimthanever,hemightverynaturally,afterherdeath,betenderlydisposedtochargehimselfwithslightomissionsandoffences,thesenseofwhichwouldgivehimmuchuneasiness.Accordinglywefind,aboutayearafterherdecease,thathethusaddressedtheSupremeBeing:'OLORD,whogivestthegraceofrepentance,andhearesttheprayersofthepenitent,grantthatbytruecontritionImayobtainforgivenessofallthesinscommitted,andofalldutiesneglectedinmyunionwiththewifewhomthouhasttakenfromme;fortheneglectofjointdevotion,patientexhortation,andmildinstruction.'Thekindnessofhisheart,notwithstandingtheimpetuosityofhistemper,iswellknowntohisfriends;andIcannottracethesmallestfoundationforthefollowingdarkanduncharitableassertionbySirJohnHawkins:'The

apparitionofhisdepartedwifewasaltogetheroftheterrifickkind,andhardlyaffordedhimahopethatshewasinastateofhappiness.'Thathe,inconformitywiththeopinionofmanyofthemostable,learned,andpiousChristiansinallages,supposedthattherewasamiddlestateafterdeath,previoustothetimeatwhichdepartedsoulsarefinallyreceivedtoeternalfelicity,appears,Ithink,unquestionablyfromhisdevotions:'And,OLORD,sofarasitmaybelawfulinme,Icommendtothyfatherlygoodnessthesoulofmydepartedwife;beseechingtheetograntherwhateverisbestinherpresentstate,andfinallytoreceivehertoeternalhappiness.'Butthisstatehasnotbeenlookeduponwithhorrour,butonlyaslessgracious.

HedepositedtheremainsofMrs.JohnsoninthechurchofBromley,

inKent,towhichhewasprobablyledbytheresidenceofhisfriendHawkesworthatthatplace.Thefuneralsermonwhichhecomposedforher,whichwasneverpreached,buthavingbeengiventoDr.Taylor,hasbeenpublishedsincehisdeath,isaperformanceofuncommonexcellence,andfullofrationalandpiouscomforttosuchasaredepressedbythatsevereafflictionwhichJohnsonfeltwhenhewroteit.Whenitisconsideredthatitwaswritteninsuchanagitationofmind,andintheshortintervalbetweenherdeathandburial,itcannotbereadwithoutwonder.

FromMr.FrancisBarberIhavehadthefollowingauthentickandartlessaccountofthesituationinwhichhefoundhimrecentlyafterhiswife'sdeath:

'Hewasingreataffliction.Mrs.Williamswasthenlivinginhishouse,whichwasinGough-square.HewasbusywiththeDictionary.Mr.Shiels,andsomeothersofthegentlemenwhohadformerlywrittenforhim,usedtocomeabouthim.Hehadthenlittleforhimself,butfrequentlysentmoneytoMr.Shielswhenindistress.Thefriendswhovisitedhimatthattime,werechieflyDr.Bathurst,andMr.Diamond,anapothecaryinCork-street,Burlington-gardens,withwhomheandMrs.WilliamsgenerallydinedeverySunday.TherewasatalkofhisgoingtoIcelandwithhim,whichwouldprobablyhavehappenedhadhelived.Therewere



alsoMr.Cave,Dr.Hawkesworth,Mr.Ryland,merchantonTowerHill,Mrs.Masters,thepoetess,wholivedwithMr.Cave,Mrs.Carter,andsometimesMrs.Macaulay,alsoMrs.Gardiner,wifeofatallow-chandleronSnow-hill,notinthelearnedway,butaworthygoodwoman;Mr.(nowSirJoshua)Reynolds;Mr.Millar,Mr.Dodsley,Mr.Bouquet,Mr.PayneofPaternoster-row,booksellers;Mr.Strahan,theprinter;theEarlofOrrery,LordSouthwell,Mr.Garrick.'

Manyare,nodoubt,omittedinthiscatalogueofhisfriends,and,inparticular,hishumblefriendMr.RobertLevet,anobscurepractiserinphysickamongstthelowerpeople,hisfeesbeingsometimesverysmallsums,sometimeswhateverprovisionshispatientscouldaffordhim;butofsuchextensivepracticeinthatway,thatMrs.Williamshastoldme,hiswalkwasfromHounsditchtoMarybone.ItappearsfromJohnson'sdiarythattheiracquaintancecommencedabouttheyear1746;andsuchwasJohnson'spredilectionforhim,andfancifulestimationofhismoderateabilities,thatIhaveheardhimsayheshouldnotbesatisfied,thoughattendedbyalltheCollegeofPhysicians,unlesshehadMr.Levetwithhim.EversinceIwasacquaintedwithDr.Johnson,andmanyyearsbefore,asIhavebeenassuredbythosewhoknewhimearlier,Mr.Levethadanapartmentinhishouse,orhischambers,andwaiteduponhimeverymorning,throughthewholecourseofhislateandtediousbreakfast.Hewasofastrangegrotesqueappearance,stiffandformalinhismanner,andseldomsaidawordwhileanycompanywas

present.

Thecircleofhisfriends,indeed,atthistimewasextensiveandvarious,farbeyondwhathasbeengenerallyimagined.Totracehisacquaintancewitheachparticularperson,ifitcouldbedone,wouldbeatask,ofwhichthelabourwouldnotberepaidbytheadvantage.Butexceptionsaretobemade;oneofwhichmustbeafriendsoeminentasSirJoshuaReynolds,whowastrulyhisdulcedecus,andwithwhomhemaintainedanuninterruptedintimacytothelasthourofhislife.WhenJohnsonlivedinCastle-street,Cavendish-square,heusedfrequentlytovisittwoladies,wholivedoppositetohim,MissCotterells,daughtersofAdmiralCotterell.Reynoldsusedalsotovisitthere,andthustheymet.Mr.Reynolds,asIhaveobservedabove,had,fromthefirstreading

ofhisLifeofSavage,conceivedaveryhighadmirationofJohnson'spowersofwriting.Hisconversationnolessdelightedhim;andhecultivatedhisacquaintancewiththelaudablezealofonewhowasambitiousofgeneralimprovement.SirJoshua,indeed,wasluckyenoughattheirveryfirstmeetingtomakearemark,whichwassomuchabovethecommon-placestyleofconversation,thatJohnsonatonceperceivedthatReynoldshadthehabitofthinkingforhimself.Theladieswereregrettingthedeathofafriend,towhomtheyowedgreatobligations;uponwhichReynoldsobserved,'Youhave,however,thecomfortofbeingrelievedfromaburthenofgratitude.'Theywereshockedalittleatthisalleviatingsuggestion,astooselfish;butJohnsondefendeditinhisclearandforciblemanner,andwasmuchpleasedwiththeMIND,thefairviewofhumannature,whichitexhibited,likesomeofthe

reflectionsofRochefaucault.Theconsequencewas,thathewenthomewithReynolds,andsuppedwithhim.

SirJoshuatoldmeapleasantcharacteristicalanecdoteofJohnsonaboutthetimeoftheirfirstacquaintance.WhentheywereoneeveningtogetherattheMissCotterells',thethenDuchessofArgyleandanotherladyofhighrankcamein.JohnsonthinkingthattheMissCotterellsweretoomuchengrossedbythem,andthatheandhisfriendwereneglected,aslowcompanyofwhomtheyweresomewhatashamed,grewangry;andresolvingtoshocktheirsupposedpride,bymakingtheir



greatvisitorsimaginethathisfriendandhewerelowindeed,headdressedhimselfinaloudtonetoMr.Reynolds,saying,'HowmuchdoyouthinkyouandIcouldgetinaweek,ifweweretoWORKASHARDaswecould?'--asiftheyhadbeencommonmechanicks.

HisacquaintancewithBennetLangton,Esq.ofLangton,inLincolnshire,anothermuchvaluedfriend,commencedsoonaftertheconclusionofhisRambler;whichthatgentleman,thenayouth,hadreadwithsomuchadmiration,thathecametoLondonchieflywiththeviewofendeavouringtobeintroducedtoitsauthour.ByafortunatechancehehappenedtotakelodgingsinahousewhereMr.Levetfrequentlyvisited;andhavingmentionedhiswishtohislandlady,sheintroducedhimtoMr.Levet,whoreadilyobtainedJohnson'spermissiontobringMr.Langtontohim;as,indeed,Johnson,duringthewholecourseofhislife,hadnoshyness,realoraffected,butwaseasyofaccesstoallwhowereproperlyrecommended,andevenwishedtoseenumbersathislevee,ashismorningcircleofcompanymight,withstrictpropriety,becalled.Mr.Langtonwasexceedinglysurprisedwhenthesagefirstappeared.Hehadnotreceivedthesmallestintimationofhisfigure,dress,ormanner.Fromperusinghiswritings,hefanciedheshouldseeadecent,well-drest,inshort,remarkablydecorousphilosopher.Insteadofwhich,downfromhisbed-chamber,aboutnoon,came,asnewlyrisen,ahugeuncouthfigure,withalittledarkwigwhichscarcelycoveredhishead,andhisclotheshanginglooseabouthim.Buthisconversationwassorich,soanimated,

andsoforcible,andhisreligiousandpoliticalnotionssocongenialwiththoseinwhichLangtonhadbeeneducated,thatheconceivedforhimthatvenerationandattachmentwhichheeverpreserved.JohnsonwasnotthelessreadytoloveMr.Langton,forhisbeingofaveryancientfamily;forIhaveheardhimsay,withpleasure,'Langton,Sir,hasagrantoffreewarrenfromHenrytheSecond;andCardinalStephenLangton,inKingJohn'sreign,wasofthisfamily.'

Mr.LangtonafterwardswenttopursuehisstudiesatTrinityCollege,Oxford,whereheformedanacquaintancewithhisfellowstudent,Mr.TophamBeauclerk;who,thoughtheiropinionsandmodesoflifeweresodifferent,thatitseemedutterlyimprobablethattheyshouldatallagree,hadsoardentaloveofliterature,soacuteanunderstanding,

sucheleganceofmanners,andsowelldiscernedtheexcellentqualitiesofMr.Langton,agentlemaneminentnotonlyforworthandlearning,butforaninexhaustiblefundofentertainingconversation,thattheybecameintimatefriends.

Johnson,soonafterthisacquaintancebegan,passedaconsiderabletimeatOxford.HeatfirstthoughtitstrangethatLangtonshouldassociatesomuchwithonewhohadthecharacterofbeingloose,bothinhisprinciplesandpractice;but,bydegrees,hehimselfwasfascinated.Mr.Beauclerk'sbeingoftheSt.Alban'sfamily,andhaving,insomeparticulars,aresemblancetoCharlestheSecond,contributed,inJohnson'simagination,tothrowalustreuponhisotherqualities;and,inashorttime,themoral,piousJohnson,andthegay,dissipated

Beauclerk,werecompanions.'Whatacoalition!(saidGarrick,whenheheardofthis;)IshallhavemyoldfriendtobailoutoftheRound-house.'ButIcanbeartestimonythatitwasaveryagreeableassociation.Beauclerkwastoopolite,andvaluedlearningandwittoomuch,tooffendJohnsonbysalliesofinfidelityorlicentiousness;andJohnsondelightedinthegoodqualitiesofBeauclerk,andhopedtocorrecttheevil.InnumerablewerethescenesinwhichJohnsonwasamusedbytheseyoungmen.Beauclerkcouldtakemorelibertywithhim,thananybodywithwhomIeversawhim;but,ontheotherhand,Beauclerkwasnotsparedbyhisrespectablecompanion,whenreproof



wasproper.Beauclerkhadsuchapropensitytosatire,thatatonetimeJohnsonsaidtohim,'Youneveropenyourmouthbutwithintentiontogivepain;andyouhaveoftengivenmepain,notfromthepowerofwhatyousaid,butfromseeingyourintention.'Atanothertimeapplyingtohim,withaslightalteration,alineofPope,hesaid,

'Thyloveoffolly,andthyscornoffools--

Everythingthoudostshewstheone,andeverythingthousay'sttheother.'Atanothertimehesaidtohim,'Thybodyisallvice,andthymindallvirtue.'Beauclerknotseemingtorelishthecompliment,Johnsonsaid,'Nay,Sir,AlexandertheGreat,marchingintriumphintoBabylon,couldnothavedesiredtohavehadmoresaidtohim.'

JohnsonwassometimewithBeauclerkathishouseatWindsor,wherehewasentertainedwithexperimentsinnaturalphilosophy.OneSunday,whentheweatherwasveryfine,Beauclerkenticedhim,insensibly,tosaunteraboutallthemorning.Theywentintoachurch-yard,inthetimeofdivineservice,andJohnsonlaidhimselfdownathiseaseupononeofthetomb-stones.'Now,Sir,(saidBeauclerk)youarelikeHogarth'sIdleApprentice.'WhenJohnsongothispension,Beauclerksaidtohim,inthehumorousphraseofFalstaff,'Ihopeyou'llnowpurgeandlivecleanly

likeagentleman.'

OnenightwhenBeauclerkandLangtonhadsuppedatataverninLondon,andsattillaboutthreeinthemorning,itcameintotheirheadstogoandknockupJohnson,andseeiftheycouldprevailonhimtojointheminaramble.TheyrappedviolentlyatthedoorofhischambersintheTemple,tillatlastheappearedinhisshirt,withhislittleblackwigonthetopofhishead,insteadofanightcap,andapokerinhishand,imagining,probably,thatsomeruffianswerecomingtoattackhim.Whenhediscoveredwhotheywere,andwastoldtheirerrand,hesmiled,andwithgreatgoodhumouragreedtotheirproposal:'What,isityou,youdogs!I'llhaveafriskwithyou.'Hewassoondrest,andtheysalliedforthtogetherintoCovent-Garden,wherethegreengrocersandfruiterers

werebeginningtoarrangetheirhampers,justcomeinfromthecountry.Johnsonmadesomeattemptstohelpthem;butthehonestgardenersstaredsoathisfigureandmanner,andoddinterference,thathesoonsawhisserviceswerenotrelished.Theythenrepairedtooneoftheneighbouringtaverns,andmadeabowlofthatliquorcalledBishop,whichJohnsonhadalwaysliked;whileinjoyouscontemptofsleep,fromwhichhehadbeenroused,herepeatedthefestivelines,

'Short,Oshortthenbethyreign,Andgiveustotheworldagain!'

Theydidnotstaylong,butwalkeddowntotheThames,tookaboat,androwedtoBillingsgate.BeauclerkandJohnsonweresowellpleasedwith

theiramusement,thattheyresolvedtopersevereindissipationfortherestoftheday:butLangtondesertedthem,beingengagedtobreakfastwithsomeyoungLadies.Johnsonscoldedhimfor'leavinghissocialfriends,togoandsitwithasetofwretchedUN-IDEA'Dgirls.'Garrickbeingtoldofthisramble,saidtohimsmartly,'Iheardofyourfrolickt'othernight.You'llbeintheChronicle.'UponwhichJohnsonafterwardsobserved,'HEdurstnotdosuchathing.HisWIFEwouldnotLEThim!'

1753:AETAT.44.]--Heentereduponthisyear1753withhisusualpiety,



asappearsfromthefollowingprayer,whichItranscribedfromthatpartofhisdiarywhichheburntafewdaysbeforehisdeath:

'Jan.1,1753,N.S.whichIshalluseforthefuture.

'AlmightyGod,whohastcontinuedmylifetothisday,grantthat,bytheassistanceofthyHolySpirit,Imayimprovethetimewhichthoushaltgrantme,tomyeternalsalvation.Makemetoremember,tothyglory,thyjudgementsandthymercies.Makemesotoconsiderthelossofmywife,whomthouhasttakenfromme,thatitmaydisposeme,bythygrace,toleadtheresidueofmylifeinthyfear.Grantthis,OLORD,forJESUSCHRIST'Ssake.Amen.'

HenowrelievedthedrudgeryofhisDictionary,andthemelancholyofhisgrief,bytakinganactivepartinthecompositionofTheAdventurer,inwhichhebegantowriteApril10.

InoneofthebooksofhisdiaryIfindthefollowingentry:

'Apr.3,1753.Ibeganthesecondvol.ofmyDictionary,roombeingleftinthefirstforPreface,Grammar,andHistory,noneofthemyetbegun.

'OGod,whohasthithertosupportedme,enablemetoproceedinthislabour,andinthewholetaskofmypresentstate;thatwhenIshall

renderup,atthelastday,anaccountofthetalentcommittedtome,Imayreceivepardon,forthesakeofJESUSCHRIST.Amen.'

1754:AETAT.45.]--TheDictionary,wemaybelieve,affordedJohnsonfulloccupationthisyear.Asitapproachedtoitsconclusion,heprobablyworkedwithredoubledvigour,asseamenincreasetheirexertionandalacritywhentheyhaveanearprospectoftheirhaven.

LordChesterfield,towhomJohnsonhadpaidthehighcomplimentofaddressingtohisLordshipthePlanofhisDictionary,hadbehavedtohiminsuchamannerastoexcitehiscontemptandindignation.Theworldhasbeenformanyyearsamusedwithastoryconfidentlytold,andasconfidentlyrepeatedwithadditionalcircumstances,thatasudden

disgustwastakenbyJohnsonuponoccasionofhishavingbeenonedaykeptlonginwaitinginhisLordship'santechamber,forwhichthereasonassignedwas,thathehadcompanywithhim;andthatatlast,whenthedooropened,outwalkedColleyCibber;andthatJohnsonwassoviolentlyprovokedwhenhefoundforwhomhehadbeensolongexcluded,thathewentawayinapassion,andneverwouldreturn.IrememberhavingmentionedthisstorytoGeorgeLordLyttelton,whotoldme,hewasveryintimatewithLordChesterfield;andholdingitasawell-knowntruth,defendedLordChesterfield,bysaying,that'Cibber,whohadbeenintroducedfamiliarlybytheback-stairs,hadprobablynotbeenthereabovetenminutes.'Itmayseemstrangeeventoentertainadoubtconcerningastorysolongandsowidelycurrent,andthusimplicitlyadopted,ifnotsanctioned,bytheauthoritywhichIhavementioned;but

Johnsonhimselfassuredme,thattherewasnottheleastfoundationforit.Hetoldme,thatthereneverwasanyparticularincidentwhichproducedaquarrelbetweenLordChesterfieldandhim;butthathisLordship'scontinuedneglectwasthereasonwhyheresolvedtohavenoconnectionwithhim.WhentheDictionarywasupontheeveofpublication,LordChesterfield,who,itissaid,hadflatteredhimselfwithexpectationsthatJohnsonwoulddedicatetheworktohim,attempted,inacourtlymanner,tosooth,andinsinuatehimselfwiththeSage,conscious,asitshouldseem,ofthecoldindifferencewithwhichhehadtreateditslearnedauthour;andfurtherattemptedtoconciliate



him,bywritingtwopapersinTheWorld,inrecommendationofthework;anditmustbeconfessed,thattheycontainsomestudiedcompliments,sofinelyturned,thatiftherehadbeennopreviousoffence,itisprobablethatJohnsonwouldhavebeenhighlydelighted.*Praise,ingeneral,waspleasingtohim;butbypraisefromamanofrankandelegantaccomplishments,hewaspeculiarlygratified.

*Boswellcouldnothavereadthesecondpapercarefully.ItissillyandindecentandwascertaintooffendJohnson.--ED.

Thiscourtlydevicefailedofitseffect.Johnson,whothoughtthat'allwasfalseandhollow,'despisedthehoneyedwords,andwasevenindignantthatLordChesterfieldshould,foramoment,imaginethathecouldbethedupeofsuchanartifice.HisexpressiontomeconcerningLordChesterfield,uponthisoccasion,was,'Sir,aftermakinggreatprofessions,hehad,formanyyears,takennonoticeofme;butwhenmyDictionarywascomingout,hefellascribblinginTheWorldaboutit.Uponwhich,Iwrotehimaletterexpressedincivilterms,butsuchasmightshewhimthatIdidnotmindwhathesaidorwrote,andthatIhaddonewithhim.'

Thisisthatcelebratedletterofwhichsomuchhasbeensaid,andaboutwhichcuriosityhasbeensolongexcited,withoutbeinggratified.I

formanyyearssolicitedJohnsontofavourmewithacopyofit,thatsoexcellentacompositionmightnotbelosttoposterity.Hedelayedfromtimetotimetogiveitme;tillatlastin1781,whenwewereonavisitatMr.Dilly's,atSouthillinBedfordshire,hewaspleasedtodictateittomefrommemory.Heafterwardsfoundamonghispapersacopyofit,whichhehaddictatedtoMr.Baretti,withitstitleandcorrections,inhisownhandwriting.ThishegavetoMr.Langton;addingthatifitweretocomeintoprint,hewishedittobefromthatcopy.ByMr.Langton'skindness,Iamenabledtoenrichmyworkwithaperfecttranscriptofwhattheworldhassoeagerlydesiredtosee.

'TOTHERIGHTHONOURABLETHEEARLOFCHESTERFIELD

'February7,1755.

'MYLORD,Ihavebeenlatelyinformed,bytheproprietorofTheWorld,thattwopapers,inwhichmyDictionaryisrecommendedtothepublick,werewrittenbyyourLordship.Tobesodistinguished,isanhonour,which,beingverylittleaccustomedtofavoursfromthegreat,Iknownotwellhowtoreceive,orinwhattermstoacknowledge.

'When,uponsomeslightencouragement,IfirstvisitedyourLordship,Iwasoverpowered,liketherestofmankind,bytheenchantmentofyouraddress;andcouldnotforbeartowishthatImightboastmyselfLevainqueurduvainqueurdelaterre;--thatImightobtainthatregardfor

whichIsawtheworldcontending;butIfoundmyattendancesolittleencouraged,thatneitherpridenormodestywouldsuffermetocontinueit.WhenIhadonceaddressedyourLordshipinpublick,Ihadexhaustedalltheartofpleasingwhicharetiredanduncourtlyscholarcanpossess.IhaddoneallthatIcould;andnomaniswellpleasedtohavehisallneglected,beiteversolittle.

'Sevenyears,myLord,havenowpast,sinceIwaitedinyouroutwardrooms,orwasrepulsedfromyourdoor;duringwhichtimeIhavebeenpushingonmyworkthroughdifficulties,ofwhichitisuselessto



complain,andhavebroughtit,atlast,tothevergeofpublication,withoutoneactofassistance,onewordofencouragement,oronesmileoffavour.SuchtreatmentIdidnotexpect,forIneverhadaPatronbefore.

'TheshepherdinVirgilgrewatlastacquaintedwithLove,andfoundhimanativeoftherocks.

'IsnotaPatron,myLord,onewholookswithunconcernonamanstrugglingforlifeinthewater,and,whenhehasreachedground,encumbershimwithhelp?Thenoticewhichyouhavebeenpleasedtotakeofmylabours,haditbeenearly,hadbeenkind;butithasbeendelayedtillIamindifferent,andcannotenjoyit;tillIamsolitary,andcannotimpartit;tillIamknown,anddonotwantit.Ihopeitisnoverycynicalasperitynottoconfessobligationswherenobenefithasbeenreceived,ortobeunwillingthatthePublickshouldconsidermeasowingthattoaPatron,whichProvidencehasenabledmetodoformyself.

'Havingcarriedonmyworkthusfarwithsolittleobligationtoanyfavoureroflearning,IshallnotbedisappointedthoughIshouldconcludeit,iflessbepossible,withless;forIhavebeenlongwakenedfromthatdreamofhope,inwhichIonceboastedmyselfwithsomuchexultation,myLord,yourLordship'smosthumble,mostobedient

servant,

'SAMJOHNSON.'

'Whilethiswasthetalkofthetown,(saysDr.Adams,inalettertome)IhappenedtovisitDr.Warburton,whofindingthatIwasacquaintedwithJohnson,desiredmeearnestlytocarryhiscomplimentstohim,andtotellhimthathehonouredhimforhismanlybehaviourinrejectingthesecondescensionsofLordChesterfield,andforresentingthetreatmenthehadreceivedfromhim,withaproperspirit.Johnsonwasvisiblypleasedwiththiscompliment,forhehadalwaysahighopinionofWarburton.Indeed,theforceofmindwhichappearedinthisletter,

wascongenialwiththatwhichWarburtonhimselfamplypossessed.'

Thereisacuriousminutecircumstancewhichstruckme,incomparingthevariouseditionsofJohnson'simitationsofJuvenal.InthetenthSatire,oneofthecoupletsuponthevanityofwishesevenforliterarydistinctionstoodthus:

'Yetthinkwhatillsthescholar'slifeassail,Pride,envy,want,theGARRET,andthejail.'

ButafterexperiencingtheuneasinesswhichLordChesterfield'sfallaciouspatronagemadehimfeel,hedismissedthewordgarretfromthesadgroup,andinallthesubsequenteditionsthelinestands--

'Pride,envy,want,thePATRON,andthejail.'

ThatLordChesterfieldmusthavebeenmortifiedbytheloftycontempt,andpolite,yetkeensatirewithwhichJohnsonexhibitedhimtohimselfinthisletter,itisimpossibletodoubt.He,however,withthatglossyduplicitywhichwashisconstantstudy,affectedtobequiteunconcerned.Dr.AdamsmentionedtoMr.RobertDodsleythathewassorry



JohnsonhadwrittenhislettertoLordChesterfield.Dodsley,withthetruefeelingsoftrade,said'hewasverysorrytoo;forthathehadapropertyintheDictionary,towhichhisLordship'spatronagemighthavebeenofconsequence.'HethentoldDr.Adams,thatLordChesterfieldhadshewnhimtheletter.'Ishouldhaveimagined(repliedDr.Adams)thatLordChesterfieldwouldhaveconcealedit.''Poh!(saidDodsley)doyouthinkaletterfromJohnsoncouldhurtLordChesterfield?Notatall,Sir.Itlayuponhistable;whereanybodymightseeit.Hereadittome;said,"thismanhasgreatpowers,"pointedouttheseverestpassages,andobservedhowwelltheywereexpressed.'Thisairofindifference,whichimposedupontheworthyDodsley,wascertainlynothingbutaspecimenofthatdissimulationwhichLordChesterfieldinculcatedasoneofthemostessentiallessonsfortheconductoflife.HisLordshipendeavouredtojustifyhimselftoDodsleyfromthechargesbroughtagainsthimbyJohnson;butwemayjudgeoftheflimsinessofhisdefence,fromhishavingexcusedhisneglectofJohnson,bysayingthat'hehadheardhehadchangedhislodgings,anddidnotknowwherehelived;'asiftherecouldhavebeenthesmallestdifficultytoinformhimselfofthatcircumstance,byinquiringintheliterarycirclewithwhichhisLordshipwaswellacquainted,andwas,indeed,himselfoneofitsornaments.

Dr.AdamsexpostulatedwithJohnson,andsuggested,thathisnotbeingadmittedwhenhecalledonhim,was,probably,nottobeimputedtoLord

Chesterfield;forhisLordshiphaddeclaredtoDodsley,that'hewouldhaveturnedoffthebestservantheeverhad,ifhehadknownthathedeniedhimtoamanwhowouldhavebeenalwaysmorethanwelcome;'and,inconfirmationofthis,heinsistedonLordChesterfield'sgeneralaffabilityandeasinessofaccess,especiallytoliterarymen.'Sir(saidJohnson)thatisnotLordChesterfield;heistheproudestmanthisdayexisting.''No,(saidDr.Adams)thereisoneperson,atleast,asproud;Ithink,byyourownaccount,youaretheproudermanofthetwo.''Butmine(repliedJohnson,instantly)wasDEFENSIVEpride.'This,asDr.Adamswellobserved,wasoneofthosehappyturnsforwhichhewassoremarkablyready.

JohnsonhavingnowexplicitlyavowedhisopinionofLordChesterfield,

didnotrefrainfromexpressinghimselfconcerningthatnoblemanwithpointedfreedom:'Thisman(saidhe)IthoughthadbeenaLordamongwits;but,Ifind,heisonlyawitamongLords!'AndwhenhisLetterstohisnaturalsonwerepublished,heobserved,that'theyteachthemoralsofawhore,andthemannersofadancingmaster.'

Onthe6thofMarchcameoutLordBolingbroke'sworks,publishedbyMr.DavidMallet.Thewildandperniciousravings,underthenameofPhilosophy,whichwerethususheredintotheworld,gavegreatoffencetoallwell-principledmen.Johnson,hearingoftheirtendency,whichnobodydisputed,wasrousedwithajustindignation,andpronouncedthismemorablesentenceuponthenobleauthourandhiseditor.'Sir,hewasascoundrel,andacoward:ascoundrel,forchargingablunderbussagainst

religionandmorality;acoward,becausehehadnotresolutiontofireitoffhimself,butlefthalfacrowntoabeggarlyScotchman,todrawthetriggerafterhisdeath!'

JohnsonthisyearfoundanintervalofleisuretomakeanexcursiontoOxford,forthepurposeofconsultingthelibrariesthere.

OfhisconversationwhileatOxfordatthistime,Mr.Wartonpreservedandcommunicatedtomethefollowingmemorial,which,thoughnotwrittenwithallthecareandattentionwhichthatlearnedandelegantwriter



bestowedonthosecompositionswhichheintendedforthepublickeye,issohappilyexpressedinaneasystyle,thatIshouldinjureitbyanyalteration:

'WhenJohnsoncametoOxfordin1754,thelongvacationwasbeginning,andmostpeoplewereleavingtheplace.Thiswasthefirsttimeofhisbeingthere,afterquittingtheUniversity.Thenextmorningafterhisarrival,hewishedtoseehisoldCollege,Pembroke.Iwentwithhim.HewashighlypleasedtofindalltheCollege-servantswhichhehadlefttherestillremaining,particularlyaveryoldbutler;andexpressedgreatsatisfactionatbeingrecognisedbythem,andconversedwiththemfamiliarly.Hewaitedonthemaster,Dr.Radcliffe,whoreceivedhimverycoldly.Johnsonatleastexpected,thatthemasterwouldorderacopyofhisDictionary,nownearpublication:butthemasterdidnotchoosetotalkonthesubject,neveraskedJohnsontodine,noreventovisithim,whilehestayedatOxford.Afterwehadleftthelodgings,Johnsonsaidtome,"THERElivesaman,wholivesbytherevenuesofliterature,andwillnotmoveafingertosupportit.IfIcometoliveatOxford,IshalltakeupmyabodeatTrinity."WethencalledontheReverendMr.Meeke,oneofthefellows,andofJohnson'sstanding.Herewasamostcordialgreetingonbothsides.Onleavinghim,Johnsonsaid,"IusedtothinkMeekehadexcellentparts,whenwewereboystogetherattheCollege:but,alas!

'Lostinaconvent'ssolitarygloom!'

Iremember,attheclassicallectureintheHall,IcouldnotbearMeeke'ssuperiority,andItriedtositasfarfromhimasIcould,thatImightnothearhimconstrue."

'AswewereleavingtheCollege,hesaid,"HereItranslatedPope'sMessiah.Whichdoyouthinkisthebestlineinit?--Myownfavouriteis,

'VallisaromaticasfunditSaronicanubes.'"

Itoldhim,Ithoughtitaverysonoroushexameter.Ididnottellhim,itwasnotintheVirgilianstyle.HemuchregrettedthathisFIRSTtutorwasdead;forwhomheseemedtoretainthegreatestregard.Hesaid,"IoncehadbeenawholemorningslidinginChrist-ChurchMeadow,andmissedhislectureinlogick.Afterdinner,hesentformetohisroom.Iexpectedasharprebukeformyidleness,andwentwithabeatingheart.Whenwewereseated,hetoldmehehadsentformetodrinkaglassofwinewithhim,andtotellme,hewasNOTangrywithmeformissinghislecture.Thiswas,infact,amostseverereprimand.Somemoreoftheboyswerethensentfor,andwespentaverypleasant

afternoon."BesidesMr.Meeke,therewasonlyoneotherFellowofPembrokenowresident:frombothofwhomJohnsonreceivedthegreatestcivilitiesduringthisvisit,andtheypressedhimverymuchtohavearoomintheCollege.

'Inthecourseofthisvisit(1754),JohnsonandIwalked,threeorfourtimes,toEllsfield,avillagebeautifullysituatedaboutthreemilesfromOxford,toseeMr.Wise,Radclivianlibrarian,withwhomJohnsonwasmuchpleased.Atthisplace,Mr.Wisehadfittedupahouseandgardens,inasingularmanner,butwithgreattaste.Herewasan



excellentlibrary;particularly,avaluablecollectionofbooksinNorthernliterature,withwhichJohnsonwasoftenverybusy.OnedayMr.Wisereadtousadissertationwhichhewaspreparingforthepress,intitled,"AHistoryandChronologyofthefabulousAges."SomeolddivinitiesofThrace,relatedtotheTitans,andcalledtheCABIRI,madeaveryimportantpartofthetheoryofthispiece;andinconversationafterwards,Mr.WisetalkedmuchofhisCABIRI.AswereturnedtoOxfordintheevening,Iout-walkedJohnson,andhecriedoutSufflamina,aLatinwordwhichcamefromhismouthwithpeculiargrace,andwasasmuchastosay,Putonyourdragchain.Beforewegothome,Iagainwalkedtoofastforhim;andhenowcriedout,"Why,youwalkasifyouwerepursuedbyalltheCABIRIinabody."Inanevening,wefrequentlytooklongwalksfromOxfordintothecountry,returningtosupper.Once,inourwayhome,weviewedtheruinsoftheabbiesofOseneyandRewley,nearOxford.Afteratleasthalfanhour'ssilence,Johnsonsaid,"Iviewedthemwithindignation!"WehadthenalongconversationonGothickbuildings;andintalkingoftheformofoldhalls,hesaid,"Inthesehalls,thefireplacewasancientlyalwaysinthemiddleoftheroom,tilltheWhigsremoveditononeside."--AboutthistimetherehadbeenanexecutionoftwoorthreecriminalsatOxfordonaMonday.Soonafterwards,onedayatdinner,IwassayingthatMr.Swintonthechaplainofthegaol,andalsoafrequentpreacherbeforetheUniversity,alearnedman,butoftenthoughtlessandabsent,preachedthecondemnation-sermononrepentance,beforetheconvicts,onthe

precedingday,Sunday;andthatintheclosehetoldhisaudience,thatheshouldgivethemtheremainderofwhathehadtosayonthesubject,thenextLord'sDay.Uponwhich,oneofourcompany,aDoctorofDivinity,andaplainmatter-of-factman,bywayofofferinganapologyforMr.Swinton,gravelyremarked,thathehadprobablypreachedthesamesermonbeforetheUniversity:"Yes,Sir,(saysJohnson)buttheUniversitywerenottobehangedthenextmorning."

'Iforgottoobservebefore,thatwhenheleftMr.Meeke,(asIhavetoldabove)headded,"Aboutthesametimeoflife,MeekewasleftbehindatOxfordtofeedonaFellowship,andIwenttoLondontogetmyliving:now,Sir,seethedifferenceofourliterarycharacters!"'

ThedegreeofMasterofArts,which,ithasbeenobserved,couldnotbeobtainedforhimatanearlyperiodofhislife,wasnowconsideredasanhonourofconsiderableimportance,inordertogracethetitle-pageofhisDictionary;andhischaracterintheliteraryworldbeingbythistimedeservedlyhigh,hisfriendsthoughtthat,ifproperexertionsweremade,theUniversityofOxfordwouldpayhimthecompliment.

ToTHEREVERENDTHOMASWARTON.

'DEARSIR,--Iamextremelysensibleofthefavourdoneme,bothbyMr.Wiseandyourself.Thebook*cannot,Ithink,beprintedinlessthansixweeks,norprobablysosoon;andIwillkeepbackthetitle-page,

forsuchaninsertionasyouseemtopromiseme....

'Ihadlatelythefavourofaletterfromyourbrother,withsomeaccountofpoorCollins,forwhomIammuchconcerned.Ihaveanotion,thatbyverygreattemperance,ormoreproperlyabstinence,hemayyetrecover....

'YouknowpoorMr.Dodsleyhaslosthiswife;Ibelieveheismuchaffected.IhopehewillnotsuffersomuchasIyetsufferforthelossofmine.



[Greektextomitted]

Ihaveeversinceseemedtomyselfbrokenofffrommankind;akindofsolitarywandererinthewildoflife,withoutanydirection,orfixedpointofview:agloomygazeronaworldtowhichIhavelittlerelation.YetIwouldendeavour,bythehelpofyouandyourbrother,tosupplythewantofcloserunion,byfriendship:andhopetohavelongthepleasureofbeing,dearSir,mostaffectionatelyyour's,

'[London.]Dec.21,1754.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

*'HisDictionary'--WARTON.

1755:AETAT.46.]--In1755webeholdhimtogreatadvantage;hisdegreeofMasterofArtsconferreduponhim,hisDictionarypublished,hiscorrespondenceanimated,hisbenevolenceexercised.

Mr.CharlesBurney,whohassincedistinguishedhimselfsomuchinthescienceofMusick,andobtainedaDoctor'sdegreefromtheUniversityofOxford,hadbeendrivenfromthecapitalbybadhealth,andwasnowresidingatLynneRegis,inNorfolk.Hehadbeensomuchdelightedwith

Johnson'sRamblerandthePlanofhisDictionary,thatwhenthegreatworkwasannouncedinthenews-papersasnearlyfinished,'hewrotetoDr.Johnson,beggingtobeinformedwhenandinwhatmannerhisDictionarywouldbepublished;intreating,ifitshouldbebysubscription,orheshouldhaveanybooksathisowndisposal,tobefavouredwithsixcopiesforhimselfandfriends.

Inanswertothisapplication,Dr.Johnsonwrotethefollowingletter,ofwhich(touseDr.Burney'sownwords)'ifitberememberedthatitwaswrittentoanobscureyoungman,whoatthistimehadnotmuchdistinguishedhimselfeveninhisownprofession,butwhosenamecouldneverhavereachedtheauthourofTheRambler,thepolitenessandurbanitymaybeopposedtosomeofthestorieswhichhavebeenlately

circulatedofDr.Johnson'snaturalrudenessandferocity.'

'TOMR.BURNEY,INLYNNEREGIS,NORFOLK.

'SIR,--IfyouimaginethatbydelayingmyanswerIintendedtoshewanyneglectofthenoticewithwhichyouhavefavouredme,youwillneitherthinkjustlyofyourselfnorofme.Yourcivilitieswereofferedwithtoomuchelegancenottoengageattention;andIhavetoomuchpleasureinpleasingmenlikeyou,nottofeelverysensiblythedistinctionwhichyouhavebestoweduponme.

'Fewconsequencesofmyendeavourstopleaseortobenefitmankindhave

delightedmemorethanyourfriendshipthusvoluntarilyoffered,whichnowIhaveitIhopetokeep,becauseIhopetocontinuetodeserveit.

'IhavenoDictionariestodisposeofformyself,butshallbegladtohaveyoudirectyourfriendstoMr.Dodsley,becauseitwasbyhisrecommendationthatIwasemployedinthework.

'Whenyouhaveleisuretothinkagainuponme,letmebefavouredwithanotherletter;andanotheryet,whenyouhavelookedintomyDictionary.Ifyoufindfaults,Ishallendeavourtomendthem;ifyou



findnone,Ishallthinkyoublindedbykindpartiality:buttohavemadeyoupartialinhisfavour,willverymuchgratifytheambitionof,Sir,yourmostobligedandmosthumbleservant,

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

'Gough-square,Fleet-street,April8,1755.'

TheDictionary,withaGrammarandHistoryoftheEnglishLanguage,beingnowatlengthpublished,intwovolumesfolio,theworldcontemplatedwithwondersostupendousaworkachievedbyoneman,whileothercountrieshadthoughtsuchundertakingsfitonlyforwholeacademies.Vastashispowerswere,Icannotbutthinkthathisimaginationdeceivedhim,whenhesupposedthatbyconstantapplicationhemighthaveperformedthetaskinthreeyears.

Theextensivereadingwhichwasabsolutelynecessaryfortheaccumulationofauthorities,andwhichalonemayaccountforJohnson'sretentivemindbeingenrichedwithaverylargeandvariousstoreofknowledgeandimagery,musthaveoccupiedseveralyears.ThePrefacefurnishesaneminentinstanceofadoubletalent,ofwhichJohnsonwasfullyconscious.SirJoshuaReynoldsheardhimsay,'TherearetwothingswhichIamconfidentIcandoverywell:oneisanintroduction

toanyliterarywork,statingwhatitistocontain,andhowitshouldbeexecutedinthemostperfectmanner;theotherisaconclusion,shewingfromvariouscauseswhytheexecutionhasnotbeenequaltowhattheauthourpromisedtohimselfandtothepublick.'

Afewofhisdefinitionsmustbeadmittedtobeerroneous.Thus,WindwardandLeeward,thoughdirectlyofoppositemeaning,aredefinedidenticallythesameway;astowhichinconsiderablespecksitisenoughtoobserve,thathisPrefaceannouncesthathewasawaretheremightbemanysuchinsoimmenseawork;norwasheatalldisconcertedwhenaninstancewaspointedouttohim.AladyonceaskedhimhowhecametodefinePasterntheKNEEofahorse:insteadofmakinganelaboratedefence,assheexpected,heatonceanswered,'Ignorance,madam,

pureignorance.'HisdefinitionofNetwork*hasbeenoftenquotedwithsportivemalignity,asobscuringathinginitselfveryplain.ButtothesefrivolouscensuresnootheranswerisnecessarythanthatwithwhichwearefurnishedbyhisownPreface.

*Anythingreticulatedordecussated,atequaldistances,withintersticesbetweentheintersections.'--ED.

Hisintroducinghisownopinions,andevenprejudices,undergeneraldefinitionsofwords,whileatthesametimetheoriginalmeaningofthewordsisnotexplained,ashisTory,Whig,Pension,Oats,Excise,*andafewmore,cannotbefullydefended,andmustbeplacedtotheaccountofcapriciousandhumorousindulgence.Talkingtomeuponthissubjectwhen

wewereatAshbournein1777,hementionedastillstrongerinstanceofthepredominanceofhisprivatefeelingsinthecompositionofthiswork,thananynowtobefoundinit.'Youknow,Sir,LordGowerforsooktheoldJacobiteinterest.WhenIcametothewordRenegado,aftertellingthatitmeant"onewhodesertstotheenemy,arevolter,"Iadded,SometimeswesayaGOWER.Thusitwenttothepress;buttheprinterhadmorewitthanI,andstruckitout.'

*Tory.'Onewhoadherestotheancientconstitutionorthestateandtheapostolicalhierarchyofthechurchor



England,opposedtoawhig.'Whig.'Thenameofafaction.'Pension.'Anallowancemadetoanyonewithoutanequivalent.InEnglanditisgenerallyunderstoodtomeanpaygiventoastatehirelingfortreasontohiscountry.'Oats.'AgrainwhichinEnglandisgenerallygiventohorses,butinScotlandsupportsthepeople.'Excise.'Ahatefultaxlevieduponcommodities,andadjudgednotbythecommonjudgesofproperty,butwretcheshiredbythosetowhomexciseispaid.'--ED.

Letit,however,beremembered,thatthisindulgencedoesnotdisplayitselfonlyinsarcasmtowardsothers,butsometimesinplayfulallusiontothenotionscommonlyentertainedofhisownlaborioustask.Thus:'Grub-street,thenameofastreetinLondon,muchinhabitedbywritersofsmallhistories,dictionaries,andtemporarypoems;whenceanymeanproductioniscalledGrub-street.'--'Lexicographer,awriterofdictionaries,aharmlessdrudge.'

Itmustundoubtedlyseemstrange,thattheconclusionofhisPrefaceshouldbeexpressedintermssodesponding,whenitisconsideredthattheauthourwasthenonlyinhisforty-sixthyear.Butwemustascribeitsgloomtothatmiserabledejectionofspiritstowhichhewasconstitutionallysubject,andwhichwasaggravatedbythedeathofhiswifetwoyearsbefore.Ihavehearditingeniouslyobservedbyalady

ofrankandelegance,that'hismelancholywasthenatitsmeridian.'ItpleasedGODtogranthimalmostthirtyyearsoflifeafterthistime;andonce,whenhewasinaplacidframeofmind,hewasobligedtoowntomethathehadenjoyedhappierdays,andhadmanymorefriends,sincethatgloomyhourthanbefore.

Itisasadsaying,that'mostofthosewhomhewishedtopleasehadsunkintothegrave;'andhiscaseatforty-fivewassingularlyunhappy,unlessthecircleofhisfriendswasverynarrow.HesaidtoSirJoshuaReynolds,'Ifamandoesnotmakenewacquaintanceasheadvancesthroughlife,hewillsoonfindhimselfleftalone.Aman,Sir,shouldkeephisfriendshipinconstantrepair.'

InJulythisyearhehadformedsomeschemeofmentalimprovement,theparticularpurposeofwhichdoesnotappear.ButwefindinhisPrayersandMeditations,p.25,aprayerentitled'OntheStudyofPhilosophy,asanInstrumentofliving;'andafteritfollowsanote,'Thisstudywasnotpursued.'

Onthe13thofthesamemonthhewroteinhisJournalthefollowingschemeoflife,forSunday:

'Havinglived'(ashewithtendernessofconscienceexpresseshimself)'notwithoutanhabitualreverencefortheSabbath,yetwithoutthatattentiontoitsreligiousdutieswhichChristianityrequires;

'1.Toriseearly,andinordertoit,togotosleepearlyonSaturday.

'2.Tousesomeextraordinarydevotioninthemorning.

'3.Toexaminethetenourofmylife,andparticularlythelastweek;andtomarkmyadvancesinreligion,orrecessionfromit.

'4.ToreadtheScripturemethodicallywithsuchhelpsasareathand.

'5.Togotochurchtwice.



'6.ToreadbooksofDivinity,eitherspeculativeorpractical.

'7.Toinstructmyfamily.

'8.Towearoffbymeditationanyworldlysoilcontractedintheweek.'

1756:AETAT.47.]--In1756JohnsonfoundthatthegreatfameofhisDictionaryhadnotsethimabovethenecessityof'makingprovisionforthedaythatwaspassingoverhim.'Noroyalornoblepatronextendedamunificenthandtogiveindependencetothemanwhohadconferredstabilityonthelanguageofhiscountry.Wemayfeelindignantthatthereshouldhavebeensuchunworthyneglect;butwemust,atthesametime,congratulateourselves,whenweconsiderthattothisveryneglect,operatingtorousethenaturalindolenceofhisconstitution,weowemanyvaluableproductions,whichotherwise,perhaps,mightneverhaveappeared.

Hehadspent,duringtheprogressofthework,themoneyforwhichhehadcontractedtowritehisDictionary.Wehaveseenthattherewardofhislabourwasonlyfifteenhundredandseventy-fivepounds;andwhentheexpenceofamanuensesandpaper,andotherarticlesarededucted,hisclearprofitwasveryinconsiderable.Ioncesaidtohim,'Iamsorry,Sir,youdidnotgetmoreforyourDictionary.'Hisanswerwas,

'Iamsorry,too.Butitwasverywell.Thebooksellersaregenerous,liberal-mindedmen.'He,uponalloccasions,didamplejusticetotheircharacterinthisrespect.Heconsideredthemasthepatronsofliterature;and,indeed,althoughtheyhaveeventuallybeenconsiderablegainersbyhisDictionary,itistothemthatweoweitshavingbeenundertakenandcarriedthroughattheriskofgreatexpence,fortheywerenotabsolutelysureofbeingindemnified.

HethisyearresumedhisschemeofgivinganeditionofShakspearewithnotes.*HeissuedProposalsofconsiderablelength,inwhichheshewedthatheperfectlywellknewwhatavarietyofresearchsuchanundertakingrequired;buthisindolencepreventedhimfrompursuingitwiththatdiligencewhichalonecancollectthosescatteredfactsthat

genius,howeveracute,penetrating,andluminous,cannotdiscoverbyitsownforce.Itisremarkable,thatatthistimehisfanciedactivitywasforthemomentsovigorous,thathepromisedhisworkshouldbepublishedbeforeChristmas,1757.Yetnineyearselapsedbeforeitsawthelight.Histhroesinbringingitforthhadbeensevereandremittent;andatlastwemayalmostconcludethattheCaesarianoperationwasperformedbytheknifeofChurchill,whoseupbraidingsatire,Idaresay,madeJohnson'sfriendsurgehimtodispatch.

'Heforsubscribersbateshishook,Andtakesyourcash;butwhere'sthebook?Nomatterwhere;wisefear,youknow,Forbidstherobbingofafoe;

Butwhat,toserveourprivateends,Forbidsthecheatingofourfriends?'

*Firstproposedin1745--ED.

AboutthisperiodhewasofferedalivingofconsiderablevalueinLincolnshire,ifhewereinclinedtoenterintoholyorders.ItwasarectoryinthegiftofMr.Langton,thefatherofhismuchvaluedfriend.Buthedidnotacceptofit;partlyIbelievefrom



aconscientiousmotive,beingpersuadedthathistemperandhabitsrenderedhimunfitforthatassiduousandfamiliarinstructionofthevulgarandignorantwhichheheldtobeanessentialdutyinaclergyman;andpartlybecausehisloveofaLondonlifewassostrong,thathewouldhavethoughthimselfanexileinanyotherplace,particularlyifresidinginthecountry.Whoeverwouldwishtoseehisthoughtsuponthatsubjectdisplayedintheirfullforce,mayperuseTheAdventurer,Number126.

1757:AETAT.48.]--MR.BURNEYhavingenclosedtohimanextractfromthereviewofhisDictionaryintheBibliothequedesSavans,andalistofsubscriberstohisShakspeare,whichMr.BurneyhadprocuredinNorfolk,hewrotethefollowinganswer:

'TOMR.BURNEY,INLYNNE,NORFOLK.

'SIR,--ThatImayshewmyselfsensibleofyourfavours,andnotcommitthesamefaultasecondtime,ImakehastetoanswertheletterwhichIreceivedthismorning.Thetruthis,theotherlikewisewasreceived,andIwroteananswer;butbeingdesiroustotransmityousomeproposalsandreceipts,IwaitedtillIcouldfindaconvenientconveyance,anddaywaspassedafterday,tillotherthingsdroveitfrommythoughts;yetnotso,butthatIrememberwithgreatpleasureyourcommendation

ofmyDictionary.Yourpraisewaswelcome,notonlybecauseIbelieveitwassincere,butbecausepraisehasbeenveryscarce.AmanofyourcandourwillbesurprisedwhenItellyou,thatamongallmyacquaintancetherewereonlytwo,whouponthepublicationofmybookdidnotendeavourtodepressmewiththreatsofcensurefromthepublick,orwithobjectionslearnedfromthosewhohadlearnedthemfrommyownPreface.Your'sistheonlyletterofgoodwillthatIhavereceived;though,indeed,IampromisedsomethingofthatsortfromSweden.

'HowmyneweditionwillbereceivedIknownot;thesubscriptionhasnotbeenverysuccessful.IshallpublishaboutMarch.

'Ifyoucandirectmehowtosendproposals,Ishouldwishthattheywereinsuchhands.

'Iremember,Sir,insomeofthefirstletterswithwhichyoufavouredme,youmentionedyourlady.MayIenquireafterher?Inreturnforthefavourswhichyouhaveshewnme,itisnotmuchtotellyou,thatIwishyouandherallthatcanconducetoyourhappiness.Iam,Sir,yourmostobliged,andmosthumbleservant,

SAM.JOHNSON.'

'Gough-square,Dec.24,1757.'

In1758wefindhim,itshouldseem,inaseasyandpleasantastateofexistence,asconstitutionalunhappinesseverpermittedhimtoenjoy.

'TOBENNETLANGTON,ESQ.,ATLANGTON,LINCOLNSHIRE.

'DEARESTSIR,--Imustindeedhavesleptveryfast,nottohavebeenawakenedbyyourletter.Noneofyoursuspicionsaretrue;Iamnotmuchricherthanwhenyouleftme;and,whatisworse,myomissionofan



answertoyourfirstletter,willprovethatIamnotmuchwiser.ButIgoonasIformerlydid,designingtobesometimeorotherbothrichandwise;andyetcultivateneithermindnorfortune.Doyoutakenoticeofmyexample,andlearnthedangerofdelay.WhenIwasasyouarenow,toweringintheconfidenceoftwenty-one,littledidIsuspectthatIshouldbeatforty-nine,whatInowam.

'Butyoudonotseemtoneedmyadmonition.Youarebusyinacquiringandincommunicatingknowledge,andwhileyouarestudying,enjoytheendofstudy,bymakingotherswiserandhappier.Iwasmuchpleasedwiththetalethatyoutoldmeofbeingtutourtoyoursisters.I,whohavenosistersnorbrothers,lookwithsomedegreeofinnocentenvyonthosewhomaybesaidtobeborntofriends;andcannotsee,withoutwonder,howrarelythatnativeunionisafterwardsregarded.Itsometimes,indeed,happens,thatsomesupervenientcauseofdiscordmayoverpowerthisoriginalamity;butitseemstomemorefrequentlythrownawaywithlevity,orlostbynegligence,thandestroyedbyinjuryorviolence.Wetelltheladiesthatgoodwivesmakegoodhusbands;Ibelieveitisamorecertainpositionthatgoodbrothersmakegoodsisters.

'Iamsatisfiedwithyourstayathome,asJuvenalwithhisfriend'sretirementtoCumae:Iknowthatyourabsenceisbest,thoughitbenotbestforme.

'Quamvisdigressuveterisconfususamici,LaudotamenvacuisquodsedemfigereCumisDestinet,atqueunumcivemdonareSibylloe.'

'LangtonisagoodCumae,butwhomustbeSibylla?Mrs.LangtonisaswiseasSibyl,andasgood;andwilllive,ifmywishescanprolonglife,tillsheshallintimebeasold.Butshediffersinthis,thatshehasnotscatteredherpreceptsinthewind,atleastnotthosewhichshebestoweduponyou.

'ThetwoWartonsjustlookedintothetown,andweretakentoseeCleone,where,David*says,theywerestarvedforwantofcompanyto

keepthemwarm.DavidandDoddy**havehadanewquarrel,and,Ithink,cannotconvenientlyquarrelanymore.Cleonewaswellactedbyallthecharacters,butBellamyleftnothingtobedesired.Iwentthefirstnight,andsupportedit,aswellasImight;forDoddy,youknow,ismypatron,andIwouldnotdeserthim.Theplaywasverywellreceived.Doddy,afterthedangerwasover,wenteverynighttothestage-side,andcriedatthedistressofpoorCleone.

*Mr.Garrick--BOSWELL.

**Mr.Dodsley,theAuthourofCleone.--BOSWELL.

'Ihaveleftoffhousekeeping,andthereforemadepresentsofthe

gamewhichyouwerepleasedtosendme.ThepheasantIgavetoMr.Richardson,*thebustardtoDr.Lawrence,andthepotIplacedwithMissWilliams,tobeeatenbymyself.Shedesiresthathercomplimentsandgoodwishesmaybeacceptedbythefamily;andImakethesamerequestformyself.

*Mr.SamuelRichardson,authourofClarissa.--BOSWELL.

'Mr.Reynoldshaswithinthesefewdaysraisedhispricetotwentyguineasahead,andMissismuchemployedinminiatures.Iknownotany



body[else]whoseprosperityhasincreasedsinceyouleftthem.

'MurphyistohavehisOrphanofChinaactednextmonth;andistherefore,Isuppose,happy.IwishIcouldtellyouofanygreatgoodtowhichIwasapproaching,butatpresentmyprospectsdonotmuchdelightme;however,IamalwayspleasedwhenIfindthatyou,dearSir,remember,youraffectionate,humbleservant,

SAM.JOHNSON.'

'Jan.9,1758.'

Dr.Burneyhaskindlyfavouredmewiththefollowingmemorandum,whichItakethelibertytoinsertinhisowngenuineeasystyle.Ilovetoexhibitsketchesofmyillustriousfriendbyvariouseminenthands.

'Soonafterthis,Mr.Burney,duringavisittothecapital,hadaninterviewwithhiminGough-square,wherehedinedanddrankteawithhim,andwasintroducedtotheacquaintanceofMrs.Williams.Afterdinner,Mr.JohnsonproposedtoMr.Burneytogoupwithhimintohisgarret,whichbeingaccepted,hetherefoundaboutfiveorsixGreekfolios,adealwriting-desk,andachairandahalf.Johnsongivingtohisguesttheentireseat,totteredhimselfononewithonlythreelegs

andonearm.HerehegaveMr.BurneyMrs.Williams'shistory,andshewedhimsomevolumesofhisShakspearealreadyprinted,toprovethathewasinearnest.UponMr.Burney'sopeningthefirstvolume,attheMerchantofVenice,heobservedtohim,thatheseemedtobemoresevereonWarburtonthanTheobald."OpoorTib.!(saidJohnson)hewasreadyknockeddowntomyhands;Warburtonstandsbetweenmeandhim.""But,Sir,(saidMr.Burney,)you'llhaveWarburtonuponyourbones,won'tyou?""No,Sir;he'llnotcomeout:he'llonlygrowlinhisden.""Butyouthink,Sir,thatWarburtonisasuperiourcriticktoTheobald?""OSirhe'dmaketwo-and-fiftyTheobalds,cutintoslices!TheworstofWarburtonis,thathehasarageforsayingsomething,whenthere'snothingtobesaid."Mr.BurneythenaskedhimwhetherhehadseentheletterwhichWarburtonhadwritteninanswertoapamphletaddressed"To

themostimpudentManalive."Heansweredinthenegative.Mr.BurneytoldhimitwassupposedtobewrittenbyMallet.ThecontroverseynowragedbetweenthefriendsofPopeandBolingbroke;andWarburtonandMalletweretheleadersoftheseveralparties.Mr.BurneyaskedhimthenifhehadseenWarburton'sbookagainstBolingbroke'sPhilosophy?"No,Sir,IhaveneverreadBolingbroke'simpiety,andthereforeamnotinterestedaboutitsconfutation."'

OnthefifteenthofAprilhebegananewperiodicalpaper,entitledTheIdler,whichcameouteverySaturdayinaweeklynews-paper,calledTheUniversalChronicle,orWeeklyGazette,publishedbyNewbery.TheseessayswerecontinuedtillApril5,1760.Ofonehundredandthree,theirtotalnumber,twelvewerecontributedbyhisfriends.

TheIdlerisevidentlytheworkofthesamemindwhichproducedTheRambler,buthaslessbodyandmorespirit.Ithasmorevarietyofreallife,andgreaterfacilityoflanguage.Hedescribesthemiseriesofidleness,withthelivelysensationsofonewhohasfeltthem;andinhisprivatememorandumswhileengagedinit,wefind'ThisyearIhopetolearndiligence.'Manyoftheseexcellentessayswerewrittenashastilyasanordinaryletter.Mr.LangtonremembersJohnson,whenonavisitatOxford,askinghimoneeveninghowlongitwastillthepostwentout;andonbeingtoldabouthalfanhour,heexclaimed,'thenwe



shalldoverywell.'HeuponthisinstantlysatdownandfinishedanIdler,whichitwasnecessaryshouldbeinLondonthenextday.Mr.Langtonhavingsignifiedawishtoreadit,'Sir,(saidhe)youshallnotdomorethanIhavedonemyself.'Hethenfoldeditupandsentitoff.

1759:AETAT.50.]--In1759,inthemonthofJanuary,hismotherdiedatthegreatageofninety,aneventwhichdeeplyaffectedhim;notthat'hismindhadacquirednofirmnessbythecontemplationofmortality;'butthathisreverentialaffectionforherwasnotabatedbyyears,asindeedheretainedallhistenderfeelingseventothelatestperiodofhislife.Ihavebeentoldthatheregrettedmuchhisnothavinggonetovisithismotherforseveralyears,previoustoherdeath.ButhewasconstantlyengagedinliterarylabourswhichconfinedhimtoLondon;andthoughhehadnotthecomfortofseeinghisagedparent,hecontributedliberallytohersupport.

Soonafterthisevent,hewrotehisRasselas,PrinceofAbyssinia;concerningthepublicationofwhichSirJohnHawkinsguessesvaguelyandidly,insteadofhavingtakenthetroubletoinformhimselfwithauthentickprecision.NottotroublemyreaderswitharepetitionoftheKnight'sreveries,Ihavetomention,thatthelateMr.Strahantheprintertoldme,thatJohnsonwroteit,thatwiththeprofitshemightdefraytheexpenceofhismother'sfuneral,andpaysomelittledebts

whichshehadleft.HetoldSirJoshuaReynoldsthathecomposeditintheeveningsofoneweek,sentittothepressinportionsasitwaswritten,andhadneversincereaditover.Mr.Strahan,Mr.Johnston,andMr.Dodsleypurchaseditforahundredpounds,butafterwardspaidhimtwenty-fivepoundsmore,whenitcametoasecondedition.

Voltaire'sCandide,writtentorefutethesystemofOptimism,whichithasaccomplishedwithbrilliantsuccess,iswonderfullysimilarinitsplanandconducttoJohnson'sRasselas;insomuch,thatIhaveheardJohnsonsay,thatiftheyhadnotbeenpublishedsocloselyoneaftertheotherthattherewasnottimeforimitation,itwouldhavebeeninvaintodenythattheschemeofthatwhichcamelatestwastakenfromtheother.Thoughthepropositionillustratedbyboththeseworkswas

thesame,namely,thatinourpresentstatethereismoreevilthangood,theintentionofthewriterswasverydifferent.Voltaire,Iamafraid,meantonlybywantonprofanenesstoobtainasportivevictoryoverreligion,andtodiscreditthebeliefofasuperintendingProvidence;Johnsonmeant,byshewingtheunsatisfactorynatureofthingstemporal,todirectthehopesofmantothingseternal.Rasselas,aswasobservedtomebyaveryaccomplishedlady,maybeconsideredasamoreenlargedandmoredeeplyphilosophicaldiscourseinprose,upontheinterestingtruth,whichinhisVanityofHumanWisheshehadsosuccessfullyenforcedinverse.

IwouldascribetothisyearthefollowinglettertoasonofoneofhisearlyfriendsatLichfield,Mr.JosephSimpson,Barrister,andauthour

ofatractentitledReflectionsontheStudyoftheLaw.

'TOJOSEPHSIMPSON,ESQ.

'DEARSIR,--Yourfather'sinexorabilitynotonlygrievesbutamazesme:heisyourfather;hewasalwaysaccountedawiseman;nordoIrememberanythingtothedisadvantageofhisgood-nature;butinhisrefusaltoassistyouthereisneithergood-nature,fatherhood,norwisdom.Itisthepracticeofgood-naturetooverlookfaultswhichhavealready,by



theconsequences,punishedthedelinquent.Itisnaturalforafathertothinkmorefavourablythanothersofhischildren;anditisalwayswisetogiveassistancewhilealittlehelpwillpreventthenecessityofgreater.

'Ifyoumarriedimprudently,youmiscarriedatyourownhazard,atanagewhenyouhadarightofchoice.Itwouldbehardifthemanmightnotchoosehisownwife,whohasarighttopleadbeforetheJudgesofhiscountry.

'Ifyourimprudencehasendedindifficultiesandinconveniences,youareyourselftosupportthem;and,withthehelpofalittlebetterhealth,youwouldsupportthemandconquerthem.Surely,thatwantwhichaccidentandsicknessproduces,istobesupportedineveryregionofhumanity,thoughtherewereneitherfriendsnorfathersintheworld.Youhavecertainlyfromyourfatherthehighestclaimofcharity,thoughnoneofright;andthereforeIwouldcounselyoutoomitnodecentnormanlydegreeofimportunity.Yourdebtsinthewholearenotlarge,andofthewholebutasmallpartistroublesome.Smalldebtsarelikesmallshot;theyarerattlingoneveryside,andcanscarcelybeescapedwithoutawound:greatdebtsarelikecannon;ofloudnoise,butlittledanger.Youmust,therefore,beenabledtodischargepettydebts,thatyoumayhaveleisure,withsecuritytostrugglewiththerest.Neitherthegreatnorlittledebtsdisgraceyou.Iamsureyouhavemyesteem

forthecouragewithwhichyoucontractedthem,andthespiritwithwhichyouendurethem.Iwishmyesteemcouldbeofmoreuse.Ihavebeeninvited,orhaveinvitedmyself,toseveralpartsofthekingdom;andwillnotincommodemydearLucybycomingtoLichfield,whileherpresentlodgingisofanyusetoher.Ihope,inafewdays,tobeatleisure,andtomakevisits.WhitherIshallflyismatterofnoimportance.Amanunconnectedisathomeeverywhere;unlesshemaybesaidtobeathomenowhere.Iamsorry,dearSir,thatwhereyouhaveparents,amanofyourmeritsshouldnothaveanhome.IwishIcouldgiveityou.Iam,mydearSir,affectionatelyyours,

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

HenowrefreshedhimselfbyanexcursiontoOxford,ofwhichthefollowingshortcharacteristicalnotice,inhisownwords,ispreserved

'***isnowmakingteaforme.IhavebeeninmygowneversinceIcamehere.Itwas,atmyfirstcoming,quitenewandhandsome.Ihaveswumthrice,whichIhaddisusedformanyyears.IhaveproposedtoVansittart,climbingoverthewall,buthehasrefusedme.AndIhaveclappedmyhandstilltheyaresore,atDr.King'sspeech.'

Hisnegroservant,FrancisBarber,havinglefthim,andbeensometimeatsea,notpressedashasbeensupposed,butwithhisownconsent,itappearsfromalettertoJohnWilkes,Esq.,fromDr.Smollet,thathis

masterkindlyinterestedhimselfinprocuringhisreleasefromastateoflifeofwhichJohnsonalwaysexpressedtheutmostabhorrence.Hesaid,'Nomanwillbeasailorwhohascontrivanceenoughtogethimselfintoajail;forbeinginashipisbeinginajail,withthechanceofbeingdrowned.'Andatanothertime,'Amaninajailhasmoreroom,betterfood,andcommonlybettercompany.'Theletterwasasfollows:--

'Chelsea,March16,1759.



'DEARSIR,Iamagainyourpetitioner,inbehalfofthatgreatCHAMofliterature,SamuelJohnson.Hisblackservant,whosenameisFrancisBarber,hasbeenpressedonboardtheStagFrigate,CaptainAngel,andourlexicographerisingreatdistress.Hesaystheboyisasicklylad,ofadelicateframe,andparticularlysubjecttoamaladyinhisthroat,whichrendershimveryunfitforhisMajesty'sservice.YouknowwhatmannerofanimositythesaidJohnsonhasagainstyou;andIdaresayyoudesirenootheropportunityofresentingitthanthatoflayinghimunderanobligation.Hewashumbleenoughtodesiremyassistanceonthisoccasion,thoughheandIwerenevercater-cousins;andIgavehimtounderstandthatIwouldmakeapplicationtomyfriendMr.Wilkes,who,perhaps,byhisinterestwithDr.HayandMr.Elliot,mightbeabletoprocurethedischargeofhislacquey.Itwouldbesuperfluoustosaymoreonthesubject,whichIleavetoyourownconsideration;butIcannotletslipthisopportunityofdeclaringthatIam,withthemostinviolableesteemandattachment,dearSir,youraffectionate,obliged,humbleservant,

'T.SMOLLET.'

Mr.Wilkes,whouponalloccasionshasacted,asaprivategentleman,withmostpoliteliberality,appliedtohisfriendSirGeorgeHay,thenoneoftheLordsCommissionersoftheAdmiralty;andFrancisBarberwas

discharged,ashehastoldme,withoutanywishofhisown.HefoundhisoldmasterinChambersintheInnerTemple,andreturnedtohisservice.

1760:AETAT.51.]--ItakethisopportunitytorelatethemannerinwhichanacquaintancefirstcommencedbetweenDr.JohnsonandMr.Murphy.DuringthepublicationofTheGray's-InnJournal,aperiodicalpaperwhichwassuccessfullycarriedonbyMr.Murphyalone,whenaveryyoungman,hehappenedtobeinthecountrywithMr.Foote;andhavingmentionedthathewasobligedtogotoLondoninordertogetreadyforthepressoneofthenumbersofthatJournal,Footesaidtohim,'Youneednotgoonthataccount.HereisaFrenchmagazine,inwhichyouwillfindaveryprettyorientaltale;translatethat,andsendittoyourprinter.'Mr.Murphyhavingreadthetale,washighlypleasedwith

it,andfollowedFoote'sadvice.Whenhereturnedtotown,thistalewaspointedouttohiminTheRambler,fromwhenceithadbeentranslatedintotheFrenchmagazine.Mr.MurphythenwaiteduponJohnson,toexplainthiscuriousincident.Histalents,literature,andgentleman-likemanners,weresoonperceivedbyJohnson,andafriendshipwasformedwhichwasneverbroken.

1762:AETAT.53.]--AladyhavingatthistimesolicitedhimtoobtaintheArchbishopofCanterbury'spatronagetohavehersonsenttotheUniversity,oneofthosesolicitationswhicharetoofrequent,wherepeople,anxiousforaparticularobject,donotconsiderpropriety,ortheopportunitywhichthepersonswhomtheysolicithavetoassistthem,hewrotetoherthefollowinganswer,withacopyofwhichIamfavoured

bytheReverendDr.Farmer,MasterofEmanuelCollege,Cambridge.

'MADAM,--Ihopeyouwillbelievethatmydelayinansweringyourlettercouldproceedonlyfrommyunwillingnesstodestroyanyhopethatyouhadformed.Hopeisitselfaspeciesofhappiness,and,perhaps,thechiefhappinesswhichthisworldaffords:but,likeallotherpleasuresimmoderatelyenjoyed,theexcessesofhopemustbeexpiatedbypain;andexpectationsimproperlyindulged,mustendindisappointment.Ifitbeasked,whatistheimproperexpectationwhichitisdangerousto



indulge,experiencewillquicklyanswer,thatitissuchexpectationasisdictatednotbyreason,butbydesire;expectationraised,notbythecommonoccurrencesoflife,butbythewantsoftheexpectant;anexpectationthatrequiresthecommoncourseofthingstobechanged,andthegeneralrulesofactiontobebroken.

'Whenyoumadeyourrequesttome,youshouldhaveconsidered,Madam,whatyouwereasking.Youaskmetosolicitagreatman,towhomIneverspoke,forayoungpersonwhomIhadneverseen,uponasuppositionwhichIhadnomeansofknowingtobetrue.Thereisnoreasonwhy,amongstallthegreat,IshouldchusetosupplicatetheArchbishop,norwhy,amongallthepossibleobjectsofhisbounty,theArchbishopshouldchuseyourson.Iknow,Madam,howunwillinglyconvictionisadmitted,wheninterestopposesit;butsurely,Madam,youmustallow,thatthereisnoreasonwhythatshouldbedonebyme,whicheveryothermanmaydowithequalreason,andwhich,indeednomancandoproperly,withoutsomeveryparticularrelationbothtotheArchbishopandtoyou.IfIcouldhelpyouinthisexigencebyanypropermeans,itwouldgivemepleasure;butthisproposalissoveryremotefromallusualmethods,thatIcannotcomplywithit,butattheriskofsuchanswerandsuspicionsasIbelieveyoudonotwishmetoundergo.

'Ihaveseenyoursonthismorning;heseemsaprettyyouth,andwill,perhaps,findsomebetterfriendthanIcanprocurehim;but,thoughhe

shouldatlastmisstheUniversity,hemaystillbewise,useful,andhappy.Iam,Madam,yourmosthumbleservant,

'June8,1762.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

'TOMR.JOSEPHBARETTI,ATMILAN.

'London,July20,1762.

'SIR,Howeverjustlyyoumayaccusemeforwantofpunctualityin

correspondence,Iamnotsofarlostinnegligenceastoomittheopportunityofwritingtoyou,whichMr.Beauclerk'spassagethroughMilanaffordsme.

'IsupposeyoureceivedtheIdlers,andIintendthatyoushallsoonreceiveShakspeare,thatyoumayexplainhisworkstotheladiesofItaly,andtellthemthestoryoftheeditor,amongtheotherstrangenarrativeswithwhichyourlongresidenceinthisunknownregionhassuppliedyou.

'Asyouhavenowbeenlongaway,Isupposeyourcuriositymaypantforsomenewsofyouroldfriends.MissWilliamsandIlivemuchaswedid.MissCotterelstillcontinuestoclingtoMrs.Porter,andCharlotte

isnowbigofthefourthchild.Mr.Reynoldsgetssixthousandsayear.Levetislatelymarried,notwithoutmuchsuspicionthathehasbeenwretchedlycheatedinhismatch.Mr.Chambersisgonethisday,forthefirsttime,thecircuitwiththeJudges.Mr.Richardsonisdeadofanapoplexy,andhisseconddaughterhasmarriedamerchant.

'Myvanity,ormykindness,makesmeflattermyself,thatyouwouldratherhearofmethanofthosewhomIhavementioned;butofmyselfIhaveverylittlewhichIcaretotell.LastwinterIwentdowntomynativetown,whereIfoundthestreetsmuchnarrowerandshorterthan



IthoughtIhadleftthem,inhabitedbyanewraceofpeople,towhomIwasverylittleknown.Myplay-fellowsweregrownold,andforcedmetosuspectthatIwasnolongeryoung.Myonlyremainingfriendhaschangedhisprinciples,andwasbecomethetoolofthepredominantfaction.Mydaughter-in-law,fromwhomIexpectedmost,andwhomImetwithsincerebenevolence,haslostthebeautyandgaietyofyouth,withouthavinggainedmuchofthewisdomofage.Iwanderedaboutforfivedays,andtookthefirstconvenientopportunityofreturningtoaplace,where,ifthereisnotmuchhappiness,thereis,atleast,suchadiversityofgoodandevil,thatslightvexationsdonotfixupontheheart....

'Mayyou,myBaretti,beveryhappyatMilan,orsomeotherplacenearerto,Sir,yourmostaffectionatehumbleservant,

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

TheaccessionofGeorgetheThirdtothethroneofthesekingdoms,openedanewandbrighterprospecttomenofliterarymerit,whohadbeenhonouredwithnomarkofroyalfavourintheprecedingreign.HispresentMajesty'seducationinthiscountry,aswellashistasteandbeneficence,promptedhimtobethepatronofscienceandthearts;andearlythisyearJohnson,havingbeenrepresentedtohimasaverylearnedandgoodman,withoutanycertainprovision,hisMajestywas

pleasedtogranthimapensionofthreehundredpoundsayear.TheEarlofBute,whowasthenPrimeMinister,hadthehonourtoannouncethisinstanceofhisSovereign'sbounty,concerningwhich,manyandvariousstories,allequallyerroneous,havebeenpropagated:maliciouslyrepresentingitasapoliticalbribetoJohnson,todeserthisavowedprinciples,andbecomethetoolofagovernmentwhichheheldtobefoundedinusurpation.Ihavetakencaretohaveitinmypowertorefutethemfromthemostauthentickinformation.LordButetoldme,thatMr.Wedderburne,nowLordLoughborough,wasthepersonwhofirstmentionedthissubjecttohim.LordLoughboroughtoldme,thatthepensionwasgrantedtoJohnsonsolelyastherewardofhisliterarymerit,withoutanystipulationwhatever,oreventacitunderstandingthatheshouldwriteforadministration.HisLordshipadded,thathewas

confidentthepoliticaltractswhichJohnsonafterwardsdidwrite,astheywereentirelyconsonantwithhisownopinions,wouldhavebeenwrittenbyhimthoughnopensionhadbeengrantedtohim.

Mr.ThomasSheridanandMr.Murphy,whothenlivedagooddealbothwithhimandMr.Wedderburne,toldme,thattheypreviouslytalkedwithJohnsonuponthismatter,andthatitwasperfectlyunderstoodbyallpartiesthatthepensionwasmerelyhonorary.SirJoshuaReynoldstoldme,thatJohnsoncalledonhimafterhismajesty'sintentionhadbeennotifiedtohim,andsaidhewishedtoconsulthisfriendsastotheproprietyofhisacceptingthismarkoftheroyalfavour,afterthedefinitionswhichhehadgiveninhisDictionaryofpensionandpensioners.HesaidhewouldnothaveSirJoshua'sanswertillnextday,

whenhewouldcallagain,anddesiredhemightthinkofit.SirJoshuaansweredthathewascleartogivehisopinionthen,thattherecouldbenoobjectiontohisreceivingfromtheKingarewardforliterarymerit;andthatcertainlythedefinitionsinhisDictionarywerenotapplicabletohim.Johnson,itshouldseem,wassatisfied,forhedidnotcallagaintillhehadacceptedthepension,andhadwaitedonLordButetothankhim.HethentoldSirJoshuathatLordButesaidtohimexpressly,'Itisnotgivenyouforanythingyouaretodo,butforwhatyouhavedone.'HisLordship,hesaid,behavedinthehandsomestmanner,herepeatedthewordstwice,thathemightbesureJohnsonheardthem,



andthussethismindperfectlyatease.Thisnobleman,whohasbeensovirulentlyabused,actedwithgreathonourinthisinstanceanddisplayedamindtrulyliberal.AministerofamorenarrowandselfishdispositionwouldhaveavailedhimselfofsuchanopportunitytofixanimpliedobligationonamanofJohnson'spowerfultalentstogivehimhissupport.

Mr.MurphyandthelateMr.SheridanseverallycontendedforthedistinctionofhavingbeenthefirstwhomentionedtoMr.WedderburnethatJohnsonoughttohaveapension.WhenIspokeofthistoLordLoughborough,wishingtoknowifherecollectedtheprimemoverinthebusiness,hesaid,'Allhisfriendsassisted:'andwhenItoldhimthatMr.Sheridanstrenuouslyassertedhisclaimtoit,hisLordshipsaid,'Herangthebell.'Anditisbutjusttoadd,thatMr.Sheridantoldme,thatwhenhecommunicatedtoDr.Johnsonthatapensionwastobegrantedhim,herepliedinafervourofgratitude,'TheEnglishlanguagedoesnotaffordmetermsadequatetomyfeelingsonthisoccasion.ImusthaverecoursetotheFrench.IampenetrewithhisMajesty'sgoodness.'WhenIrepeatedthistoDr.Johnson,hedidnotcontradictit.

ThisyearhisfriendSirJoshuaReynoldspaidavisitofsomeweekstohisnativecountry,Devonshire,inwhichhewasaccompaniedbyJohnson,whowasmuchpleasedwiththisjaunt,anddeclaredhehadderivedfrom

itagreataccessionofnewideas.HewasentertainedattheseatsofseveralnoblemenandgentlemenintheWestofEngland;butthegreatestpartofthetimewaspassedatPlymouth,wherethemagnificenceofthenavy,theship-buildingandallitscircumstances,affordedhimagrandsubjectofcontemplation.TheCommissioneroftheDock-yardpaidhimthecomplimentoforderingtheyachttoconveyhimandhisfriendtotheEddystone,towhichtheyaccordinglysailed.Buttheweatherwassotempestuousthattheycouldnotland.

ReynoldsandhewereatthistimetheguestsofDr.Mudge,thecelebratedsurgeon,andnowphysicianofthatplace,notmoredistinguishedforquicknessofpartsandvarietyofknowledge,thanlovedandesteemedforhisamiablemanners;andhereJohnsonformed

anacquaintancewithDr.Mudge'sfather,thatveryeminentdivine,theReverendZachariahMudge,PrebendaryofExeter,whowasidolisedinthewest,bothforhisexcellenceasapreacherandtheuniformperfectproprietyofhisprivateconduct.HepreachedasermonpurposelythatJohnsonmighthearhim;andweshallseeafterwardsthatJohnsonhonouredhismemorybydrawinghischaracter.WhileJohnsonwasatPlymouth,hesawagreatmanyofitsinhabitants,andwasnotsparingofhisveryentertainingconversation.Itwasherethathemadethatfrankandtrulyoriginalconfession,that'ignorance,pureignorance,'wasthecauseofawrongdefinitioninhisDictionaryofthewordpastern,tothenosmallsurpriseoftheLadywhoputthequestiontohim;whohavingthemostprofoundreverenceforhischaracter,soasalmosttosupposehimendowedwithinfallibility,expectedtohearanexplanation

(ofwhat,tobesure,seemedstrangetoacommonreader,)drawnfromsomedeep-learnedsourcewithwhichshewasunacquainted.

SirJoshuaReynolds,towhomIwasobligedformyinformationconcerningthisexcursion,mentionsaverycharacteristicalanecdoteofJohnsonwhileatPlymouth.HavingobservedthatinconsequenceoftheDock-yardanewtownhadarisenabouttwomilesoffasarivaltotheold;andknowingfromhissagacity,andjustobservationofhumannature,thatitiscertainifamanhatesatall,hewillhatehisnextneighbour;heconcludedthatthisnewandrisingtowncouldnotbutexcitetheenvy



andjealousyoftheold,inwhichconjecturehewasverysoonconfirmed;hethereforesethimselfresolutelyonthesideoftheoldtown,theestablishedtown,inwhichhislotwascast,consideringitasakindofdutytostandbyit.Heaccordinglyenteredwarmlyintoitsinterests,anduponeveryoccasiontalkedofthedockers,astheinhabitantsofthenewtownwerecalled,asupstartsandaliens.Plymouthisveryplentifullysuppliedwithwaterbyariverbroughtintoitfromagreatdistance,whichissoabundantthatitrunstowasteinthetown.TheDock,orNew-town,beingtotallydestituteofwater,petitionedPlymouththatasmallportionoftheconduitmightbepermittedtogotothem,andthiswasnowunderconsideration.Johnson,affectingtoentertainthepassionsoftheplace,wasviolentinopposition;and,half-laughingathimselfforhispretendedzealwherehehadnoconcern,exclaimed,'No,no!Iamagainstthedockers;IamaPlymouthman.Rogues!letthemdieofthirst.Theyshallnothaveadrop!'

1763:AETAT.54.]--Thisistomeamemorableyear;forinitIhadthehappinesstoobtaintheacquaintanceofthatextraordinarymanwhosememoirsIamnowwriting;anacquaintancewhichIshalleveresteemasoneofthemostfortunatecircumstancesinmylife.Thoughthenbuttwo-and-twenty,Ihadforseveralyearsreadhisworkswithdelightandinstruction,andhadthehighestreverencefortheirauthour,whichhadgrownupinmyfancyintoakindofmysteriousveneration,byfiguringtomyselfastateofsolemnelevatedabstraction,inwhichIsupposed

himtoliveintheimmensemetropolisofLondon.Mr.Gentleman,anativeofIreland,whopassedsomeyearsinScotlandasaplayer,andasaninstructorintheEnglishlanguage,amanwhosetalentsandworthweredepressedbymisfortunes,hadgivenmearepresentationofthefigureandmannerofDICTIONARYJOHNSON!ashewasthengenerallycalled;andduringmyfirstvisittoLondon,whichwasforthreemonthsin1760,Mr.Derrickthepoet,whowasGentleman'sfriendandcountryman,flatteredmewithhopesthathewouldintroducemetoJohnson,anhonourofwhichIwasveryambitious.Butheneverfoundanopportunity;whichmademedoubtthathehadpromisedtodowhatwasnotinhispower;tillJohnsonsomeyearsafterwardstoldme,'Derrick,Sir,mightverywellhaveintroducedyou.IhadakindnessforDerrick,andamsorryheisdead.'

Inthesummerof1761Mr.ThomasSheridanwasatEdinburgh,anddeliveredlecturesupontheEnglishLanguageandPublickSpeakingtolargeandrespectableaudiences.Iwasofteninhiscompany,andheardhimfrequentlyexpatiateuponJohnson'sextraordinaryknowledge,talents,andvirtues,repeathispointedsayings,describehisparticularities,andboastofhisbeinghisguestsometimestilltwoorthreeinthemorning.AthishouseIhopedtohavemanyopportunitiesofseeingthesage,asMr.SheridanobliginglyassuredmeIshouldnotbedisappointed.

WhenIreturnedtoLondonintheendof1762,tomysurpriseandregretIfoundanirreconcilabledifferencehadtakenplacebetweenJohnsonandSheridan.Apensionoftwohundredpoundsayearhadbeengiven

toSheridan.Johnson,who,ashasbeenalreadymentioned,thoughtslightinglyofSheridan'sart,uponhearingthathewasalsopensioned,exclaimed,'What!havetheygivenHIMapension?Thenitistimeformetogiveupmine.'

JohnsoncomplainedthatamanwhodislikedhimrepeatedhissarcasmtoMr.Sheridan,withouttellinghimwhatfollowed,whichwas,thatafterapauseheadded,'However,IamgladthatMr.Sheridanhasapension,forheisaverygoodman.'Sheridancouldneverforgivethishastycontemptuousexpression.Itrankledinhismind;andthoughIinformed



himofallthatJohnsonsaid,andthathewouldbeverygladtomeethimamicably,hepositivelydeclinedrepeatedofferswhichImade,andoncewentoffabruptlyfromahousewhereheandIwereengagedtodine,becausehewastoldthatDr.Johnsonwastobethere.

ThisrupturewithSheridandeprivedJohnsonofoneofhismostagreeableresourcesforamusementinhislonelyevenings;forSheridan'swell-informed,animated,andbustlingmindneversufferedconversationtostagnate;andMrs.Sheridanwasamostagreeablecompaniontoanintellectualman.Shewassensible,ingenious,unassuming,yetcommunicative.Irecollect,withsatisfaction,manypleasinghourswhichIpassedwithherunderthehospitableroofofherhusband,whowastomeaverykindfriend.Hernovel,entitledMemoirsofMissSydneyBiddulph,containsanexcellentmoralwhileitinculcatesafuturestateofretribution;andwhatitteachesisimpresseduponthemindbyaseriesofasdeepdistressascanaffecthumanity,intheamiableandpiousheroinewhogoestohergraveunrelieved,butresigned,andfullofhopeof'heaven'smercy.'Johnsonpaidherthishighcomplimentuponit:'Iknownot,Madam,thatyouhavearight,uponmoralprinciples,tomakeyourreaderssuffersomuch.'

Mr.ThomasDaviestheactor,whothenkeptabookseller'sshopinRussel-street,Covent-garden,toldmethatJohnsonwasverymuchhisfriend,andcamefrequentlytohishouse,wherehemorethanonce

invitedmetomeethim;butbysomeunluckyaccidentorotherhewaspreventedfromcomingtous.

Mr.ThomasDavieswasamanofgoodunderstandingandtalents,withtheadvantageofaliberaleducation.Thoughsomewhatpompous,hewasanentertainingcompanion;andhisliteraryperformanceshavenoinconsiderableshareofmerit.Hewasafriendlyandveryhospitableman.Bothheandhiswife,(whohasbeencelebratedforherbeauty,)thoughuponthestageformanyyears,maintainedanuniformdecencyofcharacter;andJohnsonesteemedthem,andlivedinaseasyanintimacywiththem,aswithanyfamilywhichheusedtovisit.Mr.DaviesrecollectedseveralofJohnson'sremarkablesayings,andwasoneofthebestofthemanyimitatorsofhisvoiceandmanner,whilerelatingthem.

HeincreasedmyimpatiencemoreandmoretoseetheextraordinarymanwhoseworksIhighlyvalued,andwhoseconversationwasreportedtobesopeculiarlyexcellent.

Atlast,onMondaythe16thofMay,whenIwassittinginMr.Davies'sback-parlour,afterhavingdrunkteawithhimandMrs.Davies,Johnsonunexpectedlycameintotheshop;andMr.Davieshavingperceivedhimthroughtheglass-doorintheroominwhichweweresitting,advancingtowardsus,--heannouncedhisawefulapproachtome,somewhatinthemannerofanactorinthepartofHoratio,whenheaddressesHamletontheappearanceofhisfather'sghost,'Look,myLord,itcomes.'IfoundthatIhadaveryperfectideaofJohnson'sfigure,fromtheportraitofhimpaintedbySirJoshuaReynoldssoonafterhehadpublished

hisDictionary,intheattitudeofsittinginhiseasychairindeepmeditation,whichwasthefirstpicturehisfrienddidforhim,whichSirJoshuaverykindlypresentedtome,andfromwhichanengravinghasbeenmadeforthiswork.Mr.Daviesmentionedmyname,andrespectfullyintroducedmetohim.Iwasmuchagitated;andrecollectinghisprejudiceagainsttheScotch,ofwhichIhadheardmuch,IsaidtoDavies,'Don'ttellwhereIcomefrom.'--'FromScotland,'criedDaviesroguishly.'Mr.Johnson,(saidI)IdoindeedcomefromScotland,butIcannothelpit.'IamwillingtoflattermyselfthatImeantthisaslightpleasantrytosoothandconciliatehim,andnotasanhumiliating



abasementattheexpenceofmycountry.Buthoweverthatmightbe,thisspeechwassomewhatunlucky;forwiththatquicknessofwitforwhichhewassoremarkable,heseizedtheexpression'comefromScotland,'whichIusedinthesenseofbeingofthatcountry;and,asifIhadsaidthatIhadcomeawayfromit,orleftit,retorted,'That,Sir,Ifind,iswhataverygreatmanyofyourcountrymencannothelp.'Thisstrokestunnedmeagooddeal;andwhenwehadsatdown,Ifeltmyselfnotalittleembarrassed,andapprehensiveofwhatmightcomenext.HethenaddressedhimselftoDavies:'WhatdoyouthinkofGarrick?HehasrefusedmeanorderfortheplayforMissWilliams,becauseheknowsthehousewillbefull,andthatanorderwouldbeworththreeshillings.'Eagertotakeanyopeningtogetintoconversationwithhim,Iventuredtosay,'O,Sir,IcannotthinkMr.Garrickwouldgrudgesuchatrifletoyou.''Sir,(saidhe,withasternlook,)IhaveknownDavidGarricklongerthanyouhavedone:andIknownorightyouhavetotalktomeonthesubject.'PerhapsIdeservedthischeck;foritwasratherpresumptuousinme,anentirestranger,toexpressanydoubtofthejusticeofhisanimadversionuponhisoldacquaintanceandpupil.*Inowfeltmyselfmuchmortified,andbegantothinkthatthehopewhichIhadlongindulgedofobtaininghisacquaintancewasblasted.And,intruth,hadnotmyardourbeenuncommonlystrong,andmyresolutionuncommonlypersevering,soroughareceptionmighthavedeterredmeforeverfrommakinganyfurtherattempts.Fortunately,however,Iremaineduponthefieldnotwhollydiscomfited.

*ThatthiswasamomentarysallyagainstGarricktherecanbenodoubt;foratJohnson'sdesirehehad,someyearsbefore,givenabenefit-nightathistheatretothisveryperson,bywhichshehadgottwohundredpounds.Johnson,indeed,uponallotheroccasions,whenIwasinhiscompanypraisedtheveryliberalcharityofGarrick.Ioncementionedtohim,'Itisobserved,Sir,thatyouattackGarrickyourself,butwillsuffernobodyelsetodoit.'Johnson,(smiling)'Why,Sir,thatistrue.'--BOSWELL.

Iwashighlypleasedwiththeextraordinaryvigourofhisconversation,andregrettedthatIwasdrawnawayfromitbyanengagementatanother

place.Ihad,forapartoftheevening,beenleftalonewithhim,andhadventuredtomakeanobservationnowandthen,whichhereceivedverycivilly;sothatIwassatisfiedthatthoughtherewasaroughnessinhismanner,therewasnoill-natureinhisdisposition.Daviesfollowedmetothedoor,andwhenIcomplainedtohimalittleofthehardblowswhichthegreatmanhadgivenme,hekindlytookuponhimtoconsolemebysaying,'Don'tbeuneasy.Icanseehelikesyouverywell.'

AfewdaysafterwardsIcalledonDavies,andaskedhimifhethoughtImighttakethelibertyofwaitingonMr.JohnsonathisChambersintheTemple.HesaidIcertainlymight,andthatMr.Johnsonwouldtakeitasacompliment.SouponTuesdaythe24thofMay,afterhavingbeenenlivenedbythewittysalliesofMessieursThornton,Wilkes,Churchill

andLloyd,withwhomIhadpassedthemorning,IboldlyrepairedtoJohnson.HisChamberswereonthefirstfloorofNo.1,Inner-Temple-lane,andIenteredthemwithanimpressiongivenmebytheReverendDr.Blair,ofEdinburgh,whohadbeenintroducedtohimnotlongbefore,anddescribedhishaving'foundtheGiantinhisden;'anexpression,which,whenIcametobeprettywellacquaintedwithJohnson,Irepeatedtohim,andhewasdivertedatthispicturesqueaccountofhimself.Dr.BlairhadbeenpresentedtohimbyDr.JamesFordyce.AtthistimethecontroversyconcerningthepiecespublishedbyMr.JamesMacpherson,astranslationsofOssian,wasatitsheight.



Johnsonhadallalongdeniedtheirauthenticity;and,whatwasstillmoreprovokingtotheiradmirers,maintainedthattheyhadnomerit.ThesubjecthavingbeenintroducedbyDr.Fordyce,Dr.Blair,relyingontheinternalevidenceoftheirantiquity,askedDr.Johnsonwhetherhethoughtanymanofamodernagecouldhavewrittensuchpoems?Johnsonreplied,'Yes,Sir,manymen,manywomen,andmanychildren.'Johnson,atthistime,didnotknowthatDr.BlairhadjustpublishedaDissertation,notonlydefendingtheirauthenticity,butseriouslyrankingthemwiththepoemsofHomerandVirgil;andwhenhewasafterwardsinformedofthiscircumstance,heexpressedsomedispleasureatDr.Fordyce'shavingsuggestedthetopick,andsaid,'Iamnotsorrythattheygotthusmuchfortheirpains.Sir,itwaslikeleadingonetotalkofabookwhentheauthourisconcealedbehindthedoor.'

Hereceivedmeverycourteously;but,itmustbeconfessed,thathisapartment,andfurniture,andmorningdress,weresufficientlyuncouth.Hisbrownsuitofcloathslookedveryrusty;hehadonalittleoldshrivelledunpowderedwig,whichwastoosmallforhishead;hisshirt-neckandkneesofhisbreecheswereloose;hisblackworstedstockingsilldrawnup;andhehadapairofunbuckledshoesbywayofslippers.Butalltheseslovenlyparticularitieswereforgottenthemomentthathebegantotalk.Somegentlemen,whomIdonotrecollect,weresittingwithhim;andwhentheywentaway,Ialsorose;buthesaidtome,'Nay,don'tgo.''Sir,(saidI,)IamafraidthatIintrude

uponyou.Itisbenevolenttoallowmetositandhearyou.'Heseemedpleasedwiththiscompliment,whichIsincerelypaidhim,andanswered,'Sir,Iamobligedtoanymanwhovisitsme.'Ihavepreservedthefollowingshortminuteofwhatpassedthisday:--

'Madnessfrequentlydiscoversitselfmerelybyunnecessarydeviationfromtheusualmodesoftheworld.MypoorfriendSmartshewedthedisturbanceofhismind,byfallinguponhisknees,andsayinghisprayersinthestreet,orinanyotherunusualplace.Nowalthough,rationallyspeaking,itisgreatermadnessnottoprayatall,thantoprayasSmartdid,Iamafraidtherearesomanywhodonotpray,thattheirunderstandingisnotcalledinquestion.'

Concerningthisunfortunatepoet,ChristopherSmart,whowasconfinedinamad-house,hehad,atanothertime,thefollowingconversationwithDr.Burney:--BURNEY.'HowdoespoorSmartdo,Sir;ishelikelytorecover?'JOHNSON.'Itseemsasifhismindhadceasedtostrugglewiththedisease;forhegrowsfatuponit.'BURNEY.'Perhaps,Sir,thatmaybefromwantofexercise.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir;hehaspartlyasmuchexerciseasheusedtohave,forhedigsinthegarden.Indeed,beforehisconfinement,heusedforexercisetowalktotheale-house;buthewasCARRIEDbackagain.Ididnotthinkheoughttobeshutup.Hisinfirmitieswerenotnoxioustosociety.Heinsistedonpeopleprayingwithhim;andI'dasliefpraywithKitSmartasanyoneelse.Anotherchargewas,thathedidnotlovecleanlinen;andIhavenopassionforit.'--Johnsoncontinued.'Mankindhaveagreataversiontointellectual

labour;butevensupposingknowledgetobeeasilyattainable,morepeoplewouldbecontenttobeignorantthanwouldtakeevenalittletroubletoacquireit.'

TalkingofGarrick,hesaid,'Heisthefirstmanintheworldforsprightlyconversation.'

WhenIroseasecondtimeheagainpressedmetostay,whichIdid.

Hetoldme,thathegenerallywentabroadatfourintheafternoon,and



seldomcamehometilltwointhemorning.Itookthelibertytoaskifhedidnotthinkitwrongtolivethus,andnotmakemoreuseofhisgreattalents.Heowneditwasabadhabit.Onreviewing,atthedistanceofmanyyears,myjournalofthisperiod,Iwonderhow,atmyfirstvisit,Iventuredtotalktohimsofreely,andthatheboreitwithsomuchindulgence.

Beforeweparted,hewassogoodastopromisetofavourmewithhiscompanyoneeveningatmylodgings;and,asItookmyleave,shookmecordiallybythehand.Itisalmostneedlesstoadd,thatIfeltnolittleelationathavingnowsohappilyestablishedanacquaintanceofwhichIhadbeensolongambitious.

IdidnotvisithimagaintillMonday,June13,atwhichtimeIrecollectnopartofhisconversation,exceptthatwhenItoldhimIhadbeentoseeJohnsonrideuponthreehorses,hesaid,'Suchaman,Sir,shouldbeencouraged;forhisperformancesshewtheextentofthehumanpowersinoneinstance,andthustendtoraiseouropinionofthefacultiesofman.Heshewswhatmaybeattainedbyperseveringapplication;sothateverymanmayhope,thatbygivingasmuchapplication,althoughperhapshemayneverridethreehorsesatatime,ordanceuponawire,yethemaybeequallyexpertinwhateverprofessionhehaschosentopursue.'

Heagainshookmebythehandatparting,andaskedmewhyIdidnotcomeoftenertohim.TrustingthatIwasnowinhisgoodgraces,Ianswered,thathehadnotgivenmemuchencouragement,andremindedhimofthecheckIhadreceivedfromhimatourfirstinterview.'Poh,poh!(saidhe,withacomplacentsmile,)nevermindthesethings.Cometomeasoftenasyoucan.Ishallbegladtoseeyou.'

IhadlearntthathisplaceoffrequentresortwastheMitretaverninFleet-street,wherehelovedtosituplate,andIbeggedImightbeallowedtopassaneveningwithhimtheresoon,whichhepromisedIshould.AfewdaysafterwardsImethimnearTemple-bar,aboutoneo'clockinthemorning,andaskedifhewouldthengototheMitre.'Sir,(saidhe)itistoolate;theywon'tletusin.ButI'llgowith

youanothernightwithallmyheart.'

Arevolutionofsomeimportanceinmyplanoflifehadjusttakenplace;forinsteadofprocuringacommissioninthefoot-guards,whichwasmyowninclination,Ihad,incompliancewithmyfather'swishes,agreedtostudythelaw,andwassoontosetoutforUtrecht,tohearthelecturesofanexcellentCivilianinthatUniversity,andthentoproceedonmytravels.ThoughverydesirousofobtainingDr.Johnson'sadviceandinstructionsonthemodeofpursuingmystudies,Iwasatthistimesooccupied,shallIcallit?orsodissipated,bytheamusementsofLondon,thatournextmeetingwasnottillSaturday,June25,whenhappeningtodineatClifton'seating-house,inButcher-rowIwassurprizedtoperceiveJohnsoncomeinandtakehisseatatanother

table.Themodeofdining,orratherbeingfed,atsuchhousesinLondon,iswellknowntomanytobeparticularlyunsocial,asthereisnoOrdinary,orunitedcompany,buteachpersonhashisownmess,andisundernoobligationtoholdanyintercoursewithanyone.Aliberalandfull-mindedman,however,wholovestotalk,willbreakthroughthischurlishandunsocialrestraint.JohnsonandanIrishgentlemangotintoadisputeconcerningthecauseofsomepartofmankindbeingblack.'Why,Sir,(saidJohnson,)ithasbeenaccountedforinthreeways:eitherbysupposingthattheyaretheposterityofHam,whowascursed;orthatGODatfirstcreatedtwokindsofmen,oneblackandanother



white;orthatbytheheatofthesuntheskinisscorched,andsoacquiresasootyhue.Thismatterhasbeenmuchcanvassedamongnaturalists,buthasneverbeenbroughttoanycertainissue.'WhattheIrishmansaidistotallyobliteratedfrommymind;butIrememberthathebecameverywarmandintemperateinhisexpressions;uponwhichJohnsonrose,andquietlywalkedaway.Whenhehadretired,hisantagonisttookhisrevenge,ashethought,bysaying,'Hehasamostungainlyfigure,andanaffectationofpomposity,unworthyofamanofgenius.'

JohnsonhadnotobservedthatIwasintheroom.Ifollowedhim,however,andheagreedtomeetmeintheeveningattheMitre.Icalledonhim,andwewentthitheratnine.Wehadagoodsupper,andportwine,ofwhichhethensometimesdrankabottle.Theorthodoxhigh-churchsoundoftheMitre,--thefigureandmannerofthecelebratedSAMUELJOHNSON,--theextraordinarypowerandprecisionofhisconversation,andthepridearisingfromfindingmyselfadmittedashiscompanion,producedavarietyofsensations,andapleasingelevationofmindbeyondwhatIhadeverbeforeexperienced.Ifindinmyjournalthefollowingminuteofourconversation,which,thoughitwillgivebutaveryfaintnotionofwhatpassed,isinsomedegreeavaluablerecord;anditwillbecuriousinthisview,asshewinghowhabitualtohismindweresomeopinionswhichappearinhisworks.

'ColleyCibber,Sir,wasbynomeansablockhead;butbyarrogatingtohimselftoomuch,hewasindangeroflosingthatdegreeofestimationtowhichhewasentitled.HisfriendsgaveoutthatheINTENDEDhisbirth-dayOdesshouldbebad:butthatwasnotthecase,Sir;forhekeptthemmanymonthsbyhim,andafewyearsbeforehediedheshewedmeoneofthem,withgreatsolicitudetorenderitasperfectasmightbe,andImadesomecorrections,towhichhewasnotverywillingtosubmit.IrememberthefollowingcoupletinallusiontotheKingandhimself:

"Perch'dontheeagle'ssoaringwing,Thelowlylinnetlovestosing."

Sir,hehadheardsomethingofthefabuloustaleofthewrensittingupontheeagle'swing,andhehadappliedittoalinnet.Cibber'sfamiliarstyle,however,wasbetterthanthatwhichWhiteheadhasassumed.GRANDnonsenseisinsupportable.Whiteheadisbutalittlemantoinscribeversestoplayers.

'Sir,IdonotthinkGrayafirst-ratepoet.Hehasnotaboldimagination,normuchcommandofwords.Theobscurityinwhichhehasinvolvedhimselfwillnotpersuadeusthatheissublime.HisElegyinaChurch-yardhasahappyselectionofimages,butIdon'tlikewhatarecalledhisgreatthings.HisOdewhichbegins

"Ruinseizethee,ruthlessKing,

Confusiononthybannerswait!"

hasbeencelebratedforitsabruptness,andplungingintothesubjectallatonce.Butsuchartsasthesehavenomerit,unlesswhentheyareoriginal.Weadmirethemonlyonce;andthisabruptnesshasnothingnewinit.Wehavehaditoftenbefore.Nay,wehaveitintheoldsongofJohnnyArmstrong:

"IsthereeveramaninallScotlandFromthehighestestatetothelowestdegree,"&c.



Andthen,Sir,

"Yes,thereisamaninWestmoreland,AndJohnnyArmstrongtheydohimcall."

There,now,youplungeatonceintothesubject.Youhavenopreviousnarrationtoleadyoutoit.ThetwonextlinesinthatOdeare,Ithink,verygood:

"Thoughfann'dbyconquest'scrimsonwing,Theymocktheairwithidlestate."'

Findinghiminaplacidhumour,andwishingtoavailmyselfoftheopportunitywhichIfortunatelyhadofconsultingasage,tohearwhosewisdom,Iconceivedintheardourofyouthfulimagination,thatmenfilledwithanobleenthusiasmforintellectualimprovementwouldgladlyhaveresortedfromdistantlands;--Iopenedmymindtohimingenuously,andgavehimalittlesketchofmylife,towhichhewaspleasedtolistenwithgreatattention.

Iacknowledged,thatthougheducatedverystrictlyintheprinciplesofreligion,Ihadforsometimebeenmisledintoacertaindegreeofinfidelity;butthatIwascomenowtoabetterwayofthinking,andwas

fullysatisfiedofthetruthoftheChristianrevelation,thoughIwasnotclearastoeverypointconsideredtobeorthodox.Beingatalltimesacuriousexaminerofthehumanmind,andpleasedwithanundisguiseddisplayofwhathadpassedinit,hecalledtomewithwarmth,'Givemeyourhand;Ihavetakenalikingtoyou.'Hethenbegantodescantupontheforceoftestimony,andthelittlewecouldknowoffinalcauses;sothattheobjectionsof,whywasitso?orwhywasitnotso?oughtnottodisturbus:adding,thathehimselfhadatoneperiodbeenguiltyofatemporaryneglectofreligion,butthatitwasnottheresultofargument,butmereabsenceofthought.

Afterhavinggivencredittoreportsofhisbigotry,Iwasagreeablysurprizedwhenheexpressedthefollowingveryliberalsentiment,which

hastheadditionalvalueofobviatinganobjectiontoourholyreligion,foundeduponthediscordanttenetsofChristiansthemselves:'Formypart,Sir,IthinkallChristians,whetherPapistsorProtestants,agreeintheessentialarticles,andthattheirdifferencesaretrivial,andratherpoliticalthanreligious.'

Wetalkedofbeliefinghosts.Hesaid,'Sir,Imakeadistinctionbetweenwhatamanmayexperiencebythemerestrengthofhisimagination,andwhatimaginationcannotpossiblyproduce.Thus,supposeIshouldthinkthatIsawaform,andheardavoicecry"Johnson,youareaverywickedfellow,andunlessyourepentyouwillcertainlybepunished;"myownunworthinessissodeeplyimpresseduponmymind,thatImightIMAGINEIthussawandheard,andthereforeIshouldnotbelieve

thatanexternalcommunicationhadbeenmadetome.Butifaformshouldappear,andavoiceshouldtellmethataparticularmanhaddiedataparticularplace,andaparticularhour,afactwhichIhadnoapprehensionof,noranymeansofknowing,andthisfact,withallitscircumstances,shouldafterwardsbeunquestionablyproved,Ishould,inthatcase,bepersuadedthatIhadsupernaturalintelligenceimpartedtome.'

Hereitisproper,onceforall,togiveatrueandfairstatementofJohnson'swayofthinkinguponthequestion,whetherdepartedspirits



areeverpermittedtoappearinthisworld,orinanywaytooperateuponhumanlife.Hehasbeenignorantlymisrepresentedasweaklycredulousuponthatsubject;and,therefore,thoughIfeelaninclinationtodisdainandtreatwithsilentcontemptsofoolishanotionconcerningmyillustriousfriend,yetasIfindithasgainedground,itisnecessarytorefuteit.Therealfactthenis,thatJohnsonhadaveryphilosophicalmind,andsucharationalrespectfortestimony,astomakehimsubmithisunderstandingtowhatwasauthenticallyproved,thoughhecouldnotcomprehendwhyitwasso.Beingthusdisposed,hewaswillingtoinquireintothetruthofanyrelationofsupernaturalagency,ageneralbeliefofwhichhasprevailedinallnationsandages.Butsofarwashefrombeingthedupeofimplicitfaith,thatheexaminedthematterwithajealousattention,andnomanwasmorereadytorefuteitsfalsehoodwhenhehaddiscoveredit.Churchill,inhispoementitledTheGhost,availedhimselfoftheabsurdcredulityimputedtoJohnson,anddrewacaricatureofhimunderthenameof'POMPOSO,'representinghimasoneofthebelieversofthestoryofaGhostinCock-lane,which,intheyear1762,hadgainedverygeneralcreditinLondon.Manyofmyreaders,Iamconvinced,aretothishourunderanimpressionthatJohnsonwasthusfoolishlydeceived.Itwillthereforesurprizethemagooddealwhentheyareinformeduponundoubtedauthority,thatJohnsonwasoneofthosebywhomtheimposturewasdetected.Thestoryhadbecomesopopular,thathethoughtitshouldbeinvestigated;andinthisresearchhewasassistedbytheReverend

Dr.Douglas,nowBishopofSalisbury,thegreatdetectorofimpostures;whoinformsme,thatafterthegentlemenwhowentandexaminedintotheevidenceweresatisfiedofitsfalsity,Johnsonwroteintheirpresenceanaccountofit,whichwaspublishedinthenewspapersandGentleman'sMagazine,andundeceivedtheworld.

Ourconversationproceeded.'Sir,(saidhe)Iamafriendtosubordination,asmostconducivetothehappinessofsociety.Thereisareciprocalpleasureingoverningandbeinggoverned.'

'Dr.Goldsmithisoneofthefirstmenwenowhaveasanauthour,andheisaveryworthymantoo.Hehasbeenlooseinhisprinciples,butheiscomingright.'

IcomplainedtohimthatIhadnotyetacquiredmuchknowledge,andaskedhisadviceastomystudies.Hesaid,'Don'ttalkofstudynow.Iwillgiveyouaplan;butitwillrequiresometimetoconsiderofit.''Itisverygoodinyou(Ireplied,)toallowmetobewithyouthus.HaditbeenforetoldtomesomeyearsagothatIshouldpassaneveningwiththeauthourofTheRambler,howshouldIhaveexulted!'WhatIthenexpressed,wassincerelyfromtheheart.Hewassatisfiedthatitwas,andcordiallyanswered,'Sir,Iamgladwehavemet.Ihopeweshallpassmanyeveningsandmorningstoo,together.'Wefinishedacoupleofbottlesofport,andsattillbetweenoneandtwointhemorning.

AsDr.OliverGoldsmithwillfrequentlyappearinthisnarrative,I

shallendeavourtomakemyreadersinsomedegreeacquaintedwithhissingularcharacter.HewasanativeofIreland,andacontemporarywithMr.BurkeatTrinityCollege,Dublin,butdidnotthengivemuchpromiseoffuturecelebrity.He,however,observedtoMr.Malone,that'thoughhemadenogreatfigureinmathematicks,whichwasastudyinmuchreputethere,hecouldturnanOdeofHoraceintoEnglishbetterthananyofthem.'HeafterwardsstudiedphysickatEdinburgh,andupontheContinent;andIhavebeeninformed,wasenabledtopursuehistravelsonfoot,partlybydemandingatUniversitiestoenterthelistsasadisputant,bywhich,accordingtothecustomofmanyofthem,hewas



entitledtothepremiumofacrown,whenluckilyforhimhischallengewasnotaccepted;sothat,asIonceobservedtoDr.Johnson,heDISPUTEDhispassagethroughEurope.HethencametoEngland,andwasemployedsuccessivelyinthecapacitiesofanushertoanacademy,acorrectorofthepress,areviewer,andawriterforanews-paper.HehadsagacityenoughtocultivateassiduouslytheacquaintanceofJohnson,andhisfacultiesweregraduallyenlargedbythecontemplationofsuchamodel.TomeandmanyothersitappearedthathestudiouslycopiedthemannerofJohnson,though,indeed,uponasmallerscale.

AtthistimeIthinkhehadpublishednothingwithhisname,thoughitwasprettygenerallyknownthatoneDr.GoldsmithwastheauthourofAnEnquiryintothepresentStateofpoliteLearninginEurope,andofTheCitizenoftheWorld,aseriesofletterssupposedtobewrittenfromLondonbyaChinese.Nomanhadtheartofdisplayingwithmoreadvantageasawriter,whateverliteraryacquisitionshemade.'Nihilquodtetigitnonornavit.'Hismindresembledafertile,butthinsoil.Therewasaquick,butnotastrongvegetation,ofwhateverchancedtobethrownuponit.Nodeeprootcouldbestruck.Theoakoftheforestdidnotgrowthere;buttheelegantshrubberyandthefragrantparterreappearedingaysuccession.Ithasbeengenerallycirculatedandbelievedthathewasamerefoolinconversation;but,intruth,thishasbeengreatlyexaggerated.Hehad,nodoubt,amorethancommonshareofthathurryofideaswhichweoftenfindinhiscountrymen,andwhich

sometimesproducesalaughableconfusioninexpressingthem.HewasverymuchwhattheFrenchcallunetourdi,andfromvanityandaneagerdesireofbeingconspicuouswhereverhewas,hefrequentlytalkedcarelesslywithoutknowledgeofthesubject,orevenwithoutthought.Hispersonwasshort,hiscountenancecoarseandvulgar,hisdeportmentthatofascholaraukwardlyaffectingtheeasygentleman.Thosewhowereinanywaydistinguished,excitedenvyinhimtosoridiculousanexcess,thattheinstancesofitarehardlycredible.Whenaccompanyingtwobeautifulyoungladies*withtheirmotheronatourinFrance,hewasseriouslyangrythatmoreattentionwaspaidtothemthantohim;andonceattheexhibitionoftheFantocciniinLondon,whenthosewhosatnexthimobservedwithwhatdexterityapuppetwasmadetotossapike,hecouldnotbearthatitshouldhavesuchpraise,andexclaimed

withsomewarmth,'Pshaw!Icandoitbettermyself.'

*TheseweretheMissesHorneck,knownotherwiseas'LittleComedy'and'TheJessamyBride.'--ED.

Heboastedtomeatthistimeofthepowerofhispenincommandingmoney,whichIbelievewastrueinacertaindegree,thoughintheinstancehegavehewasbynomeanscorrect.Hetoldmethathehadsoldanovelforfourhundredpounds.ThiswashisVicarofWakefield.ButJohnsoninformedme,thathehadmadethebargainforGoldsmith,andthepricewassixtypounds.'And,Sir,(saidhe,)asufficientpricetoo,whenitwassold;forthenthefameofGoldsmithhadnotbeenelevated,asitafterwardswas,byhisTraveller;andthebooksellerhadsuch

fainthopesofprofitbyhisbargain,thathekeptthemanuscriptbyhimalongtime,anddidnotpublishittillafterTheTravellerhadappeared.Then,tobesure,itwasaccidentallyworthmoremoney.

Mrs.PiozziandSirJohnHawkinshavestrangelymisstatedthehistoryofGoldsmith'ssituationandJohnson'sfriendlyinterference,whenthisnovelwassold.IshallgiveitauthenticallyfromJohnson'sownexactnarration:--'IreceivedonemorningamessagefrompoorGoldsmiththathewasingreatdistress,andasitwasnotinhispowertocometome,beggingthatIwouldcometohimassoonaspossible.Isenthima



guinea,andpromisedtocometohimdirectly.IaccordinglywentassoonasIwasdrest,andfoundthathislandladyhadarrestedhimforhisrent,atwhichhewasinaviolentpassion.Iperceivedthathehadalreadychangedmyguinea,andhadgotabottleofMadeiraandaglassbeforehim.Iputthecorkintothebottle,desiredhewouldbecalm,andbegantotalktohimofthemeansbywhichhemightbeextricated.Hethentoldmethathehadanovelreadyforthepress,whichheproducedtome.Ilookedintoit,andsawitsmerit;toldthelandladyIshouldsoonreturn,andhavinggonetoabookseller,solditforsixtypounds.IbroughtGoldsmiththemoney,andhedischargedhisrent,notwithoutratinghislandladyinahightoneforhavingusedhimsoill.'

MynextmeetingwithJohnsonwasonFridaythe1stofJuly,whenheandIandDr.GoldsmithsuppedtogetherattheMitre.IwasbeforethistimeprettywellacquaintedwithGoldsmith,whowasoneofthebrightestornamentsoftheJohnsonianschool.Goldsmith'srespectfulattachmenttoJohnsonwasthenatitsheight;forhisownliteraryreputationhadnotyetdistinguishedhimsomuchastoexciteavaindesireofcompetitionwithhisgreatMaster.HehadincreasedmyadmirationofthegoodnessofJohnson'sheart,byincidentalremarksinthecourseofconversation,suchas,whenImentionedMr.Levet,whomheentertainedunderhisroof,'Heispoorandhonest,whichisrecommendationenoughtoJohnson;'andwhenIwonderedthathewasverykindtoamanofwhomIhadheardaverybadcharacter,'Heisnowbecomemiserable;andthatinsuresthe

protectionofJohnson.'

HetalkedverycontemptuouslyofChurchill'spoetry,observing,that'ithadatemporarycurrency,onlyfromitsaudacityofabuse,andbeingfilledwithlivingnames,andthatitwouldsinkintooblivion.'Iventuredtohintthathewasnotquiteafairjudge,asChurchillhadattackedhimviolently.JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,Iamaveryfairjudge.HedidnotattackmeviolentlytillhefoundIdidnotlikehispoetry;andhisattackonmeshallnotpreventmefromcontinuingtosaywhatIthinkofhim,fromanapprehensionthatitmaybeascribedtoresentment.No,Sir,Icalledthefellowablockheadatfirst,andIwillcallhimablockheadstill.However,IwillacknowledgethatIhaveabetteropinionofhimnow,thanIoncehad;forhehasshewnmore

fertilitythanIexpected.Tobesure,heisatreethatcannotproducegoodfruit:heonlybearscrabs.But,Sir,atreethatproducesagreatmanycrabsisbetterthanatreewhichproducesonlyafew.'

LetmehereapologizefortheimperfectmannerinwhichIamobligedtoexhibitJohnson'sconversationatthisperiod.Intheearlypartofmyacquaintancewithhim,Iwassowraptinadmirationofhisextraordinarycolloquialtalents,andsolittleaccustomedtohispeculiarmodeofexpression,thatIfounditextremelydifficulttorecollectandrecordhisconversationwithitsgenuinevigourandvivacity.Inprogressoftime,whenmymindwas,asitwere,stronglyimpregnatedwiththeJohnsonianoether,Icould,withmuchmorefacilityandexactness,carryinmymemoryandcommittopapertheexuberantvarietyofhiswisdomand

wit.

AtthistimeMISSWilliams,asshewasthencalled,thoughshedidnotresidewithhimintheTempleunderhisroof,buthadlodgingsinBolt-court,Fleet-street,hadsomuchofhisattention,thatheeverynightdrankteawithherbeforehewenthome,howeverlateitmightbe,andshealwayssatupforhim.This,itmaybefairlyconjectured,wasnotaloneaproofofhisregardforHER,butofhisownunwillingnesstogointosolitude,beforethatunseasonablehouratwhichhehadhabituatedhimselftoexpecttheoblivionofrepose.Dr.Goldsmith,



beingaprivilegedman,wentwithhimthisnight,struttingaway,andcallingtomewithanairofsuperiority,likethatofanesoterickoveranexoterickdiscipleofasageofantiquity,'IgotoMissWilliams.'Iconfess,Ithenenviedhimthismightyprivilege,ofwhichheseemedsoproud;butitwasnotlongbeforeIobtainedthesamemarkofdistinction.

OnTuesdaythe5thofJuly,IagainvisitedJohnson.

TalkingofLondon,heobserved,'Sir,ifyouwishtohaveajustnotionofthemagnitudeofthiscity,youmustnotbesatisfiedwithseeingitsgreatstreetsandsquares,butmustsurveytheinnumerablelittlelanesandcourts.Itisnotintheshowyevolutionsofbuildings,butinthemultiplicityofhumanhabitationswhicharecroudedtogether,thatthewonderfulimmensityofLondonconsists.'

OnWednesday,July6,hewasengagedtosupwithmeatmylodgingsinDowning-street,Westminster.Butontheprecedingnightmylandlordhavingbehavedveryrudelytomeandsomecompanywhowerewithme,Ihadresolvednottoremainanothernightinhishouse.IwasexceedinglyuneasyattheaukwardappearanceIsupposedIshouldmaketoJohnsonandtheothergentlemenwhomIhadinvited,notbeingabletoreceivethemathome,andbeingobligedtoordersupperattheMitre.IwenttoJohnsoninthemorning,andtalkedofitasaseriousdistress.He

laughed,andsaid,'Consider,Sir,howinsignificantthiswillappearatwelvemonthhence.'--Werethisconsiderationtobeappliedtomostofthelittlevexatiousincidentsoflife,bywhichourquietistoooftendisturbed,itwouldpreventmanypainfulsensations.Ihavetrieditfrequently,withgoodeffect.'Thereisnothing(continuedhe)inthismightymisfortune;nay,weshallbebetterattheMitre.'

IhadasmygueststhiseveningattheMitretavern,Dr.Johnson,Dr.Goldsmith,Mr.ThomasDavies,Mr.Eccles,anIrishgentleman,forwhoseagreeablecompanyIwasobligedtoMr.Davies,andtheReverendMr.JohnOgilvie,whowasdesirousofbeingincompanywithmyillustriousfriend,whileI,inmyturn,wasproudtohavethehonourofshewingoneofmycountrymenuponwhateasytermsJohnsonpermittedmetolivewith

him.

Goldsmith,asusual,endeavoured,withtoomucheagerness,toSHINE,anddisputedverywarmlywithJohnsonagainstthewell-knownmaximoftheBritishconstitution,'theKingcandonowrong;'affirming,that'whatwasmorallyfalsecouldnotbepoliticallytrue;andastheKingmight,intheexerciseofhisregalpower,commandandcausethedoingofwhatwaswrong,itcertainlymightbesaid,insenseandinreason,thathecoulddowrong.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youaretoconsider,thatinourconstitution,accordingtoitstrueprinciples,theKingisthehead;heissupreme;heisaboveeverything,andthereisnopowerbywhichhecanbetried.Therefore,itis,Sir,thatweholdtheKingcandonowrong;thatwhatevermayhappentobewrongingovernmentmaynotbe

aboveourreach,bybeingascribedtoMajesty.Redressisalwaystobehadagainstoppression,bypunishingtheimmediateagents.TheKing,thoughheshouldcommand,cannotforceaJudgetocondemnamanunjustly;thereforeitistheJudgewhomweprosecuteandpunish.Politicalinstitutionsareformedupontheconsiderationofwhatwillmostfrequentlytendtothegoodofthewhole,althoughnowandthenexceptionsmayoccur.Thusitisbetteringeneralthatanationshouldhaveasupremelegislativepower,althoughitmayattimesbeabused.Andthen,Sir,thereisthisconsideration,thatiftheabusebeenormous,Naturewillriseup,andclaimingheroriginalrights,



overturnacorruptpoliticalsystem.'Imarkthisanimatedsentencewithpeculiarpleasure,asanobleinstanceofthattrulydignifiedspiritoffreedomwhicheverglowedinhisheart,thoughhewaschargedwithslavishtenetsbysuperficialobservers;becausehewasatalltimesindignantagainstthatfalsepatriotism,thatpretendedloveoffreedom,thatunrulyrestlessness,whichisinconsistentwiththestableauthorityofanygoodgovernment.

'Bayle'sDictionaryisaveryusefulworkforthosetoconsultwholovethebiographicalpartofliterature,whichiswhatIlovemost.'

TalkingoftheeminentwritersinQueenAnne'sreign,heobserved,'IthinkDr.Arbuthnotthefirstmanamongthem.Hewasthemostuniversalgenius,beinganexcellentphysician,amanofdeeplearning,andamanofmuchhumour.Mr.Addisonwas,tobesure,agreatman;hislearningwasnotprofound;buthismorality,hishumour,andhiseleganceofwriting,sethimveryhigh.'

Mr.Ogilviewasunluckyenoughtochooseforthetopickofhisconversationthepraisesofhisnativecountry.Hebeganwithsaying,thattherewasveryrichlandroundEdinburgh.Goldsmith,whohadstudiedphysickthere,contradictedthis,veryuntruly,withasneeringlaugh.Disconcertedalittlebythis,Mr.Ogilviethentooknewground,where,Isuppose,hethoughthimselfperfectlysafe;forheobserved,

thatScotlandhadagreatmanynoblewildprospects.JOHNSON.'Ibelieve,Sir,youhaveagreatmany.Norway,too,hasnoblewildprospects;andLaplandisremarkableforprodigiousnoblewildprospects.But,Sir,letmetellyou,thenoblestprospectwhichaScotchmaneversees,isthehighroadthatleadshimtoEngland!'Thisunexpectedandpointedsallyproducedaroarofapplause.Afterall,however,those,whoadmiretherudegrandeurofNature,cannotdenyittoCaledonia.

OnSaturday,July9,IfoundJohnsonsurroundedwithanumerouslevee,buthavenotpreservedanypartofhisconversation.Onthe14thwehadanothereveningbyourselvesattheMitre.Ithappeningtobeaveryrainynight,Imadesomecommon-placeobservationsontherelaxationof

nervesanddepressionofspiritswhichsuchweatheroccasioned;adding,however,thatitwasgoodforthevegetablecreation.Johnson,who,aswehavealreadyseen,deniedthatthetemperatureoftheairhadanyinfluenceonthehumanframe,answered,withasmileofridicule.'Whyyes,Sir,itisgoodforvegetables,andfortheanimalswhoeatthosevegetables,andfortheanimalswhoeatthoseanimals.'Thisobservationofhisaptlyenoughintroducedagoodsupper;andIsoonforgot,inJohnson'scompany,theinfluenceofamoistatmosphere.

Feelingmyselfnowquiteateaseashiscompanion,thoughIhadallpossiblereverenceforhim,IexpressedaregretthatIcouldnotbesoeasywithmyfather,thoughhewasnotmucholderthanJohnson,andcertainlyhoweverrespectablehadnotmorelearningandgreater

abilitiestodepressme.Iaskedhimthereasonofthis.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Iamamanoftheworld.Iliveintheworld,andItake,insomedegree,thecolouroftheworldasitmovesalong.YourfatherisaJudgeinaremotepartoftheisland,andallhisnotionsaretakenfromtheoldworld.Besides,Sir,theremustalwaysbeastrugglebetweenafatherandsonwhileoneaimsatpowerandtheotheratindependence.'

HeenlargedveryconvincinglyupontheexcellenceofrhymeoverblankverseinEnglishpoetry.ImentionedtohimthatDr.AdamSmith,inhislecturesuponcomposition,whenIstudiedunderhimintheCollegeof



Glasgow,hadmaintainedthesameopinionstrenuously,andIrepeatedsomeofhisarguments.JOHNSON.'Sir,IwasonceincompanywithSmith,andwedidnottaketoeachother;buthadIknownthathelovedrhymeasmuchasyoutellmehedoes,IshouldhaveHUGGEDhim.'

'Idlenessisadiseasewhichmustbecombated;butIwouldnotadvisearigidadherencetoaparticularplanofstudy.Imyselfhaveneverpersistedinanyplanfortwodaystogether.Amanoughttoreadjustasinclinationleadshim;forwhathereadsasataskwilldohimlittlegood.Ayoungmanshouldreadfivehoursinaday,andsomayacquireagreatdealofknowledge.'

Tosuchadegreeofunrestrainedfranknesshadhenowaccustomedme,thatinthecourseofthiseveningItalkedofthenumerousreflectionswhichhadbeenthrownoutagainsthimonaccountofhishavingacceptedapensionfromhispresentMajesty.'Why,Sir,(saidhe,withaheartylaugh,)itisamightyfoolishnoisethattheymake.*Ihaveacceptedofapensionasarewardwhichhasbeenthoughtduetomyliterarymerit;andnowthatIhavethispension,IamthesamemanineveryrespectthatIhaveeverbeen;Iretainthesameprinciples.Itistrue,thatIcannotnowcurse(smiling)theHouseofHanover;norwoulditbedecentformetodrinkKingJames'shealthinthewinethatKingGeorgegivesmemoneytopayfor.But,Sir,IthinkthatthepleasureofcursingtheHouseofHanover,anddrinkingKingJames'shealth,areamply

overbalancedbythreehundredpoundsayear.'

*WhenImentionedthesameidleclamourtohimseveralyearsafterwards,hesaid,withasmile,'Iwishmypensionweretwiceaslarge,thattheymightmaketwiceasmuchnoise.'--BOSWELL.

Therewashere,mostcertainly,anaffectationofmoreJacobitismthanhereallyhad.YetthereisnodoubtthatatearlierperiodshewaswontoftentoexercisebothhispleasantryandingenuityintalkingJacobitism.Mymuchrespectedfriend,Dr.Douglas,nowBishopofSalisbury,hasfavouredmewiththefollowingadmirableinstancefromhisLordship'sownrecollection.Oneday,whendiningatold

Mr.Langton'swhereMissRoberts,hisniece,wasoneofthecompany,Johnson,withhisusualcomplacentattentiontothefairsex,tookherbythehandandsaid,'Mydear,IhopeyouareaJacobite.'OldMr.Langton,who,thoughahighandsteadyTory,wasattachedtothepresentRoyalFamily,seemedoffended,andaskedJohnson,withgreatwarmth,whathecouldmeanbyputtingsuchaquestiontohisniece?'Why,Sir,(saidJohnson)Imeantnooffencetoyourniece,Imeantheragreatcompliment.AJacobite,Sir,believesinthedivinerightofKings.HethatbelievesinthedivinerightofKingsbelievesinaDivinity.AJacobitebelievesinthedivinerightofBishops.HethatbelievesinthedivinerightofBishopsbelievesinthedivineauthorityoftheChristianreligion.Therefore,Sir,aJacobiteisneitheranAtheistnoraDeist.ThatcannotbesaidofaWhig;forWhiggismisanegationof

allprinciple.'*

*Heusedtotell,withgreathumour,frommyrelationtohim,thefollowinglittlestoryofmyearlyyears,whichwasliterallytrue:'Boswell,intheyear1745,wasafineboy,woreawhitecockade,andprayedforKingJames,tilloneofhisuncles(GeneralCochran)gavehimashillingonconditionthatheshouldprayforKingGeorge,whichheaccordinglydid.Soyousee(saysBoswell)thatWhigsofallagesaremadethesameway.'--BOSWELL.



Headvisedme,whenabroad,tobeasmuchasIcouldwiththeProfessorsintheUniversities,andwiththeClergy;forfromtheirconversationImightexpectthebestaccountsofeverythinginwhatevercountryIshouldbe,withtheadditionaladvantageofkeepingmylearningalive.

Itwillbeobserved,thatwhengivingmeadviceastomytravels,Dr.Johnsondidnotdwelluponcities,andpalaces,andpictures,andshows,andArcadianscenes.HewasofLordEssex'sopinion,whoadviseshiskinsmanRogerEarlofRutland,'rathertogoanhundredmilestospeakwithonewiseman,thanfivemilestoseeafairtown.'

IdescribedtohimanimpudentfellowfromScotland,whoaffectedtobeasavage,andrailedatallestablishedsystems.JOHNSON.'Thereisnothingsurprizinginthis,Sir.Hewantstomakehimselfconspicuous.Hewouldtumbleinahogstye,aslongasyoulookedathimandcalledtohimtocomeout.Butlethimalone,nevermindhim,andhe'llsoongiveitover.'

Iadded,thatthesamepersonmaintainedthattherewasnodistinctionbetweenvirtueandvice.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,ifthefellowdoesnotthinkashespeaks,heislying;andIseenotwhathonourhecanproposetohimselffromhavingthecharacterofalyar.Butifhedoesreallythinkthatthereisnodistinctionbetweenvirtueandvice,why,

Sir,whenheleavesourhousesletuscountourspoons.'

Herecommendedtometokeepajournalofmylife,fullandunreserved.Hesaiditwouldbeaverygoodexercise,andwouldyieldmegreatsatisfactionwhentheparticularswerefadedfrommyremembrance.Iwasuncommonlyfortunateinhavinghadapreviouscoincidenceofopinionwithhimuponthissubject,forIhadkeptsuchajournalforsometime;anditwasnosmallpleasuretometohavethistotellhim,andtoreceivehisapprobation.Hecounselledmetokeepitprivate,andsaidImightsurelyhaveafriendwhowouldburnitincaseofmydeath.FromthishabitIhavebeenenabledtogivetheworldsomanyanecdotes,whichwouldotherwisehavebeenlosttoposterity.ImentionedthatIwasafraidIputintomyjournaltoomanylittleincidents.JOHNSON.

'Thereisnothing,Sir,toolittleforsolittleacreatureasman.Itisbystudyinglittlethingsthatweattainthegreatartofhavingaslittlemiseryandasmuchhappinessaspossible.'

NextmorningMr.Dempsterhappenedtocallonme,andwassomuchstruckevenwiththeimperfectaccountwhichIgavehimofDr.Johnson'sconversation,thattohishonourbeitrecorded,whenIcomplainedthatdrinkingportandsittinguplatewithhimaffectedmynervesforsometimeafter,hesaid,'Onehadbetterbepalsiedateighteenthannotkeepcompanywithsuchaman.'

OnTuesday,July18,IfoundtallSirThomasRobinsonsittingwithJohnson.SirThomassaid,thatthekingofPrussiavaluedhimselfupon

threethings;--uponbeingahero,amusician,andanauthour.JOHNSON.'Prettywell,Sir,foroneman.Astohisbeinganauthour,Ihavenotlookedathispoetry;buthisproseispoorstuff.HewritesjustasyoumightsupposeVoltaire'sfootboytodo,whohasbeenhisamanuensis.Hehassuchpartsasthevaletmighthave,andaboutasmuchofthecolouringofthestyleasmightbegotbytranscribinghisworks.'WhenIwasatFerney,IrepeatedthistoVoltaire,inordertoreconcilehimsomewhattoJohnson,whomhe,inaffectingtheEnglishmodeofexpression,hadpreviouslycharacterisedas'asuperstitiousdog;'butafterhearingsuchacriticismonFredericktheGreat,withwhomhewas



thenonbadterms,heexclaimed,'Anhonestfellow!'

Mr.LevetthisdayshewedmeDr.Johnson'slibrary,whichwascontainedintwogarretsoverhisChambers,whereLintot,sonofthecelebratedbooksellerofthatname,hadformerlyhiswarehouse.Ifoundanumberofgoodbooks,butverydustyandingreatconfusion.Thefloorwasstrewedwithmanuscriptleaves,inJohnson'sownhandwriting,whichIbeheldwithadegreeofveneration,supposingtheyperhapsmightcontainportionsofTheRamblerorofRasselas.Iobservedanapparatusforchymicalexperiments,ofwhichJohnsonwasallhislifeveryfond.Theplaceseemedtobeveryfavourableforretirementandmeditation.Johnsontoldme,thathewentupthitherwithoutmentioningittohisservant,whenhewantedtostudy,securefrominterruption;forhewouldnotallowhisservanttosayhewasnotathomewhenhereallywas.'Aservant'sstrictregardfortruth,(saidhe)mustbeweakenedbysuchapractice.Aphilosophermayknowthatitismerelyaformofdenial;butfewservantsaresuchnicedistinguishers.IfIaccustomaservanttotellalieforME,haveInotreasontoapprehendthathewilltellmanyliesforHIMSELF.'

Mr.Temple,nowvicarofSt.Gluvias,Cornwall,whohadbeenmyintimatefriendformanyyears,hadatthistimechambersinFarrar's-buildings,atthebottomofInnerTemple-lane,whichhekindlylentmeuponmyquittingmylodgings,hebeingtoreturntoTrinityHall,Cambridge.

Ifoundthemparticularlyconvenientforme,astheyweresonearDr.Johnson's.

OnWednesday,July20,Dr.Johnson,Mr.Dempster,andmyuncleDr.Boswell,whohappenedtobenowinLondon,suppedwithmeattheseChambers.JOHNSON.'Pityisnotnaturaltoman.Childrenarealwayscruel.Savagesarealwayscruel.Pityisacquiredandimprovedbythecultivationofreason.Wemayhaveuneasysensationsfromseeingacreatureindistress,withoutpity;forwehavenotpityunlesswewishtorelievethem.WhenIamonmywaytodinewithafriend,andfindingitlate,havebidthecoachmanmakehaste,ifIhappentoattendwhenhewhipshishorses,Imayfeelunpleasantlythattheanimalsareputtopain,butIdonotwishhimtodesist.No,Sir,Iwishhimtodriveon.'

Rousseau'streatiseontheinequalityofmankindwasatthistimeafashionabletopick.ItgaverisetoanobservationbyMr.Dempster,thattheadvantagesoffortuneandrankwerenothingtoawiseman,whooughttovalueonlymerit.JOHNSON.'Ifmanwereasavage,livinginthewoodsbyhimself,thismightbetrue;butincivilizedsocietywealldependuponeachother,andourhappinessisverymuchowingtothegoodopinionofmankind.Now,Sir,incivilizedsociety,externaladvantagesmakeusmorerespected.Amanwithagoodcoatuponhisbackmeetswithabetterreceptionthanhewhohasabadone.Sir,youmayanalysethis,andsaywhatisthereinit?Butthatwillavailyounothing,foritisapartofageneralsystem.PoundSt.Paul'sChurchintoatoms,andconsideranysingleatom;itis,tobesure,goodfornothing:but,put

alltheseatomstogether,andyouhaveSt.Paul'sChurch.Soitiswithhumanfelicity,whichismadeupofmanyingredients,eachofwhichmaybeshewntobeveryinsignificant.Incivilizedsociety,personalmeritwillnotserveyousomuchasmoneywill.Sir,youmaymaketheexperiment.Gointothestreet,andgiveonemanalectureonmorality,andanotherashilling,andseewhichwillrespectyoumost.Ifyouwishonlytosupportnature,SirWilliamPettyfixesyourallowanceatthreepoundsayear;butastimesaremuchaltered,letuscallitsixpounds.Thissumwillfillyourbelly,shelteryoufromtheweather,andevengetyouastronglastingcoat,supposingittobemadeofgoodbull's



hide.Now,Sir,allbeyondthisisartificial,andisdesiredinordertoobtainagreaterdegreeofrespectfromourfellow-creatures.And,Sir,ifsixhundredpoundsayearprocureamanmoreconsequence,and,ofcourse,morehappinessthansixpoundsayear,thesameproportionwillholdastosixthousand,andsoonasfarasopulencecanbecarried.Perhapshewhohasalargefortunemaynotbesohappyashewhohasasmallone;butthatmustproceedfromothercausesthanfromhishavingthelargefortune:for,coeterisparibus,hewhoisrichinacivilizedsociety,mustbehappierthanhewhoispoor;asriches,ifproperlyused,(anditisaman'sownfaultiftheyarenot,)mustbeproductiveofthehighestadvantages.Money,tobesure,ofitselfisofnouse;foritsonlyuseistopartwithit.Rousseau,andallthosewhodealinparadoxes,areledawaybyachildishdesireofnovelty.WhenIwasaboy,Iusedalwaystochoosethewrongsideofadebate,becausemostingeniousthings,thatistosay,mostnewthings,couldbesaiduponit.Sir,thereisnothingforwhichyoumaynotmusterupmoreplausiblearguments,thanthosewhichareurgedagainstwealthandotherexternaladvantages.Why,now,thereisstealing;whyshoulditbethoughtacrime?Whenweconsiderbywhatunjustmethodspropertyhasbeenoftenacquired,andthatwhatwasunjustlygotitmustbeunjusttokeep,whereistheharminoneman'stakingthepropertyofanotherfromhim?Besides,Sir,whenweconsiderthebadusethatmanypeoplemakeoftheirproperty,andhowmuchbetterusethethiefmaymakeofit,itmaybedefendedasaveryallowablepractice.Yet,Sir,theexperienceof

mankindhasdiscoveredstealingtobesoverybadathing,thattheymakenoscrupletohangamanforit.WhenIwasrunningaboutthistownaverypoorfellow,Iwasagreatarguerfortheadvantagesofpoverty;butIwas,atthesametime,verysorrytobepoor.Sir,alltheargumentswhicharebroughttorepresentpovertyasnoevil,shewittobeevidentlyagreatevil.Youneverfindpeoplelabouringtoconvinceyouthatyoumayliveveryhappilyuponaplentifulfortune.--SoyouhearpeopletalkinghowmiserableaKingmustbe;andyettheyallwishtobeinhisplace.'

ItwassuggestedthatKingsmustbeunhappy,becausetheyaredeprivedofthegreatestofallsatisfactions,easyandunreservedsociety.JOHNSON.'Thatisanill-foundednotion.BeingaKingdoesnotexcludea

manfromsuchsociety.GreatKingshavealwaysbeensocial.TheKingofPrussia,theonlygreatKingatpresent,isverysocial.CharlestheSecond,thelastKingofEnglandwhowasamanofparts,wassocial;andourHenrysandEdwardswereallsocial.'

Mr.DempsterhavingendeavouredtomaintainthatintrinsickmeritOUGHTtomaketheonlydistinctionamongstmankind.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,mankindhavefoundthatthiscannotbe.Howshallwedeterminetheproportionofintrinsickmerit?Werethattobetheonlydistinctionamongstmankind,weshouldsoonquarrelaboutthedegreesofit.Werealldistinctionsabolished,thestrongestwouldnotlongacquiesce,butwouldendeavourtoobtainasuperioritybytheirbodilystrength.But,Sir,assubordinationisverynecessaryforsociety,andcontentions

forsuperiorityverydangerous,mankind,thatistosay,allcivilizednations,havesettledituponaplaininvariableprinciple.Amanisborntohereditaryrank;orhisbeingappointedtocertainoffices,giveshimacertainrank.Subordinationtendsgreatlytohumanhappiness.Werewealluponanequality,weshouldhavenootherenjoymentthanmereanimalpleasure.'

Hetookcaretoguardhimselfagainstanypossiblesuspicionthathissettledprinciplesofreverenceforrankandrespectforwealthwereatallowingtomeanorinterestedmotives;forheassertedhisown



independenceasaliteraryman.'Noman(saidhe)whoeverlivedbyliterature,haslivedmoreindependentlythanIhavedone.'HesaidhehadtakenlongertimethanheneededtohavedoneincomposinghisDictionary.Hereceivedourcomplimentsuponthatgreatworkwithcomplacency,andtoldusthattheAcademiadellaCruscacouldscarcelybelievethatitwasdonebyoneman.

Atnight*Mr.JohnsonandIsuppedinaprivateroomattheTurk'sHeadcoffee-house,intheStrand.'Iencouragethishouse(saidhe;)forthemistressofitisagoodcivilwoman,andhasnotmuchbusiness.'

*July21.

'Sir,Ilovetheacquaintanceofyoungpeople;because,inthefirstplace,Idon'tliketothinkmyselfgrowingold.Inthenextplace,youngacquaintancesmustlastlongest,iftheydolast;andthen,Sir,youngmenhavemorevirtuethanoldmen:theyhavemoregeneroussentimentsineveryrespect.Ilovetheyoungdogsofthisage:theyhavemorewitandhumourandknowledgeoflifethanwehad;butthenthedogsarenotsogoodscholars.Sir,inmyearlyyearsIreadveryhard.Itisasadreflection,butatrueone,thatIknewalmostasmuchateighteenasIdonow.Myjudgement,tobesure,wasnotsogood;butIhadallthefacts.Irememberverywell,whenIwasatOxford,anoldgentlemansaidtome,"Youngman,plyyourbookdiligentlynow,and

acquireastockofknowledge;forwhenyearscomeuponyou,youwillfindthatporinguponbookswillbebutanirksometask."'

Heagaininsistedonthedutyofmaintainingsubordinationofrank.'Sir,Iwouldnomoredepriveanoblemanofhisrespect,thanofhismoney.Iconsidermyselfasactingapartinthegreatsystemofsociety,andIdotoothersasIwouldhavethemtodotome.IwouldbehavetoanoblemanasIshouldexpecthewouldbehavetome,wereIanoblemanandheSam.Johnson.Sir,thereisoneMrs.Macaulay*inthistown,agreatrepublican.OnedaywhenIwasatherhouse,Iputonaverygravecountenance,andsaidtoher,"Madam,Iamnowbecomeaconverttoyourwayofthinking.Iamconvincedthatallmankindareuponanequalfooting;andtogiveyouanunquestionableproof,Madam,

thatIaminearnest,hereisaverysensible,civil,well-behavedfellow-citizen,yourfootman;Idesirethathemaybeallowedtositdownanddinewithus."Ithus,Sir,shewedhertheabsurdityofthelevellingdoctrine.Shehasneverlikedmesince.Sir,yourlevellerswishtolevelDOWNasfarasthemselves;buttheycannotbearlevellingUPtothemselves.Theywouldallhavesomepeopleunderthem;whynotthenhavesomepeopleabovethem?'Imentionedacertainauthourwhodisgustedmebyhisforwardness,andbyshewingnodeferencetonoblemenintowhosecompanyhewasadmitted.JOHNSON.'Supposeashoemakershouldclaimanequalitywithhim,ashedoeswithaLord;howhewouldstare."Why,Sir,doyoustare?(saystheshoemaker,)Idogreatservicetosociety.'TistrueIampaidfordoingit;butsoareyou,Sir:andIamsorrytosayit,paidbetterthanIam,fordoingsomethingnotso

necessary.Formankindcoulddobetterwithoutyourbooks,thanwithoutmyshoes."Thus,Sir,therewouldbeaperpetualstruggleforprecedence,weretherenofixedinvariablerulesforthedistinctionofrank,whichcreatesnojealousy,asitisallowedtobeaccidental.'

*ThisONEMrs.Macaulaywasthesamepersonagewhoafterwardsmadeherselfsomuchknownasthecelebratedfemalehistorian.'--BOSWELL.

HesaidhewouldgototheHebrideswithme,whenIreturnedfrommy



travels,unlesssomeverygoodcompanionshouldofferwhenIwasabsent,whichhedidnotthinkprobable;adding,'TherearefewpeopletowhomItakesomuchtoasyou.'AndwhenItalkedofmyleavingEngland,hesaidwithaveryaffectionateair,'MydearBoswell,Ishouldbeveryunhappyatparting,didIthinkwewerenottomeetagain.'Icannottoooftenremindmyreaders,thatalthoughsuchinstancesofhiskindnessaredoubtlessveryflatteringtome;yetIhopemyrecordingthemwillbeascribedtoabettermotivethantovanity;fortheyaffordunquestionableevidenceofhistendernessandcomplacency,whichsome,whiletheywereforcedtoacknowledgehisgreatpowers,havebeensostrenuoustodeny.

Hemaintainedthataboyatschoolwasthehappiestofhumanbeings.Isupportedadifferentopinion,fromwhichIhaveneveryetvaried,thatamanishappier;andIenlargedupontheanxietyandsufferingswhichareenduredatschool.JOHNSON.'Ah!Sir,aboy'sbeingfloggedisnotsosevereasaman'shavingthehissoftheworldagainsthim.'

OnTuesday,July26,IfoundMr.Johnsonalone.Itwasaverywetday,andIagaincomplainedofthedisagreeableeffectsofsuchweather.JOHNSON.'Sir,thisisallimagination,whichphysiciansencourage;formanlivesinair,asafishlivesinwater;sothatiftheatmospherepressheavyfromabove,thereisanequalresistancefrombelow.Tobesure,badweatherisharduponpeoplewhoareobligedtobeabroad;and

mencannotlaboursowellintheopenairinbadweather,asingood:but,Sir,asmithorataylor,whoseworkiswithindoors,willsurelydoasmuchinrainyweather,asinfair.Someverydelicateframes,indeed,maybeaffectedbywetweather;butnotcommonconstitutions.'

Wetalkedoftheeducationofchildren;andIaskedhimwhathethoughtwasbesttoteachthemfirst.JOHNSON.'Sir,itisnomatterwhatyouteachthemfirst,anymorethanwhatlegyoushallputintoyourbreechesfirst.Sir,youmaystanddisputingwhichisbesttoputinfirst,butinthemeantimeyourbreechisbare.Sir,whileyouareconsideringwhichoftwothingsyoushouldteachyourchildfirst,anotherboyhaslearntthemboth.'

OnThursday,July28,weagainsuppedinprivateattheTurk'sHeadcoffee-house.JOHNSON.'Swifthasahigherreputationthanhedeserves.Hisexcellenceisstrongsense;forhishumour,thoughverywell,isnotremarkablygood.IdoubtwhetherTheTaleofaTubbehis;forheneverownedit,anditismuchabovehisusualmanner.'

'Thomson,Ithink,hadasmuchofthepoetabouthimasmostwriters.Everythingappearedtohimthroughthemediumofhisfavouritepursuit.Hecouldnothaveviewedthosetwocandlesburningbutwithapoeticaleye.'

'AstotheChristianreligion,Sir,besidesthestrongevidencewhichwehaveforit,thereisabalanceinitsfavourfromthenumberofgreat

menwhohavebeenconvincedofitstruth,afteraseriousconsiderationofthequestion.Grotiuswasanacuteman,alawyer,amanaccustomedtoexamineevidence,andhewasconvinced.Grotiuswasnotarecluse,butamanoftheworld,whocertainlyhadnobiastothesideofreligion.SirIsaacNewtonsetoutaninfidel,andcametobeaveryfirmbeliever.'

HethiseveningrecommendedtometoperambulateSpain.IsaiditwouldamusehimtogetaletterfrommedatedatSalamancha.JOHNSON.'IlovetheUniversityofSalamancha;forwhentheSpaniardswereindoubtastothelawfulnessoftheirconqueringAmerica,theUniversityofSalamancha



gaveitastheiropinionthatitwasnotlawful.'Hespokethiswithgreatemotion,andwiththatgenerouswarmthwhichdictatedthelinesinhisLondon,againstSpanishencroachment.

IexpressedmyopinionofmyfriendDerrickasbutapoorwriter.JOHNSON.'Tobesure,Sir,heis;butyouaretoconsiderthathisbeingaliterarymanhasgotforhimallthathehas.IthasmadehimKingofBath.Sir,hehasnothingtosayforhimselfbutthatheisawriter.Hadhenotbeenawriter,hemusthavebeensweepingthecrossingsinthestreets,andaskinghalfpencefromeverybodythatpast.'

Injusticehowever,tothememoryofMr.Derrick,whowasmyfirsttutorinthewaysofLondon,andshewedmethetowninallitsvarietyofdepartments,bothliteraryandsportive,theparticularsofwhichDr.Johnsonadvisedmetoputinwriting,itispropertomentionwhatJohnson,atasubsequentperiod,saidofhimbothasawriterandaneditor:'Sir,Ihaveoftensaid,thatifDerrick'slettershadbeenwrittenbyoneofamoreestablishedname,theywouldhavebeenthoughtveryprettyletters.'And,'IsentDerricktoDryden'srelationstogathermaterialsforhislife;andIbelievehegotallthatImyselfshouldhavegot.'

Johnsonsaidoncetome,'Sir,IhonourDerrickforhispresenceofmind.Onenight,whenFloyd,anotherpoorauthour,waswanderingabout

thestreetsinthenight,hefoundDerrickfastasleepuponabulk;uponbeingsuddenlywaked,Derrickstartedup,"MydearFloyd,Iamsorrytoseeyouinthisdestitutestate;willyougohomewithmetoMYLODGINGS?"'

IagainbeggedhisadviceastomymethodofstudyatUtrecht.'Come,(saidhe)letusmakeadayofit.LetusgodowntoGreenwichanddine,andtalkofitthere.'ThefollowingSaturdaywasfixedforthisexcursion.

AswewalkedalongtheStrandto-night,arminarm,awomanofthetownaccostedus,intheusualenticingmanner.'No,no,mygirl,(saidJohnson)itwon'tdo.'He,however,didnottreatherwithharshness,

andwetalkedofthewretchedlifeofsuchwomen;andagreed,thatmuchmoremiserythanhappiness,uponthewhole,isproducedbyillicitcommercebetweenthesexes.

OnSaturday,July30,Dr.JohnsonandItookascullerattheTemple-stairs,andsetoutforGreenwich.IaskedhimifhereallythoughtaknowledgeoftheGreekandLatinlanguagesanessentialrequisitetoagoodeducation.JOHNSON.'Mostcertainly,Sir;forthosewhoknowthemhaveaverygreatadvantageoverthosewhodonot.Nay,Sir,itiswonderfulwhatadifferencelearningmakesuponpeopleeveninthecommonintercourseoflife,whichdoesnotappeartobemuchconnectedwithit.''Andyet,(saidI)peoplegothroughtheworldverywell,andcarryonthebusinessoflifetogoodadvantage,without

learning.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thatmaybetrueincaseswherelearningcannotpossiblybeofanyuse;forinstance,thisboyrowsusaswellwithoutlearning,asifhecouldsingthesongofOrpheustotheArgonauts,whowerethefirstsailors.'Hethencalledtotheboy,'Whatwouldyougive,mylad,toknowabouttheArgonauts?''Sir,(saidtheboy,)IwouldgivewhatIhave.'Johnsonwasmuchpleasedwithhisanswer,andwegavehimadoublefare.Dr.Johnsonthenturningtome,'Sir,(saidhe)adesireofknowledgeisthenaturalfeelingofmankind;andeveryhumanbeing,whosemindisnotdebauched,willbewillingtogiveallthathehastogetknowledge.'



WelandedattheOldSwan,andwalkedtoBillingsgate,wherewetookoars,andmovedsmoothlyalongthesilverThames.Itwasaveryfineday.Wewereentertainedwiththeimmensenumberandvarietyofshipsthatwerelyingatanchor,andwiththebeautifulcountryoneachsideoftheriver.

Italkedofpreaching,andofthegreatsuccesswhichthosecalledMethodistshave.JOHNSON.'Sir,itisowingtotheirexpressingthemselvesinaplainandfamiliarmanner,whichistheonlywaytodogoodtothecommonpeople,andwhichclergymenofgeniusandlearningoughttodofromaprincipleofduty,whenitissuitedtotheircongregations;apractice,forwhichtheywillbepraisedbymenofsense.Toinsistagainstdrunkennessasacrime,becauseitdebasesreason,thenoblestfacultyofman,wouldbeofnoservicetothecommonpeople:buttotellthemthattheymaydieinafitofdrunkenness,andshewthemhowdreadfulthatwouldbe,cannotfailtomakeadeepimpression.Sir,whenyourScotchclergygiveuptheirhomelymanner,religionwillsoondecayinthatcountry.'Letthisobservation,asJohnsonmeantit,beeverremembered.

IwasmuchpleasedtofindmyselfwithJohnsonatGreenwich,whichhecelebratesinhisLondonasafavouritescene.Ihadthepoeminmypocket,andreadthelinesaloudwithenthusiasm:

'OnThames'sbanksinsilentthoughtwestood:WhereGreenwichsmilesuponthesilverflood:Pleas'dwiththeseatwhichgaveELIZAbirth,Wekneel,andkisstheconsecratedearth.'

Afterwardsheentereduponthebusinessoftheday,whichwastogivemehisadviceastoacourseofstudy.

WewalkedintheeveninginGreenwichPark.Heaskedme,Isuppose,bywayoftryingmydisposition,'Isnotthisveryfine?'HavingnoexquisiterelishofthebeautiesofNature,andbeingmoredelightedwith'thebusyhumofmen,'Ianswered,'Yes,Sir;butnotequalto

Fleet-street.'JOHNSON.'Youareright,Sir.'

Iamawarethatmanyofmyreadersmaycensuremywantoftaste.Letme,however,sheltermyselfundertheauthorityofaveryfashionableBaronetinthebrilliantworld,who,onhisattentionbeingcalledtothefragranceofaMayeveninginthecountry,observed,'Thismaybeverywell;but,formypart,Ipreferthesmellofaflambeauattheplayhouse.'

WestaidsolongatGreenwich,thatoursailuptheriver,inourreturntoLondon,wasbynomeanssopleasantasinthemorning;forthenightairwassocoldthatitmademeshiver.Iwasthemoresensibleofitfromhavingsatupallthenightbefore,recollectingandwritingin

myjournalwhatIthoughtworthyofpreservation;anexertion,which,duringthefirstpartofmyacquaintancewithJohnson,Ifrequentlymade.Irememberhavingsatupfournightsinoneweek,withoutbeingmuchincommodedinthedaytime.

Johnson,whoserobustframewasnotintheleastaffectedbythecold,scoldedme,asifmyshiveringhadbeenapaltryeffeminacy,saying,'Whydoyoushiver?'SirWilliamScott,oftheCommons,toldme,thatwhenhecomplainedofahead-acheinthepost-chaise,astheyweretravellingtogethertoScotland,Johnsontreatedhiminthesamemanner:



'Atyourage,Sir,Ihadnohead-ache.'

WeconcludedthedayattheTurk'sHeadcoffee-houseverysocially.HewaspleasedtolistentoaparticularaccountwhichIgavehimofmyfamily,andofitshereditaryestate,astotheextentandpopulationofwhichheaskedquestions,andmadecalculations;recommending,atthesametime,aliberalkindnesstothetenantry,aspeopleoverwhomtheproprietorwasplacedbyProvidence.Hetookdelightinhearingmydescriptionoftheromantickseatofmyancestors.'Imustbethere,Sir,(saidhe)andwewillliveintheoldcastle;andifthereisnotaroominitremaining,wewillbuildone.'Iwashighlyflattered,butcouldscarcelyindulgeahopethatAuchinleckwouldindeedbehonouredbyhispresence,andcelebratedbyadescription,asitafterwardswas,inhisJourneytotheWesternIslands.

AfterwehadagaintalkedofmysettingoutforHolland,hesaid,'ImustseetheeoutofEngland;IwillaccompanyyoutoHarwich.'IcouldnotfindwordstoexpresswhatIfeltuponthisunexpectedandverygreatmarkofhisaffectionateregard.

Nextday,Sunday,July31,ItoldhimIhadbeenthatmorningatameetingofthepeoplecalledQuakers,whereIhadheardawomanpreach.JOHNSON.'Sir,awoman'spreachingislikeadog'swalkingonhishinder

legs.Itisnotdonewell;butyouaresurprizedtofinditdoneatall.'

OnTuesday,August2(thedayofmydeparturefromLondonhavingbeenfixedforthe5th,)Dr.JohnsondidmethehonourtopassapartofthemorningwithmeatmyChambers.Hesaid,that'healwaysfeltaninclinationtodonothing.'Iobserved,thatitwasstrangetothinkthatthemostindolentmaninBritainhadwrittenthemostlaboriouswork,TheEnglishDictionary.

Ihadnowmadegoodmytitletobeaprivilegedman,andwascarriedbyhimintheeveningtodrinkteawithMissWilliams,whom,thoughunderthemisfortuneofhavinglosthersight,Ifoundtobeagreeablein

conversation;forshehadavarietyofliterature,andexpressedherselfwell;butherpeculiarvaluewastheintimacyinwhichshehadlonglivedwithJohnson,bywhichshewaswellacquaintedwithhishabits,andknewhowtoleadhimontotalk.

Afterteahecarriedmetowhathecalledhiswalk,whichwasalongnarrowpavedcourtintheneighbourhood,overshadowedbysometrees.Therewesaunteredaconsiderabletime;andIcomplainedtohimthatmyloveofLondonandofhiscompanywassuch,thatIshrunkalmostfromthethoughtofgoingaway,eventotravel,whichisgenerallysomuchdesiredbyyoungmen.Herousedmebymanlyandspiritedconversation.Headvisedme,whensettledinanyplaceabroad,tostudywithaneagernessafterknowledge,andtoapplytoGreekanhoureveryday;and

whenIwasmovingabout,toreaddiligentlythegreatbookofmankind.

OnWednesday,August3,wehadourlastsocialeveningattheTurk'sHeadcoffee-house,beforemysettingoutforforeignparts.Ihadthemisfortune,beforeweparted,toirritatehimunintentionally.Imentionedtohimhowcommonitwasintheworldtotellabsurdstoriesofhim,andtoascribetohimverystrangesayings.JOHNSON.'Whatdotheymakemesay,Sir?'BOSWELL.'Why,Sir,asaninstanceverystrangeindeed,(laughingheartilyasIspoke,)DavidHumetoldme,yousaidthatyouwouldstandbeforeabatteryofcannon,torestorethe



Convocationtoitsfullpowers.'LittledidIapprehendthathehadactuallysaidthis:butIwassoonconvincedofmyerrour;for,withadeterminedlook,hethunderedout'AndwouldInot,Sir?ShallthePresbyterianKIRKofScotlandhaveitsGeneralAssembly,andtheChurchofEnglandbedenieditsConvocation?'HewaswalkingupanddowntheroomwhileItoldhimtheanecdote;butwhenheutteredthisexplosionofhigh-churchzeal,hehadcomeclosetomychair,andhiseyesflashedwithindignation.Ibowedtothestorm,anddivertedtheforceofit,byleadinghimtoexpatiateontheinfluencewhichreligionderivedfrommaintainingthechurchwithgreatexternalrespectability.

OnFriday,August5,wesetoutearlyinthemorningintheHarwichstagecoach.Afatelderlygentlewoman,andayoungDutchman,seemedthemostinclinedamongustoconversation.Attheinnwherewedined,thegentlewomansaidthatshehaddoneherbesttoeducateherchildren;andparticularly,thatshehadneversufferedthemtobeamomentidle.JOHNSON.'Iwish,madam,youwouldeducatemetoo;forIhavebeenanidlefellowallmylife.''Iamsure,Sir,(saidshe)youhavenotbeenidle.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Madam,itisverytrue;andthatgentlemanthere(pointingtome,)hasbeenidle.HewasidleatEdinburgh.HisfathersenthimtoGlasgow,wherehecontinuedtobeidle.HethencametoLondon,wherehehasbeenveryidle;andnowheisgoingtoUtrecht,wherehewillbeasidleasever.Iaskedhimprivatelyhowhecouldexposemeso.JOHNSON.'Poh,poh!(saidhe)theyknewnothingaboutyou,

andwillthinkofitnomore.'IntheafternoonthegentlewomantalkedviolentlyagainsttheRomanCatholicks,andofthehorroursoftheInquisition.Totheutterastonishmentofallthepassengersbutmyself,whoknewthathecouldtalkuponanysideofaquestion,hedefendedtheInquisition,andmaintained,that'falsedoctrineshouldbecheckedonitsfirstappearance;thatthecivilpowershouldunitewiththechurchinpunishingthosewhodaredtoattacktheestablishedreligion,andthatsuchonlywerepunishedbytheInquisition.'HehadinhispocketPomponiusMeladesituOrbis,inwhichhereadoccasionally,andseemedveryintentuponancientgeography.Thoughbynomeansniggardly,hisattentiontowhatwasgenerallyrightwassominute,thathavingobservedatoneofthestagesthatIostentatiouslygaveashillingtothecoachman,whenthecustomwasforeachpassengertogiveonly

six-pence,hetookmeasideandscoldedme,sayingthatwhatIhaddonewouldmakethecoachmandissatisfiedwithalltherestofthepassengers,whogavehimnomorethanhisdue.Thiswasajustreprimand;forinwhateverwayamanmayindulgehisgenerosityorhisvanityinspendinghismoney,forthesakeofothersheoughtnottoraisethepriceofanyarticleforwhichthereisaconstantdemand.

Atsupperthisnight*hetalkedofgoodeatingwithuncommonsatisfaction.'Somepeople(saidhe,)haveafoolishwayofnotminding,orpretendingnottomind,whattheyeat.Formypart,Imindmybellyverystudiously,andverycarefully;forIlookuponit,thathewhodoesnotmindhisbellywillhardlymindanythingelse.'HenowappearedtomeJeanBullphilosophe,andhewas,forthemoment,notonlyserious

butvehement.YetIhaveheardhim,uponotheroccasions,talkwithgreatcontemptofpeoplewhowereanxioustogratifytheirpalates;andthe206thnumberofhisRamblerisamasterlyessayagainstgulosity.Hispractice,indeed,Imustacknowledge,maybeconsideredascastingthebalanceofhisdifferentopinionsuponthissubject;forIneverknewanymanwhorelishedgoodeatingmorethanhedid.Whenattable,hewastotallyabsorbedinthebusinessofthemoment;hislooksseemedrivettedtohisplate;norwouldhe,unlesswheninveryhighcompany,sayoneword,orevenpaytheleastattentiontowhatwassaidbyothers,tillhehadsatisfiedhisappetite,whichwassofierce,and



indulgedwithsuchintenseness,thatwhileintheactofeating,theveinsofhisforeheadswelled,andgenerallyastrongperspirationwasvisible.Tothosewhosesensationsweredelicate,thiscouldnotbutbedisgusting;anditwasdoubtlessnotverysuitabletothecharacterofaphilosopher,whoshouldbedistinguishedbyself-command.Butitmustbeowned,thatJohnson,thoughhecouldberigidlyABSTEMIOUS,wasnotaTEMPERATEmaneitherineatingordrinking.Hecouldrefrain,buthecouldnotusemoderately.Hetoldme,thathehadfastedtwodayswithoutinconvenience,andthathehadneverbeenhungrybutonce.Theywhobeheldwithwonderhowmuchheeatuponalloccasionswhenhisdinnerwastohistaste,couldnoteasilyconceivewhathemusthavemeantbyhunger;andnotonlywasheremarkablefortheextraordinaryquantitywhichheeat,buthewas,oraffectedtobe,amanofverynicediscernmentinthescienceofcookery.Heusedtodescantcriticallyonthedisheswhichhadbeenattablewherehehaddinedorsupped,andtorecollectveryminutelywhathehadliked.Iremember,whenhewasinScotland,hispraising'Gordon'spalates,'(adishofpalatesattheHonourableAlexanderGordon's)withawarmthofexpressionwhichmighthavedonehonourtomoreimportantsubjects.'AsforMaclaurin'simitationofaMADEDISH,itwasawretchedattempt.'Heaboutthesametimewassomuchdispleasedwiththeperformancesofanobleman'sFrenchcook,thatheexclaimedwithvehemence,'I'dthrowsucharascalintotheriver,andhethenproceededtoalarmaladyatwhosehousehewastosup,bythefollowingmanifestoofhisskill:'I,Madam,wholiveat

avarietyofgoodtables,amamuchbetterjudgeofcookery,thananypersonwhohasaverytolerablecook,butlivesmuchathome;forhispalateisgraduallyadaptedtothetasteofhiscook;whereas,Madam,intryingbyawiderrange,Icanmoreexquisitelyjudge.'Wheninvitedtodine,evenwithanintimatefriend,hewasnotpleasedifsomethingbetterthanaplaindinnerwasnotpreparedforhim.Ihaveheardhimsayonsuchanoccasion,'Thiswasagooddinnerenough,tobesure;butitwasnotadinnertoASKamanto.'Ontheotherhand,hewaswonttoexpress,withgreatglee,hissatisfactionwhenhehadbeenentertainedquitetohismind.OnedaywhenwehaddinedwithhisneighbourandlandlordinBolt-court,Mr.Allen,theprinter,whoseoldhousekeeperhadstudiedhistasteineverything,hepronouncedthiseulogy:'Sir,wecouldnothavehadabetterdinnerhadtherebeenaSynodofCooks.'

*AtColchester.--ED.

Whilewewereleftbyourselves,aftertheDutchmanhadgonetobed,Dr.Johnsontalkedofthatstudiedbehaviourwhichmanyhaverecommendedandpractised.Hedisapprovedofit;andsaid,'IneverconsideredwhetherIshouldbeagraveman,oramerryman,butjustletinclination,forthetime,haveitscourse.'

Iteizedhimwithfancifulapprehensionsofunhappiness.Amothhavingflutteredroundthecandle,andburntitself,helaidholdofthislittleincidenttoadmonishme;saying,withaslylook,andinasolemnbutquiettone,'Thatcreaturewasitsowntormentor,andIbelieveits

namewasBOSWELL.'

NextdaywegottoHarwichtodinner;andmypassageinthepacket-boattoHelvoetsluysbeingsecured,andmybaggageputonboard,wedinedatourinnbyourselves.IhappenedtosayitwouldbeterribleifheshouldnotfindaspeedyopportunityofreturningtoLondon,andbeconfinedtosodullaplace.JOHNSON.'Don'tSir,accustomyourselftousebigwordsforlittlematters.ItwouldNOTbeTERRIBLE,thoughIWEREtobedetainedsometimehere.'



Wewentandlookedatthechurch,andhavinggoneintoitandwalkeduptothealtar,Johnson,whosepietywasconstantandfervent,sentmetomyknees,saying,'Nowthatyouaregoingtoleaveyournativecountry,recommendyourselftotheprotectionofyourCREATORandREDEEMER.'

Afterwecameoutofthechurch,westoodtalkingforsometimetogetherofBishopBerkeley'singenioussophistrytoprovethenon-existenceofmatter,andthateverythingintheuniverseismerelyideal.Iobserved,thatthoughwearesatisfiedhisdoctrineisnottrue,itisimpossibletorefuteit.InevershallforgetthealacritywithwhichJohnsonanswered,strikinghisfootwithmightyforceagainstalargestone,tillhereboundedfromit,'IrefuteitTHUS.'

Myreveredfriendwalkeddownwithmetothebeach,whereweembracedandpartedwithtenderness,andengagedtocorrespondbyletters.Isaid,'Ihope,Sir,youwillnotforgetmeinmyahsence.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,itismorelikelyyoushouldforgetme,thanthatIshouldforgetyou.'Asthevesselputouttosea,Ikeptmyeyesuponhimforaconsiderabletime,whileheremainedrollinghismajestickframeinhisusualmanner:andatlastIperceivedhimwalkhackintothetown,andhedisappeared.

1764:AETAT.55.]--Earlyin1764JohnsonpaidavisittotheLangtonfamily,attheirseatofLangton,inLincolnshire,wherehepassedsome

time,muchtohissatisfaction.HisfriendBennetLangton,itwillnothedoubted,dideverythinginhispowertomaketheplaceagreeabletosoillustriousaguest;andtheelderMr.Langtonandhislady,beingfullycapableofunderstandinghisvalue,werenotwantinginattention.

Johnson,duringhisstayatLangton,hadtheadvantageofagoodlibrary,andsawseveralgentlemenoftheneighbourhood.IhaveobtainedfromMr.Langtonthefollowingparticularsofthisperiod.

Hewasnowfullyconvincedthathecouldnothavebeensatisfiedwithacountryliving;for,talkingofarespectableclergymaninLincolnshire,heobserved,'Thisman,Sir,fillsupthedutiesofhislifewell.Iapproveofhim,butcouldnotimitatehim.'

Toaladywhoendeavouredtovindicateherselffromblameforneglectingsocialattentiontoworthyneighbours,bysaying,'Iwouldgotothemifitwoulddothemanygood,'hesaid,'Whatgood,Madam,doyouexpecttohaveinyourpowertodothem?Itisshewingthemrespect,andthatisdoingthemgood.'

Sosociallyaccommodatingwashe,thatoncewhenMr.Langtonandheweredrivingtogetherinacoach,andMr.Langtoncomplainedofbeingsick,heinsistedthattheyshouldgooutandsitonthebackofitintheopenair,whichtheydid.Andbeingsensiblehowstrangetheappearancemustbe,observed,thatacountrymanwhomtheysawinafield,wouldprobablybethinking,'Ifthesetwomadmenshouldcomedown,whatwould

becomeofme?'

SoonafterhisreturntoLondon,whichwasinFebruary,wasfoundedthatCLUBwhichexistedlongwithoutaname,butatMr.Garrick'sfuneralbecamedistinguishedbythetitleofTHELITERARYCLUB.SirJoshuaReynoldshadthemeritofbeingthefirstproposerofit,towhichJohnsonacceded,andtheoriginalmemberswere,SirJoshuaReynolds,Dr.Johnson,Mr.EdmundBurke,Dr.Nugent,Mr.Beauclerk,Mr.Langton,Dr.Goldsmith,Mr.Chamier,andSirJohnHawkins.TheymetattheTurk'sHead,inGerrard-street,Soho,oneeveningineveryweek,atseven,and



generallycontinuedtheirconversationtillaprettylatehour.Thisclubhasbeengraduallyincreasedtoitspresentnumber,thirty-five:Afterabouttenyears,insteadofsuppingweekly,itwasresolvedtodinetogetheronceafortnightduringthemeetingofParliament.Theiroriginaltavernhavingbeenconvertedintoaprivatehouse,theymovedfirsttoPrince'sinSackville-street,thentoLeTelier'sinDover-street,andnowmeetatParsloe's,St.James's-street.Betweenthetimeofitsformation,andthetimeatwhichthisworkispassingthroughthepress,(June1792,)thefollowingpersons,nowdead,weremembersofit:Mr.Dunning,(afterwardsLordAshburton,)Mr.SamuelDyer,Mr.Garrick,Dr.ShipleyBishopofSt.Asaph,Mr.Vesey,Mr.ThomasWartonandDr.AdamSmith.Thepresentmembersare,--Mr.Burke,Mr.Langton,LordCharlemont,SirRobertChambers,Dr.PercyBishopofDromore,Dr.BarnardBishopofKillaloc,Dr.MarlayBishopofClonfert,Mr.Fox,Dr.GeorgeFordyce,SirWilliamScott,SirJosephBanks,SirCharlesBunbury,Mr.WindhamofNorfolk,Mr.Sheridan,Mr.Gibbon,SirWilliamJones,Mr.Colman,Mr.Steevens,Dr.Burney,Dr.JosephWarton,Mr.Malone,LordOssory,LordSpencer,LordLucan,LordPalmerston,LordEliot,LordMacartney,Mr.RichardBurkejunior,SirWilliamHamilton,Dr.Warren,Mr.Courtenay,Dr.HinchcliffeBishopofPeterborough,theDukeofLeeds,Dr.DouglasBishopofSalisbury,andthewriterofthisaccount.

Notverylongaftertheinstitutionofourclub,SirJoshuaReynoldswas

speakingofittoGarrick.'Ilikeitmuch,(saidhe),IthinkIshallbeofyou.'WhenSirJoshuamentionedthistoDr.Johnson,hewasmuchdispleasedwiththeactor'sconceit.'HE'LLBEOFUS,(saidJohnson)howdoesheknowwewillPERMIThim?ThefirstDukeinEnglandhasnorighttoholdsuchlanguage.'However,whenGarrickwasregularlyproposedsometimeafterwards,Johnson,thoughhehadtakenamomentaryoffenceathisarrogance,warmlyandkindlysupportedhim,andhewasaccordinglyelected,wasamostagreeablemember,andcontinuedtoattendourmeetingstothetimeofhisdeath.

ItwasJohnson'scustomtoobservecertaindayswithapiousabstraction;viz.New-year's-day,thedayofhiswife'sdeath,GoodFriday,Easter-day,andhisownbirth-day.Hethisyearsays:--'Ihave

nowspentfifty-fiveyearsinresolving;having,fromtheearliesttimealmostthatIcanremember,beenformingschemesofabetterlife.Ihavedonenothing.Theneedofdoing,therefore,ispressing,sincethetimeofdoingisshort.OGOD,grantmetoresolvearight,andtokeepmyresolutions,forJESUSCHRIST'Ssake.Amen.'

Aboutthistimehewasafflictedwithaveryseverereturnofthehypochondriackdisorder,whichwaseverlurkingabouthim.Hewassoill,as,notwithstandinghisremarkableloveofcompany,tobeentirelyaversetosociety,themostfatalsymptomofthatmalady.Dr.Adamstoldme,thatasanoldfriendhewasadmittedtovisithim,andthathefoundhiminadeplorablestate,sighing,groaning,talkingtohimself,andrestlesslywalkingfromroomtoroom.Hethenusedthisemphatical

expressionofthemiserywhichhefelt:'Iwouldconsenttohavealimbamputatedtorecovermyspirits.'

Talkingtohimselfwas,indeed,oneofhissingularitieseversinceIknewhim.Iwascertainthathewasfrequentlyutteringpiousejaculations;forfragmentsoftheLord'sPrayerhavebeendistinctlyoverheard.HisfriendMr.ThomasDavies,ofwhomChurchillsays,

'ThatDavieshathaveryprettywife,'



whenDr.Johnsonmuttered'leadusnotintotemptation,'usedwithwaggishandgallanthumourtowhisperMrs.Davies,'You,mydear,arethecauseofthis.'

Hehadanotherparticularity,ofwhichnoneofhisfriendseverventuredtoaskanexplanation.Itappearedtomesomesuperstitioushabit,whichhehadcontractedearly,andfromwhichhehadnevercalleduponhisreasontodisentanglehim.Thiswashisanxiouscaretogooutorinatadoororpassagebyacertainnumberofstepsfromacertainpoint,oratleastsoasthateitherhisrightorhisleftfoot,(Iamnotcertainwhich,)shouldconstantlymakethefirstactualmovementwhenhecameclosetothedoororpassage.ThusIconjecture:forIhave,uponinnumerableoccasions,observedhimsuddenlystop,andthenseemtocounthisstepswithadeepearnestness;andwhenhehadneglectedorgonewronginthissortofmagicalmovement,Ihaveseenhimgobackagain,puthimselfinaproperposturetobegintheceremony,and,havinggonethroughit,breakfromhisabstraction,walkbrisklyon,andjoinhiscompanion.Astrangeinstanceofsomethingofthisnature,evenwhenonhorseback,happenedwhenhewasintheisleofSky.SirJoshuaReynoldshasobservedhimtogoagoodwayabout,ratherthancrossaparticularalleyinLeicester-fields;butthisSirJoshuaimputedtohishavinghadsomedisagreeablerecollectionassociatedwithit.

Thatthemostminutesingularitieswhichbelongedtohim,andmadeveryobservablepartsofhisappearanceandmanner,maynotbeomitted,itisrequisitetomention,thatwhiletalkingorevenmusingashesatinhischair,hecommonlyheldhisheadtoonesidetowardshisrightshoulder,andshookitinatremulousmanner,movinghisbodybackwardsandforwards,andrubbinghisleftkneeinthesamedirection,withthepalmofhishand.Intheintervalsofarticulatinghemadevarioussoundswithhismouth,sometimesasifruminating,orwhatiscalledchewingthecud,sometimesgivingahalfwhistle,sometimesmakinghistongueplaybackwardsfromtheroofofhismouth,asifcluckinglikeahen,andsometimesprotrudingitagainsthisuppergumsinfront,asifpronouncingquicklyunderhisbreath,TOO,TOO,TOO:allthis

accompaniedsometimeswithathoughtfullook,butmorefrequentlywithasmile.Generallywhenhehadconcludedaperiod,inthecourseofadispute,bywhichtimehewasagooddealexhaustedbyviolenceandvociferation,heusedtoblowouthisbreathlikeaWhale.ThisIsupposedwasarelieftohislungs;andseemedinhimtobeacontemptuousmodeofexpression,asifhehadmadetheargumentsofhisopponentflylikechaffbeforethewind.

1765:AETAT.56.]--TrinityCollege,Dublin,atthistimesurprisedJohnsonwithaspontaneouscomplimentofthehighestacademicalhonours,bycreatinghimDoctorofLaws.

Heappearsthisyeartohavebeenseizedwithatemporaryfitof

ambition,forhehadthoughtsbothofstudyinglawandofengaginginpolitics.His'PrayerbeforetheStudyofLaw'istrulyadmirable:--

'Sept.26,1765.

'AlmightyGOD,thegiverofwisdom,withoutwhosehelpresolutionsarevain,withoutwhoseblessingstudyisineffectual;enableme,ifitbethywill,toattainsuchknowledgeasmayqualifymetodirectthedoubtful,andinstructtheignorant;topreventwrongsandterminate



contentions;andgrantthatImayusethatknowledgewhichIshallattain,tothygloryandmyownsalvation,forJESUSCHRIST'Ssake.Amen.'

ThisyearwasdistinguishedbyhisbeingintroducedintothefamilyofMr.Thrale,oneofthemosteminentbrewersinEngland,andMemberofParliamentfortheboroughofSouthwark.Foreignersarenotalittleamazedwhentheyhearofbrewers,distillers,andmeninsimilardepartmentsoftrade,heldforthaspersonsofconsiderableconsequence.Inthisgreatcommercialcountryitisnaturalthatasituationwhichproducesmuchwealthshouldbeconsideredasveryrespectable;and,nodoubt,honestindustryisentitledtoesteem.But,perhaps,thetoorapidadvanceofmenoflowextractiontendstolessenthevalueofthatdistinctionbybirthandgentility,whichhaseverbeenfoundbeneficialtothegrandschemeofsubordination.JohnsonusedtogivethisaccountoftheriseofMr.Thrale'sfather:'Heworkedatsixshillingsaweekfortwentyyearsinthegreatbrewery,whichafterwardswashisown.Theproprietorofithadanonlydaughter,whowasmarriedtoanobleman.Itwasnotfitthatapeershouldcontinuethebusiness.Ontheoldman'sdeath,therefore,thebrewerywastobesold.Tofindapurchaserforsolargeapropertywasadifficultmatter;and,aftersometime,itwassuggested,thatitwouldbeadviseabletotreatwithThrale,asensible,active,honestman,whohadbeenemployedinthehouse,andtotransfer

thewholetohimforthirtythousandpounds,securitybeingtakenupontheproperty.Thiswasaccordinglysettled.InelevenyearsThralepaidthepurchase-money.Heacquiredalargefortune,andlivedtobeMemberofParliamentforSouthwark.Butwhatwasmostremarkablewastheliberalitywithwhichheusedhisriches.Hegavehissonanddaughtersthebesteducation.Theesteemwhichhisgoodconductprocuredhimfromthenoblemanwhohadmarriedhismaster'sdaughter,madehimbetreatedwithmuchattention;andhisson,bothatschoolandattheUniversityofOxford,associatedwithyoungmenofthefirstrank.Hisallowancefromhisfather,afterheleftcollege,wassplendid;nolessthanathousandayear.This,inamanwhohadrisenasoldThraledid,wasaveryextraordinaryinstanceofgenerosity.Heusedtosay,"IfthisyoungdogdoesnotfindsomuchafterIamgoneasheexpects,lethim

rememberthathehashadagreatdealinmyowntime."'

Theson,thoughinaffluentcircumstances,hadgoodsenseenoughtocarryonhisfather'strade,whichwasofsuchextent,thatIrememberheoncetoldme,hewouldnotquititforanannuityoftenthousandayear;'Not(saidhe,)thatIgettenthousandayearbyit,butitisanestatetoafamily.'Havingleftdaughtersonly,thepropertywassoldfortheimmensesumofonehundredandthirty-fivethousandpounds;amagnificentproofofwhatmaybedonebyfairtradeinnolongperiodoftime.

Mr.ThralehadmarriedMissHestherLynchSalusbury,ofgoodWelshextraction,aladyoflivelytalents,improvedbyeducation.That

Johnson'sintroductionintoMr.Thrale'sfamily,whichcontributedsomuchtothehappinessofhislife,wasowingtoherdesireforhisconversation,isveryprobableandageneralsupposition:butitisnotthetruth.Mr.Murphy,whowasintimatewithMr.Thrale,havingspokenveryhighlyofDr.Johnson,hewasrequestedtomakethemacquainted.ThisbeingmentionedtoJohnson,heacceptedofaninvitationtodinneratThrale's,andwassomuchpleasedwithhisreception,bothbyMr.andMrs.Thrale,andtheysomuchpleasedwithhim,thathisinvitationstotheirhouseweremoreandmorefrequent,tillatlasthebecameoneofthefamily,andanapartmentwasappropriatedtohim,bothintheir



houseinSouthwark,andintheirvillaatStreatham.

JohnsonhadaverysincereesteemforMr.Thrale,asamanofexcellentprinciples,agoodscholar,wellskilledintrade,ofasoundunderstanding,andofmannerssuchaspresentedthecharacterofaplainindependentEnglishSquire.Asthisfamilywillfrequentlybementionedinthecourseofthefollowingpages,andasafalsenotionhasprevailedthatMr.Thralewasinferiour,andinsomedegreeinsignificant,comparedwithMrs.Thrale,itmaybepropertogiveatruestateofthecasefromtheauthorityofJohnsonhimselfinhisownwords.

'Iknownoman,(saidhe,)whoismoremasterofhiswifeandfamilythanThrale.Ifhebutholdsupafinger,heisobeyed.Itisagreatmistaketosupposethatsheisabovehiminliteraryattainments.Sheismoreflippant;buthehastentimesherlearning:heisaregularscholar;butherlearningisthatofaschool-boyinoneofthelowerforms.'Myreadersmaynaturallywishforsomerepresentationofthefiguresofthiscouple.Mr.Thralewastall,wellproportioned,andstately.AsforMadam,ormyMistress,bywhichepithetsJohnsonusedtomentionMrs.Thrale,shewasshort,plump,andbrisk.ShehasherselfgivenusalivelyviewoftheideawhichJohnsonhadofherperson,onherappearingbeforehiminadark-colouredgown:'Youlittlecreaturesshouldneverwearthosesortofclothes,however;theyareunsuitablein

everyway.What!havenotallinsectsgaycolours?'Mr.Thralegavehiswifealiberalindulgence,bothinthechoiceoftheircompany,andinthemodeofentertainingthem.HeunderstoodandvaluedJohnson,withoutremission,fromtheirfirstacquaintancetothedayofhisdeath.Mrs.ThralewasenchantedwithJohnson'sconversation,foritsownsake,andhadalsoaveryallowablevanityinappearingtobehonouredwiththeattentionofsocelebratedaman.

NothingcouldbemorefortunateforJohnsonthanthisconnection.HehadatMr.Thrale'sallthecomfortsandevenluxuriesoflife;hismelancholywasdiverted,andhisirregularhabitslessenedbyassociationwithanagreeableandwell-orderedfamily.Hewastreatedwiththeutmostrespect,andevenaffection.ThevivacityofMrs.

Thrale'sliterarytalkrousedhimtocheerfulnessandexertion,evenwhentheywerealone.Butthiswasnotoftenthecase;forhefoundhereaconstantsuccessionofwhatgavehimthehighestenjoyment:thesocietyofthelearned,thewitty,andtheeminentineveryway,whowereassembledinnumerouscompanies,calledforthhiswonderfulpowers,andgratifiedhimwithadmiration,towhichnomancouldbeinsensible.

IntheOctoberofthisyearheatlengthgavetotheworldhiseditionofShakspeare,which,ifithadnoothermeritbutthatofproducinghisPreface,inwhichtheexcellenciesanddefectsofthatimmortalbardaredisplayedwithamasterlyhand,thenationwouldhavehadnoreasontocomplain.

In1764and1765itshouldseemthatDr.JohnsonwassobusilyemployedwithhiseditionofShakspeare,astohavehadlittleleisureforanyotherliteraryexertion,or,indeed,evenforprivatecorrespondence.Hedidnotfavourmewithasingleletterformorethantwoyears,forwhichitwillappearthatheafterwardsapologised.

Hewas,however,atalltimesreadytogiveassistancetohisfriends,andothers,inrevisingtheirworks,andinwritingforthem,orgreatlyimprovingtheirDedications.InthatcourtlyspeciesofcompositionnomanexcelledDr.Johnson.Thoughtheloftinessofhismindpreventedhim



fromeverdedicatinginhisownperson,hewroteaverygreatnumberofDedicationsforothers.Someofthese,thepersonswhowerefavouredwiththemareunwillingshouldbementioned,fromatooanxiousapprehension,asIthink,thattheymightbesuspectedofhavingreceivedlargerassistance;andsome,afterallthediligenceIhavebestowed,haveescapedmyenquiries.Hetoldme,agreatmanyyearsago,'hebelievedhehaddedicatedtoalltheRoyalFamilyround;'anditwasindifferenttohimwhatwasthesubjectoftheworkdedicated,provideditwereinnocent.HeoncededicatedsomeMusickfortheGermanFlutetoEdward,DukeofYork.InwritingDedicationsforothers,heconsideredhimselfasbynomeansspeakinghisownsentiments.

IreturnedtoLondoninFebruary,*andfoundDr.JohnsoninagoodhouseinJohnson'sCourt,Fleet-street,inwhichhehadaccommodatedMissWilliamswithanapartmentonthegroundfloor,whileMr.Levetoccupiedhispostinthegarret:hisfaithfulFranciswasstillattendinguponhim.Hereceivedmewithmuchkindness.Thefragmentsofourfirstconversation,whichIhavepreserved,arethese:

ItoldhimthatVoltaire,inaconversationwithme,haddistinguishedPopeandDrydenthus:--'Popedrivesahandsomechariot,withacoupleofneattrimnags;Drydenacoach,andsixstatelyhorses.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thetruthis,theybothdrivecoachesandsix;butDryden'shorsesareeithergallopingorstumbling:Pope'sgoatasteadyeventrot.'He

saidofGoldsmith'sTraveller,whichhadbeenpublishedinmyabsence,'TherehasnotbeensofineapoemsincePope'stime.'

*1766.

Talkingofeducation,'Peoplehavenowa-days,(saidhe,)gotastrangeopinionthateverythingshouldbetaughtbylectures.Now,Icannotseethatlecturescandosomuchgoodasreadingthebooksfromwhichthelecturesaretaken.Iknownothingthatcanbebesttaughtbylectures,exceptwhereexperimentsaretobeshewn.Youmayteachchymistrybylectures.--Youmightteachmakingofshoesbylectures!'

AtnightIsuppedwithhimattheMitretavern,thatwemightrenewour

socialintimacyattheoriginalplaceofmeeting.Buttherewasnowaconsiderabledifferenceinhiswayofliving.Havinghadanillness,inwhichhewasadvisedtoleaveoffwine,hehad,fromthatperiod,continuedtoabstainfromit,anddrankonlywater,orlemonade.

Itoldhimthataforeignfriendofhis,whomIhadmetwithabroad,wassowretchedlypervertedtoinfidelity,thathetreatedthehopesofimmortalitywithbrutallevity;andsaid,'Asmandieslikeadog,lethimlielikeadog.'JOHNSON.'IFhedieslikeadog,LEThimlielikeadog.'Iadded,thatthismansaidtome,'Ihatemankind,forIthinkmyselfoneofthebestofthem,andIknowhowbadIam.'JOHNSON.'Sir,hemustbeverysingularinhisopinion,ifhethinkshimselfoneofthebestofmen;fornoneofhisfriendsthinkhimso.'--Hesaid,'nohonest

mancouldbeaDeist;fornomancouldbesoafterafairexaminationoftheproofsofChristianity.'InamedHume.JOHNSON.'No,Sir;HumeownedtoaclergymaninthebishoprickofDurham,thathehadneverreadtheNewTestamentwithattention.'ImentionedHume'snotion,thatallwhoarehappyareequallyhappy;alittlemisswithanewgownatadancingschoolball,ageneralattheheadofavictoriousarmy,andanorator,afterhavingmadeaneloquentspeechinagreatassembly.JOHNSON.'Sir,thatallwhoarehappy,areequallyhappy,isnottrue.ApeasantandaphilosophermaybeequallySATISFIED,butnotequallyHAPPY.Happinessconsistsinthemultiplicityofagreeableconsciousness.Apeasanthas



notcapacityforhavingequalhappinesswithaphilosopher.'

Dr.Johnsonwasverykindthisevening,andsaidtome'Youhavenowlivedfive-and-twentyyears,andyouhaveemployedthemwell.''Alas,Sir,(saidI,)Ifearnot.DoIknowhistory?DoIknowmathematicks?DoIknowlaw?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thoughyoumayknownosciencesowellastobeabletoteachit,andnoprofessionsowellastobeabletofollowit,yourgeneralmassofknowledgeofbooksandmenrendersyouverycapabletomakeyourselfmasterofanyscience,orfityourselfforanyprofession.'Imentionedthatagayfriendhadadvisedmeagainstbeingalawyer,becauseIshouldbeexcelledbyploddingblock-heads.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,intheformularyandstatutorypartoflaw,aploddingblock-headmayexcel;butintheingeniousandrationalpartofitaploddingblock-headcanneverexcel.'

Italkedofthemodeadoptedbysometoriseintheworld,bycourtinggreatmen,andaskedhimwhetherhehadeversubmittedtoit.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Ineverwasnearenoughtogreatmen,tocourtthem.Youmaybeprudentlyattachedtogreatmenandyetindependent.Youarenottodowhatyouthinkwrong;and,Sir,youaretocalculate,andnotpaytoodearforwhatyouget.Youmustnotgiveashilling'sworthofcourtforsix-penceworthofgood.Butifyoucangetashilling'sworthofgoodforsix-penceworthofcourt,youareafoolifyoudonotpaycourt.'

ItalkedtohimagreatdealofwhatIhadseeninCorsica,andofmyintentiontopublishanaccountofit.Heencouragedmebysaying,'Youcannotgotothebottomofthesubject;butallthatyoutelluswillbenewtous.Giveusasmanyanecdotesasyoucan.'

OurnextmeetingattheMitrewasonSaturdaythe15thofFebruary,whenIpresentedtohimmyoldandmostintimatefriend,theReverendMr.Temple,thenofCambridge.IhavingmentionedthatIhadpassedsometimewithRousseauinhiswildretreat,andhavingquotedsomeremarkmadebyMr.Wilkes,withwhomIhadspentmanypleasanthoursinItaly,Johnsonsaid(sarcastically,)'Itseems,Sir,youhavekeptverygoodcompanyabroad,RousseauandWilkes!'Thinkingitenoughtodefendoneatatime,Isaidnothingastomygayfriend,butansweredwitha

smile,'MydearSir,youdon'tcallRousseaubadcompany.DoyoureallythinkHIMabadman?'JOHNSON.'Sir,ifyouaretalkingjestinglyofthis,Idon'ttalkwithyou.Ifyoumeantobeserious,Ithinkhimoneoftheworstofmen;arascalwhooughttobehuntedoutofsociety,ashehasbeen.Threeorfournationshaveexpelledhim;anditisashamethatheisprotectedinthiscountry.'BOSWELL.'Idon'tdeny,Sir,butthathisnovelmay,perhaps,doharm;butIcannotthinkhisintentionwasbad.'JOHNSON.'Sir,thatwillnotdo.Wecannotproveanyman'sintentiontobebad.Youmayshootamanthroughthehead,andsayyouintendedtomisshim;buttheJudgewillorderyoutobehanged.Anallegedwantofintention,wheneviliscommitted,willnotbeallowedinacourtofjustice.Rousseau,Sir,isaverybadman.Iwouldsoonersignasentenceforhistransportation,thanthatofanyfelonwhohas

gonefromtheOldBaileythesemanyyears.Yes,Ishouldliketohavehimworkintheplantations.'BOSWELL.'Sir,doyouthinkhimasbadamanasVoltaire?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,itisdifficulttosettletheproportionofiniquitybetweenthem.'

Onhisfavouritesubjectofsubordination,Johnsonsaid,'Sofarisitfrombeingtruethatmenarenaturallyequal,thatnotwopeoplecanbehalfanhourtogether,butoneshallacquireanevidentsuperiorityovertheother.'



Imentionedtheadvicegivenusbyphilosophers,toconsoleourselves,whendistressedorembarrassed,bythinkingofthosewhoareinaworsesituationthanourselves.This,Iobserved,couldnotapplytoall,fortheremustbesomewhohavenobodyworsethantheyare.JOHNSON.'Why,tobesure,Sir,thereare;buttheydon'tknowit.Thereisnobeingsopoorandsocontemptible,whodoesnotthinkthereissomebodystillpoorer,andstillmorecontemptible.'

AsmystayinLondonatthistimewasveryshort,IhadnotmanyopportunitiesofbeingwithDr.Johnson;butIfeltmyvenerationforhiminnodegreelessened,bymyhavingseenmultoramhominummoreseturbes.Onthecontrary,byhavingitinmypowertocomparehimwithmanyofthemostcelebratedpersonsofothercountries,myadmirationofhisextraordinarymindwasincreasedandconfirmed.

Theroughness,indeed,whichsometimesappearedinhismanners,wasmorestrikingtomenow,frommyhavingbeenaccustomedtothestudiedsmoothcomplyinghabitsoftheContinent;andIclearlyrecognisedinhim,notwithoutrespectforhishonestconscientiouszeal,thesameindignantandsarcasticalmodeoftreatingeveryattempttounhingeorweakengoodprinciples.

Oneeveningwhenayounggentlemanteizedhimwithanaccountoftheinfidelityofhisservant,who,hesaid,wouldnotbelievethe

scriptures,becausehecouldnotreadthemintheoriginaltongues,andbesurethattheywerenotinvented,'Why,foolishfellow,(saidJohnson,)hasheanybetterauthorityforalmosteverythingthathebelieves?'BOSWELL.'Thenthevulgar,Sir,nevercanknowtheyareright,butmustsubmitthemselvestothelearned.'JOHNSON.'Tobesure,Sir.ThevulgararethechildrenoftheState,andmustbetaughtlikechildren.'BOSWELL.'Then,Sir,apoorTurkmustbeaMahometan,justasapoorEnglishmanmustbeaChristian?'JOHNSON.'Why,yes,Sir;andwhatthen?ThisnowissuchstuffasIusedtotalktomymother,whenIfirstbegantothinkmyselfacleverfellow;andsheoughttohavewhiptmeforit.'

AnothereveningDr.GoldsmithandIcalledonhim,withthehopeof

prevailingonhimtosupwithusattheMitre.Wefoundhimindisposed,andresolvednottogoabroad.'Comethen,(saidGoldsmith,)wewillnotgototheMitreto-night,sincewecannothavethebigmanwithus.'Johnsonthencalledforabottleofport,ofwhichGoldsmithandIpartook,whileourfriend,nowawater-drinker,satbyus.GOLDSMITH.'Ithink,Mr.Johnson,youdon'tgonearthetheatresnow.Yougiveyourselfnomoreconcernaboutanewplay,thanifyouhadneverhadanythingtodowiththestage.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,ourtastesgreatlyalter.Theladdoesnotcareforthechild'srattle,andtheoldmandoesnotcarefortheyoungman'swhore.'GOLDSMITH.'Nay,Sir,butyourMusewasnotawhore.'JOHNSON.'Sir,Idonotthinkshewas.Butasweadvanceinthejourneyoflife,wedropsomeofthethingswhichhavepleasedus;whetheritbethatwearefatiguedanddon'tchoosetocarry

somanythingsanyfarther,orthatwefindotherthingswhichwelikebetter.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,whydon'tyougiveussomethinginsomeotherway?'GOLDSMITH.'Ay,Sir,wehaveaclaimuponyou.'JOHNSON.No,Sir,Iamnotobligedtodoanymore.Nomanisobligedtodoasmuchashecando.Amanistohavepartofhislifetohimself.Ifasoldierhasfoughtagoodmanycampaigns,heisnottobeblamedifheretirestoeaseandtranquillity.Aphysician,whohaspractisedlonginagreatcity,maybeexcusedifheretirestoasmalltown,andtakeslesspractice.Now,Sir,thegoodIcandobymyconversationbearsthesameproportiontothegoodIcandobymywritings,thatthepracticeof



aphysician,retiredtoasmalltown,doestohispracticeinagreatcity.'BOSWELL.'ButIwonder,Sir,youhavenotmorepleasureinwritingthaninnotwriting.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youMAYwonder.'

Hetalkedofmakingverses,andobserved,'Thegreatdifficultyistoknowwhenyouhavemadegoodones.Whencomposing,Ihavegenerallyhadtheminmymind,perhapsfiftyatatime,walkingupanddowninmyroom;andthenIhavewrittenthemdown,andoften,fromlaziness,havewrittenonlyhalflines.Ihavewrittenahundredlinesinaday.IrememberIwroteahundredlinesofTheVanityofHumanWishesinaday.Doctor,(turningtoGoldsmith,)Iamnotquiteidle;Imadeonelinet'otherday;butImadenomore.'GOLDSMITH.'Letushearit;we'llputabadonetoit.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir,Ihaveforgotit.'

'TOBENNETLANGTON,ESQ.,ATLANGTON,NEARSPILSBY,LINCOLNSHIRE

'DEARSIR,--Whatyourfriendshavedone,thatfromyourdeparturetillnownothinghasbeenheardofyou,noneofusareabletoinformtherest;butasweareallneglectedalike,noonethinkshimselfentitledtotheprivilegeofcomplaint.

'IshouldhaveknownnothingofyouorofLangton,fromthetimethatdearMissLangtonleftus,hadnotImetMr.Simpson,ofLincoln,one

dayinthestreet,bywhomIwasinformedthatMr.Langton,yourMamma,andyourself,hadbeenallill,butthatyouwereallrecovered.

'Thatsicknessshouldsuspendyourcorrespondence,Ididnotwonder;buthopedthatitwouldberenewedatyourrecovery.

'Sinceyouwillnotinformuswhereyouare,orhowyoulive,Iknownotwhetheryoudesiretoknowanythingofus.However,IwilltellyouthatTHECLUBsubsists;butwehavethelossofBurke'scompanysincehehasbeenengagedinpublickbusiness,inwhichhehasgainedmorereputationthanperhapsanymanathis[first]appearanceevergainedbefore.HemadetwospeechesintheHouseforrepealingtheStamp-act,whichwerepublicklycommendedbyMr.Pitt,andhavefilledthetown

withwonder.

'Burkeisagreatmanbynature,andisexpectedsoontoattaincivilgreatness.Iamgrowngreatertoo,forIhavemaintainedthenews-papersthesemanyweeks;andwhatisgreaterstill,IhaveriseneverymorningsinceNew-year'sday,atabouteight;whenIwasup,Ihaveindeeddonebutlittle;yetitisnoslightadvancementtoobtainforsomanyhoursmore,theconsciousnessofbeing.

'Iwishyouwereinmynewstudy;Iamnowwritingthefirstletterinit.Ithinkitlooksveryprettyaboutme.

'DyerisconstantatTHECLUB;Hawkinsisremiss;Iamnotover

diligent.Dr.Nugent,Dr.Goldsmith,andMr.Reynolds,areveryconstant.Mr.LyeisprintinghisSaxonandGothickDictionary;allTHECLUBsubscribes.

'YouwillpaymyrespectstoallmyLincolnshirefriends.Iam,dearSir,mostaffectionatelyyour's,

'March9,1766.

'SAM.JOHNSON.'



Johnson's-court,Fleet-street.'

TheHonourableThomasHerveyandhisladyhavingunhappilydisagreed,andbeingabouttoseparate,Johnsoninterferedastheirfriend,andwrotehimaletterofexpostulation,whichIhavenotbeenabletofind;butthesubstanceofitisascertainedbyalettertoJohnsoninanswertoit,whichMr.Herveyprinted.TheoccasionofthiscorrespondencebetweenDr.JohnsonandMr.Harvey,wasthusrelatedtomebyMr.Beauclerk.'TomHarveyhadagreatlikingforJohnson,andinhiswillhadlefthimalegacyoffiftypounds.Onedayhesaidtome,"Johnsonmaywantthismoneynow,morethanafterwards.Ihaveamindtogiveithimdirectly.Willyoubesogoodastocarryafiftypoundnotefrommetohim?"ThisIpositivelyrefusedtodo,ashemight,perhaps,haveknockedmedownforinsultinghim,andhaveafterwardsputthenoteinhispocket.ButIsaid,ifHarveywouldwritehimaletter,andencloseafiftypoundnote,Ishouldtakecaretodeliverit.Heaccordinglydidwritehimaletter,mentioningthathewasonlypayingalegacyalittlesooner.Tohisletterheadded,"P.S.Iamgoingtopartwithmywife."Johnsonthenwrotetohim,sayingnothingofthenote,butremonstratingwithhimagainstpartingwithhiswife.'

InFebruary,1767,therehappenedoneofthemostremarkableincidents

ofJohnson'slife,whichgratifiedhismonarchicalenthusiasm,andwhichhelovedtorelatewithallitscircumstances,whenrequestedbyhisfriends.ThiswashisbeinghonouredbyaprivateconversationwithhisMajesty,inthelibraryattheQueen'shouse.Hehadfrequentlyvisitedthosesplendidroomsandnoblecollectionofbooks,whichheusedtosaywasmorenumerousandcuriousthanhesupposedanypersoncouldhavemadeinthetimewhichtheKinghademployed.Mr.Barnard,thelibrarian,tookcarethatheshouldhaveeveryaccommodationthatcouldcontributetohiseaseandconvenience,whileindulginghisliterarytasteinthatplace;sothathehadhereaveryagreeableresourceatleisurehours.

HisMajestyhavingbeeninformedofhisoccasionalvisits,waspleased

tosignifyadesirethatheshouldbetoldwhenDr.Johnsoncamenexttothelibrary.Accordingly,thenexttimethatJohnsondidcome,assoonashewasfairlyengagedwithabook,onwhich,whilehesatbythefire,heseemedquiteintent,Mr.BarnardstoleroundtotheapartmentwheretheKingwas,and,inobediencetohisMajesty'scommands,mentionedthatDr.Johnsonwastheninthelibrary.HisMajestysaidhewasatleisure,andwouldgotohim;uponwhichMr.BarnardtookoneofthecandlesthatstoodontheKing'stable,andlightedhisMajestythroughasuiteofrooms,tilltheycametoaprivatedoorintothelibrary,ofwhichhisMajestyhadthekey.Beingentered,Mr.BarnardsteppedforwardhastilytoDr.Johnson,whowasstillinaprofoundstudy,andwhisperedhim,'Sir,hereistheKing.'Johnsonstartedup,andstoodstill.HisMajestyapproachedhim,andatoncewascourteously

easy.

HisMajestybeganbyobserving,thatheunderstoodhecamesometimestothelibrary;andthenmentioninghishavingheardthattheDoctorhadbeenlatelyatOxford,askedhimifhewasnotfondofgoingthither.TowhichJohnsonanswered,thathewasindeedfondofgoingtoOxfordsometimes,butwaslikewisegladtocomebackagain.TheKingthenaskedhimwhattheyweredoingatOxford.Johnsonanswered,hecouldnotmuchcommendtheirdiligence,butthatinsomerespectstheyweremended,fortheyhadputtheirpressunderbetterregulations,andwereatthattime



printingPolybius.HewasthenaskedwhethertherewerebetterlibrariesatOxfordorCambridge.Heanswered,hebelievedtheBodleianwaslargerthananytheyhadatCambridge;atthesametimeadding,'Ihope,whetherwehavemorebooksornotthantheyhaveatCambridge,weshallmakeasgooduseofthemastheydo.'BeingaskedwhetherAll-SoulsorChrist-Churchlibrarywasthelargest,heanswered,'All-Soulslibraryisthelargestwehave,excepttheBodleian.''Aye,(saidtheKing,)thatisthepublicklibrary.'

HisMajestyenquiredifhewasthenwritinganything.Heanswered,hewasnot,forhehadprettywelltoldtheworldwhatheknew,andmustnowreadtoacquiremoreknowledge.TheKing,asitshouldseemwithaviewtourgehimtorelyonhisownstoresasanoriginalwriter,andtocontinuehislabours,thensaid'Idonotthinkyouborrowmuchfromanybody.'Johnsonsaid,hethoughthehadalreadydonehispartasawriter.'Ishouldhavethoughtsotoo,(saidtheKing,)ifyouhadnotwrittensowell.'--Johnsonobservedtome,uponthis,that'Nomancouldhavepaidahandsomercompliment;anditwasfitforaKingtopay.Itwasdecisive.'Whenaskedbyanotherfriend,atSirJoshuaReynolds's,whetherhemadeanyreplytothishighcompliment,heanswered,'No,Sir.WhentheKinghadsaidit,itwastobeso.ItwasnotformetobandycivilitieswithmySovereign.'Perhapsnomanwhohadspenthiswholelifeincourtscouldhaveshewnamoreniceanddignifiedsenseoftruepoliteness,thanJohnsondidinthisinstance.

HisMajestyhavingobservedtohimthathesupposedhemusthavereadagreatdeal;Johnsonanswered,thathethoughtmorethanheread;thathehadreadagreatdealintheearlypartofhislife,buthavingfallenintoillhealth,hehadnotbeenabletoreadmuch,comparedwithothers:forinstance,hesaidhehadnotreadmuch,comparedwithDr.Warburton.UponwhichtheKingsaid,thatheheardDr.Warburtonwasamanofsuchgeneralknowledge,thatyoucouldscarcetalkwithhimonanysubjectonwhichhewasnotqualifiedtospeak;andthathislearningresembledGarrick'sacting,initsuniversality.HisMajestythentalkedofthecontroversybetweenWarburtonandLowth,whichheseemedtohaveread,andaskedJohnsonwhathethoughtofit.Johnsonanswered,'Warburtonhasmostgeneral,mostscholasticklearning;Lowth

isthemorecorrectscholar.Idonotknowwhichofthemcallsnamesbest.'TheKingwaspleasedtosayhewasofthesameopinion;adding,'Youdonotthink,then,Dr.Johnson,thattherewasmuchargumentinthecase.'Johnsonsaid,hedidnotthinktherewas.'Whytruly,(saidtheKing,)whenonceitcomestocallingnames,argumentisprettywellatanend.'

HisMajestythenaskedhimwhathethoughtofLordLyttelton'sHistory,whichwasthenjustpublished.Johnsonsaid,hethoughthisstyleprettygood,butthathehadblamedHenrytheSecondrathertoomuch.'Why,(saidtheKing,)theyseldomdothesethingsbyhalves.''No,Sir,(answeredJohnson,)nottoKings.'Butfearingtobemisunderstood,heproceededtoexplainhimself;andimmediatelysubjoined,'Thatforthose

whospokeworseofKingsthantheydeserved,hecouldfindnoexcuse;butthathecouldmoreeasilyconceivehowsomemightspeakbetterofthemthantheydeserved,withoutanyillintention;for,asKingshadmuchintheirpowertogive,thosewhowerefavouredbythemwouldfrequently,fromgratitude,exaggeratetheirpraises;andasthisproceededfromagoodmotive,itwascertainlyexcusable,asfaraserrourcouldbeexcusable.'

TheKingthenaskedhimwhathethoughtofDr.Hill.Johnsonanswered,thathewasaningeniousman,buthadnoveracity;andimmediately



mentioned,asaninstanceofit,anassertionofthatwriter,thathehadseenobjectsmagnifiedtoamuchgreaterdegreebyusingthreeorfourmicroscopesatatime,thanbyusingone.'Now,(addedJohnson,)everyoneacquaintedwithmicroscopesknows,thatthemoreofthemhelooksthrough,thelesstheobjectwillappear.''Why,(repliedtheKing,)thisisnotonlytellinganuntruth,buttellingitclumsily;for,ifthatbethecase,everyonewhocanlookthroughamicroscopewillbeabletodetecthim.'

'Inow,(saidJohnsontohisfriends,whenrelatingwhathadpassed)begantoconsiderthatIwasdepreciatingthismanintheestimationofhisSovereign,andthoughtitwastimeformetosaysomethingthatmightbemorefavourable.'Headded,therefore,thatDr.Hillwas,notwithstanding,averycuriousobserver;andifhewouldhavebeencontentedtotelltheworldnomorethanheknew,hemighthavebeenaveryconsiderableman,andneedednottohaverecoursetosuchmeanexpedientstoraisehisreputation.

TheKingthentalkedofliteraryjournals,mentionedparticularlytheJournaldesSavans,andaskedJohnsonifitwaswelldone.Johnsonsaid,itwasformerlyverywelldone,andgavesomeaccountofthepersonswhobeganit,andcarrieditonforsomeyears;enlarging,atthesametime,onthenatureanduseofsuchworks.TheKingaskedhimifitwaswelldonenow.Johnsonanswered,hehadnoreasontothinkthatitwas.The

Kingthenaskedhimiftherewereanyotherliteraryjournalspublishedinthiskingdom,excepttheMonthlyandCriticalReviews;andonbeingansweredtherewerenoother,hisMajestyaskedwhichofthemwasthebest:Johnsonanswered,thattheMonthlyReviewwasdonewithmostcare,theCriticaluponthebestprinciples;addingthattheauthoursoftheMonthlyReviewwereenemiestotheChurch.ThistheKingsaidhewassorrytohear.

TheconversationnextturnedonthePhilosophicalTransactions,whenJohnsonobserved,thattheyhadnowabettermethodofarrangingtheirmaterialsthanformerly.'Aye,(saidtheKing,)theyareobligedtoDr.Johnsonforthat;'forhisMajestyhadheardandrememberedthecircumstance,whichJohnsonhimselfhadforgot.

HisMajestyexpressedadesiretohavetheliterarybiographyofthiscountryablyexecuted,andproposedtoDr.Johnsontoundertakeit.JohnsonsignifiedhisreadinesstocomplywithhisMajesty'swishes.

Duringthewholeofthisinterview,JohnsontalkedtohisMajestywithprofoundrespect,butstillinhisfirmmanlymanner,withasonorousvoice,andneverinthatsubduedtonewhichiscommonlyusedattheleveeandinthedrawing-room.AftertheKingwithdrew,JohnsonshewedhimselfhighlypleasedwithhisMajesty'sconversation,andgraciousbehaviour.HesaidtoMr.Barnard,'Sir,theymaytalkoftheKingastheywill;butheisthefinestgentlemanIhaveeverseen.'AndheafterwardsobservedtoMr.Langton,'Sir,hismannersarethoseofas

fineagentlemanaswemaysupposeLewistheFourteenthorCharlestheSecond.'

AtSirJoshuaReynolds's,whereacircleofJohnson'sfriendswascollectedroundhimtohearhisaccountofthismemorableconversation,Dr.JosephWarton,inhisfrankandlivelymanner,wasveryactiveinpressinghimtomentiontheparticulars.'Comenow,Sir,thisisaninterestingmatter;dofavouruswithit.'Johnson,withgreatgoodhumour,complied.



Hetoldthem,'IfoundhisMajestywishedIshouldtalk,andImadeitmybusinesstotalk.IfinditdoesamangoodtobetalkedtobyhisSovereign.Inthefirstplace,amancannotbeinapassion--.'Heresomequestioninterruptedhim,whichistoberegretted,ashecertainlywouldhavepointedoutandillustratedmanycircumstancesofadvantage,frombeinginasituation,wherethepowersofthemindareatonceexcitedtovigorousexertion,andtemperedbyreverentialawe.

DuringallthetimeinwhichDr.JohnsonwasemployedinrelatingtothecircleatSirJoshuaReynolds'stheparticularsofwhatpassedbetweentheKingandhim,Dr.Goldsmithremainedunmoveduponasophaatsomedistance,affectingnottojoinintheleastintheeagercuriosityofthecompany.Heassignedasareasonforhisgloomandseeminginattention,thatheapprehendedJohnsonhadrelinquishedhispurposeoffurnishinghimwithaProloguetohisplay,withthehopesofwhichhehadbeenflattered;butitwasstronglysuspectedthathewasfrettingwithchagrinandenvyatthesingularhonourDr.Johnsonhadlatelyenjoyed.Atlength,thefranknessandsimplicityofhisnaturalcharacterprevailed.Hesprungfromthesopha,advancedtoJohnson,andinakindofflutter,fromimagininghimselfinthesituationwhichhehadjustbeenhearingdescribed,exclaimed,'Well,youacquittedyourselfinthisconversationbetterthanIshouldhavedone;forIshouldhavebowedandstammeredthroughthewholeofit.'

Hisdiaryaffordsnolightastohisemploymentatthistime.HepassedthreemonthsatLichfield;andIcannotomitanaffectingandsolemnscenethere,asrelatedbyhimself:--

'Sunday,Oct.18,1767.Yesterday,Oct.17,ataboutteninthemorning,Itookmyleaveforeverofmydearoldfriend,CatharineChambers,whocametolivewithmymotherabout1724,andhasbeenbutlittlepartedfromussince.Sheburiedmyfather,mybrother,andmymother.Sheisnowfifty-eightyearsold.

'Idesiredalltowithdraw,thentoldherthatweweretopartforever;thatasChristians,weshouldpartwithprayer;andthatIwould,ifshewaswilling,sayashortprayerbesideher.Sheexpressedgreatdesire

tohearme;andheldupherpoorhands,asshelayinbed,withgreatfervour,whileIprayed,kneelingbyher,nearlyinthefollowingwords:

'AlmightyandmostmercifulFather,whoselovingkindnessisoverallthyworks,behold,visit,andrelievethisthyservant,whoisgrievedwithsickness.Grantthatthesenseofherweaknessmayaddstrengthtoherfaith,andseriousnesstoherrepentance.AndgrantthatbythehelpofthyHolySpirit,afterthepainsandlaboursofthisshortlife,wemayallobtaineverlastinghappiness,throughJESUSCHRISTourLord;forwhosesakehearourprayers.Amen.OurFather,&c.

'Ithenkissedher.Shetoldme,thattopartwasthegreatestpainthatshehadeverfelt,andthatshehopedweshouldmeetagaininabetter

place.Iexpressed,withswelledeyes,andgreatemotionoftenderness,thesamehopes.Wekissed,andparted.Ihumblyhopetomeetagain,andtopartnomore.'

1768:AETAT.59]--Itappearsfromhisnotesofthestateofhismind,thathesufferedgreatperturbationanddistractionin1768.Nothingofhiswritingwasgiventothepublickthisyear,excepttheProloguetohisfriendGoldsmith'scomedyofTheGood-naturedMan.ThefirstlinesofthisProloguearestronglycharacteristicalofthedismalgloomofhismind;whichinhiscase,asinthecaseofallwhoaredistressed



withthesamemaladyofimagination,transferstoothersitsownfeelings.Whocouldsupposeitwastointroduceacomedy,whenMr.Bensleysolemnlybegan,

'Press'dwiththeloadoflife,thewearymindSurveysthegeneraltoilofhumankind.'

ButthisdarkgroundmightmakeGoldsmith'shumourshinethemore.

Inthespringofthisyear,havingpublishedmyAccountofCorsica,withtheJournalofaTourtothatIsland,IreturnedtoLondon,verydesiroustoseeDr.Johnson,andhearhimuponthesubject.IfoundhewasatOxford,withhisfriendMr.Chambers,whowasnowVinerianProfessor,andlivedinNewInnHall.HavinghadnoletterfromhimsincethatinwhichhecriticisedtheLatinityofmyThesis,andhavingbeentoldbysomebodythathewasoffendedatmyhavingputintomyBookanextractofhislettertomeatParis,Iwasimpatienttobewithhim,andthereforefollowedhimtoOxford,whereIwasentertainedbyMr.Chambers,withacivilitywhichIshallevergratefullyremember.IfoundthatDr.JohnsonhadsentalettertometoScotland,andthatIhadnothingtocomplainofbuthisbeingmoreindifferenttomyanxietythanIwishedhimtobe.Insteadofgiving,withthecircumstancesoftimeandplace,suchfragmentsofhisconversationasIpreservedduringthisvisittoOxford,Ishallthrowthemtogetherincontinuation.

Talkingofsomeofthemodernplays,hesaidFalseDelicacywastotallyvoidofcharacter.HepraisedGoldsmith'sGood-naturedMan;said,itwasthebestcomedythathadappearedsinceTheProvokedHusband,andthattherehadnotbeenoflateanysuchcharacterexhibitedonthestageasthatofCroaker.IobserveditwastheSuspiriusofhisRambler.Hesaid,Goldsmithhadownedhehadborroweditfromthence.'Sir,(continuedhe,)thereisallthedifferenceintheworldbetweencharactersofnatureandcharactersofmanners;andTHEREisthedifferencebetweenthecharactersofFieldingandthoseofRichardson.Charactersofmannersareveryentertaining;buttheyaretobeunderstoodbyamoresuperficialobserverthancharactersofnature,whereamanmustdiveintotherecessesofthehumanheart.'

ItalwaysappearedtomethatheestimatedthecompositionsofRichardsontoohighly,andthathehadanunreasonableprejudiceagainstFielding.Incomparingthosetwowriters,heusedthisexpression:'thattherewasasgreatadifferencebetweenthemasbetweenamanwhoknewhowawatchwasmade,andamanwhocouldtellthehourbylookingonthedial-plate.'

'Ihavenotbeentroubledforalongtimewithauthoursdesiringmyopinionoftheirworks.Iusedoncetobesadlyplaguedwithamanwhowroteverses,butwholiterallyhadnoothernotionofaverse,butthatitconsistedoftensyllables.Layyourknifeandyourfork,acrossyourplate,wastohimaverse:

Layyourknifeandyourfork,acrossyourplate.

Ashewroteagreatnumberofverses,hesometimesbychancemadegoodones,thoughhedidnotknowit.'

JohnsonexpatiatedontheadvantagesofOxfordforlearning.'Thereishere,Sir,(saidhe,)suchaprogressiveemulation.Thestudentsare



anxioustoappearwelltotheirtutors;thetutorsareanxioustohavetheirpupilsappearwellinthecollege;thecollegesareanxioustohavetheirstudentsappearwellintheUniversity;andthereareexcellentrulesofdisciplineineverycollege.Thattherulesaresometimesillobserved,maybetrue;butisnothingagainstthesystem.ThemembersofanUniversitymay,foraseason,beunmindfuloftheirduty.Iamarguingfortheexcellencyoftheinstitution.'

HesaidhehadlatelybeenalongwhileatLichfield,buthadgrownverywearybeforeheleftit.BOSWELL.'Iwonderatthat,Sir;itisyournativeplace.'JOHNSON.'Why,soisScotlandYOURnativeplace.'

HisprejudiceagainstScotlandappearedremarkablystrongatthistime.WhenItalkedofouradvancementinliterature,'Sir,(saidhe,)youhavelearntalittlefromus,andyouthinkyourselvesverygreatmen.HumewouldneverhavewrittenHistory,hadnotVoltairewrittenitbeforehim.HeisanechoofVoltaire.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,wehaveLordKames.'JOHNSON.'YouHAVELordKames.Keephim;ha,ha,ha!Wedon'tenvyyouhim.DoyoueverseeDr.Robertson?'BOSWELL.'Yes,Sir.'JOHNSON.'Doesthedogtalkofme?'BOSWELL.'Indeed,Sir,hedoes,andlovesyou.'ThinkingthatInowhadhiminacorner,andbeingsolicitousfortheliteraryfameofmycountry,IpressedhimforhisopiniononthemeritofDr.Robertson'sHistoryofScotland.But,tomysurprize,heescaped.--'Sir,IloveRobertson,andIwon'ttalkofhis

book.'

Anessay,writtenbyMr.Deane,adivineoftheChurchofEngland,maintainingthefuturelifeofbrutes,byanexplicationofcertainpartsofthescriptures,wasmentioned,andthedoctrineinsistedonbyagentlemanwhoseemedfondofcuriousspeculation.Johnson,whodidnotliketohearofanythingconcerningafuturestatewhichwasnotauthorisedbytheregularcanonsoforthodoxy,discouragedthistalk;andbeingoffendedatitscontinuation,hewatchedanopportunitytogivethegentlemanablowofreprehension.So,whenthepoorspeculatist,withaseriousmetaphysicalpensiveface,addressedhim,'Butreally,Sir,whenweseeaverysensibledog,wedon'tknowwhattothinkofhim;'Johnson,rollingwithjoyatthethoughtwhichbeamedin

hiseye,turnedquicklyround,andreplied,'True,Sir:andwhenweseeaveryfoolishFELLOW,wedon'tknowwhattothinkofHIM.'Hethenroseup,stridedtothefire,andstoodforsometimelaughingandexulting.

Iaskedhimifitwasnothardthatonedeviationfromchastityshouldsoabsolutelyruinayoungwoman.Johnson.'Why,no,Sir;itisthegreatprinciplewhichsheistaught.Whenshehasgivenupthatprinciple,shehasgivenupeverynotionoffemalehonourandvirtue,whichareallincludedinchastity.'

Agentlemantalkedtohimofaladywhomhegreatlyadmiredandwishedtomarry,butwasafraidofhersuperiorityoftalents.'Sir,(saidhe,)youneednotbeafraid;marryher.Beforeayeargoesabout,you'llfind

thatreasonmuchweaker,andthatwitnotsobright.'YetthegentlemanmaybejustifiedinhisapprehensionbyoneofDr.Johnson'sadmirablesentencesinhislifeofWaller:'Hedoubtlesspraisedmanywhomhewouldhavebeenafraidtomarry;and,perhaps,marriedonewhomhewouldhavebeenashamedtopraise.Manyqualitiescontributetodomestichappiness,uponwhichpoetryhasnocolourstobestow;andmanyairsandsalliesmaydelightimagination,whichhewhoflattersthemnevercanapprove.'

HepraisedSignorBaretti.'HisaccountofItalyisaveryentertaining



book;and,Sir,IknownomanwhocarrieshisheadhigherinconversationthanBaretti.Therearestrongpowersinhismind.Hehasnot,indeed,manyhooks;butwithwhathookshehas,hegrapplesveryforcibly.'

AtthistimeIobserveduponthedial-plateofhiswatchashortGreekinscription,takenfromtheNewTestament,[Greektextomitted],beingthefirstwordsofourSAVIOUR'Ssolemnadmonitiontotheimprovementofthattimewhichisallowedustoprepareforeternity:'thenightcomethwhennomancanwork.'Hesometimeafterwardslaidasidethisdial-plate;andwhenIaskedhimthereason,hesaid,'Itmightdoverywelluponaclockwhichamankeepsinhiscloset;buttohaveituponhiswatchwhichhecarriesaboutwithhim,andwhichisoftenlookedatbyothers,mightbecensuredasostentatious.'Mr.Steevensisnowpossessedofthedial-plateinscribedasabove.

HeremainedatOxfordaconsiderabletime;IwasobligedtogotoLondon,whereIreceivedhisletter,whichhadbeenreturnedfromScotland.

'TOJAMESBOSWELL,ESQ.

'MYDEARBOSWELL,--Ihaveomittedalongtimetowritetoyou,without

knowingverywellwhy.IcouldnowtellwhyIshouldnotwrite;forwhowouldwritetomenwhopublishthelettersoftheirfriends,withouttheirleave?YetIwritetoyouinspiteofmycaution,totellyouthatIshallbegladtoseeyou,andthatIwishyouwouldemptyyourheadofCorsica,whichIthinkhasfilleditrathertoolong.But,atallevents,Ishallbeglad,verygladtoseeyou.Iam,Sir,yoursaffectionately,

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

'Oxford,March23,1768.'

UponhisarrivalinLondoninMay,hesurprizedmeonemorningwithavisitatmylodgingsinHalf-Moon-street,wasquitesatisfiedwithmyexplanation,andwasinthekindestandmostagreeableframeofmind.Ashehadobjectedtoapartofoneofhislettersbeingpublished,Ithoughtitrighttotakethisopportunityofaskinghimexplicitlywhetheritwouldbeimpropertopublishhislettersafterhisdeath.Hisanswerwas,'Nay,Sir,whenIamdead,youmaydoasyouwill.'

Hetalkedinhisusualstylewitharoughcontemptofpopularliberty.'TheymakearoutaboutUNIVERSALliberty,withoutconsideringthatallthatistobevalued,orindeedcanbeenjoyedbyindividuals,isPRIVATEliberty.Politicallibertyisgoodonlysofarasitproducesprivateliberty.Now,Sir,thereisthelibertyofthepress,whichyou

knowisaconstanttopick.SupposeyouandIandtwohundredmorewererestrainedfromprintingourthoughts:whatthen?Whatproportionwouldthatrestraintuponusbeartotheprivatehappinessofthenation?'

Thismodeofrepresentingtheinconveniencesofrestraintaslightandinsignificant,wasakindofsophistryinwhichhedelightedtoindulgehimself,inoppositiontotheextremelaxityforwhichithasbeenfashionablefortoomanytoargue,whenitisevident,uponreflection,thattheveryessenceofgovernmentisrestraint;andcertainitis,thatasgovernmentproducesrationalhappiness,toomuchrestraintis



betterthantoolittle.Butwhenrestraintisunnecessary,andsocloseastogallthosewhoaresubjecttoit,thepeoplemayandoughttoremonstrate;and,ifreliefisnotgranted,toresist.Ofthismanlyandspiritedprinciple,nomanwasmoreconvincedthanJohnsonhimself.

HissincereregardforFrancisBarber,hisfaithfulnegroservant,madehimsodesirousofhisfurtherimprovement,thathenowplacedhimataschoolatBishopStortford,inHertfordshire.ThishumaneattentiondoesJohnson'sheartmuchhonour.OutofmanyletterswhichMr.Barberreceivedfromhismaster,hehaspreservedthree,whichhekindlygaveme,andwhichIshallinsertaccordingtotheirdates.

'TOMR.FRANCISBARBER.

'DEARFRANCIS,--Ihavebeenverymuchoutoforder.Iamgladtohearthatyouarewell,anddesigntocomesoontoseeyou.IwouldhaveyoustayatMrs.Clapp'sforthepresent,tillIcandeterminewhatweshalldo.Beagoodboy.

'MycomplimentstoMrs.ClappandtoMr.Fowler.Iam,your'saffectionately,

SAM.JOHNSON.'

'May28,1768.'

Soonafterwards,hesuppedattheCrownandAnchortavern,intheStrand,withacompanywhomIcollectedtomeethim.TheywereDr.Percy,nowBishopofDromore,Dr.Douglas,nowBishopofSalisbury,Mr.Langton,Dr.RobertsontheHistorian,Dr.HughBlair,andMr.ThomasDavies,whowishedmuchtobeintroducedtotheseeminentScotchliterati;butonthepresentoccasionhehadverylittleopportunityofhearingthemtalk,forwithanexcessofprudence,forwhichJohnsonafterwardsfoundfaultwiththem,theyhardlyopenedtheirlips,andthatonlytosaysomethingwhichtheywerecertainwouldnotexposethem

totheswordofGoliath;suchwastheiranxietyfortheirfamewheninthepresenceofJohnson.Hewasthiseveninginremarkablevigourofmind,andeagertoexerthimselfinconversation,whichhedidwithgreatreadinessandfluency;butIamsorrytofindthatIhavepreservedbutasmallpartofwhatpassed.

HewasvehementagainstoldDr.Mounsey,ofChelseaCollege,as'afellowwhosworeandtalkedbawdy.''Ihavebeenofteninhiscompany,(saidDr.Percy,)andneverheardhimswearortalkbawdy.'Mr.Davies,whosatnexttoDr.Percy,havingafterthishadsomeconversationasidewithhim,madeadiscoverywhich,inhiszealtopaycourttoDr.Johnson,heeagerlyproclaimedaloudfromthefootofthetable:'O,Sir,IhavefoundoutaverygoodreasonwhyDr.Percyneverheard

Mounseyswearortalkbawdy;forhetellsme,heneversawhimbutattheDukeofNorthumberland'stable.''Andso,Sir,(saidJohnsonloudly,toDr.Percy,)youwouldshieldthismanfromthechargeofswearingandtalkingbawdy,becausehedidnotdosoattheDukeofNorthumberland'stable.Sir,youmightaswelltellusthatyouhadseenhimholduphishandattheOldBailey,andheneithersworenortalkedbawdy;orthatyouhadseenhiminthecartatTyburn,andheneithersworenortalkedbawdy.Andisitthus,Sir,thatyoupresumetocontrovertwhatIhaverelated?'Dr.Johnson'sanimadversionwasutteredinsuchamanner,thatDr.Percyseemedtobedispleased,andsoonafterwardsleftthecompany,



ofwhichJohnsondidnotatthattimetakeanynotice.

Swifthavingbeenmentioned,Johnson,asusual,treatedhimwithlittlerespectasanauthour.SomeofusendeavouredtosupporttheDeanofSt.Patrick'sbyvariousarguments.OneinparticularpraisedhisConductoftheAllies.JOHNSON.'Sir,hisConductoftheAlliesisaperformanceofverylittleability.''Surely,Sir,(saidDr.Douglas,)youmustallowithasstrongfacts.'JOHNSON.'Whyyes,Sir;butwhatisthattothemeritofthecomposition?IntheSessions-paperoftheOldBailey,therearestrongfacts.Housebreakingisastrongfact;robberyisastrongfact;andmurderisaMIGHTYstrongfact;butisgreatpraiseduetothehistorianofthosestrongfacts?No,Sir.Swifthastoldwhathehadtotelldistinctlyenough,butthatisall.Hehadtocountten,andhehascounteditright.'ThenrecollectingthatMr.Davies,byactingasanINFORMER,hadbeentheoccasionofhistalkingsomewhattooharshlytohisfriendDr.Percy,forwhich,probably,whenthefirstebullitionwasover,hefeltsomecompunction,hetookanopportunitytogivehimahit;soadded,withapreparatorylaugh,'Why,Sir,TomDaviesmighthavewrittenTheConductoftheAllies.'PoorTombeingthussuddenlydraggedintoludicrousnoticeinpresenceoftheScottishDoctors,towhomhewasambitiousofappearingtoadvantage,wasgrievouslymortified.Nordidhispunishmentresthere;foruponsubsequentoccasions,wheneverhe,'statesmanallover,'assumedastruttingimportance,Iusedtohailhim--'theAuthourofTheConductofthe

Allies.'

WhenIcalleduponDr.Johnsonnextmorning,Ifoundhimhighlysatisfiedwithhiscolloquialprowesstheprecedingevening.'Well,(saidhe,)wehadgoodtalk.'BOSWELL.'Yes,Sir;youtossedandgoredseveralpersons.'

ThelateAlexander,EarlofEglintoune,wholovedwitmorethanwine,andmenofgeniusmorethansycophants,hadagreatadmirationofJohnson;butfromtheremarkableeleganceofhisownmanners,was,perhaps,toodelicatelysensibleoftheroughnesswhichsometimesappearedinJohnson'sbehaviour.Oneeveningaboutthistime,whenhisLordshipdidmethehonourtosupatmylodgingswithDr.Robertsonand

severalothermenofliterarydistinction,heregrettedthatJohnsonhadnotbeeneducatedwithmorerefinement,andlivedmoreinpolishedsociety.'No,no,myLord,(saidSignorBaretti,)dowithhimwhatyouwould,hewouldalwayshavebeenabear.''True,(answeredtheEarl,withasmile,)buthewouldhavebeenaDANCINGbear.'

ToobviateallthereflectionswhichhavegoneroundtheworldtoJohnson'sprejudice,byapplyingtohimtheepithetofaBEAR,letmeimpressuponmyreadersajustandhappysayingofmyfriendGoldsmith,whoknewhimwell:'Johnson,tobesure,hasaroughnessinhismanner;butnomanalivehasamoretenderheart.Hehasnothingofthebearbuthisskin.'

1769:AETAT.60.]--IcametoLondonintheautumn,andhavinginformedhimthatIwasgoingtobemarriedinafewmonths,IwishedtohaveasmuchofhisconversationasIcouldbeforeengaginginastateoflifewhichwouldprobablykeepmemoreinScotland,andpreventmeseeinghimsooftenaswhenIwasasingleman;butIfoundhewasatBrighthelmstonewithMr.andMrs.Thrale.

Afterhisreturntotown,wemetfrequently,andIcontinuedthepracticeofmakingnotesofhisconversation,thoughnotwithsomuchassiduityasIwishIhaddone.Atthistime,indeed,Ihadasufficient



excusefornotbeingabletoappropriatesomuchtimetomyJournal;forGeneralPaoli,afterCorsicahadbeenoverpoweredbythemonarchyofFrance,wasnownolongerattheheadofhisbravecountrymen,buthavingwithdifficultyescapedfromhisnativeisland,hadsoughtanasyluminGreat-Britain;anditwasmyduty,aswellasmypleasure,toattendmuchuponhim.SuchparticularsofJohnson'sconversationatthisperiodasIhavecommittedtowriting,Ishallhereintroduce,withoutanystrictattentiontomethodicalarrangement.Sometimesshortnotesofdifferentdaysshallbeblendedtogether,andsometimesadaymayseemimportantenoughtobeseparatelydistinguished.

Hesaid,hewouldnothaveSundaykeptwithrigidseverityandgloom,butwithagravityandsimplicityofbehaviour.

ItoldhimthatDavidHumehadmadeashortcollectionofScotticisms.'Iwonder,(saidJohnson,)thatHEshouldfindthem.'

Onthe30thofSeptemberwedinedtogetherattheMitre.Iattemptedtoargueforthesuperiorhappinessofthesavagelife,upontheusualfancifultopicks.JOHNSON.'Sir,therecanbenothingmorefalse.Thesavageshavenobodilyadvantagesbeyondthoseofcivilisedmen.Theyhavenotbetterhealth;andastocareormentaluneasiness,theyarenotaboveit,butbelowit,likebears.No,Sir;youarenottotalksuchparadox:letmehavenomoreon't.Itcannotentertain,farless

canitinstruct.LordMonboddo,oneofyourScotchJudges,talkedagreatdealofsuchnonsense.IsufferedHIM;butIwillnotsufferYOU.'--BOSWELL.'But,Sir,doesnotRousseautalksuchnonsense?'JOHNSON.'True,Sir,butRousseauKNOWSheistalkingnonsense,andlaughsattheworldforstaringathim.'BOSWELL.'Howso,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,amanwhotalksnonsensesowell,mustknowthatheistalkingnonsense.ButIamAFRAID,(chucklingandlaughing,)MonboddodoesNOTknowthatheistalkingnonsense.'BOSWELL.'Isitwrongthen,Sir,toaffectsingularity,inordertomakepeoplestare?'JOHNSON.'Yes,ifyoudoitbypropagatingerrour:and,indeed,itiswronginanyway.Thereisinhumannatureageneralinclinationtomakepeoplestare;andeverywisemanhashimselftocureofit,anddoescurehimself.Ifyouwishtomakepeoplestarebydoingbetterthanothers,

why,makethemstaretilltheystaretheireyesout.Butconsiderhoweasyitistomakepeoplestarebybeingabsurd.Imaydoitbygoingintoadrawing-roomwithoutmyshoes.YourememberthegentlemaninTheSpectator,whohadacommissionoflunacytakenoutagainsthimforhisextremesingularity,suchasneverwearingawig,butanight-cap.Now,Sir,abstractedly,thenight-capwasbest;but,relatively,theadvantagewasoverbalancedbyhismakingtheboysrunafterhim.'

TalkingofaLondonlife,hesaid,'ThehappinessofLondonisnottobeconceivedbutbythosewhohavebeeninit.Iwillventuretosay,thereismorelearningandsciencewithinthecircumferenceoftenmilesfromwherewenowsit,thaninalltherestofthekingdom.'BOSWELL.'Theonlydisadvantageisthegreatdistanceatwhichpeoplelivefromone

another.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;butthatisoccasionedbythelargenessofit,whichisthecauseofalltheotheradvantages.'BOSWELL.'SometimesIhavebeeninthehumourofwishingtoretiretoadesart.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youhavedesartenoughinScotland.'

AlthoughIhadpromisedmyselfagreatdealofinstructiveconversationwithhimontheconductofthemarriedstate,ofwhichIhadthenanearprospect,hedidnotsaymuchuponthattopick.Mr.Sewardheardhimoncesay,that'amanhasaverybadchanceforhappinessinthatstate,unlesshemarriesawomanofverystrongandfixedprinciplesof



religion.'Hemaintainedtome,contrarytothecommonnotion,thatawomanwouldnotbetheworsewifeforbeinglearned;inwhich,fromallthatIhaveobservedofArtemisias,Ihumblydifferedfromhim.

WhenIcensuredagentlemanofmyacquaintanceformarryingasecondtime,asitshewedadisregardofhisfirstwife,hesaid,'Notatall,Sir.Onthecontrary,werehenottomarryagain,itmightbeconcludedthathisfirstwifehadgivenhimadisgusttomarriage;butbytakingasecondwifehepaysthehighestcomplimenttothefirst,byshewingthatshemadehimsohappyasamarriedman,thathewishestobesoasecondtime.'Soingeniousaturndidhegivetothisdelicatequestion.Andyet,onanotheroccasion,heownedthatheoncehadalmostaskedapromiseofMrs.Johnsonthatshewouldnotmarryagain,buthadcheckedhimself.Indeed,Icannothelpthinking,thatinhiscasetherequestwouldhavebeenunreasonable;forifMrs.Johnsonforgot,orthoughtitnoinjurytothememoryofherfirstlove,--thehusbandofheryouthandthefatherofherchildren,--tomakeasecondmarriage,whyshouldshebeprecludedfromathird,shouldshebesoinclined?InJohnson'sperseveringfondappropriationofhisTetty,evenafterherdecease,heseemstotallytohaveoverlookedthepriorclaimofthehonestBirminghamtrader.Ipresumethatherhavingbeenmarriedbeforehad,attimes,givenhimsomeuneasiness;forIrememberhisobservinguponthemarriageofoneofourcommonfriends,'Hehasdoneaveryfoolishthing,Sir;hehasmarriedawidow,whenhemighthavehadamaid.'

WedrankteawithMrs.Williams.IhadlastyearthepleasureofseeingMrs.ThraleatDr.Johnson'sonemorning,andhadconversationenoughwithhertoadmirehertalents,andtoshewherthatIwasasJohnsonianasherself.Dr.Johnsonhadprobablybeenkindenoughtospeakwellofme,forthiseveninghedeliveredmeaverypolitecardfromMr.Thraleandher,invitingmetoStreatham.

Onthe6thofOctoberIcompliedwiththisobliginginvitation,andfound,atanelegantvilla,sixmilesfromtown,everycircumstancethatcanmakesocietypleasing.Johnson,thoughquiteathome,wasyetlookeduptowithanawe,temperedbyaffection,andseemedtobeequallythecareofhishostandhostess.Irejoicedatseeinghimsohappy.

HeplayedoffhiswitagainstScotlandwithagoodhumouredpleasantry,whichgaveme,thoughnobigottonationalprejudices,anopportunityforalittlecontestwithhim.IhavingsaidthatEnglandwasobligedtousforgardeners,almostalltheirgoodgardenersbeingScotchmen.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thatisbecausegardeningismuchmorenecessaryamongstyouthanwithus,whichmakessomanyofyourpeoplelearnit.ItisALLgardeningwithyou.Thingswhichgrowwildhere,mustbecultivatedwithgreatcareinScotland.Praynow(throwinghimselfbackinhischair,andlaughing,)areyoueverabletobringtheSLOEtoperfection?'

Iboastedthatwehadthehonourofbeingthefirsttoabolishthe

unhospitable,troublesome,andungraciouscustomofgivingvailstoservants.JOHNSON.'Sir,youabolishedvails,becauseyouweretoopoortobeabletogivethem.'

Mrs.ThraledisputedwithhimonthemeritofPrior.Heattackedhimpowerfully;saidhewroteoflovelikeamanwhohadneverfeltit:hisloveverseswerecollegeverses;andherepeatedthesong'Alexisshunn'dhisfellowswains,'&c.,insoludicrousamanner,astomakeusallwonderhowanyonecouldhavebeenpleasedwithsuchfantasticalstuff.Mrs.Thralestoodtohergunwithgreatcourage,indefenceof



amorousditties,whichJohnsondespised,tillheatlastsilencedherbysaying,'MydearLady,talknomoreofthis.Nonsensecanbedefendedbutbynonsense.'

Mrs.ThralethenpraisedGarrick'stalentforlightgaypoetry;and,asaspecimen,repeatedhissonginFlorizelandPerdita,anddweltwithpeculiarpleasureonthisline:

'I'dsmilewiththesimple,andfeedwiththepoor.'

JOHNSON.'Nay,mydearLady,thiswillneverdo.PoorDavid!Smilewiththesimple;--Whatfollyisthat?Andwhowouldfeedwiththepoorthatcanhelpit?No,no;letmesmilewiththewise,andfeedwiththerich.'IrepeatedthissallytoGarrick,andwonderedtofindhissensibilityasawriternotalittleirritatedbyit.Tosoothhim,Iobserved,thatJohnsonsparednoneofus;andIquotedthepassageinHorace,inwhichhecomparesonewhoattackshisfriendsforthesakeofalaugh,toapushingox,thatismarkedbyabunchofhayputuponhishorns:'foenumhabetincornu.''Ay,(saidGarrickvehemently,)hehasawholeMOWofit.'

HewouldnotallowmuchmerittoWhitefield'soratory.'Hispopularity,

Sir,(saidbe,)ischieflyowingtothepeculiarityofhismanner.Hewouldbefollowedbycrowdswerehetowearanight-capinthepulpit,orwerehetopreachfromatree.'

OntheeveningofOctober10,IpresentedDr.JohnsontoGeneralPaoli.Ihadgreatlywishedthattwomen,forwhomIhadthehighestesteem,shouldmeet.Theymetwithamanlyease,mutuallyconsciousoftheirownabilities,andoftheabilitiesofeachother.TheGeneralspokeItalian,andDr.JohnsonEnglish,andunderstoodoneanotherverywell,withalittleaidofinterpretationfromme,inwhichIcomparedmyselftoanisthmuswhichjoinstwogreatcontinents.UponJohnson'sapproach,theGeneralsaid,'FromwhatIhavereadofyourworks,Sir,andfromwhatMr.Boswellhastoldmeofyou,Ihavelongheldyouingreat

veneration.'TheGeneraltalkedoflanguagesbeingformedontheparticularnotionsandmannersofapeople,withoutknowingwhich,wecannotknowthelanguage.Wemayknowthedirectsignificationofsinglewords;butbythesenobeautyofexpression,nosallyofgenius,nowitisconveyedtothemind.Allthismustbebyallusiontootherideas.'Sir,(saidJohnson,)youtalkoflanguage,asifyouhadneverdoneanythingelsebutstudyit,insteadofgoverninganation.'TheGeneralsaid,'Questoeuntroppograncomplimento;'thisistoogreatacompliment.Johnsonanswered,'Ishouldhavethoughtso,Sir,ifIhadnotheardyoutalk.'TheGeneralaskedhim,whathethoughtofthespiritofinfidelitywhichwassoprevalent.JOHNSON.'Sir,thisgloomofinfidelity,Ihope,isonlyatransientcloudpassingthroughthehemisphere,whichwillsoonbedissipated,andthesunbreakforthwith

hisusualsplendour.''Youthinkthen,(saidtheGeneral,)thattheywillchangetheirprinciplesliketheirclothes.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,iftheybestownomorethoughtonprinciplesthanondress,itmustbeso.'TheGeneralsaid,that'agreatpartofthefashionableinfidelitywasowingtoadesireofshewingcourage.Menwhohavenoopportunitiesofshewingitastothingsinthislife,takedeathandfuturityasobjectsonwhichtodisplayit.'JOHNSON.'Thatismightyfoolishaffectation.Fearisoneofthepassionsofhumannature,ofwhichitisimpossibletodivestit.YourememberthattheEmperourCharlesV,whenhereaduponthetomb-stoneofaSpanishnobleman,"Hereliesonewhoneverknew



fear,"wittilysaid,"Thenheneversnuffedacandlewithhisfingers."'

Dr.Johnsonwenthomewithme,anddrankteatilllateinthenight.Hesaid,'GeneralPaolihadtheloftiestportofanymanhehadeverseen.'Hedeniedthatmilitarymenwerealwaysthebestbredmen.'Perfectgoodbreeding,'heobserved,'consistsinhavingnoparticularmarkofanyprofession,butageneraleleganceofmanners;whereas,inamilitaryman,youcancommonlydistinguishtheBRANDofasoldier,l'hommed'epee.'

Dr.Johnsonshunnedto-nightanydiscussionoftheperplexedquestionoffateandfreewill,whichIattemptedtoagitate.'Sir,(saidhe,)weKNOWourwillisfree,andTHERE'Sanendon't.'

Hehonouredmewithhiscompanyatdinneronthe16thofOctober,atmylodgingsinOldBond-street,withSirJoshuaReynolds,Mr.Garrick,Dr.Goldsmith,Mr.Murphy,Mr.Bickerstaff,andMr.ThomasDavies.Garrickplayedroundhimwithafondvivacity,takingholdofthebreastsofhiscoat,and,lookingupinhisfacewithalivelyarchness,complimentedhimonthegoodhealthwhichheseemedthentoenjoy;whilethesage,shakinghishead,beheldhimwithagentlecomplacency.Oneofthecompanynotbeingcomeattheappointedhour,Iproposed,asusualuponsuchoccasions,toorderdinnertobeserved;adding,'Oughtsixpeopletobekeptwaitingforone?''Why,yes,(answeredJohnson,witha

delicatehumanity,)iftheonewillsuffermorebyyoursittingdown,thanthesixwilldobywaiting.'Goldsmith,todivertthetediousminutes,struttedabout,braggingofhisdress,andIbelievewasseriouslyvainofit,forhismindwaswonderfullypronetosuchimpressions.'Come,come,(saidGarrick,)talknomoreofthat.Youare,perhaps,theworst--eh,eh!'--Goldsmithwaseagerlyattemptingtointerrupthim,whenGarrickwenton,laughingironically,'Nay,youwillalwaysLOOKlikeagentleman;butIamtalkingofbeingwellorILLDREST.''Well,letmetellyou,(saidGoldsmith,)whenmytailorbroughthomemybloom-colouredcoat,hesaid,"Sir,Ihaveafavourtobegofyou.Whenanybodyasksyouwhomadeyourclothes,bepleasedtomentionJohnFilby,attheHarrow,inWaterlane."'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thatwasbecauseheknewthestrangecolourwouldattractcrowdstogazeatit,

andthustheymighthearofhim,andseehowwellhecouldmakeacoatevenofsoabsurdacolour.'

AfterdinnerourconversationfirstturneduponPope.Johnsonsaid,hischaractersofmenwereadmirablydrawn,thoseofwomennotsowell.Herepeatedtous,inhisforciblemelodiousmanner,theconcludinglinesoftheDunciad.Whilehewastalkingloudlyinpraiseofthoselines,oneofthecompany*venturedtosay,'Toofineforsuchapoem:--apoemonwhat?'JOHNSON,(withadisdainfullook,)'Why,onDUNCES.Itwasworthwhilebeingaduncethen.Ah,Sir,hadstTHOUlivedinthosedays!Itisnotworthwhile'beingaduncenow,whentherearenowits.'Bickerstaffobserved,asapeculiarcircumstance,thatPope'sfamewashigherwhenhewasalivethanitwasthen.Johnsonsaid,hisPastorals

werepoorthings,thoughtheversificationwasfine.Hetoldus,withhighsatisfaction,theanecdoteofPope'sinquiringwhowastheauthourofhisLondon,andsaying,hewillbesoondeterre.Heobserved,thatinDryden'spoetrytherewerepassagesdrawnfromaprofunditywhichPopecouldneverreach.Herepeatedsomefinelinesonlove,bytheformer,(whichIhavenowforgotten,)andgavegreatapplausetothecharacterofZimri.Goldsmithsaid,thatPope'scharacterofAddisonshewedadeepknowledgeofthehumanheart.Johnsonsaid,thatthedescriptionofthetemple,inTheMourningBride,wasthefinestpoeticalpassagehehadeverread;herecollectednoneinShakspeareequaltoit.'But,(said



Garrick,allalarmedforthe'Godofhisidolatry,')weknownottheextentandvarietyofhispowers.Wearetosupposetherearesuchpassagesinhisworks.Shakspearemustnotsufferfromthebadnessofourmemories.'Johnson,divertedbythisenthusiastickjealousy,wentonwithgreaterardour:'No,Sir;CongrevehasNATURE;'(smilingonthetragickeagernessofGarrick;)butcomposinghimself,headded,'Sir,thisisnotcomparingCongreveonthewhole,withShakspeareonthewhole;butonlymaintainingthatCongrevehasonefinerpassagethananythatcanbefoundinShakspeare.Sir,amanmayhavenomorethantenguineasintheworld,buthemayhavethosetenguineasinonepiece;andsomayhaveafinerpiecethanamanwhohastenthousandpounds:butthenhehasonlyoneten-guineapiece.WhatImeanis,thatyoucanshewmenopassagewherethereissimplyadescriptionofmaterialobjects,withoutanyintermixtureofmoralnotions,whichproducessuchaneffect.'Mr.MurphymentionedShakspeare'sdescriptionofthenightbeforethebattleofAgincourt;butitwasobserved,ithadMENinit.Mr.DaviessuggestedthespeechofJuliet,inwhichshefiguresherselfawakinginthetombofherancestors.SomeonementionedthedescriptionofDoverCliff.JOHNSON.'No,Sir;itshouldbeallprecipice,--allvacuum.Thecrowsimpedeyourfall.Thediminishedappearanceoftheboats,andothercircumstances,areallverygooddescriptions;butdonotimpressthemindatoncewiththehorribleideaofimmenseheight.Theimpressionisdivided;youpassonbycomputation,fromonestageofthetremendousspacetoanother.HadthegirlinTheMourningBride

said,shecouldnotcasthershoetothetopofoneofthepillarsinthetemple,itwouldnothaveaidedtheidea,butweakenedit.'

*Everyoneguessesthat'oneofthecompany'wasBoswell.--HILL.

TalkingofaBarristerwhohadabadutterance,someone,(torouseJohnson,)wickedlysaid,thathewasunfortunateinnothavingbeentaughtoratorybySheridan.JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,ifhehadbeentaughtbySheridan,hewouldhaveclearedtheroom.'GARRICK.'Sheridanhastoomuchvanitytobeagoodman.'WeshallnowseeJohnson'smodeofDEFENDINGaman;takinghimintohisownhands,anddiscriminating.JOHNSON.'No,Sir.Thereis,tobesure,inSheridan,somethingto

reprehend,andeverythingtolaughat;but,Sir,heisnotabadman.No,Sir;weremankindtobedividedintogoodandbad,hewouldstandconsiderablywithintheranksofgood.And,Sir,itmustbeallowedthatSheridanexcelsinplaindeclamation,thoughhecanexhibitnocharacter.'

Mrs.Montagu,aladydistinguishedforhavingwrittenanEssayonShakspeare,beingmentioned;REYNOLDS.'Ithinkthatessaydoesherhonour.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir:itdoesHERhonour,butitwoulddonobodyelsehonour.Ihave,indeed,notreaditall.ButwhenItakeuptheendofaweb,andfinditpackthread,Idonotexpect,bylookingfurther,tofindembroidery.Sir,Iwillventuretosay,thereisnotonesentenceoftruecriticisminherbook.'GARRICK.'But,Sir,surelyit

shewshowmuchVoltairehasmistakenShakspeare,whichnobodyelsehasdone.'JOHNSON.'Sir,nobodyelsehasthoughtitworthwhile.Andwhatmeritisthereinthat?Youmayaswellpraiseaschoolmasterforwhippingaboywhohasconstruedill.No,Sir,thereisnorealcriticisminit:noneshewingthebeautyofthought,asformedontheworkingsofthehumanheart.'

TheadmirersofthisEssaymaybeoffendedattheslightingmannerinwhichJohnsonspokeofit;butletitberemembered,thathegavehishonestopinionunbiassedbyanyprejudice,oranyproudjealousyof



awomanintrudingherselfintothechairofcriticism;forSirJoshuaReynoldshastoldme,thatwhentheEssayfirstcameout,anditwasnotknownwhohadwrittenit,JohnsonwonderedhowSirJoshuacouldlikeit.AtthistimeSirJoshuahimselfhadreceivednoinformationconcerningtheauthour,exceptbeingassuredbyoneofourmosteminentliterati,thatitwasclearitsauthourdidnotknowtheGreektragediesintheoriginal.OnedayatSirJoshua'stable,whenitwasrelatedthatMrs.Montagu,inanexcessofcomplimenttotheauthourofamoderntragedy,hadexclaimed,'ItrembleforShakspeare;'Johnsonsaid,'WhenShakspearehasgot----forhisrival,andMrs.Montaguforhisdefender,heisinapoorstateindeed.'

OnThursday,October19,Ipassedtheeveningwithhimathishouse.HeadvisedmetocompleteaDictionaryofwordspeculiartoScotland,ofwhichIshewedhimaspecimen.'Sir,(saidhe,)Rayhasmadeacollectionofnorth-countrywords.Bycollectingthoseofyourcountry,youwilldoausefulthingtowardsthehistoryofthelanguage.HebademealsogoonwithcollectionswhichIwasmakingupontheantiquitiesofScotland.'Makealargebook;afolio.'BOSWELL.'Butofwhatusewillitbe,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Nevermindtheuse;doit.'

IcomplainedthathehadnotmentionedGarrickinhisPrefacetoShakspeare;andaskedhimifhedidnotadmirehim.JOHNSON.'Yes,as"apoorplayer,whofretsandstrutshishouruponthestage;"--as

ashadow.'BOSWELL.'ButhashenotbroughtShakspeareintonotice?'JOHNSON.'Sir,toallowthat,wouldbetolampoontheage.ManyofShakspeare'splaysaretheworseforbeingacted:Macbeth,forinstance.'BOSWELL.'What,Sir,isnothinggainedbydecorationandaction?Indeed,IdowishthatyouhadmentionedGarrick.'JOHNSON.'MydearSir,hadImentionedhim,Imusthavementionedmanymore:Mrs.Pritchard,Mrs.Cibber,--nay,andMr.Cibbertoo;hetooalteredShakspeare.'BOSWELL.'Youhavereadhisapology,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Yes,itisveryentertaining.ButasforCibberhimself,takingfromhisconversationallthatheoughtnottohavesaid,hewasapoorcreature.IrememberwhenhebroughtmeoneofhisOdestohavemyopinionofit;Icouldnotbearsuchnonsense,andwouldnotlethimreadittotheend;solittlerespecthadIforTHATGREATMAN!(laughing.)YetI

rememberRichardsonwonderingthatIcouldtreathimwithfamiliarity.'

ImentionedtohimthatIhadseentheexecutionofseveralconvictsatTyburn,twodaysbefore,andthatnoneofthemseemedtobeunderanyconcern.JOHNSON.'Mostofthem,Sir,haveneverthoughtatall.'BOSWELL.'Butisnotthefearofdeathnaturaltoman?'JOHNSON.'Somuchso,Sir,thatthewholeoflifeisbutkeepingawaythethoughtsofit.'Hethen,inalowandearnesttone,talkedofhismeditatingupontheawefulhourofhisowndissolution,andinwhatmannerheshouldconducthimselfuponthatoccasion:'Iknownot(saidhe,)whetherIshouldwishtohaveafriendbyme,orhaveitallbetweenGODandmyself.'

Talkingofourfeelingforthedistressesofothers;--JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thereismuchnoisemadeaboutit,butitisgreatlyexaggerated.No,Sir,wehaveacertaindegreeoffeelingtopromptustodogood:morethanthat,Providencedoesnotintend.Itwouldbemiserytonopurpose.'BOSWELL.'Butsupposenow,Sir,thatoneofyourintimatefriendswereapprehendedforanoffenceforwhichhemightbehanged.'JOHNSON.'IshoulddowhatIcouldtobailhim,andgivehimanyotherassistance;butifhewereoncefairlyhanged,Ishouldnotsuffer.'BOSWELL.'Wouldyoueatyourdinnerthatday,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;andeatitasifhewereeatingitwithme.Why,there'sBaretti,who



istobetriedforhislifeto-morrow,friendshaverisenupforhimoneveryside;yetifheshouldbehanged,noneofthemwilleatasliceofplumb-puddingtheless.Sir,thatsympatheticfeelinggoesaverylittlewayindepressingthemind.'

ItoldhimthatIhaddinedlatelyatFoote's,whoshewedmealetterwhichhehadreceivedfromTomDavies,tellinghimthathehadnotbeenabletosleepfromtheconcernwhichhefeltonaccountof'ThissadaffairofBaretti,'beggingofhimtotryifhecouldsuggestanythingthatmightbeofservice;and,atthesametime,recommendingtohimanindustriousyoungmanwhokeptapickle-shop.JOHNSON.'Ay,Sir,hereyouhaveaspecimenofhumansympathy;afriendhanged,andacucumberpickled.WeknownotwhetherBarettiorthepickle-manhaskeptDaviesfromsleep;nordoesheknowhimself.Andastohisnotsleeping,Sir;TomDaviesisaverygreatman;Tomhasbeenuponthestage,andknowshowtodothosethings.Ihavenotbeenuponthestage,andcannotdothosethings.'BOSWELL.'Ihaveoftenblamedmyself,Sir,fornotfeelingforothersassensiblyasmanysaytheydo.'JOHNSON.'Sir,don'tbedupedbythemanymore.Youwillfindtheseveryfeelingpeoplearenotveryreadytodoyougood.TheyPAYyoubyFEELING.'

BOSWELL.'Footehasagreatdealofhumour?'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir.'BOSWELL.'Hehasasingulartalentofexhibitingcharacter.'JOHNSON.'Sir,itisnotatalent;itisavice;itiswhatothersabstainfrom.

Itisnotcomedy,whichexhibitsthecharacterofaspecies,asthatofamisergatheredfrommanymisers:itisfarce,whichexhibitsindividuals.'BOSWELL.'Didnothethinkofexhibitingyou,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Sir,fearrestrainedhim;heknewIwouldhavebrokenhisbones.Iwouldhavesavedhimthetroubleofcuttingoffaleg;Iwouldnothavelefthimalegtocutoff.'BOSWELL.'Pray,Sir,isnotFooteaninfidel?'JOHNSON.'Idonotknow,Sir,thatthefellowisaninfidel;butifhebeaninfidel,heisaninfidelasadogisaninfidel;thatistosay,hehasneverthoughtuponthesubject.'*BOSWELL.'Isuppose,Sir,hehasthoughtsuperficially,andseizedthefirstnotionswhichoccurredtohismind.'JOHNSON.'Whythen,Sir,stillheislikeadog,thatsnatchesthepiecenexthim.Didyouneverobservethatdogshavenotthepowerofcomparing?Adogwilltakea

smallbitofmeatasreadilyasalarge,whenbotharebeforehim.'

*WhenMr.FootewasatEdinburgh,hethoughtfittoentertainanumerousScotchcompany,withagreatdealofcoarsejocularity,attheexpenseofDr.Johnson,imaginingitwouldbeacceptable.Ifeltthisasnotciviltome;butsatverypatientlytillhehadexhaustedhismerrimentonthatsubject;andthenobserved,thatsurelyJohnsonmustbeallowedtohavesomesterlingwit,andthatIhadheardhimsayaverygoodthingofMr.Footehimself.'Ah,myoldfriendSam(criedFoote,)nomansaysbetterthings;doletushaveit.'UponwhichItoldtheabovestory,whichproducedaveryloudlaughfromthecompany.ButInever

sawFootesodisconcerted.--BOSWELL.

BOSWELL.'WhatdoyouthinkofDr.Young'sNightThoughts,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thereareveryfinethingsinthem.'BOSWELL.'Istherenotlessreligioninthenationnow,Sir,thantherewasformerly?'JOHNSON.'Idon'tknow,Sir,thatthereis.'BOSWELL.'Forinstance,thereusedtobeachaplainineverygreatfamily,whichwedonotfindnow.'JOHNSON.'Neitherdoyoufindanyofthestateservants,whichgreatfamiliesusedformerlytohave.Thereisachangeofmodesinthewholedepartmentoflife.'



Nextday,October20,heappeared,fortheonlytimeIsupposeinhislife,asawitnessinaCourtofJustice,beingcalledtogiveevidencetothecharacterofMr.Baretti,whohavingstabbedamaninthestreet,wasarraignedattheOldBaileyformurder.NeverdidsuchaconstellationofgeniusenlightentheawefulSessions-House,emphaticallycalledJUSTICEHALL;Mr.Burke,Mr.Garrick,Mr.Beauclerk,andDr.Johnson:andundoubtedlytheirfavourabletestimonyhaddueweightwiththeCourtandJury.Johnsongavehisevidenceinaslow,deliberate,anddistinctmanner,whichwasuncommonlyimpressive.ItiswellknownthatMr.Barettiwasacquitted.

Onthe26thofOctober,wedinedtogetherattheMitretavern.IfoundfaultwithFooteforindulginghistalentofridiculeattheexpenceofhisvisitors,whichIcolloquiallytermedmakingfoolsofhiscompany.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,whenyougotoseeFoote,youdonotgotoseeasaint:yougotoseeamanwhowillbeentertainedatyourhouse,andthenbringyouonapublickstage;whowillentertainyouathishouse,fortheverypurposeofbringingyouonapublickstage.Sir,hedoesnotmakefoolsofhiscompany;theywhomheexposesarefoolsalready:heonlybringsthemintoaction.'

Wewenthometohishousetotea.Mrs.Williamsmadeitwithsufficientdexterity,notwithstandingherblindness,thoughhermannerof

satisfyingherselfthatthecupswerefullenoughappearedtomealittleaukward;forIfanciedsheputherfingerdownacertainway,tillshefelttheteatouchit.*InmyfirstelationatbeingallowedtheprivilegeofattendingDr.Johnsonathislatevisitstothislady,whichwaslikebeingesecretioribusconsiliis,Iwillinglydrankcupaftercup,asifithadbeentheHeliconianspring.Butasthecharmofnoveltywentoff,Igrewmorefastidious;andbesides,Idiscoveredthatshewasofapeevishtemper.

*Boswellafterwardslearnedthatshefelttherisingteaontheoutsideofthecup.--ED.

Therewasaprettylargecirclethisevening.Dr.Johnsonwasinvery

goodhumour,lively,andreadytotalkuponallsubjects.Mr.Fergusson,theself-taughtphilosopher,toldhimofanew-inventedmachinewhichwentwithouthorses:amanwhosatinitturnedahandle,whichworkedaspringthatdroveitforward.'Then,Sir,(saidJohnson,)whatisgainedis,themanhashischoicewhetherhewillmovehimselfalone,orhimselfandthemachinetoo.'Dominicettibeingmentioned,hewouldnotallowhimanymerit.'Thereisnothinginallthisboastedsystem.No,Sir;medicatedbathscanbenobetterthanwarmwater:theironlyeffectcanbethatoftepidmoisture.'Oneofthecompanytooktheotherside,maintainingthatmedicinesofvarioussorts,andsometooofmostpowerfuleffect,areintroducedintothehumanframebythemediumofthepores;and,therefore,whenwarmwaterisimpregnatedwithsalutiferoussubstances,itmayproducegreateffectsasabath.This

appearedtomeverysatisfactory.Johnsondidnotanswerit;buttalkingforvictory,anddeterminedtobemasterofthefield,hehadrecoursetothedevicewhichGoldsmithimputedtohiminthewittywordsofoneofCibber'scomedies:'ThereisnoarguingwithJohnson;forwhenhispistolmissesfire,heknocksyoudownwiththebuttendofit.'Heturnedtothegentleman,'well,Sir,gotoDominicetti,andgetthyselffumigated;butbesurethatthesteambedirectedtothyHEAD,forTHATisthePECCANTPART.'Thisproducedatriumphantroaroflaughterfromthemotleyassemblyofphilosophers,printers,anddependents,maleandfemale.



Iknownothowsowhimsicalathoughtcameintomymind,butIasked,'If,Sir,youwereshutupinacastle,andanewbornchildwithyou,whatwouldyoudo?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Ishouldnotmuchlikemycompany.'BOSWELL.'Butwouldyoutakethetroubleofrearingit?'Heseemed,asmaywellbesupposed,unwillingtopursuethesubject:butuponmyperseveringinmyquestion,replied,'Whyyes,Sir,Iwould;butImusthaveallconveniencies.IfIhadnogarden,Iwouldmakeashedontheroof,andtakeitthereforfreshair.Ishouldfeedit,andwashitmuch,andwithwarmwatertopleaseit,notwithcoldwatertogiveitpain.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,doesnotheatrelax?'JOHNSON.'Sir,youarenottoimaginethewateristobeveryhot.IwouldnotCODDLEthechild.No,Sir,thehardymethodoftreatingchildrendoesnogood.I'lltakeyoufivechildrenfromLondon,whoshallcufffiveHighlandchildren.Sir,amanbredinLondonwillcarryaburthen,orrun,orwrestle,aswellasamanbroughtupinthehardiestmannerinthecountry.'BOSWELL.'Goodliving,Isuppose,makestheLondonersstrong.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Idon'tknowthatitdoes.OurChairmenfromIreland,whoareasstrongmenasany,havebeenbroughtupuponpotatoes.Quantitymakesupforquality.'BOSWELL.'WouldyouteachthischildthatIhavefurnishedyouwith,anything?'JOHNSON.'No,Ishouldnotbeapttoteachit.'BOSWELL.'Wouldnotyouhaveapleasureinteachingit?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir,IshouldNOThaveapleasureinteachingit.'BOSWELL.'Haveyounotapleasureinteachingmen?--THERE

Ihaveyou.Youhavethesamepleasureinteachingmen,thatIshouldhaveinteachingchildren.'JOHNSON.'Why,somethingaboutthat.'

IhadhiredaBohemianasmyservantwhileIremainedinLondon,andbeingmuchpleasedwithhim,IaskedDr.JohnsonwhetherhisbeingaRomanCatholickshouldpreventmytakinghimwithmetoScotland.JOHNSON.'Whyno,Sir,ifHEhasnoobjection,youcanhavenone.'BOSWELL.'So,Sir,youarenogreatenemytotheRomanCatholickreligion.'JOHNSON.'Nomore,Sir,thantothePresbyterianreligion.'BOSWELL.'Youarejoking.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir,Ireallythinkso.Nay,Sir,ofthetwo,IpreferthePopish.'BOSWELL.'Howso,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thePresbyterianshavenochurch,noapostolicalordination.'BOSWELL.'Anddoyouthinkthatabsolutelyessential,Sir?'JOHNSON.

'Why,Sir,asitwasanapostolicalinstitution,Ithinkitisdangeroustobewithoutit.And,Sir,thePresbyterianshavenopublicworship:theyhavenoformofprayerinwhichtheyknowtheyaretojoin.Theygotohearamanpray,andaretojudgewhethertheywilljoinwithhim.'

Iproceeded:'Whatdoyouthink,Sir,ofPurgatory,asbelievedbytheRomanCatholicks?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,itisaveryharmlessdoctrine.Theyareofopinionthatthegeneralityofmankindareneithersoobstinatelywickedastodeserveeverlastingpunishment,norsogoodastomeritbeingadmittedintothesocietyofblessedspirits;andthereforethatGodisgraciouslypleasedtoallowofamiddlestate,wheretheymaybepurifiedbycertaindegreesofsuffering.Yousee,Sir,thereisnothingunreasonableinthis.'BOSWELL.'Butthen,

Sir,theirmassesforthedead?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,ifitbeonceestablishedthattherearesoulsinpurgatory,itisaspropertoprayforTHEM,asforourbrethrenofmankindwhoareyetinthislife.'BOSWELL.'TheidolatryoftheMass?'JOHNSON.'Sir,thereisnoidolatryintheMass.Theybelievegodtobethere,andtheyadorehim.'BOSWELL.'TheworshipofSaints?'JOHNSON.'Sir,theydonotworshipsaints;theyinvokethem;theyonlyasktheirprayers.IamtalkingallthistimeoftheDOCTRINESoftheChurchofRome.IgrantyouthatinPRACTICE,Purgatoryismadealucrativeimposition,andthatthepeopledobecomeidolatrousastheyrecommendthemselvestothetutelaryprotectionof



particularsaints.Ithinktheirgivingthesacramentonlyinonekindiscriminal,becauseitiscontrarytotheexpressinstitutionofCHRIST,andIwonderhowtheCouncilofTrentadmittedit.'BOSWELL.'Confession?'JOHNSON.'Why,Idon'tknowbutthatisagoodthing.Thescripturesays,"Confessyourfaultsonetoanother,"andthepriestsconfessaswellasthelaity.Thenitmustbeconsideredthattheirabsolutionisonlyuponrepentance,andoftenuponpenancealso.Youthinkyoursinsmaybeforgivenwithoutpenance,uponrepentancealone.'

Whenwewerealone,Iintroducedthesubjectofdeath,andendeavouredtomaintainthatthefearofitmightbegotover.ItoldhimthatDavidHumesaidtome,hewasnomoreuneasytothinkheshouldNOTBEafterthislife,thanthatheHADNOTBEENbeforehebegantoexist.JOHNSON.Sir,ifhereallythinksso,hisperceptionsaredisturbed;heismad:ifhedoesnotthinkso,helies.Hemaytellyou,heholdshisfingerintheflameofacandle,withoutfeelingpain;wouldyoubelievehim?Whenhedies,heatleastgivesupallhehas.'BOSWELL.'Foote,Sir,toldme,thatwhenhewasveryillhewasnotafraidtodie.'JOHNSON.'Itisnottrue,Sir.HoldapistoltoFoote'sbreast,ortoHume'sbreast,andthreatentokillthem,andyou'llseehowtheybehave.'BOSWELL.'Butmaywenotfortifyourmindsfortheapproachofdeath?'HereIamsensibleIwasinthewrong,tobringbeforehisviewwhatheeverlookeduponwithhorrour;foralthoughwheninacelestialframe,inhisVanityofHumanWisheshehassupposeddeathtobe'kindNature's

signalforretreat,'fromthisstateofbeingto'ahappierseat,'histhoughtsuponthisawefulchangewereingeneralfullofdismalapprehensions.Hismindresembledthevastamphitheatre,theColisaeumatRome.Inthecentrestoodhisjudgement,which,likeamightygladiator,combatedthoseapprehensionsthat,likethewildbeastsoftheArena,wereallaroundincells,readytobeletoutuponhim.Afteraconflict,hedrivesthembackintotheirdens;butnotkillingthem,theywerestillassailinghim.Tomyquestion,whetherwemightnotfortifyourmindsfortheapproachofdeath,heanswered,inapassion,'No,Sir,letitalone.Itmattersnothowamandies,buthowhelives.Theactofdyingisnotofimportance,itlastssoshortatime.'Headded,(withanearnestlook,)'Amanknowsitmustbeso,andsubmits.Itwilldohimnogoodtowhine.'

Iattemptedtocontinuetheconversation.Hewassoprovoked,thathesaid,'Giveusnomoreofthis;'andwasthrownintosuchastateofagitation,thatheexpressedhimselfinawaythatalarmedanddistressedme;shewedanimpatiencethatIshouldleavehim,andwhenIwasgoingaway,calledtomesternly,'Don'tletusmeettomorrow.'

Iwenthomeexceedinglyuneasy.AlltheharshobservationswhichIhadeverheardmadeuponhischaracter,crowdedintomymind;andIseemedtomyselflikethemanwhohadputhisheadintothelion'smouthagreatmanytimeswithperfectsafety,butatlasthaditbitoff.

NextmorningIsenthimanote,stating,thatImighthavebeeninthe

wrong,butitwasnotintentionally;hewastherefore,Icouldnothelpthinking,toosevereuponme.Thatnotwithstandingouragreementnottomeetthatday,Iwouldcallonhiminmywaytothecity,andstayfiveminutesbymywatch.'Youare,(saidI,)inmymind,sincelastnight,surroundedwithcloudandstorm.Letmehaveaglimpseofsunshine,andgoaboutmyaffairsinserenityandchearfulness.'

Uponenteringhisstudy,Iwasgladthathewasnotalone,whichwouldhavemadeourmeetingmoreawkward.Therewerewithhim,Mr.SteevensandMr.Tyers,bothofwhomInowsawforthefirsttime.Mynote



had,onhisownreflection,softenedhim,forhereceivedmeverycomplacently;sothatIunexpectedlyfoundmyselfatease,andjoinedintheconversation.

Iwhisperedhim,'Well,Sir,youarenowingoodhumour.JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir.'Iwasgoingtoleavehim,andhadgotasfarasthestaircase.Hestoppedme,andsmiling,said,'GetyougoneIN;'acuriousmodeofinvitingmetostay,whichIaccordinglydidforsometimelonger.

Thislittleincidentalquarrelandreconciliation,which,perhaps,Imaybethoughttohavedetailedtoominutely,mustbeesteemedasoneofmanyproofswhichhisfriendshad,thatthoughhemightbechargedwithbadhumourattimes,hewasalwaysagood-naturedman;andIhaveheardSirJoshuaReynolds,aniceanddelicateobserverofmanners,particularlyremark,thatwhenuponanyoccasionJohnsonhadbeenroughtoanypersonincompany,hetookthefirstopportunityofreconciliation,bydrinkingtohim,oraddressinghisdiscoursetohim;butifhefoundhisdignifiedindirectoverturessullenlyneglected,hewasquiteindifferent,andconsideredhimselfashavingdoneallthatheoughttodo,andtheotherasnowinthewrong.

IwenttohimearlyonthemorningofthetenthofNovember.'Now(saidhe,)thatyouaregoingtomarry,donotexpectmorefromlife,thanlifewillafford.Youmayoftenfindyourselfoutofhumour,andyoumay

oftenthinkyourwifenotstudiousenoughtopleaseyou;andyetyoumayhavereasontoconsideryourselfasuponthewholeveryhappilymarried.'

1770:AETAT.61.]--DuringthisyeartherewasatotalcessationofallcorrespondencebetweenDr.Johnsonandme,withoutanycoldnessoneitherside,butmerelyfromprocrastination,continuedfromdaytoday;andasIwasnotinLondon,Ihadnoopportunityofenjoyinghiscompanyandrecordinghisconversation.Tosupplythisblank,IshallpresentmyreaderswithsomeCollectanea,obliginglyfurnishedtomebytheRev.Dr.Maxwell,ofFalkland,inIreland,sometimeassistantpreacherattheTemple,andformanyyearsthesocialfriendofJohnson,whospokeofhimwithaverykindregard.

'Hisgeneralmodeoflife,duringmyacquaintance,seemedtobeprettyuniform.Abouttwelveo'clockIcommonlyvisitedhim,andfrequentlyfoundhiminbed,ordeclaimingoverhistea,whichhedrankveryplentifully.Hegenerallyhadaleveeofmorningvisitors,chieflymenofletters;Hawkesworth,Goldsmith,Murphy,Langton,Steevens,Beaucherk,&c.&c.,andsometimeslearnedladies,particularlyIrememberaFrenchladyofwitandfashiondoinghimthehonourofavisit.Heseemedtometobeconsideredasakindofpublickoracle,whomeverybodythoughttheyhadarighttovisitandconsult;anddoubtlesstheywerewellrewarded.Inevercoulddiscoverhowhefoundtimeforhiscompositions.Hedeclaimedallthemorning,thenwenttodinneratatavern,wherehecommonlystaidlate,andthendrankhistea

atsomefriend'shouse,overwhichheloiteredagreatwhile,butseldomtooksupper.Ifancyhemusthavereadandwrotechieflyinthenight,forIcanscarcelyrecollectthatheeverrefusedgoingwithmetoatavern,andheoftenwenttoRanelagh,whichhedeemedaplaceofinnocentrecreation.

'Hefrequentlygaveallthesilverinhispockettothepoor,whowatchedhim,betweenhishouseandthetavernwherehedined.Hewalkedthestreetsatallhours,andsaidhewasneverrobbed,fortheroguesknewhehadlittlemoney,norhadtheappearanceofhavingmuch.



'Thoughthemostaccessibleandcommunicativemanalive;yetwhenhesuspectedhewasinvitedtobeexhibited,heconstantlyspurnedtheinvitation.

'TwoyoungwomenfromStaffordshirevisitedhimwhenIwaspresent,toconsulthimonthesubjectofMethodism,towhichtheywereinclined."Come,(saidhe,)youprettyfools,dinewithMaxwellandmeattheMitre,andwewilltalkoverthatsubject;"whichtheydid,andafterdinnerhetookoneofthemuponhisknee,andfondledherforhalfanhourtogether.

'JohnsonwasmuchattachedtoLondon:heobserved,thatamanstoredhismindbetterthere,thananywhereelse;andthatinremotesituationsaman'sbodymightbefeasted,buthismindwasstarved,andhisfacultiesapttodegenerate,fromwantofexerciseandcompetition.Noplace,(hesaid,)curedaman'svanityorarrogancesowellasLondon;forasnomanwaseithergreatorgoodperse,butascomparedwithothersnotsogoodorgreat,hewassuretofindinthemetropolismanyhisequals,andsomehissuperiours.Heobserved,thatamaninLondonwasinlessdangeroffallinginloveindiscreetly,thananywhereelse;fortherethedifficultyofdecidingbetweentheconflictingpretensionsofavastvarietyofobjects,kepthimsafe.Hetoldme,thathehadfrequentlybeenofferedcountrypreferment,ifhewouldconsenttotakeorders;but

hecouldnotleavetheimprovedsocietyofthecapital,orconsenttoexchangetheexhilaratingjoysandsplendiddecorationsofpublicklife,fortheobscurity,insipidity,anduniformityofremotesituations.

'Burton'sAnatomyofMelancholy,hesaid,wastheonlybookthatevertookhimoutofbedtwohourssoonerthanhewishedtorise.

'Whenexasperatedbycontradiction,hewasapttotreathisopponentswithtoomuchacrimony:as,"Sir,youdon'tseeyourwaythroughthatquestion:"--"Sir,youtalkthelanguageofignorance."Onmyobservingtohimthatacertaingentlemanhadremainedsilentthewholeevening,inthemidstofaverybrilliantandlearnedsociety,"Sir,(saidhe,)theconversationoverflowed,anddrownedhim."

'Heobserved,thattheestablishedclergyingeneraldidnotpreachplainenough;andthatpolishedperiodsandglitteringsentencesflewovertheheadsofthecommonpeople,withoutanyimpressionupontheirhearts.Somethingmightbenecessary,heobserved,toexcitetheaffectionsofthecommonpeople,whoweresunkinlanguorandlethargy,andthereforehesupposedthatthenewconcomitantsofmethodismmightprobablyproducesodesirableaneffect.Themind,likethebody,heobserved,delightedinchangeandnovelty,andeveninreligionitself,courtednewappearancesandmodifications.Whatevermightbethoughtofsomemethodistteachers,hesaid,hecouldscarcelydoubtthesincerityofthatman,whotravelledninehundredmilesinamonth,andpreachedtwelvetimesaweek;fornoadequatereward,merelytemporal,couldbe

givenforsuchindefatigablelabour.

'InaLatinconversationwiththePereBoscovitch,atthehouseofMrs.Cholmondeley,IheardhimmaintainthesuperiorityofSirIsaacNewtonoverallforeignphilosophers,withadignityandeloquencethatsurprizedthatlearnedforeigner.Itbeingobservedtohim,thatarageforeverythingEnglishprevailedmuchinFranceafterLordChatham'sgloriouswar,hesaid,hedidnotwonderatit,forthatwehaddrubbedthosefellowsintoaproperreverenceforus,andthattheirnationalpetulancerequiredperiodicalchastisement.



'Speakingofadulltiresomefellow,whomhechancedtomeet,hesaid,"Thatfellowseemstometopossessbutoneidea,andthatisawrongone."

'Muchenquiryhavingbeenmadeconcerningagentleman,whohadquittedacompanywhereJohnsonwas,andnoinformationbeingobtained;atlastJohnsonobserved,that"hedidnotcaretospeakillofanymanbehindhisback,buthebelievedthegentlemanwasanATTORNEY."

'Agentlemanwhohadbeenveryunhappyinmarriage,marriedimmediatelyafterhiswifedied:Johnsonsaid,itwasthetriumphofhopeoverexperience.

'Heobserved,thatamanofsenseandeducationshouldmeetasuitablecompanioninawife.Itwasamiserablethingwhentheconversationcouldonlybesuchas,whetherthemuttonshouldbeboiledorroasted,andprobablyadisputeaboutthat.

'Hedidnotapproveoflatemarriages,observingthatmorewaslostinpointoftime,thancompensatedforbyanypossibleadvantages.Evenillassortedmarriageswerepreferabletocheerlesscelibacy.

'Hesaid,fopperywasnevercured;itwasthebadstaminaofthemind,

which,likethoseofthebody,wereneverrectified:onceacoxcomb,andalwaysacoxcomb.

'BeingtoldthatGilbertCowpercalledhimtheCalibanofliterature;"Well,(saidhe,)ImustdubhimthePunchinello."

'Hesaidfewpeoplehadintellectualresourcessufficienttoforegothepleasuresofwine.Theycouldnototherwisecontrivehowtofilltheintervalbetweendinnerandsupper.

'OneeveningatMrs.Montagu's,whereasplendidcompanywasassembled,consistingofthemosteminentliterarycharacters,Ithoughtheseemedhighlypleasedwiththerespectandattentionthatwereshewnhim,

andaskedhimonourreturnhomeifhewasnothighlygratifiedbyhisvisit:

"No,Sir,(saidhe,)nothighlygratified;yetIdonotrecollecttohavepassedmanyeveningswithfewerobjections."

'Thoughofnohighextractionhimself,hehadmuchrespectforbirthandfamily,especiallyamongladies.Hesaid,"adventitiousaccomplishmentsmaybepossessedbyallranks;butonemayeasilydistinguishtheborngentlewoman."

'SpeakingofBurke,hesaid,"Itwascommonlyobserved,hespoketooofteninparliament;butnobodycouldsayhedidnotspeakwell,though

toofrequentlyandtoofamiliarly."

'WedinedteteateteattheMitre,asIwaspreparingtoreturntoIreland,afteranabsenceofmanyyears.IregrettedmuchleavingLondon,whereIhadformedmanyagreeableconnexions:"Sir,(saidhe,)Idon'twonderatit;noman,fondofletters,leavesLondonwithoutregret.Butremember,Sir,youhaveseenandenjoyedagreatdeal;--youhaveseenlifeinitshighestdecorations,andtheworldhasnothingnewtoexhibit.Nomanissowellqualifyedtoleavepublicklifeashewhohaslongtrieditandknownitwell.Wearealwayshankeringafter



untriedsituationsandimagininggreaterfelicityfromthemthantheycanafford.No,Sir,knowledgeandvirtuemaybeacquiredinallcountries,andyourlocalconsequencewillmakeyousomeamendsfortheintellectualgratificationsyourelinquish."

'Hethentookamostaffectingleaveofme;said,heknew,itwasapointofDUTYthatcalledmeaway."Weshallallbesorrytoloseyou,"saidhe:"laudotamen."'

1771,AETAT.62.]--

'ToSIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS,INLEICESTER-FIELDS.

'DEARSIR,--WhenIcametoLichfield,Ifoundthatmyportraithadbeenmuchvisited,andmuchadmired.Everymanhasalurkingwishtoappearconsiderableinhisnativeplace;andIwaspleasedwiththedignityconferredbysuchatestimonyofyourregard.

'Bepleased,therefore,toacceptthethanksof,Sir,yourmostobligedandmosthumbleservant,

'AshbourninDerbyshire,

'SAM.JOHNSON.

July17,1771.'

'ComplimentstoMissReynolds.'

Inhisreligiousrecordofthisyear,weobservethathewasbetterthanusual,bothinbodyandmind,andbettersatisfiedwiththeregularityofhisconduct.Butheisstill'tryinghisways'toorigorously.Hechargeshimselfwithnotrisingearlyenough;yethementionswhatwassurelyasufficientexcuseforthis,supposingittobeadutyseriously

required,asheallhislifeappearstohavethoughtit.'Onegreathindranceiswantofrest;mynocturnalcomplaintsgrowlesstroublesometowardsmorning;andIamtemptedtorepairthedeficienciesofthenight.'Alas!howhardwoulditbeifthisindulgenceweretobeimputedtoasickmanasacrime.InhisretrospectonthefollowingEaster-Eve,hesays,'WhenIreviewthelastyear,Iamabletorecollectsolittledone,thatshameandsorrow,thoughperhapstooweakly,comeuponme.'

In1772hewasaltogetherquiescentasanauthour;butitwillbefoundfromthevariousevidenceswhichIshallbringtogetherthathismindwasacute,lively,andvigorous.


'DEARSIR,--ThatyouarecomingsosoontotownIamveryglad;andstillmoregladthatyouarecomingasanadvocate.Ithinknothingmorelikelytomakeyourlifepasshappilyaway,thanthatconsciousnessofyourownvalue,whicheminenceinyourprofessionwillcertainlyconfer.IfIcangiveyouanycollateralhelp,Ihopeyoudonotsuspectthatitwillbewanting.Mykindnessforyouhasneitherthemeritofsingularvirtue,northereproachofsingularprejudice.Whethertoloveyouberightorwrong,Ihavemanyonmyside:Mrs.Thralelovesyou,andMrs.



Williamslovesyou,andwhatwouldhaveinclinedmetoloveyou,ifIhadbeenneutralbefore,youareagreatfavouriteofDr.Beattie.*

'OfDr.BeattieIshouldhavethoughtmuch,butthathisladyputshimoutofmyhead;sheisaverylovelywoman.

'Theejectionwhichyoucomehithertooppose,appearsverycruel,unreasonable,andoppressive.Ishouldthinktherecouldnotbemuchdoubtofyoursuccess.

'Myhealthgrowsbetter,yetIamnotfullyrecovered.Ibelieveitisheld,thatmendonotrecoververyfastafterthreescore.IhopeyettoseeBeattie'sCollege:andhavenotgivenupthewesternvoyage.Buthoweverallthismaybeornot,letustrytomakeeachotherhappywhenwemeet,andnotreferourpleasuretodistanttimesordistantplaces.

'Howcomesitthatyoutellmenothingofyourlady?Ihopetoseehersometime,andtillthenshallbegladtohearofher.Iam,dearSir,&c.

'March15,1772.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

*BoswellhadgivenBeattiealetterofintroductiontoJohnsontheprecedingsummer--ED.

Onthe21stofMarch,Iwashappytofindmyselfagaininmyfriend'sstudy,andwasgladtoseemyoldacquaintance,Mr.FrancisBarber,whowasnowreturnedhome.Dr.Johnsonreceivedmewithaheartywelcome;saying,'Iamgladyouarecome.'

IthankedhimforshowingcivilitiestoBeattie.'Sir,(saidhe,)IshouldthankYOU.WeallloveBeattie.Mrs.Thralesays,ifevershehasanotherhusband,she'llhaveBeattie.Hesunkuponusthathewasmarried;elseweshouldhaveshewnhisladymorecivilities.Sheisaveryfinewoman.Buthowcanyoushewcivilitiestoanonentity?Idid

notthinkhehadbeenmarried.Nay,Ididnotthinkaboutitonewayorother;buthedidnottellusofhisladytilllate.'

HethenspokeofSt.Kilda,themostremoteoftheHebrides.Itoldhim,Ithoughtofbuyingit.JOHNSON.'Praydo,Sir.Wewillgoandpassawinteramidtheblaststhere.Weshallhavefinefish,andwewilltakesomedriedtongueswithus,andsomebooks.Wewillhaveastrongbuiltvessel,andsomeOrkneymentonavigateher.Wemustbuildatolerablehouse:butwemaycarrywithusawoodenhousereadymade,andrequiringnothingbuttobeputup.Consider,Sir,bybuyingSt.Kilda,youmaykeepthepeoplefromfallingintoworsehands.Wemustgivethemaclergyman,andheshallbeoneofBeattie'schoosing.HeshallbeeducatedatMarischalCollege.I'llbeyourLordChancellor,orwhat

youplease.'BOSWELL.'Areyouserious,Sir,inadvisingmetobuySt.Kilda?forifyoushouldadvisemetogotoJapan,IbelieveIshoulddoit.'JOHNSON.'Whyyes,Sir,Iamserious.'BOSWELL.'Whythen,I'llseewhatcanbedone.'

Hewasengagedtodineabroad,andaskedmetoreturntohimintheeveningatnine,whichIaccordinglydid.

WedrankteawithMrs.Williams,whotoldusastoryofsecondsight,whichhappenedinWaleswhereshewasborn.Helistenedtoitvery



attentively,andsaidheshouldbegladtohavesomeinstancesofthatfacultywellauthenticated.Hiselevatedwishformoreandmoreevidenceforspirit,inoppositiontothegrovelingbeliefofmaterialism,ledhimtoaloveofsuchmysteriousdisquisitions.Heagainjustlyobserved,thatwecouldhavenocertaintyofthetruthofsupernaturalappearances,unlesssomethingwastolduswhichwecouldnotknowbyordinarymeans,orsomethingdonewhichcouldnotbedonebutbysupernaturalpower;thatPharaohinreasonandjusticerequiredsuchevidencefromMoses;nay,thatourSavioursaid,'IfIhadnotdoneamongthemtheworkswhichnoneothermandid,theyhadnothadsin.'

WetalkedoftheRomanCatholickreligion,andhowlittledifferencetherewasinessentialmattersbetweenoursandit.JOHNSON.'True,Sir;alldenominationsofChristianshavereallylittledifferenceinpointofdoctrine,thoughtheymaydifferwidelyinexternalforms.ThereisaprodigiousdifferencebetweentheexternalformofoneofyourPresbyterianchurchesinScotland,andachurchinItaly;yetthedoctrinetaughtisessentiallythesame.

Inthemorningwehadtalkedofoldfamilies,andtherespectduetothem.JOHNSON.'Sir,youhavearighttothatkindofrespect,andarearguingforyourself.Iamforsupportingtheprinciple,andamdisinterestedindoingit,asIhavenosuchright.'BOSWELL.'Why,Sir,itisonemoreincitementtoamantodowell.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,and

itisamatterofopinion,verynecessarytokeepsocietytogether.Whatisitbutopinion,bywhichwehavearespectforauthority,thatpreventsus,whoaretherabble,fromrisingupandpullingdownyouwhoaregentlemenfromyourplaces,andsaying,"Wewillbegentlemeninourturn?"Now,Sir,thatrespectforauthorityismuchmoreeasilygrantedtoamanwhosefatherhashadit,thantoanupstart,andsoSocietyismoreeasilysupported.'BOSWELL.'Atpresent,Sir,Ithinkrichesseemtogainmostrespect.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir,richesdonotgainheartyrespect;theyonlyprocureexternalattention.Averyrichman,fromlowbeginnings,maybuyhiselectioninaborough;but,coeterisparibus,amanoffamilywillbepreferred.Peoplewillpreferamanforwhosefathertheirfathershavevoted,thoughtheyshouldgetnomoremoney,orevenless.Thatshowsthattherespectforfamilyisnotmerely

fanciful,buthasanactualoperation.Ifgentlemenoffamilywouldallowtherichupstartstospendtheirmoneyprofusely,whichtheyarereadyenoughtodo,andnotviewiththeminexpence,theupstartswouldsoonbeatanend,andthegentlemenwouldremain:butifthegentlemenwillvieinexpencewiththeupstarts,whichisveryfoolish,theymustberuined.'

OnMonday,March23,Ifoundhimbusy,preparingafourtheditionofhisfolioDictionary.Mr.Peyton,oneofhisoriginalamanuenses,waswritingforhim.

Heseemedalsotobeintentonsomesortofchymicaloperation.IwasentertainedbyobservinghowhecontrivedtosendMr.Peytononan

errand,withoutseemingtodegradehim.'Mr.Peyton,--Mr.Peyton,willyoubesogoodastotakeawalktoTemple-Bar?Youwillthereseeachymist'sshop;atwhichyouwillbepleasedtobuyformeanounceofoilofvitriol;notspiritofvitriol,butoilofvitriol.Itwillcostthreehalf-pence.'Peytonimmediatelywent,andreturnedwithit,andtoldhimitcostbutapenny.

OnSaturday,March27,IintroducedtohimSirAlexanderMacdonald,withwhomhehadexpressedawishtobeacquainted.Hereceivedhimverycourteously.



SIRA.'Ithink,Sir,almostallgreatlawyers,suchatleastashavewrittenuponlaw,haveknownonlylaw,andnothingelse.'JOHNSON.'Whyno,Sir;JudgeHalewasagreatlawyer,andwroteuponlaw;andyetheknewagreatmanyotherthings;andhaswrittenuponotherthings.Seldentoo.'SIRA.'Verytrue,Sir;andLordBacon.ButwasnotLordCokeamerelawyer?'JOHNSON.'Why,Iamafraidhewas;buthewouldhavetakenitveryillifyouhadtoldhimso.Hewouldhaveprosecutedyouforscandal.'BOSWELL.'LordMansfieldisnotamerelawyer.JOHNSON.'No,Sir.IneverwasinLordMansfield'scompany;butLordMansfieldwasdistinguishedattheUniversity.LordMansfield,whenhefirstcametotown,"drankchampagnewiththewits,"asPriorsays.HewasthefriendofPope.'SIRA.'Barristers,Ibelieve,arenotsoabusivenowastheywereformerly.Ifancytheyhadlesslawlongago,andsowereobligedtotaketoabuse,tofillupthetime.Nowtheyhavesuchanumberofprecedents,theyhavenooccasionforabuse.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,theyhadmorelawlongagothantheyhavenow.Astoprecedents,tobesuretheywillincreaseincourseoftime;butthemoreprecedentsthereare,thelessoccasionisthereforlaw;thatistosay,thelessoccasionisthereforinvestigatingprinciples.'SIRA.'IhavebeencorrectingseveralScotchaccentsinmyfriendBoswell.Idoubt,Sir,ifanyScotchmaneverattainstoaperfectEnglishpronunciation.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,fewofthemdo,becausetheydonotpersevereafteracquiringacertaindegreeofit.But,Sir,therecan

benodoubtthattheymayattaintoaperfectEnglishpronunciation,iftheywill.Wefindhowneartheycometoit;andcertainly,amanwhoconquersnineteenpartsoftheScottishaccent,mayconquerthetwentieth.But,Sir,whenamanhasgotthebetterofninetenthshegrowsweary,herelaxeshisdiligence,hefindshehascorrectedhisaccentsofarasnottobedisagreeable,andhenolongerdesireshisfriendstotellhimwhenheiswrong;nordoeshechoosetobetold.Sir,whenpeoplewatchmenarrowly,andIdonotwatchmyself,theywillfindmeouttobeofaparticularcounty.Inthesamemanner,DunningmaybefoundouttobeaDevonshireman.SomostScotchmenmaybefoundout.But,Sir,littleaberrationsareofnodisadvantage.InevercatchedMalletinaScotchaccent;andyetMallet,Isuppose,waspastfive-and-twentybeforehecametoLondon.'

Iagainvisitedhimatnight.Findinghiminaverygoodhumour,Iventuredtoleadhimtothesubjectofoursituationinafuturestate,havingmuchcuriositytoknowhisnotionsonthatpoint....

BOSWELL.'Idonotknowwhetherthereareanywell-attestedstoriesoftheappearanceofghosts.YouknowthereisafamousstoryoftheappearanceofMrs.Veal,prefixedtoDrelincourtonDeath.'JOHNSON.'Ibelieve,Sir,thatisgivenup.Ibelievethewomandeclareduponherdeath-bedthatitwasalie.'BOSWELL.'Thisobjectionismadeagainstthetruthofghostsappearing:thatiftheyareinastateofhappiness,itwouldbeapunishmenttothemtoreturntothisworld;andiftheyareinastateofmisery,itwouldbegivingthemarespite.'JOHNSON.

'Why,Sir,asthehappinessormiseryofembodiedspiritsdoesnotdependuponplace,butisintellectual,wecannotsaythattheyarelesshappyorlessmiserablebyappearinguponearth.'

WewentdownbetweentwelveandonetoMrs.Williams'sroom,anddranktea.ImentionedthatweweretohavetheremainsofMr.Gray,inproseandverse,publishedbyMr.Mason.JOHNSON.'IthinkwehavehadenoughofGray.IseetheyhavepublishedasplendideditionofAkenside'sworks.Onebadodemaybesuffered;butanumberofthemtogethermakesonesick.'BOSWELL.'Akenside'sdistinguishedpoemishisPleasuresof



Isaythatallgovernmentsarealike,Iconsiderthatinnogovernmentpowercanbeabusedlong.Mankindwillnotbearit.Ifasovereignoppresseshispeopletoagreatdegree,theywillriseandcutoffhishead.Thereisaremedyinhumannatureagainsttyranny,thatwillkeepussafeundereveryformofgovernment.HadnotthepeopleofFrancethoughtthemselveshonouredassharinginthebrilliantactionsofLewisXIV,theywouldnothaveenduredhim;andwemaysaythesameoftheKingofPrussia'speople.'SirAdamintroducedtheancientGreeksandRomans.JOHNSON.'Sir,themassofbothofthemwerebarbarians.Themassofeverypeoplemustbebarbarouswherethereisnoprinting,andconsequentlyknowledgeisnotgenerallydiffused.Knowledgeisdiffusedamongourpeoplebythenews-papers.'SirAdammentionedtheorators,poets,andartistsofGreece.JOHNSON.'Sir,Iamtalkingofthemassofthepeople.WeseeevenwhattheboastedAthenianswere.ThelittleeffectwhichDemosthenes'sorationshaduponthem,shewsthattheywerebarbarians.'

OnSunday,April5,afterattendingdivineserviceatSt.Paul'schurch,Ifoundhimalone.

Hesaid,hewentmorefrequentlytochurchwhentherewereprayersonly,thanwhentherewasalsoasermon,asthepeoplerequiredmoreanexamplefortheonethantheother;itbeingmucheasierforthemtohearasermon,thantofixtheirmindsonprayer.

OnMonday,April6,IdinedwithhimatSirAlexanderMacdonald's,wherewasayoungofficerintheregimentalsoftheScotsRoyal,whotalkedwithavivacity,fluency,andprecisionsouncommon,thatheattractedparticularattention.HeprovedtobetheHonourableThomasErskine,youngestbrothertotheEarlofBuchan,whohassincerisenintosuchbrilliantreputationatthebarinWestminster-hall.

Fieldingbeingmentioned,Johnsonexclaimed,'hewasablockhead;'anduponmyexpressingmyastonishmentatsostrangeanassertion,hesaid,'WhatImeanbyhisbeingablockheadisthathewasabarrenrascal.'BOSWELL.'Willyounotallow,Sir,thathedrawsverynaturalpicturesofhumanlife?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,itisofverylowlife.Richardson

usedtosay,thathadhenotknownwhoFieldingwas,heshouldhavebelievedhewasanostler.Sir,thereismoreknowledgeoftheheartinoneletterofRichardson's,thaninallTomJones.I,indeed,neverreadJosephAndrews.'ERSKINE.'Surely,Sir,Richardsonisverytedious.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,ifyouweretoreadRichardsonforthestory,yourimpatiencewouldbesomuchfrettedthatyouwouldhangyourself.Butyoumustreadhimforthesentiment,andconsiderthestoryasonlygivingoccasiontothesentiment.'

Wetalkedofgaming,andanimadvertedonitwithseverity.JOHNSON.'Nay,gentlemen,letusnotaggravatethematter.Itisnotroguerytoplaywithamanwhoisignorantofthegame,whileyouaremasterofit,andsowinhismoney;forhethinkshecanplaybetterthanyou,asyou

thinkyoucanplaybetterthanhe;andthesuperiourskillcarriesit.'ERSKINE.'Heisafool,butyouarenotarogue.'JOHNSON.'That'smuchaboutthetruth,Sir.Itmustbeconsidered,thatamanwhoonlydoeswhateveryoneofthesocietytowhichhebelongswoulddo,isnotadishonestman.IntherepublickofSparta,itwasagreed,thatstealingwasnotdishonourable,ifnotdiscovered.Idonotcommendasocietywherethereisanagreementthatwhatwouldnototherwisebefair,shallbefair;butImaintain,thatanindividualofanysociety,whopractiseswhatisallowed,isnotadishonestman.'BOSWELL.'Sothen,Sir,youdonotthinkillofamanwhowinsperhapsfortythousand



poundsinawinter?'JOHNSON.'Sir,Idonotcallagamesteradishonestman;butIcallhimanunsocialman,anunprofitableman.Gamingisamodeoftransferringpropertywithoutproducinganyintermediategood.Tradegivesemploymenttonumbers,andsoproducesintermediategood.'

OnThursday,April9,IcalledonhimtobeghewouldgoanddinewithmeattheMitretavern.Hehadresolvednottodineatallthisday,Iknownotforwhatreason;andIwassounwillingtobedeprivedofhiscompany,thatIwascontenttosubmittosufferawant,whichwasatfirstsomewhatpainful,buthesoonmademeforgetit;andamanisalwayspleasedwithhimselfwhenhefindshisintellectualinclinationspredominate.

Heobserved,thattoreasonphilosophicallyonthenatureofprayer,wasveryunprofitable.

Talkingofghosts,hesaid,heknewonefriend,whowasanhonestmanandasensibleman,whotoldhimhehadseenaghost,oldMr.EdwardCave,theprinteratSt.John'sGate.Hesaid,Mr.Cavedidnotliketotalkofit,andseemedtobeingreathorrourwheneveritwasmentioned.BOSWELL.'Pray,Sir,whatdidhesaywastheappearance?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,somethingofashadowybeing.'

OnFriday,April10,IdinedwithhimatGeneralOglethorpe's,wherewe

foundDr.Goldsmith.

Istartedthequestionwhetherduellingwasconsistentwithmoralduty.ThebraveoldGeneralfiredatthis,andsaid,withaloftyair,'Undoubtedlyamanhasarighttodefendhishonour.'GOLDSMITH.(turningtome,)'Iaskyoufirst,Sir,whatwouldyoudoifyouwereaffronted?'IansweredIshouldthinkitnecessarytofight.'Whythen,(repliedGoldsmith,)thatsolvesthequestion.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir,itdoesnotsolvethequestion.Itdoesnotfollowthatwhatamanwoulddoisthereforeright.'Isaid,Iwishedtohaveitsettled,whetherduellingwascontrarytothelawsofChristianity.Johnsonimmediatelyenteredonthesubject,andtreateditinamasterlymanner;andsofarasIhavebeenabletorecollect,histhoughtswerethese:'Sir,asmen

becomeinahighdegreerefined,variouscausesofoffencearise;whichareconsideredtobeofsuchimportance,thatlifemustbestakedtoatoneforthem,thoughinrealitytheyarenotso.Abodythathasreceivedaveryfinepolishmaybeeasilyhurt.Beforemenarriveatthisartificialrefinement,ifonetellshisneighbourhelies,hisneighbourtellshimhelies;ifonegiveshisneighbourablow,hisneighbourgiveshimablow:butinastateofhighlypolishedsociety,anaffrontisheldtobeaseriousinjury.Itmustthereforeberesented,orratheraduelmustbefoughtuponit;asmenhaveagreedtobanishfromtheirsocietyonewhoputsupwithanaffrontwithoutfightingaduel.Now,Sir,itisneverunlawfultofightinself-defence.He,then,whofightsaduel,doesnotfightfrompassionagainsthisantagonist,butoutofself-defence;toavertthestigmaof

theworld,andtopreventhimselffrombeingdrivenoutofsociety.Icouldwishtherewasnotthatsuperfluityofrefinement;butwhilesuchnotionsprevail,nodoubtamanmaylawfullyfightaduel.'

TheGeneraltoldus,thatwhenhewasaveryyoungman,Ithinkonlyfifteen,servingunderPrinceEugeneofSavoy,hewassittinginacompanyattablewithaPrinceofWirtemberg.ThePrincetookupaglassofwine,and,byafillip,madesomeofitflyinOglethorpe'sface.Herewasanicedilemma.Tohavechallengedhiminstantly,mighthavefixedaquarrelsomecharacterupontheyoungsoldier:tohavetaken



nonoticeofitmighthavebeenconsideredascowardice.Oglethorpe,therefore,keepinghiseyeuponthePrince,andsmilingallthetime,asifhetookwhathisHighnesshaddoneinjest,said'MonPrince,--'.(IforgettheFrenchwordsheused,thepurporthoweverwas,)'That'sagoodjoke;butwedoitmuchbetterinEngland;'andthrewawholeglassofwineinthePrince'sface.AnoldGeneralwhosatby,said,'Ilabienfait,monPrince,vousl'avezcommence:'andthusallendedingoodhumour.

Dr.Johnsonsaid,'Pray,General,giveusanaccountofthesiegeofBelgrade.'UponwhichtheGeneral,pouringalittlewineuponthetable,describedeverythingwithawetfinger:'Herewewere,hereweretheTurks,'&c.&c.Johnsonlistenedwiththeclosestattention.

Aquestionwasstarted,howfarpeoplewhodisagreeinacapitalpointcanliveinfriendshiptogether.Johnsonsaidtheymight.Goldsmithsaidtheycouldnot,astheyhadnottheidemvelleatqueidemnolle--thesamelikingsandthesameaversions.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,youmustshunthesubjectastowhichyoudisagree.Forinstance,IcanliveverywellwithBurke:Ilovehisknowledge,hisgenius,hisdiffusion,andaffluenceofconversation;butIwouldnottalktohimoftheRockinghamparty.'GOLDSMITH.'But,Sir,whenpeoplelivetogetherwhohavesomethingastowhichtheydisagree,andwhichtheywanttoshun,theywillbeinthesituationmentionedinthestoryofBluebeard:"Youmay

lookintoallthechambersbutone."Butweshouldhavethegreatestinclinationtolookintothatchamber,totalkofthatsubject.'JOHNSON.(withaloudvoice,)'Sir,IamnotsayingthatYOUcouldliveinfriendshipwithamanfromwhomyoudifferastosomepoint:IamonlysayingthatIcoulddoit.YouputmeinmindofSapphoinOvid.'

Goldsmithtoldus,thathewasnowbusyinwritinganaturalhistory,and,thathemighthavefullleisureforit,hehadtakenlodgings,atafarmer'shouse,neartothesixmilestone,ontheEdgewareroad,andhadcarrieddownhisbooksintworeturnedpost-chaises.Hesaid,hebelievedthefarmer'sfamilythoughthimanoddcharacter,similartothatinwhichtheSpectatorappearedtohislandladyandherchildren:hewasTheGentleman.Mr.Mickle,thetranslatorofTheLusiad,andI

wenttovisithimatthisplaceafewdaysafterwards.Hewasnotathome;buthavingacuriositytoseehisapartment,wewentinandfoundcuriousscrapsofdescriptionsofanimals,scrawleduponthewallwithablackleadpencil.

OnSaturday,April11,heappointedmetocometohimintheevening,whenheshouldbeatleisuretogivemesomeassistanceforthedefenceofHastie,theschoolmasterofCampbelltown,forwhomIwastoappearinthehouseofLords.WhenIcame,Ifoundhimunwillingtoexerthimself.Ipressedhimtowritedownhisthoughtsuponthesubject.Hesaid,'There'snooccasionformywriting.I'lltalktoyou.'...

Ofourfriend,Goldsmith,hesaid,'Sir,heissomuchafraidofbeing

unnoticed,thatheoftentalksmerelylestyoushouldforgetthatheisinthecompany.'BOSWELL.'Yes,hestandsforward.'JOHNSON.'True,Sir;butifamanistostandforward,heshouldwishtodoitnotinanaukwardposture,notinrags,notsoasthatheshallonlybeexposedtoridicule.'BOSWELL.'Formypart,IlikeverywelltohearhonestGoldsmithtalkawaycarelessly.'JOHNSON.'Whyyes,Sir;butheshouldnotliketohearhimself.'...

OnTuesday,April14,thedecreeoftheCourtofSessionintheschoolmaster'scausewasreversedintheHouseofLords,afteravery



eloquentspeechbyLordMansfield,whoshewedhimselfanadeptinschooldiscipline,butIthoughtwastoorigoroustowardsmyclient.OntheeveningofthenextdayIsuppedwithDr.Johnson,attheCrownandAnchortavern,intheStrand,incompanywithMr.Langtonandhisbrother-in-law,LordBinning.

ItalkedoftherecentexpulsionofsixstudentsfromtheUniversityofOxford,whoweremethodistsandwouldnotdesistfrompublicklyprayingandexhorting.JOHNSON.'Sir,thatexpulsionwasextremelyjustandproper.WhathavetheytodoatanUniversitywhoarenotwillingtobetaught,butwillpresumetoteach?WhereisreligiontobelearntbutatanUniversity?Sir,theywereexamined,andfoundtobemightyignorantfellows.'BOSWELL.'But,wasitnothard,Sir,toexpelthem,forIamtoldtheyweregoodbeings?'JOHNSON.'Ibelievetheymightbegoodbeings;buttheywerenotfittobeintheUniversityofOxford.Acowisaverygoodanimalinthefield;butweturnheroutofagarden.'LordElibankusedtorepeatthisasanillustrationuncommonlyhappy.

DesirousofcallingJohnsonforthtotalk,andexercisehiswit,thoughIshouldmyselfbetheobjectofit,Iresolutelyventuredtoundertakethedefenceofconvivialindulgenceinwine,thoughhewasnotto-nightinthemostgenialhumour.Afterurgingthecommonplausibletopicks,Iatlasthadrecoursetothemaxim,invinoveritas,amanwhoiswellwarmedwithwinewillspeaktruth.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thatmaybean

argumentfordrinking,ifyousupposemeningeneraltobeliars.But,Sir,Iwouldnotkeepcompanywithafellow,wholyesaslongasheissober,andwhomyoumustmakedrunkbeforeyoucangetawordoftruthoutofhim.'

AtthistimeitappearsfromhisPrayersandMeditations,thathehadbeenmorethancommonlydiligentinreligiousduties,particularlyinreadingtheHolyScriptures.ItwasPassionWeek,thatsolemnseasonwhichtheChristianworldhasappropriatedtothecommemorationofthemysteriesofourredemption,andduringwhich,whateverembersofreligionareinourbreasts,willbekindledintopiouswarmth.

IpaidhimshortvisitsbothonFridayandSaturday,andseeinghis

largefolioGreekTestamentbeforehim,beheldhimwithareverentialawe,andwouldnotintrudeuponhistime.Whilehewasthusemployedtosuchgoodpurpose,andwhilehisfriendsintheirintercoursewithhimconstantlyfoundavigorousintellectandalivelyimagination,itismelancholytoreadinhisprivateregister,'Mymindisunsettledandmymemoryconfused.Ihaveoflateturnedmythoughtswithaveryuselessearnestnessuponpastincidents.Ihaveyetgotnocommandovermythoughts;anunpleasingincidentisalmostcertaintohindermyrest.'Whatphilosophickheroismwasitinhimtoappearwithsuchmanlyfortitudetotheworldwhilehewasinwardlysodistressed!Wemaysurelybelievethatthemysteriousprincipleofbeing'madeperfectthroughsuffering'wastobestronglyexemplifiedinhim.

OnSunday,April19,beingEaster-day,GeneralPaoliandIpaidhimavisitbeforedinner.

Wetalkedofsounds.TheGeneralsaid,therewasnobeautyinasimplesound,butonlyinanharmoniouscompositionofsounds.Ipresumedtodifferfromthisopinion,andmentionedthesoftandsweetsoundofafinewoman'svoice.JOHNSON.'No,Sir,ifaserpentoratoadutteredit,youwouldthinkitugly.'BOSWELL.'Soyouwouldthink,Sir,wereabeautifultunetobeutteredbyoneofthoseanimals.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir,itwouldbeadmired.Wehaveseenfinefiddlerswhomwelikedas



littleastoads.'(laughing.)

WhileIremainedinLondonthisspring,Iwaswithhimatseveralothertimes,bothbyhimselfandincompany.IdinedwithhimonedayattheCrownandAnchortavern,intheStrand,withLordElibank,Mr.Langton,andDr.VansittartofOxford.Withoutspecifyingeachparticularday,Ihavepreservedthefollowingmemorablethings.

IregrettedthereflectioninhisPrefacetoShakspeareagainstGarrick,towhomwecannotbutapplythefollowingpassage:'IcollatedsuchcopiesasIcouldprocure,andwishedformore,buthavenotfoundthecollectorsoftheseraritiesverycommunicative.'Itoldhim,thatGarrickhadcomplainedtomeofit,andhadvindicatedhimselfbyassuringme,thatJohnsonwasmadewelcometothefulluseofhiscollection,andthatheleftthekeyofitwithaservant,withorderstohaveafireandeveryconvenienceforhim.IfoundJohnson'snotionwas,thatGarrickwantedtobecourtedforthem,andthat,onthecontrary,Garrickshouldhavecourtedhim,andsenthimtheplaysofhisownaccord.But,indeed,consideringtheslovenlyandcarelessmannerinwhichbooksweretreatedbyJohnson,itcouldnotbeexpectedthatscarceandvaluableeditionsshouldhavebeenlenttohim.

Agentleman*havingtosomeoftheusualargumentsfordrinkingaddedthis:'Youknow,Sir,drinkingdrivesawaycare,andmakesusforget

whateverisdisagreeable.Wouldnotyouallowamantodrinkforthatreason?'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,ifhesatnextYOU.'

*ThegentlemanmostlikelyisBoswell.--HILL.

Alearnedgentlemanwhointhecourseofconversationwishedtoinformusofthissimplefact,thattheCounseluponthecircuitatShrewsburyweremuchbittenbyfleas,took,Isuppose,sevenoreightminutesinrelatingitcircumstantially.Heinaplenitudeofphrasetoldus,thatlargebalesofwoollenclothwerelodgedinthetown-hall;--thatbyreasonofthis,fleasnestledthereinprodigiousnumbers;thatthelodgingsofthecounselwereneartothetown-hall;--andthatthoselittleanimalsmovedfromplacetoplacewithwonderfulagility.Johnson

satingreatimpatiencetillthegentlemanhadfinishedhistediousnarrative,andthenburstout(playfullyhowever),'Itisapity,Sir,thatyouhavenotseenalion;forafleahastakenyousuchatime,thatalionmusthaveservedyouatwelvemonth.'

HewouldnotallowScotlandtoderiveanycreditfromLordMansfield;forhewaseducatedinEngland.'Much(saidhe,)maybemadeofaScotchman,ifhebeCAUGHTyoung.'

Hesaid,'Iamveryunwillingtoreadthemanuscriptsofauthours,andgivethemmyopinion.Iftheauthourswhoapplytomehavemoney,Ibidthemboldlyprintwithoutaname;iftheyhavewritteninordertogetmoney,Itellthemtogotothebooksellers,andmakethebestbargain

theycan.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,ifabooksellershouldbringyouamanuscripttolookat?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Iwoulddesirethebooksellertotakeitaway.'

ImentionedafriendofminewhohadresidedlonginSpain,andwasunwillingtoreturntoBritain.JOHNSON.'Sir,heisattachedtosomewoman.'BOSWELL.'Iratherbelieve,Sir,itisthefineclimatewhichkeepshimthere.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,howcanyoutalkso?WhatisCLIMATEtohappiness?PlacemeintheheartofAsia,shouldInotbeexiled?Whatproportiondoesclimatebeartothecomplexsystemofhuman



life?YoumayadvisemetogotoliveatBolognatoeatsausages.Thesausagestherearethebestintheworld;theylosemuchbybeingcarried.'

OnSaturday,May9,Mr.DempsterandIhadagreedtodinebyourselvesattheBritishCoffee-house.Johnson,onwhomIhappenedtocallinthemorning,saidhewouldjoinus,whichhedid,andwespentaveryagreeableday,thoughIrecollectbutlittleofwhatpassed.

Hesaid,'WalpolewasaministergivenbytheKingtothepeople:PittwasaministergivenbythepeopletotheKing,--asanadjunct.'

'ThemisfortuneofGoldsmithinconversationisthis:hegoesonwithoutknowinghowheistogetoff.Hisgeniusisgreat,buthisknowledgeissmall.Astheysayofagenerousman,itisapityheisnotrich,wemaysayofGoldsmith,itisapityheisnotknowing.Hewouldnotkeephisknowledgetohimself.'

1773:AETAT.64.]--In1773hisonlypublicationwasaneditionofhisfolioDictionary,withadditionsandcorrections;nordidhe,sofarasisknown,furnishanyproductionsofhisfertilepentoanyofhisnumerousfriendsordependants,exceptthePrefacetohisoldamanuensisMacbean'sDictionaryofAncientGeography.


'DEARSIR,--...AneweditionofmygreatDictionaryisprinted,fromacopywhichIwaspersuadedtorevise;buthavingmadenopreparation,Iwasabletodoverylittle.SomesuperfluitiesIhaveexpunged,andsomefaultsIhavecorrected,andhereandtherehavescatteredaremark;butthemainfabrickoftheworkremainsasitwas.IhadlookedverylittleintoitsinceIwroteit,and,Ithink,Ifounditfullasoftenbetter,asworse,thanIexpected.

'BarettiandDavieshavehadafuriousquarrel;aquarrel,Ithink,irreconcileable.Dr.Goldsmithhasanewcomedy,whichisexpectedin

thespring.Nonameisyetgivenit.Thechiefdiversionarisesfromastratagembywhichaloverismadetomistakehisfuturefather-in-law'shouseforaninn.This,yousee,bordersuponfarce.Thedialogueisquickandgay,andtheincidentsaresopreparedasnottoseemimprobable....

'Myhealthseemsingeneraltoimprove;butIhavebeentroubledformanyweekswithavexatiouscatarrh,whichissometimessufficientlydistressful.Ihavenotfoundanygreateffectsfrombleedingandphysick;andamafraid,thatImustexpecthelpfrombrighterdaysandsofterair.

'Writetomenowandthen;andwheneveranygoodbefallsyou,makehaste

toletmeknowit,fornoonewillrejoiceatitmorethan,dearSir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

'London,Feb.24,1773.'

'YoucontinuetostandveryhighinthefavourofMrs.Thrale.'



Whileaformereditionofmyworkwaspassingthroughthepress,IwasunexpectedlyfavouredwithapacketfromPhiladelphia,fromMr.JamesAbercrombie,agentlemanofthatcountry,whoispleasedtohonourmewithveryhighpraiseofmyLifeofDr.Johnson.Tohavethefameofmyillustriousfriend,andhisfaithfulbiographer,echoedfromtheNewWorldisextremelyflattering;andmygratefulacknowledgementsshallbewaftedacrosstheAtlantick.Mr.Abercrombiehaspolitelyconferredonmeaconsiderableadditionalobligation,bytransmittingtomecopiesoftwolettersfromDr.JohnsontoAmericangentlemen.

OnSaturday,April3,thedayaftermyarrivalinLondonthisyear,Iwenttohishouselateintheevening,andsatwithMrs.Williamstillhecamehome.IfoundintheLondonChronicle,Dr.Goldsmith'sapologytothepublickforbeatingEvans,abookseller,onaccountofaparagraphinanewspaperpublishedbyhim,whichGoldsmiththoughtimpertinenttohimandtoaladyofhisacquaintance.TheapologywaswrittensomuchinDr.Johnson'smanner,thatbothMrs.WilliamsandIsupposedittobehis;butwhenhecamehome,hesoonundeceivedus.WhenhesaidtoMrs.Williams,'Well,Dr.Goldsmith'smanifestohasgotintoyourpaper;'IaskedhimifDr.Goldsmithhadwrittenit,withanairthatmadehimseeIsuspecteditwashis,thoughsubscribedbyGoldsmith.JOHNSON.'Sir,Dr.Goldsmithwouldnomorehaveaskedmetowritesuchathingasthatforhim,thanhewouldhaveaskedmetofeedhimwithaspoon,ortodoanythingelsethatdenotedhisimbecility.I

asmuchbelievethathewroteit,asifIhadseenhimdoit.Sir,hadheshewnittoanyonefriend,hewouldnothavebeenallowedtopublishit.Hehas,indeed,doneitverywell;butitisafoolishthingwelldone.Isupposehehasbeensomuchelatedwiththesuccessofhisnewcomedy,thathehasthoughteverythingthatconcernedhimmustbeofimportancetothepublick.'BOSWELL.'Ifancy,Sir,thisisthefirsttimethathehasbeenengagedinsuchanadventure.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,IbelieveitisthefirsttimehehasBEAT;hemayhaveBEENBEATENbefore.This,Sir,isanewplumetohim.'

AtMr.Thrale's,intheevening,herepeatedhisusualparadoxicaldeclamationagainstactioninpublickspeaking.'Actioncanhavenoeffectuponreasonableminds.Itmayaugmentnoise,butitnevercan

enforceargument.'

LordChesterfieldbeingmentioned,Johnsonremarked,thatalmostallofthatcelebratednobleman'swittysayingswerepuns.He,however,allowedthemeritofgoodwittohisLordship'ssayingofLordTyrawleyandhimself,whenbothveryoldandinfirm:'TyrawleyandIhavebeendeadthesetwoyears;butwedon'tchoosetohaveitknown.'

Theconversationhavingturnedonmodernimitationsofancientballads,andsomeonehavingpraisedtheirsimplicity,hetreatedthemwiththatridiculewhichhealwaysdisplayedwhenthatsubjectwasmentioned.

Hedisapprovedofintroducingscripturephrasesintoseculardiscourse.

Thisseemedtomeaquestionofsomedifficulty.Ascriptureexpressionmaybeused,likeahighlyclassicalphrase,toproduceaninstantaneousstrongimpression;anditmaybedonewithoutbeingatallimproper.YetIownthereisdanger,thatapplyingthelanguageofoursacredbooktoordinarysubjectsmaytendtolessenourreverenceforit.Ifthereforeitbeintroducedatall,itshouldbewithverygreatcaution.

OnThursday,April8,Isatagoodpartoftheeveningwithhim,buthewasverysilent.



Thoughhewasnotdisposedtotalk,hewasunwillingthatIshouldleavehim;andwhenIlookedatmywatch,andtoldhimitwastwelveo'clock,hecried,What'sthattoyouandme?'andorderedFranktotellMrs.Williamsthatwewerecomingtodrinkteawithher,whichwedid.Itwassettledthatweshouldgotochurchtogethernextday.

Onthe9thofApril,beingGoodFriday,Ibreakfastedwithhimonteaandcross-buns;DOCTORLevet,asFrankcalledhim,makingthetea.HecarriedmewithhimtothechurchofSt.ClementDanes,wherehehadhisseat;andhisbehaviourwas,asIhadimagedtomyself,solemnlydevout.InevershallforgetthetremulousearnestnesswithwhichhepronouncedtheawfulpetitionintheLitany:'Inthehourofdeath,andatthedayofjudgement,goodLORDdeliverus.

Wewenttochurchbothinthemorningandevening.Intheintervalbetweenthetwoserviceswedidnotdine;buthereadintheGreekNewTestament,andIturnedoverseveralofhisbooks.

ItoldhimthatGoldsmithhadsaidtomeafewdaysbefore,'AsItakemyshoesfromtheshoemaker,andmycoatfromthetaylor,soItakemyreligionfromthepriest.'Iregrettedthisloosewayoftalking.JOHNSON.'Sir,heknowsnothing;hehasmadeuphismindaboutnothing.'

TomygreatsurprizeheaskedmetodinewithhimonEaster-day.Inever

supposedthathehadadinnerathishouse;forIhadnotthenheardofanyoneofhisfriendshavingbeenentertainedathistable.Hetoldme,'IgenerallyhaveameatpyeonSunday:itisbakedatapublickoven,whichisveryproperlyallowed,becauseonemancanattendit;andthustheadvantageisobtainedofnotkeepingservantsfromchurchtodressdinners.'

April11,beingEaster-Sunday,afterhavingattendedDivineServiceatSt.Paul's,IrepairedtoDr.Johnson's.IhadgratifiedmycuriositymuchindiningwithJEANJAQUESROUSSEAU,whilehelivedinthewildsofNeufchatel:IhadasgreatacuriositytodinewithDR.SAMUELJOHNSON,intheduskyrecessofacourtinFleet-street.Isupposedweshouldscarcelyhaveknivesandforks,andonlysomestrange,uncouth,

ill-drestdish:butIfoundeverythinginverygoodorder.WehadnoothercompanybutMrs.WilliamsandayoungwomanwhomIdidnotknow.Asadinnerherewasconsideredasasingularphaenomenon,andasIwasfrequentlyinterrogatedonthesubject,myreadersmayperhapsbedesiroustoknowourbilloffare.Foote,Iremember,inallusiontoFrancis,theNEGRO,waswillingtosupposethatourrepastwasBLACKBROTH.Butthefactwas,thatwehadaverygoodsoup,aboiledlegoflambandspinach,avealpye,andaricepudding.

HeownedthathethoughtHawkesworthwasoneofhisimitators,buthedidnotthinkGoldsmithwas.Goldsmith,hesaid,hadgreatmerit.BOSWELL.'But,Sir,heismuchindebtedtoyouforhisgettingsohighinthepublickestimation.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,hehasperhapsgot

SOONERtoitbyhisintimacywithme.'

Goldsmith,thoughhisvanityoftenexcitedhimtooccasionalcompetition,hadaveryhighregardforJohnson,whichheatthistimeexpressedinthestrongestmannerintheDedicationofhiscomedy,entitled,SheStoopstoConquer.

Hetoldmethathehadtwelveorfourteentimesattemptedtokeepajournalofhislife,butnevercouldpersevere.Headvisedmetodoit.'Thegreatthingtoberecorded,(saidhe,)isthestateofyourown



mind;andyoushouldwritedowneverythingthatyouremember,foryoucannotjudgeatfirstwhatisgoodorbad;andwriteimmediatelywhiletheimpressionisfresh,foritwillnotbethesameaweekafterwards.'

Iagainsolicitedhimtocommunicatetometheparticularsofhisearlylife.Hesaid,'Youshallhavethemallfortwo-pence.IhopeyoushallknowagreatdealmoreofmebeforeyouwritemyLife.'Hementionedtomethisdaymanycircumstances,whichIwrotedownwhenIwenthome,andhaveinterwovenintheformerpartofthisnarrative.

OnTuesday,April13,heandDr.GoldsmithandIdinedatGeneralOglethorpe's.Goldsmithexpatiatedonthecommontopick,thattheraceofourpeoplewasdegenerated,andthatthiswasowingtoluxury.JOHNSON.'Sir,inthefirstplace,Idoubtthefact.IbelievethereareasmanytallmeninEnglandnow,asevertherewere.But,secondly,supposingthestatureofourpeopletobediminished,thatisnotowingtoluxury;for,Sir,considertohowverysmallaproportionofourpeopleluxurycanreach.Oursoldiery,surely,arenotluxurious,wholiveonsixpenceaday;andthesameremarkwillapplytoalmostalltheotherclasses.Luxury,sofarasitreachesthepoor,willdogoodtotheraceofpeople;itwillstrengthenandmultiplythem.Sir,nonationwaseverhurtbyluxury;for,asIsaidbefore,itcanreachbuttoaveryfew.Iadmitthatthegreatincreaseofcommerceandmanufactureshurtsthemilitaryspiritofapeople;becauseitproducesacompetition

forsomethingelsethanmartialhonours,--acompetitionforriches.Italsohurtsthebodiesofthepeople;foryouwillobserve,thereisnomanwhoworksatanyparticulartrade,butyoumayknowhimfromhisappearancetodoso.Onepartorotherofhisbodybeingmoreusedthantherest,heisinsomedegreedeformed:but,Sir,thatisnotluxury.Atailorsitscross-legged;butthatisnotluxury.'GOLDSMITH.'Come,you'rejustgoingtothesameplacebyanotherroad.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,IsaythatisnotLUXURY.LetustakeawalkfromCharing-crosstoWhite-chapel,through,Isuppose,thegreatestseriesofshopsintheworld;whatisthereinanyoftheseshops(ifyouexceptgin-shops,)thatcandoanyhumanbeinganyharm?'GOLDSMITH.'Well,Sir,I'llacceptyourchallenge.TheverynextshoptoNorthumberland-houseisapickle-shop.'JOHNSON.'Well,Sir:dowenotknowthatamaidcaninone

afternoonmakepicklessufficienttoserveawholefamilyforayear?nay,thatfivepickle-shopscanserveallthekingdom?Besides,Sir,thereisnoharmdonetoanybodybythemakingofpickles,ortheeatingofpickles.'

Wedrankteawiththeladies;andGoldsmithsungTonyLumpkin'ssonginhiscomedy,SheStoopstoConquer,andaveryprettyone,toanIrishtune,whichhehaddesignedforMissHardcastle;butasMrs.Bulkeley,whoplayedthepart,couldnotsing,itwasleftout.Heafterwardswroteitdownforme,bywhichmeansitwaspreserved,andnowappearsamongsthispoems.Dr.Johnson,inhiswayhome,stoppedatmylodgingsinPiccadilly,andsatwithme,drinkingteaasecondtime,tillalatehour.

ItoldhimthatMrs.Macaulaysaid,shewonderedhowhecouldreconcilehispoliticalprincipleswithhismoral;hisnotionsofinequalityandsubordinationwithwishingwelltothehappinessofallmankind,whomightlivesoagreeably,hadtheyalltheirportionsofland,andnonetodomineeroveranother.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Ireconcilemyprinciplesverywell,becausemankindarehappierinastateofinequalityandsubordination.Weretheytobeinthisprettystateofequality,theywouldsoondegenerateintobrutes;--theywouldbecomeMonboddo'snation;--theirtailswouldgrow.Sir,allwouldbeloserswereall



toworkforall--theywouldhavenointellectualimprovement.Allintellectualimprovementarisesfromleisure;allleisurearisesfromoneworkingforanother.'

TalkingofthefamilyofStuart,hesaid,'Itshouldseemthatthefamilyatpresentonthethronehasnowestablishedasgoodarightastheformerfamily,bythelongconsentofthepeople;andthattodisturbthisrightmightbeconsideredasculpable.AtthesametimeIown,thatitisaverydifficultquestion,whenconsideredwithrespecttothehouseofStuart.Toobligepeopletotakeoathsastothedisputedright,iswrong.IknownotwhetherIcouldtakethem:butIdonotblamethosewhodo.'Soconscientiousandsodelicatewasheuponthissubject,whichhasoccasionedsomuchclamouragainsthim.

OnThursday,April15,IdinedwithhimandDr.GoldsmithatGeneralPaoli's.

IspokeofAllanRamsay'sGentleShepherd,intheScottishdialect,asthebestpastoralthathadeverbeenwritten;notonlyaboundingwithbeautifulruralimagery,andjustandpleasingsentiments,butbeingarealpictureofmanners;andIofferedtoteachDr.Johnsontounderstandit.'No,Sir,(saidhe,)Iwon'tlearnit.Youshallretainyoursuperioritybymynotknowingit.'

IthavingbeenobservedthattherewaslittlehospitalityinLondon;--JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,anymanwhohasaname,orwhohasthepowerofpleasing,willbeverygenerallyinvitedinLondon.Theman,Sterne,Ihavebeentold,hashadengagementsforthreemonths.'GOLDSMITH.'Andaverydullfellow.'JOHNSON.'Why,no,Sir.'

Martinellitoldus,thatforseveralyearshelivedmuchwithCharlesTownshend,andthatheventuredtotellhimhewasabadjoker.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thusmuchIcansayuponthesubject.Onedayheandafewmoreagreedtogoanddineinthecountry,andeachofthemwastobringafriendinhiscarriagewithhim.CharlesTownshendaskedFitzherberttogowithhim,buttoldhim,"Youmustfindsomebodytobringyouback:Icanonlycarryyouthere."Fitzherbertdidnotmuchlikethis

arrangement.Hehoweverconsented,observingsarcastically,"Itwilldoverywell;forthenthesamejokeswillserveyouinreturningasingoing."'

Aneminentpublickcharacterbeingmentioned;--JOHNSON.'Irememberbeingpresentwhenheshewedhimselftobesocorrupted,oratleastsomethingsodifferentfromwhatIthinkright,astomaintain,thatamemberofparliamentshouldgoalongwithhispartyrightorwrong.Now,Sir,thisissoremotefromnativevirtue,fromscholastickvirtue,thatagoodmanmusthaveundergoneagreatchangebeforehecanreconcilehimselftosuchadoctrine.Itismaintainingthatyoumaylietothepublick;foryouliewhenyoucallthatrightwhichyouthinkwrong,orthereverse.Afriendofours,whoistoomuchanechoofthat

gentleman,observed,thatamanwhodoesnotstickuniformlytoaparty,isonlywaitingtobebought.Whythen,saidI,heisonlywaitingtobewhatthatgentlemanisalready.'

WetalkedoftheKing'scomingtoseeGoldsmith'snewplay.--'Iwishhewould,'saidGoldsmith;adding,however,withanaffectedindifference,'Notthatitwoulddometheleastgood.'JOHNSON.'Wellthen,Sir,letussayitwoulddoHIMgood,(laughing.)No,Sir,thisaffectationwillnotpass;--itismightyidle.Insuchastateasours,whowouldnotwishtopleasetheChiefMagistrate?'GOLDSMITH.'IDOwishtoplease



him.IrememberalineinDryden,--

"Andeverypoetisthemonarch'sfriend."

Itoughttobereversed.'JOHNSON.'Nay,therearefinerlinesinDrydenonthissubject:--

"ForcollegesonbounteousKingsdepend,Andneverrebelwastoartsafriend."'

GeneralPaoliobserved,that'successfulrebelsmight.'MARTINELLI.'Happyrebellions.'GOLDSMITH.'Wehavenosuchphrase.'GENERALPAOLI.'ButhaveyounottheTHING?'GOLDSMITH.'Yes;allourHAPPYrevolutions.Theyhavehurtourconstitution,andwillhurtit,tillwemenditbyanotherHAPPYREVOLUTION.'IneverbeforediscoveredthatmyfriendGoldsmithhadsomuchoftheoldprejudiceinhim.

GeneralPaoli,talkingofGoldsmith'snewplay,said,'Ilafaituncomplimenttresgracieuxaunecertainegrandedame;'meaningaDuchessofthefirstrank.

IexpressedadoubtwhetherGoldsmithintendedit,inorderthatImighthearthetruthfromhimself.It,perhaps,wasnotquitefairtoendeavourtobringhimtoaconfession,ashemightnotwishtoavow

positivelyhistakingpartagainsttheCourt.Hesmiledandhesitated.TheGeneralatoncerelievedhim,bythisbeautifulimage:'MonsieurGoldsmithestcommelamer,quijettedesperlesetbeaucoupd'autresbelleschoses,sanss'enappercevoir.'GOLDSMITH.'Tresbienditettreselegamment.'

Apersonwasmentioned,whoitwassaidcouldtakedowninshorthandthespeechesinparliamentwithperfectexactness.JOHNSON.'Sir,itisimpossible.Irememberone,Angel,whocametometowriteforhimaPrefaceorDedicationtoabookuponshorthand,andheprofessedtowriteasfastasamancouldspeak.Inordertotryhim,Itookdownabook,andreadwhilehewrote;andIfavouredhim,forIreadmoredeliberatelythanusual.Ihadproceededbutaverylittleway,whenhe

beggedIwoulddesist,forhecouldnotfollowme.'HearingnowforthefirsttimeofthisPrefaceorDedication,Isaid,'Whatanexpense,Sir,doyouputustoinbuyingbooks,towhichyouhavewrittenPrefacesorDedications.'JOHNSON.'Why,IhavededicatedtotheRoyalfamilyallround;thatistosay,tothelastgenerationoftheRoyalfamily.'GOLDSMITH.'Andperhaps,Sir,notonesentenceofwitinawholeDedication.'JOHNSON.'Perhapsnot,Sir.'BOSWELL.'Whatthenisthereasonforapplyingtoaparticularpersontodothatwhichanyonemaydoaswell?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,onemanhasgreaterreadinessatdoingitthananother.'

IspokeofMr.Harris,ofSalisbury,asbeingaverylearnedman,andinparticularaneminentGrecian.JOHNSON.'Iamnotsureofthat.His

friendsgivehimoutassuch,butIknownotwhoofhisfriendsareabletojudgeofit.'GOLDSMITH.'Heiswhatismuchbetter:heisaworthyhumaneman.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,thatisnottothepurposeofourargument:thatwillasmuchprovethathecanplayuponthefiddleaswellasGiardini,asthatheisaneminentGrecian.'GOLDSMITH.'Thegreatestmusicalperformershavebutsmallemoluments.Giardini,Iamtold,doesnotgetabovesevenhundredayear.'JOHNSON.'Thatisindeedbutlittleforamantoget,whodoesbestthatwhichsomanyendeavourtodo.Thereisnothing,Ithink,inwhichthepowerofartisshownsomuchasinplayingonthefiddle.Inallotherthingswecando



somethingatfirst.Anymanwillforgeabarofiron,ifyougivehimahammer;notsowellasasmith,buttolerably.Amanwillsawapieceofwood,andmakeabox,thoughaclumsyone;butgivehimafiddleandafiddle-stick,andhecandonothing.'

OnMonday,April19,hecalledonmewithMrs.Williams,inMr.Strahan'scoach,andcarriedmeouttodinewithMr.Elphinston,athisacademyatKensington.Aprinterhavingacquiredafortunesufficienttokeephiscoach,wasagoodtopickforthecreditofliterature.Mrs.Williamssaid,thatanotherprinter,Mr.Hamilton,hadnotwaitedsolongasMr.Strahan,buthadkepthiscoachseveralyearssooner.JOHNSON.'Hewasintheright.Lifeisshort.Thesoonerthatamanbeginstoenjoyhiswealththebetter.'

Mr.Elphinstontalkedofanewbookthatwasmuchadmired,andaskedDr.Johnsonifhehadreadit.JOHNSON.'Ihavelookedintoit.''What,(saidElphinston,)haveyounotreaditthrough?'Johnson,offendedatbeingthuspressed,andsoobligedtoownhiscursorymodeofreading,answeredtartly,'No,Sir,doYOUreadbooksTHROUGH?'

OnWednesday,April21,IdinedwithhimatMr.Thrale's.AgentlemanattackedGarrickforbeingvain.JOHNSON.'Nowonder,Sir,thatheisvain;amanwhoisperpetuallyflatteredineverymodethatcanbeconceived.Somanybellowshaveblownthefire,thatonewondersheis

notbythistimebecomeacinder.'BOSWELL.'Andsuchbellowstoo.LordMansfieldwithhischeeksliketoburst:LordChathamlikeanAeolus.Ihavereadsuchnotesfromthemtohim,aswereenoughtoturnhishead.'JOHNSON.'True.Whenhewhomeverybodyelseflatters,flattersme,Ithenamtrulyhappy.'Mrs.THRALE.'ThesentimentisinCongreve,Ithink.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Madam,inTheWayoftheWorld:

"Ifthere'sdelightinlove,'tiswhenIseeThatheartwhichothersbleedfor,bleedforme."

No,Sir,IshouldnotbesurprizedthoughGarrickchainedtheocean,andlashedthewinds.'BOSWELL.'Shoulditnotbe,Sir,lashedtheoceanandchainedthewinds?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir,recollecttheoriginal:

"InCorumatqueEurumsolitussaevireflagellisBarbarus,Aeolianunquamhocincarcerepassos,IpsumcompedibusquivinxeratEnnosigaeum."

Themodesoflivingindifferentcountries,andthevariousviewswithwhichmentravelinquestofnewscenes,havingbeentalkedof,alearnedgentlemanwhoholdsaconsiderableofficeinthelaw,expatiatedonthehappinessofasavagelife;andmentionedaninstanceofanofficerwhohadactuallylivedforsometimeinthewildsofAmerica,ofwhom,wheninthatstate,hequotedthisreflectionwithanairofadmiration,asifithadbeendeeplyphilosophical:'HereamI,freeandunrestrained,amidsttherudemagnificenceofNature,withthisIndian

womanbymyside,andthisgunwithwhichIcanprocurefoodwhenIwantit;whatmorecanbedesiredforhumanhappiness?'Itdidnotrequiremuchsagacitytoforeseethatsuchasentimentwouldnotbepermittedtopasswithoutdueanimadversion.JOHNSON.'Donotallowyourself,Sir,tobeimposeduponbysuchgrossabsurdity.Itissadstuff;itisbrutish.Ifabullcouldspeak,hemightaswellexclaim,--HereamIwiththiscowandthisgrass;whatbeingcanenjoygreaterfelicity?'

Wetalkedofthemelancholyendofagentlemanwhohaddestroyedhimself.JOHNSON.'Itwasowingtoimaginarydifficultiesinhis



affairs,which,hadhetalkedwithanyfriend,wouldsoonhavevanished.'BOSWELL.'Doyouthink,Sir,thatallwhocommitsuicidearemad?'JOHNSON.'Sir,theyareoftennotuniversallydisorderedintheirintellects,butonepassionpressessouponthem,thattheyyieldtoit,andcommitsuicide,asapassionatemanwillstabanother.'Headded,'Ihaveoftenthought,thatafteramanhastakentheresolutiontokillhimself,itisnotcourageinhimtodoanything,howeverdesperate,becausehehasnothingtofear.'GOLDSMITH.'Idon'tseethat.'JOHNSON.'Nay,butmydearSir,whyshouldnotyouseewhateveryoneelsesees?'GOLDSMITH.'Itisforfearofsomethingthathehasresolvedtokillhimself;andwillnotthattimiddispositionrestrainhim?'JOHNSON.'Itdoesnotsignifythatthefearofsomethingmadehimresolve;itisuponthestateofhismind,aftertheresolutionistaken,thatIargue.Supposeaman,eitherfromfear,orpride,orconscience,orwhatevermotive,hasresolvedtokillhimself;whenoncetheresolutionistaken,hehasnothingtofear.HemaythengoandtaketheKingofPrussiabythenose,attheheadofhisarmy.Hecannotfeartherack,whoisresolvedtokillhimself.WhenEustaceBudgelwaswalkingdowntotheThames,determinedtodrownhimself,hemight,ifhepleased,withoutanyapprehensionofdanger,haveturnedaside,andfirstsetfiretoSt.James'spalace.'

OnTuesday,April27,Mr.BeauclerkandIcalledonhiminthemorning.AswewalkedupJohnson's-court,Isaid,'Ihaveavenerationforthis

court;'andwasgladtofindthatBeauclerkhadthesamereverentialenthusiasm.Wefoundhimalone.WetalkedofMr.AndrewStuart'selegantandplausibleLetterstoLordMansfield:acopyofwhichhadbeensentbytheauthourtoDr.Johnson.JOHNSON.'Theyhavenotansweredtheend.Theyhavenotbeentalkedof;Ihaveneverheardofthem.Thisisowingtotheirnotbeingsold.Peopleseldomreadabookwhichisgiventothem;andfewaregiven.Thewaytospreadaworkistosellitatalowprice.Nomanwillsendtobuyathingthatcostsevensixpence,withoutanintentiontoreadit.'

Hesaid,'Goldsmithshouldnotbeforeverattemptingtoshineinconversation:hehasnottemperforit,heissomuchmortifiedwhenhefails.Sir,agameofjokesiscomposedpartlyofskill,partlyof

chance,amanmaybebeatattimesbyonewhohasnotthetenthpartofhiswit.NowGoldsmith'sputtinghimselfagainstanother,islikeamanlayingahundredtoonewhocannotsparethehundred.Itisnotworthaman'swhile.Amanshouldnotlayahundredtoone,unlesshecaneasilyspareit,thoughhehasahundredchancesforhim:hecangetbutaguinea,andhemayloseahundred.Goldsmithisinthisstate.Whenhecontends,ifhegetsthebetter,itisaverylittleadditiontoamanofhisliteraryreputation:ifhedoesnotgetthebetter,heismiserablyvexed.'

Johnson'sownsuperlativepowersofwitsethimaboveanyriskofsuchuneasiness.Garrickhadremarkedtomeofhim,afewdaysbefore,'Rabelaisandallotherwitsarenothingcomparedwithhim.Youmay

bedivertedbythem;butJohnsongivesyouaforciblehug,andshakeslaughteroutofyou,whetheryouwillorno.'

Goldsmith,however,wasoftenveryfortunateinhiswittycontests,evenwhenheenteredthelistswithJohnsonhimself.SirJoshuaReynoldswasincompanywiththemoneday,whenGoldsmithsaid,thathethoughthecouldwriteagoodfable,mentionedthesimplicitywhichthatkindofcompositionrequires,andobserved,thatinmostfablestheanimalsintroducedseldomtalkincharacter.'Forinstance,(saidhe,)thefableofthelittlefishes,whosawbirdsflyovertheirheads,andenvying



them,petitionedJupitertobechangedintobirds.Theskill(continuedhe,)consistsinmakingthemtalklikelittlefishes.'Whileheindulgedhimselfinthisfancifulreverie,heobservedJohnsonshakinghissides,andlaughing.Uponwhichhesmartlyproceeded,'Why,Dr.Johnson,thisisnotsoeasyasyouseemtothink;forifyouweretomakelittlefishestalk,theywouldtalklikeWHALES.'

OnThursday,April29,IdinedwithhimatGeneralOglethorpe's,wherewereSirJoshuaReynolds,Mr.Langton,Dr.Goldsmith,andMr.Thrale.IwasverydesiroustogetDr.JohnsonabsolutelyfixedinhisresolutiontogowithmetotheHebridesthisyear;andItoldhimthatIhadreceivedaletterfromDr.Robertsonthehistorian,uponthesubject,withwhichhewasmuchpleased;andnowtalkedinsuchamannerofhislong-intendedtour,thatIwassatisfiedhemeanttofulfilhisengagement.

ThecharacterofMallethavingbeenintroduced,andspokenofslightinglybyGoldsmith;JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Mallethadtalentsenoughtokeephisliteraryreputationaliveaslongashehimselflived;andthat,letmetellyou,isagooddeal.'GOLDSMITH.'ButIcannotagreethatitwasso.Hisliteraryreputationwasdeadlongbeforehisnaturaldeath.Iconsideranauthour'sliteraryreputationtobealiveonlywhilehisnamewillensureagoodpriceforhiscopyfromthebooksellers.Iwillgetyou(toJohnson,)ahundredguineasforany

thingwhateverthatyoushallwrite,ifyouputyournametoit.'

Dr.Goldsmith'snewplay,SheStoopstoConquer,beingmentioned;JOHNSON.'Iknowofnocomedyformanyyearsthathassomuchexhilaratedanaudience,thathasansweredsomuchthegreatendofcomedy--makinganaudiencemerry.'

Goldsmithhavingsaid,thatGarrick'scomplimenttotheQueen,whichheintroducedintotheplayofTheChances,whichhehadalteredandrevisedthisyear,wasmeanandgrossflattery;JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,IwouldnotWRITE,Iwouldnotgivesolemnlyundermyhand,acharacterbeyondwhatIthoughtreallytrue;butaspeechonthestage,letitflattereversoextravagantly,isformular.Ithasalwaysbeenformular

toflatterKingsandQueens;somuchso,thateveninourchurch-servicewehave"ourmostreligiousKing,"usedindiscriminately,whoeverisKing.Nay,theyevenflatterthemselves;--"wehavebeengraciouslypleasedtogrant."Nomodernflattery,however,issogrossasthatoftheAugustanage,wheretheEmperourwasdeified."ProesensDivushabebiturAugustus."Andastomeanness,(risingintowarmth,)howisitmeaninaplayer,--ashowman,--afellowwhoexhibitshimselfforashilling,toflatterhisQueen?Theattempt,indeed,wasdangerous;forifithadmissed,whatbecameofGarrick,andwhatbecameoftheQueen?AsSirWilliamTemplesaysofagreatGeneral,itisnecessarynotonlythathisdesignsbeformedinamasterlymanner,butthattheyshouldbeattendedwithsuccess.Sir,itisright,atatimewhentheRoyalFamilyisnotgenerallyliked,toletitbeseenthatthepeoplelikeatleast

oneofthem.'SIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS.'Idonotperceivewhytheprofessionofaplayershouldbedespised;forthegreatandultimateendofalltheemploymentsofmankindistoproduceamusement.Garrickproducesmoreamusementthananybody.'BOSWELL.'Yousay,Dr.Johnson,thatGarrickexhibitshimselfforashilling.Inthisrespectheisonlyonafootingwithalawyerwhoexhibitshimselfforhisfee,andevenwillmaintainanynonsenseorabsurdity,ifthecaserequiresit.Garrickrefusesaplayorapartwhichhedoesnotlike;alawyerneverrefuses.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,whatdoesthisprove?onlythatalawyerisworse.BoswellisnowlikeJackinTheTaleofaTub,who,whenheis



puzzledbyanargument,hangshimself.HethinksIshallcuthimdown,butI'lllethimhang.'(laughingvociferously.)SIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS.'Mr.Boswellthinksthattheprofessionofalawyerbeingunquestionablyhonourable,ifhecanshowtheprofessionofaplayertobemorehonourable,heproveshisargument.'

OnFriday,April30,IdinedwithhimatMr.Beauclerk's,wherewereLordCharlemont,SirJoshuaReynolds,andsomemoremembersoftheLITERARYCLUB,whomhehadobliginglyinvitedtomeetme,asIwasthiseveningtobeballotedforascandidateforadmissionintothatdistinguishedsociety.Johnsonhaddonemethehonourtoproposeme,andBeauclerkwasveryzealousforme.

Goldsmithbeingmentioned;JOHNSON.'ItisamazinghowlittleGoldsmithknows.Heseldomcomeswhereheisnotmoreignorantthananyoneelse.'SIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS.'Yetthereisnomanwhosecompanyismoreliked.'JOHNSON.'Tobesure,Sir.Whenpeoplefindamanofthemostdistinguishedabilitiesasawriter,theirinferiourwhileheiswiththem,itmustbehighlygratifyingtothem.WhatGoldsmithcomicallysaysofhimselfisverytrue,--healwaysgetsthebetterwhenhearguesalone;meaning,thatheismasterofasubjectinhisstudy,andcanwritewelluponit;butwhenhecomesintocompany,growsconfused,andunabletotalk.Takehimasapoet,hisTravellerisaveryfineperformance;ay,andsoishisDesertedVillage,wereitnotsometimes

toomuchtheechoofhisTraveller.Whether,indeed,wetakehimasapoet,--asacomickwriter,--orasanhistorian,hestandsinthefirstclass.'BOSWELL.'Anhistorian!MydearSir,yousurelywillnotrankhiscompilationoftheRomanHistorywiththeworksofotherhistoriansofthisage?'JOHNSON.'Why,whoarebeforehim?'BOSWELL.'Hume,--Robertson,--LordLyttelton.'JOHNSON(hisantipathytotheScotchbeginningtorise).'IhavenotreadHume;but,doubtless,Goldsmith'sHistoryisbetterthantheVERBIAGEofRobertson,orthefopperyofDalrymple.'BOSWELL.'WillyounotadmitthesuperiorityofRobertson,inwhoseHistorywefindsuchpenetration--suchpainting?'JOHNSON.'Sir,youmustconsiderhowthatpenetrationandthatpaintingareemployed.Itisnothistory,itisimagination.Hewhodescribeswhatheneversaw,drawsfromfancy.Robertsonpaintsmindsas

SirJoshuapaintsfacesinahistory-piece:heimaginesanheroiccountenance.YoumustlookuponRobertson'sworkasromance,andtryitbythatstandard.Historyitisnot.Besides,Sir,itisthegreatexcellenceofawritertoputintohisbookasmuchashisbookwillhold.GoldsmithhasdonethisinhisHistory.NowRobertsonmighthaveputtwiceasmuchintohisbook.Robertsonislikeamanwhohaspackedgoldinwool:thewooltakesupmoreroomthanthegold.No,Sir;IalwaysthoughtRobertsonwouldbecrushedbyhisownweight,--wouldbeburiedunderhisownornaments.Goldsmithtellsyoushortlyallyouwanttoknow:Robertsondetainsyouagreatdealtoolong.NomanwillreadRobertson'scumbrousdetailasecondtime;butGoldsmith'splainnarrativewillpleaseagainandagain.IwouldsaytoRobertsonwhatanoldtutorofacollegesaidtooneofhispupils:"Readoveryour

compositions,andwhereeveryoumeetwithapassagewhichyouthinkisparticularlyfine,strikeitout."Goldsmith'sabridgementisbetterthanthatofLuciusFlorusorEutropius;andIwillventuretosay,thatifyoucomparehimwithVertot,inthesameplacesoftheRomanHistory,youwillfindthatheexcelsVertot.Sir,hehastheartofcompiling,andofsayingeverythinghehastosayinapleasingmanner.HeisnowwritingaNaturalHistoryandwillmakeitasentertainingasaPersianTale.'

Icannotdismissthepresenttopickwithoutobserving,thatitis



probablethatDr.Johnson,whoownedthatheoften'talkedforvictory,'ratherurgedplausibleobjectionstoDr.Robertson'sexcellenthistoricalworks,intheardourofcontest,thanexpressedhisrealanddecidedopinion;foritisnoteasytosuppose,thatheshouldsowidelydifferfromtherestoftheliteraryworld.

JOHNSON.'IrememberoncebeingwithGoldsmithinWestminster-abbey.WhilewesurveyedthePoets'Corner,Isaidtohim,

"Forsitanetnostrumnomenmiscebituristis."

whenwegottoTemple-barhestoppedme,pointedtotheheadsuponit,andslilywhisperedme,

"ForsitanetnostrumnomenmiscebiturISTIS."'*

*InallusiontoDr.Johnson'ssupposedpoliticalprinciples,andperhapshisown.Boswell.

JohnsonpraisedJohnBunyanhighly.'HisPilgrim'sProgresshasgreatmerit,bothforinvention,imagination,andtheconductofthestory;

andithashadthebestevidenceofitsmerit,thegeneralandcontinuedapprobationofmankind.Fewbooks,Ibelieve,havehadamoreextensivesale.Itisremarkable,thatitbeginsverymuchlikethepoemofDante;yettherewasnotranslationofDantewhenBunyanwrote.ThereisreasontothinkthathehadreadSpenser.'

Apropositionwhichhadbeenagitated,thatmonumentstoeminentpersonsshould,forthetimetocome,beerectedinSt.Paul'schurchaswellasinWestminster-abbey,wasmentioned;anditwasasked,whoshouldbehonouredbyhavinghismonumentfirsterectedthere.SomebodysuggestedPope.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,asPopewasaRomanCatholick,Iwouldnothavehistobefirst.IthinkMilton'srathershouldhavetheprecedence.IthinkmorehighlyofhimnowthanIdidattwenty.There

ismorethinkinginhimandinButler,thaninanyofourpoets.'

Thegentlemenwentawaytotheirclub,andIwasleftatBeauclerk'stillthefateofmyelectionshouldbeannouncedtome.IsatinastateofanxietywhicheventhecharmingconversationofLadyDiBeauclerkcouldnotentirelydissipate.InashorttimeIreceivedtheagreeableintelligencethatIwaschosen.Ihastenedtotheplaceofmeeting,andwasintroducedtosuchasocietyascanseldombefound.Mr.EdmundBurke,whomIthensawforthefirsttime,andwhosesplendidtalentshadlongmademeardentlywishforhisacquaintance;Dr.Nugent,Mr.Garrick,Dr.Goldsmith,Mr.(afterwardsSirWilliam)Jones,andthecompanywithwhomIhaddined.Uponmyentrance,Johnsonplacedhimselfbehindachair,onwhichheleanedasonadeskorpulpit,andwith

humorousformalitygavemeaCharge,pointingouttheconductexpectedfrommeasagoodmemberofthisclub.

Goldsmithproducedsomeveryabsurdverseswhichhadbeenpublicklyrecitedtoanaudienceformoney.JOHNSON.'Icanmatchthisnonsense.TherewasapoemcalledEugenio,whichcameoutsomeyearsago,andconcludesthus:

"Andnow,yetrifling,self-assumingelves,Brimfulofpride,ofnothing,ofyourselves,



SurveyEugenio,viewhimo'erando'er,Thensinkintoyourselves,andbenomore."

Nay,DrydeninhispoemontheRoyalSociety,hastheselines:

"Thenweuponourglobe'slastvergeshallgo,Andseetheoceanleaningonthesky;Fromthenceourrollingneighboursweshallknow,Andonthelunarworldsecurelypry."'

Muchpleasantconversationpassed,whichJohnsonrelishedwithgreatgoodhumour.Buthisconversationalone,orwhatledtoit,orwasinterwovenwithit,isthebusinessofthiswork.

OnSaturday,May1,wedinedbyourselvesatouroldrendezvous,theMitretavern.Hewasplacid,butnotmuchdisposedtotalk.Heobservedthat'TheIrishmixbetterwiththeEnglishthantheScotchdo;theirlanguageisnearertoEnglish;asaproofofwhich,theysucceedverywellasplayers,whichScotchmendonot.Then,Sir,theyhavenotthatextremenationalitywhichwefindintheScotch.Iwilldoyou,Boswell,thejusticetosay,thatyouarethemostUNSCOTTIFIEDofyourcountrymen.YouarealmosttheonlyinstanceofaScotchmanthatIhaveknown,whodidnotateveryothersentencebringinsomeotherScotchman.'

OnFriday,May7,IbreakfastedwithhimatMr.Thrale'sintheBorough.Whilewewerealone,IendeavouredaswellasIcouldtoapologiseforaladywhohadbeendivorcedfromherhusbandbyactofParliament.Isaid,thathehadusedherveryill,hadbehavedbrutallytoher,andthatshecouldnotcontinuetolivewithhimwithouthavingherdelicacycontaminated;thatallaffectionforhimwasthusdestroyed;thattheessenceofconjugalunionbeinggone,thereremainedonlyacoldform,amerecivilobligation;thatshewasintheprimeoflife,withqualitiestoproducehappiness;thattheseoughtnottobelost;and,thatthegentlemanonwhoseaccountshewasdivorcedhadgainedherheartwhilethusunhappilysituated.Seduced,perhaps,bythecharmsoftheladyinquestion,IthusattemptedtopalliatewhatIwassensiblecouldnotbe

justified;forwhenIhadfinishedmyharangue,myvenerablefriendgavemeapropercheck:'MydearSir,neveraccustomyourmindtominglevirtueandvice.Thewoman'sawhore,andthere'sanendon't.'

Hedescribedthefatherofoneofhisfriendsthus:'Sir,hewassoexuberantatalkeratpublickmeeting,thatthegentlemenofhiscountywereafraidofhim.Nobusinesscouldbedoneforhisdeclamation.'

HedidnotgivemefullcreditwhenImentionedthatIhadcarriedonashortconversationbysignswithsomeEsquimauxwhoweretheninLondon,particularlywithoneofthemwhowasapriest.HethoughtIcouldnotmakethemunderstandme.Nomanwasmoreincredulousastoparticularfacts,whichwereatallextraordinary;andthereforenomanwasmore

scrupulouslyinquisitive,inordertodiscoverthetruth.

Idinedwithhimthisdayatthehouseofmyfriends,MessieursEdwardandCharlesDilly,booksellersinthePoultry:therewerepresent,theirelderbrotherMr.DillyofBedfordshire,Dr.Goldsmith,Mr.Langton,Mr.Claxton,ReverendDr.Mayoadissentingminister,theReverendMr.Toplady,andmyfriendtheReverendMr.Temple.

BOSWELL.'IamwellassuredthatthepeopleofOtaheitewhohavethebreadtree,thefruitofwhichservesthemforbread,laughedheartily



whentheywereinformedofthetediousprocessnecessarywithustohavebread;--plowing,sowing,harrowing,reaping,threshing,grinding,baking.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,allignorantsavageswilllaughwhentheyaretoldoftheadvantagesofcivilizedlife.Wereyoutotellmenwholivewithouthouses,howwepilebrickuponbrick,andrafteruponrafter,andthatafterahouseisraisedtoacertainheight,amantumblesoffascaffold,andbreakshisneck;hewouldlaughheartilyatourfollyinbuilding;butitdoesnotfollowthatmenarebetterwithouthouses.No,Sir,(holdingupasliceofagoodloaf,)thisisbetterthanthebreadtree.'

Iintroducedthesubjectoftoleration.JOHNSON.'Everysocietyhasarighttopreservepublickpeaceandorder,andthereforehasagoodrighttoprohibitthepropagationofopinionswhichhaveadangeroustendency.TosaytheMAGISTRATEhasthisright,isusinganinadequateword:itistheSOCIETYforwhichthemagistrateisagent.Hemaybemorallyortheologicallywronginrestrainingthepropagationofopinionswhichhethinksdangerous,butheispoliticallyright.'MAYO.'Iamofopinion,Sir,thateverymanisentitledtolibertyofconscienceinreligion;andthatthemagistratecannotrestrainthatright.'JOHNSON.'Sir,Iagreewithyou.Everymanhasarighttolibertyofconscience,andwiththatthemagistratecannotinterfere.Peopleconfoundlibertyofthinkingwithlibertyoftalking;nay,withlibertyofpreaching.Everymanhasaphysicalrighttothinkashe

pleases;foritcannotbediscoveredhowhethinks.Hehasnotamoralright,forheoughttoinformhimself,andthinkjustly.But,Sir,nomemberofasocietyhasarighttoTEACHanydoctrinecontrarytowhatthesocietyholdstobetrue.Themagistrate,Isay,maybewronginwhathethinks:butwhilehethinkshimselfright,hemayandoughttoenforcewhathethinks.'MAYO.'Then,Sir,wearetoremainalwaysinerrour,andtruthnevercanprevail;andthemagistratewasrightinpersecutingthefirstChristians.'JOHNSON.'Sir,theonlymethodbywhichreligioustruthcanbeestablishedisbymartyrdom.Themagistratehasarighttoenforcewhathethinks;andhewhoisconsciousofthetruthhasarighttosuffer.Iamafraidthereisnootherwayofascertainingthetruth,butbypersecutionontheonehandandenduringitontheother.'GOLDSMITH.'Buthowisamantoact,Sir?Though

firmlyconvincedofthetruthofhisdoctrine,mayhenotthinkitwrongtoexposehimselftopersecution?Hashearighttodoso?Isitnot,asitwere,committingvoluntarysuicide?'JOHNSON.'Sir,astovoluntarysuicide,asyoucallit,therearetwentythousandmeninanarmywhowillgowithoutscrupletobeshotat,andmountabreachforfive-penceaday.'GOLDSMITH.'Buthavetheyamoralrighttodothis?'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,ifyouwillnottaketheuniversalopinionofmankind,Ihavenothingtosay.Ifmankindcannotdefendtheirownwayofthinking,Icannotdefendit.Sir,ifamanisindoubtwhetheritwouldbebetterforhimtoexposehimselftomartyrdomornot,heshouldnotdoit.Hemustbeconvincedthathehasadelegationfromheaven.'GOLDSMITH.'Iwouldconsiderwhetherthereisthegreaterchanceofgoodoreviluponthewhole.IfIseeamanwhohadfallenintoawell,Iwouldwishto

helphimout;butifthereisagreaterprobabilitythatheshallpullmein,thanthatIshallpullhimout,Iwouldnotattemptit.SowereItogotoTurkey,ImightwishtoconverttheGrandSignortotheChristianfaith;butwhenIconsideredthatIshouldprobablybeputtodeathwithouteffectuatingmypurposeinanydegree,Ishouldkeepmyselfquiet.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youmustconsiderthatwehaveperfectandimperfectobligations.Perfectobligations,whicharegenerallynottodosomething,areclearandpositive;as,"thoushaltnotkill?'Butcharity,forinstance,isnotdefinablebylimits.Itisadutytogivetothepoor;butnomancansayhowmuchanothershouldgivetothe



poor,orwhenamanhasgiventoolittletosavehissoul.Inthesamemanneritisadutytoinstructtheignorant,andofconsequencetoconvertinfidelstoChristianity;butnomaninthecommoncourseofthingsisobligedtocarrythistosuchadegreeastoincurthedangerofmartyrdom,asnomanisobligedtostriphimselftotheshirtinordertogivecharity.Ihavesaid,thatamanmustbepersuadedthathehasaparticulardelegationfromheaven.'GOLDSMITH.'Howisthistobeknown?Ourfirstreformers,whowereburntfornotbelievingbreadandwinetobeCHRIST'--JOHNSON.(interruptinghim,)'Sir,theywerenotburntfornotbelievingbreadandwinetobeCHRIST,butforinsultingthosewhodidbelieveit.And,Sir,whenthefirstreformersbegan,theydidnotintendtobemartyred:asmanyofthemranawayascould.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,therewasyourcountryman,Elwal,whoyoutoldmechallengedKingGeorgewithhisblack-guards,andhisred-guards.'JOHNSON.'Mycountryman,Elwal,Sir,shouldhavebeenputinthestocks;aproperpulpitforhim;andhe'dhavehadanumerousaudience.Amanwhopreachesinthestockswillalwayshavehearersenough.'BOSWELL.'ButElwalthoughthimselfintheright.'JOHNSON.'Wearenotprovidingformadpeople;thereareplacesforthemintheneighbourhood.'(meaningmoorfields.)MAYO.'But,Sir,isitnotveryhardthatIshouldnotbeallowedtoteachmychildrenwhatIreallybelievetobethetruth?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,youmightcontrivetoteachyourchildrenextrascandalum;but,Sir,themagistrate,ifheknowsit,hasarighttorestrainyou.Supposeyouteachyourchildrentobethieves?'MAYO.

'Thisismakingajokeofthesubject.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,takeitthus:--thatyouteachthemthecommunityofgoods;forwhichthereareasmanyplausibleargumentsasformosterroneousdoctrines.Youteachthemthatallthingsatfirstwereincommon,andthatnomanhadarighttoanythingbutashelaidhishandsuponit;andthatthisstillis,oroughttobe,theruleamongstmankind.Here,Sir,yousapagreatprincipleinsociety,--property.Anddon'tyouthinkthemagistratewouldhavearighttopreventyou?Or,supposeyoushouldteachyourchildrenthenotionoftheAdamites,andtheyshouldrunnakedintothestreets,wouldnotthemagistratehavearighttoflog'emintotheirdoublets?'MAYO.'Ithinkthemagistratehasnorighttointerferetillthereissomeovertact.'BOSWELL.'So,Sir,thoughheseesanenemytothestatechargingablunderbuss,heisnottointerferetillitis

firedoff?'MAYO.'Hemustbesureofitsdirectionagainstthestate.'JOHNSON.'Themagistrateistojudgeofthat.--Hehasnorighttorestrainyourthinking,becausetheevilcentersinyourself.Ifamanweresittingatthistable,andchoppingoffhisfingers,themagistrate,asguardianofthecommunity,hasnoauthoritytorestrainhim,howeverhemightdoitfromkindnessasaparent.--Though,indeed,uponmoreconsideration,Ithinkhemay;asitisprobable,thathewhoischoppingoffhisownfingers,maysoonproceedtochopoffthoseofotherpeople.IfIthinkitrighttostealMr.Dilly'splate,Iamabadman;buthecansaynothingtome.IfImakeanopendeclarationthatIthinkso,hewillkeepmeoutofhishouse.IfIputforthmyhand,IshallbesenttoNewgate.Thisisthegradationofthinking,preaching,andacting:ifamanthinkserroneously,hemaykeephisthoughtsto

himself,andnobodywilltroublehim;ifhepreacheserroneousdoctrine,societymayexpelhim;ifheactsinconsequenceofit,thelawtakesplace,andheishanged.'MAYO.'But,Sir,oughtnotChristianstohavelibertyofconscience?'JOHNSON.'Ihavealreadytoldyouso,Sir.Youarecomingbacktowhereyouwere.'BOSWELL.'Dr.Mayoisalwaystakingareturnpost-chaise,andgoingthestageoveragain.Hehasitathalfprice.'JOHNSON.'Dr.Mayo,likeotherchampionsforunlimitedtoleration,hasgotasetofwords.Sir,itisnomatter,politically,whetherthemagistrateberightorwrong.Supposeaclubweretobeformed,todrinkconfusiontoKingGeorgetheThird,andahappy



restorationtoCharlestheThird,thiswouldbeverybadwithrespecttotheState;buteverymemberofthatclubmusteitherconformtoitsrules,orbeturnedoutofit.OldBaxter,Iremember,maintains,thatthemagistrateshould"tolerateallthingsthataretolerable."Thisisnogooddefinitionoftolerationuponanyprinciple;butitshowsthathethoughtsomethingswerenottolerable.'TOPLADY.'Sir,youhaveuntwistedthisdifficultsubjectwithgreatdexterity.'

Duringthisargument,Goldsmithsatinrestlessagitation,fromawishtogetinandSHINE.Findinghimselfexcluded,hehadtakenhishattogoaway,butremainedforsometimewithitinhishand,likeagamester,whoatthecloseofalongnight,lingersforalittlewhile,toseeifhecanhaveafavourableopeningtofinishwithsuccess.Oncewhenhewasbeginningtospeak,hefoundhimselfoverpoweredbytheloudvoiceofJohnson,whowasattheoppositeendofthetable,anddidnotperceiveGoldsmith'sattempt.Thusdisappointedofhiswishtoobtaintheattentionofthecompany,Goldsmithinapassionthrewdownhishat,lookingangrilyatJohnson,andexclaiminginabittertone,'TAKEIT.'WhenTopladywasgoingtospeak,Johnsonutteredsomesound,whichledGoldsmithtothinkthathewasbeginningagain,andtakingthewordsfromToplady.Uponwhich,heseizedthisopportunityofventinghisownenvyandspleen,underthepretextofsupportinganotherperson:

'Sir,(saidhetoJohnson,)thegentlemanhasheardyoupatientlyfor

anhour;prayallowusnowtohearhim.'JOHNSON.(sternly,)'Sir,Iwasnotinterruptingthegentleman.Iwasonlygivinghimasignalofmyattention.Sir,youareimpertinent.'Goldsmithmadenoreply,butcontinuedinthecompanyforsometime.

AgentlemanpresentventuredtoaskDr.Johnsoniftherewasnotamaterialdifferenceastotolerationofopinionswhichleadtoaction,andopinionsmerelyspeculative;forinstance,woulditbewronginthemagistratetotoleratethosewhopreachagainstthedoctrineoftheTRINITY?Johnsonwashighlyoffended,andsaid,'Iwonder,Sir,howagentlemanofyourpietycanintroducethissubjectinamixedcompany.'Hetoldmeafterwards,thattheimproprietywas,thatperhapssomeofthecompanymighthavetalkedonthesubjectinsuchtermsasmight

haveshockedhim;orhemighthavebeenforcedtoappearintheireyesanarrow-mindedman.Thegentleman,withsubmissivedeference,said,hehadonlyhintedatthequestionfromadesiretohearDr.Johnson'sopinionuponit.JOHNSON.'Whythen,Sir,Ithinkthatpermittingmentopreachanyopinioncontrarytothedoctrineoftheestablishedchurchtends,inacertaindegree,tolessentheauthorityofthechurch,andconsequently,tolessentheinfluenceofreligion.''Itmaybeconsidered,(saidthegentleman,)whetheritwouldnotbepoliticktotolerateinsuchacase.'JOHNSON.'Sir,wehavebeentalkingofRIGHT:thisisanotherquestion.IthinkitisNOTpoliticktotolerateinsuchacase.'

BOSWELL.'Pray,Mr.Dilly,howdoesDr.Leland'sHistoryofIreland

sell?'JOHNSON.(burstingforthwithagenerousindignation,)'TheIrishareinamostunnaturalstate;forweseetheretheminorityprevailingoverthemajority.Thereisnoinstance,eveninthetenpersecutions,ofsuchseverityasthatwhichtheprotestantsofIrelandhaveexercisedagainsttheCatholicks.Didwetellthemwehaveconqueredthem,itwouldbeaboveboard:topunishthembyconfiscationandotherpenalties,asrebels,wasmonstrousinjustice.KingWilliamwasnottheirlawfulsovereign:hehadnotbeenacknowledgedbytheParliamentofIreland,whentheyappearedinarmsagainsthim.'



HeandMr.LangtonandIwenttogethertoTHECLUB,wherewefoundMr.Burke,Mr.Garrick,andsomeothermembers,andamongstthemourfriendGoldsmith,whosatsilentlybroodingoverJohnson'sreprimandtohimafterdinner.Johnsonperceivedthis,andsaidasidetosomeofus,'I'llmakeGoldsmithforgiveme;'andthencalledtohiminaloudvoice,'Dr.Goldsmith,--somethingpassedto-daywhereyouandIdined;Iaskyourpardon.'Goldsmithansweredplacidly,'Itmustbemuchfromyou,Sir,thatItakeill.'Andsoatoncethedifferencewasover,andtheywereonaseasytermsasever,andGoldsmithrattledawayasusual.

Inourwaytotheclubto-night,whenIregrettedthatGoldsmithwould,uponeveryoccasion,endeavourtoshine,bywhichheoftenexposedhimself,Mr.Langtonobserved,thathewasnotlikeAddison,whowascontentwiththefameofhiswritings,anddidnotaimalsoatexcellencyinconversation,forwhichhefoundhimselfunfit;andthathesaidtoaladywhocomplainedofhishavingtalkedlittleincompany,'Madam,Ihavebutninepenceinreadymoney,butIcandrawforathousandpounds.'Iobserved,thatGoldsmithhadagreatdealofgoldinhiscabinet,but,notcontentwiththat,wasalwaystakingouthispurse.JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,andthatsooftenanemptypurse!'

Goldsmith'sincessantdesireofbeingconspicuousincompany,wastheoccasionofhissometimesappearingtosuchdisadvantageasoneshouldhardlyhavesupposedpossibleinamanofhisgenius.Whenhisliterary

reputationhadrisendeservedlyhigh,andhissocietywasmuchcourted,hebecameveryjealousoftheextraordinaryattentionwhichwaseverywherepaidtoJohnson.Oneevening,inacircleofwits,hefoundfaultwithmefortalkingofJohnsonasentitledtothehonourofunquestionablesuperiority.'Sir,(saidhe,)youareformakingamonarchyofwhatshouldbearepublick.'

Hewasstillmoremortified,whentalkinginacompanywithfluentvivacity,and,asheflatteredhimself,totheadmirationofallwhowerepresent;aGermanwhosatnexthim,andperceivedJohnsonrollinghimself,asifabouttospeak,suddenlystoppedhim,saying,'Stay,stay,--ToctorShonsonisgoingtosaysomething.'Thiswas,nodoubt,veryprovoking,especiallytoonesoirritableasGoldsmith,who

frequentlymentioneditwithstrongexpressionsofindignation.

Itmayalsobeobserved,thatGoldsmithwassometimescontenttobetreatedwithaneasyfamiliarity,but,uponoccasions,wouldbeconsequentialandimportant.Aninstanceofthisoccurredinasmallparticular.Johnsonhadawayofcontractingthenamesofhisfriends;asBeauclerk,Beau;Boswell,Bozzy;Langton,Lanky;Murphy,Mur;Sheridan,Sherry.Irememberoneday,whenTomDavieswastellingthatDr.Johnsonsaid,'WeareallinlabourforanametoGOLDY'Splay,'Goldsmithseemeddispleasedthatsuchalibertyshouldbetakenwithhisname,andsaid,'IhaveoftendesiredhimnottocallmeGOLDY.'TomwasremarkablyattentivetothemostminutecircumstanceaboutJohnson.Irecollecthistellingmeonce,onmyarrivalinLondon,'Sir,ourgreat

friendhasmadeanimprovementonhisappellationofoldMr.Sheridan.HecallshimnowSherryderry.'

OnMonday,May9,asIwastosetoutonmyreturntoScotlandnextmorning,IwasdesiroustoseeasmuchofDr.JohnsonasIcould.ButIfirstcalledonGoldsmithtotakeleaveofhim.Thejealousyandenvywhich,thoughpossessedofmanymostamiablequalities,hefranklyavowed,brokeoutviolentlyatthisinterview.Uponanotheroccasion,whenGoldsmithconfessedhimselftobeofanenviousdisposition,IcontendedwithJohnsonthatweoughtnottobeangrywithhim,hewasso



candidinowningit.'Nay,Sir,(saidJohnson,)wemustbeangrythatamanhassuchasuperabundanceofanodiousquality,thathecannotkeepitwithinhisownbreast,butitboilsover.'Inmyopinion,however,Goldsmithhadnotmoreofitthanotherpeoplehave,butonlytalkedofitfreely.

HenowseemedveryangrythatJohnsonwasgoingtobeatraveller;said'hewouldbeadeadweightformetocarry,andthatIshouldneverbeabletolughimalongthroughtheHighlandsandHebrides.'NorwouldhepatientlyallowmetoenlargeuponJohnson'swonderfulabilities;butexclaimed,'IshelikeBurke,whowindsintoasubjectlikeaserpent?''But,(saidI,)JohnsonistheHerculeswhostrangledserpentsinhiscradle.'

IdinedwithDr.JohnsonatGeneralPaoli's.Hewasobliged,byindisposition,toleavethecompanyearly;heappointedme,however,tomeethimintheeveningatMr.(nowSirRobert)Chambers'sintheTemple,whereheaccordinglycame,thoughhecontinuedtobeveryill.Chambers,asiscommononsuchoccasions,prescribedvariousremediestohim.JOHNSON.(frettedbypain,)'Pr'ytheedon'tteaseme.StaytillIamwell,andthenyoushalltellmehowtocuremyself.'Hegrewbetter,andtalkedwithanobleenthusiasmofkeepinguptherepresentationofrespectablefamilies.Hiszealonthissubjectwasacircumstanceinhischaracterexceedinglyremarkable,whenitisconsideredthathehimself

hadnopretensionstoblood.Iheardhimoncesay,'Ihavegreatmeritinbeingzealousforsubordinationandthehonoursofbirth;forIcanhardlytellwhowasmygrandfather.'Hemaintainedthedignityandproprietyofmalesuccession,inoppositiontotheopinionofoneofourfriends,whohadthatdayemployedMr.Chamberstodrawhiswill,devisinghisestatetohisthreesisters,inpreferencetoaremoteheirmale.Johnsoncalledthem'threeDOWDIES,'andsaid,withashighaspiritastheboldestBaroninthemostperfectdaysofthefeudalsystem,'Anancientestateshouldalwaysgotomales.Itismightyfoolishtoletastrangerhaveitbecausehemarriesyourdaughter,andtakesyourname.Asforanestatenewlyacquiredbytrade,youmaygiveit,ifyouwill,tothedogTowser,andlethimkeephisOWNname.'

Ihaveknownhimattimesexceedinglydivertedatwhatseemedtoothersaverysmallsport.Henowlaughedimmoderately,withoutanyreasonthatwecouldperceive,atourfriend'smakinghiswill;calledhimtheTESTATOR,andadded,'Idaresay,hethinkshehasdoneamightything.Hewon'tstaytillhegetshometohisseatinthecountry,toproducethiswonderfuldeed:he'llcallupthelandlordofthefirstinnontheroad;and,afterasuitableprefaceuponmortalityandtheuncertaintyoflife,willtellhimthatheshouldnotdelaymakinghiswill;andhere,Sir,willhesay,ismywill,whichIhavejustmade,withtheassistanceofoneoftheablestlawyersinthekingdom;andhewillreadittohim(laughingallthetime).Hebelieveshehasmadethiswill;buthedidnotmakeit:you,Chambers,madeitforhim.Itrustyouhavehadmoreconsciencethantomakehimsay,"beingofsound

understanding;"ha,ha,ha!Ihopehehasleftmealegacy.I'dhavehiswillturnedintoverse,likeaballad.'

Mr.Chambersdidnotbyanymeansrelishthisjocularityuponamatterofwhichparsmagnafuit,andseemedimpatienttillhegotridofus.Johnsoncouldnotstophismerriment,butcontinueditallthewaytillwegotwithouttheTemple-gate.Hethenburstintosuchafitoflaughter,thatheappearedtobealmostinaconvulsion;and,inordertosupporthimself,laidholdofoneofthepostsatthesideofthefootpavement,andsentforthpealssoloud,thatinthesilenceofthe



nighthisvoiceseemedtoresoundfromTemple-bartoFleet-ditch.

Thismostludicrousexhibitionoftheaweful,melancholy,andvenerableJohnson,happenedwelltocounteractthefeelingsofsadnesswhichIusedtoexperiencewhenpartingwithhimforaconsiderabletime.Iaccompaniedhimtohisdoor,wherehegavemehisblessing.


'DEARSir,--IshallsetoutfromLondononFridaythesixthofthismonth,andpurposenottoloitermuchbytheway.WhichdayIshallbeatEdinburgh,Icannotexactlytell.IsupposeImustdrivetoaninn,andsendaportertofindyou.

'IamafraidBeattiewillnotbeathisCollegesoonenoughforus,andIshallbesorrytomisshim;butthereisnostayingfortheconcurrenceofallconveniences.Wewilldoaswellaswecan.Iam,Sir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'August3,1773.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

TOJAMESBOSWELL,ESQ.

'Newcastle,Aug.11,1773.

'DEARSIR,Icamehitherlastnight,andhope,butdonotabsolutelypromise,tobeinEdinburghonSaturday.Beattiewillnotcomesosoon.Iam,Sir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'Mycomplimentstoyourlady.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

TOTHESAME.

'Mr.JohnsonsendshiscomplimentstoMr.Boswell,beingjustarrivedatBoyd's.--Saturdaynight.'

HisstayinScotlandwasfromthe18thofAugust,onwhichdayhearrived,tillthe22ndofNovember,whenhesetoutonhisreturntoLondon;andIbelieveninety-fourdayswereneverpassedbyanymaninamorevigorousexertion.*

*InhisJournalofaTourtotheHebrides,publishedthe

yearafterJohnsondied,BoswellgivesadetailedaccountofJohnson'sconversationandadventureswithhimthroughoutthejourneyof1773.Partlyowingtotheiruninterruptedassociation,partlytothestrangenessandvariationofbackgroundandcircumstances,andpartlytoBoswell'slargerleisureduringthetourfortheelaborationofhisaccount,thejournalisevenmoreracy,picturesque,andinterestingthananyequalpartoftheLife.NoreaderwhoenjoystheLifeshouldfailtoreadtheTour--unabridged!--ED.



HishumaneforgivingdispositionwasputtoaprettystrongtestonhisreturntoLondon,byalibertywhichMr.ThomasDavieshadtakenwithhiminhisabsence,whichwas,topublishtwovolumes,entitled,MiscellaneousandfugitivePieces,whichheadvertisedinthenews-papers,'BytheAuthouroftheRambler.'Inthiscollection,severalofDr.Johnson'sacknowledgedwritings,severalofhisanonymousperformances,andsomewhichhehadwrittenforothers,wereinserted;buttherewerealsosomeinwhichhehadnoconcernwhatever.Hewasatfirstveryangry,ashehadgoodreasontobe.But,uponconsiderationofhispoorfriend'snarrowcircumstances,andthathehadonlyalittleprofitinview,andmeantnoharm,hesoonrelented,andcontinuedhiskindnesstohimasformerly.

Inthecourseofhisself-examinationwithretrospecttothisyear,heseemstohavebeenmuchdejected;forhesays,January1,1774,'Thisyearhaspassedwithsolittleimprovement,thatIdoubtwhetherIhavenotratherimpairedthanincreasedmylearning';andyetwehaveseenhowheREAD,andweknowhowheTALKEDduringthatperiod.

HewasnowseriouslyengagedinwritinganaccountofourtravelsintheHebrides,inconsequenceofwhichIhadthepleasureofamorefrequentcorrespondencewithhim.

'TOBENNETLANGTON,ESQ.,ATLANGTON,NEARSPILSBY,LINCOLNSHIRE.

'DEARSIR,--YouhavereasontoreproachmethatIhaveleftyourlastlettersolongunanswered,butIhadnothingparticulartosay.Chambers,youfind,isgonefar,andpoorGoldsmithisgonemuchfurther.Hediedofafever,exasperated,asIbelieve,bythefearofdistress.Hehadraisedmoneyandsquanderedit,byeveryartificeofacquisition,andfollyofexpence.Butletnothisfrailtiesberemembered;hewasaverygreatman.

'IhavejustbeguntoprintmyJourneytotheHebrides,andamleavingthepresstotakeanotherjourneyintoWales,whitherMr.Thraleisgoing,totakepossessionof,atleast,fivehundredayear,fallento

hislady.AllatStreatham,thatarealive,arewell.

'Ihaveneverrecoveredfromthelastdreadfulillness,butflattermyselfthatIgrowgraduallybetter;much,however,yetremainstomend.[Greektextomitted].

'IfyouhavetheLatinversionofBusy,curious,thirstyfly,besokindastotranscribeandsendit;butyouneednotbeinhaste,forIshallbeIknownotwhere,foratleastfiveweeks.IwrotethefollowingtetastrickonpoorGoldsmith:--

[Greektextomitted]

'Pleasetomakemymostrespectfulcomplimentstoalltheladies,andremembermetoyoungGeorgeandhissisters.IreckonGeorgebeginstoshewapairofheels.

'Donotbesullennow,butletmefindaletterwhenIcomeback.Iam,dearSir,youraffectionate,humbleservant,

'SAM.JOHNSON.



'July5,1774.'

Inhismanuscriptdiaryofthisyear,thereisthefollowingentry:--

'Nov.27.AdventSunday.Iconsideredthatthisday,beingthebeginningoftheecclesiasticalyear,wasapropertimeforanewcourseoflife.IbegantoreadtheGreekTestamentregularlyat160verseseverySunday.ThisdayIbegantheActs.

'InthisweekIreadVirgil'sPastorals.IlearnedtorepeatthePollioandGallus.IreadcarelesslythefirstGeorgick.'

Suchevidencesofhisunceasingardour,bothfor'divineandhumanlore,'whenadvancedintohissixty-fifthyear,andnotwithstandinghismanydisturbancesfromdisease,mustmakeusatoncehonourhisspirit,andlamentthatitshouldbesogrievouslycloggedbyitsmaterialtegument.

1775:AETAT.66.]--

'MR.BOSWELLTODR.JOHNSON.

'Edinburgh,Feb.2,1775.

'...AstoMacpherson,'Iamanxioustohavefromyourselfafullandpointedaccountofwhathaspassedbetweenyouandhim.Itisconfidentlytoldhere,thatbeforeyourbookcameouthesenttoyou,toletyouknowthatheunderstoodyoumeanttodenytheauthenticityofOssian'spoems;thattheoriginalswereinhispossession;thatyoumighthaveinspectionofthem,andmighttaketheevidenceofpeopleskilledintheErselanguage;andthathehoped,afterthisfairoffer,youwouldnotbesouncandidastoassertthathehadrefusedreasonableproof.Thatyoupaidnoregardtohismessage,butpublishedyourstrong

attackuponhim;andthenhewrotealettertoyou,insuchtermsashethoughtsuitedtoonewhohadnotactedasamanofveracity.'...

WhatwordswereusedbyMr.MacphersoninhislettertothevenerableSage,Ihaveneverheard;buttheyaregenerallysaidtohavebeenofanatureverydifferentfromthelanguageofliterarycontest.Dr.Johnson'sanswerappearedinthenews-papersoftheday,andhassincebeenfrequentlyre-published;butnotwithperfectaccuracy.Igiveitasdictatedtomebyhimself,writtendowninhispresence,andauthenticatedbyanoteinhisownhandwriting,'This,Ithink,isatruecopy.'

'MR.JAMESMACPHERSON,--Ireceivedyourfoolishandimpudentletter.AnyviolenceofferedmeIshalldomybesttorepel;andwhatIcannotdoformyself,thelawshalldoforme.IhopeIshallneverbedeterredfromdetectingwhatIthinkacheat,bythemenacesofaruffian.

'Whatwouldyouhavemeretract?Ithoughtyourbookanimposture;Ithinkitanimposturestill.ForthisopinionIhavegivenmyreasonstothepublick,whichIheredareyoutorefute.YourrageIdefy.Yourabilities,sinceyourHomer,arenotsoformidable;andwhatIhearofyourmorals,inclinesmetopayregardnottowhatyoushallsay,butto



whatyoushallprove.Youmayprintthisifyouwill.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

Mr.MacphersonlittleknewthecharacterofDr.Johnson,ifhesupposedthathecouldbeeasilyintimidated;fornomanwasevermoreremarkableforpersonalcourage.Hehad,indeed,anawefuldreadofdeath,orrather,'ofsomethingafterdeath;'andwhatrationalman,whoseriouslythinksofquittingallthathehaseverknown,andgoingintoanewandunknownstateofbeing,canbewithoutthatdread?Buthisfearwasfromreflection;hiscouragenatural.Hisfear,inthatoneinstance,wastheresultofphilosophicalandreligiousconsideration.Hefeareddeath,buthefearednothingelse,notevenwhatmightoccasiondeath.Manyinstancesofhisresolutionmaybementioned.Oneday,atMr.Beauclerk'shouseinthecountry,whentwolargedogswerefighting,hewentuptothem,andbeatthemtilltheyseparated;andatanothertime,whentoldofthedangertherewasthatagunmightburstifchargedwithmanyballs,heputinsixorseven,andfireditoffagainstawall.Mr.Langtontoldme,thatwhentheywereswimmingtogethernearOxford,hecautionedDr.Johnsonagainstapool,whichwasreckonedparticularlydangerous;uponwhichJohnsondirectlyswamintoit.Hetoldmehimselfthatonenighthewasattackedinthestreetbyfourmen,towhomhewouldnotyield,butkeptthemallatbay,tillthewatchcameup,

andcarriedbothhimandthemtotheround-house.IntheplayhouseatLichfield,asMr.Garrickinformedme,Johnsonhavingforamomentquittedachairwhichwasplacedforhimbetweentheside-scenes,agentlemantookpossessionofit,andwhenJohnsononhisreturncivillydemandedhisseat,rudelyrefusedtogiveitup;uponwhichJohnsonlaidholdofit,andtossedhimandthechairintothepit.Foote,whososuccessfullyrevivedtheoldcomedy,byexhibitinglivingcharacters,hadresolvedtoimitateJohnsononthestage,expectinggreatprofitsfromhisridiculeofsocelebratedaman.Johnsonbeinginformedofhisintention,andbeingatdinneratMr.ThomasDavies'sthebookseller,fromwhomIhadthestory,heaskedMr.Davies'whatwasthecommonpriceofanoakstick;'andbeingansweredsix-pence,'Whythen,Sir,(saidhe,)givemeleavetosendyourservanttopurchasemeashilling

one.I'llhaveadoublequantity;forIamtoldFootemeanstotakemeoff,ashecallsit,andIamdeterminedthefellowshallnotdoitwithimpunity.DaviestookcaretoacquaintFooteofthis,whicheffectuallycheckedthewantonnessofthemimick.Mr.Macpherson'smenacesmadeJohnsonprovidehimselfwiththesameimplementofdefence;andhadhebeenattacked,Ihavenodoubtthat,oldashewas,hewouldhavemadehiscorporalprowessbefeltasmuchashisintellectual.

HisJourneytotheWesternIslandsofScotlandisamostvaluableperformance.Johnson'sgratefulacknowledgementsofkindnessesreceivedinthecourseofthistour,completelyrefutethebrutalreflectionswhichhavebeenthrownoutagainsthim,asifhehadmadeanungratefulreturn;andhisdelicacyinsparinginhisbookthosewhowefindfrom

hisletterstoMrs.Thralewerejustobjectsofcensure,ismuchtobeadmired.Hiscandourandamiabledispositionisconspicuousfromhisconduct,wheninformedbyMr.Macleod,ofRasay,thathehadcommittedamistake,whichgavethatgentlemansomeuneasiness.Hewrotehimacourteousandkindletter,andinsertedinthenews-papersanadvertisement,correctingthemistake.

AstohisprejudiceagainsttheScotch,whichIalwaysascribedtothatnationalitywhichheobservedinTHEM,hesaidtothesamegentleman,'WhenIfindaScotchman,towhomanEnglishmanisasaScotchman,



thatScotchmanshallbeasanEnglishmantome.'HisintimacywithmanygentlemenofScotland,andhisemployingsomanynativesofthatcountryashisamanuenses,provethathisprejudicewasnotvirulent;andIhavedepositedintheBritishMuseum,amongstotherpiecesofhiswriting,thefollowingnoteinanswertoonefromme,askingifhewouldmeetmeatdinnerattheMitre,thoughafriendofmine,aScotchman,wastobethere:--

'Mr.JohnsondoesnotseewhyMr.BoswellshouldsupposeaScotchmanlessacceptablethananyotherman.HewillbeattheMitre.'

Mymuch-valuedfriendDr.Barnard,nowBishopofKillaloc,havingonceexpressedtohimanapprehension,thatifheshouldvisitIrelandhemighttreatthepeopleofthatcountrymoreunfavourablythanhehaddonetheScotch,heanswered,withstrongpointeddouble-edgedwit,'Sir,youhavenoreasontobeafraidofme.TheIrisharenotinaconspiracytocheattheworldbyfalserepresentationsofthemeritsoftheircountrymen.No,Sir;theIrishareaFAIRPEOPLE;--theyneverspeakwellofoneanother.'

AllthemiserablecavillingsagainsthisJourney,innewspapers,magazines,andotherfugitivepublications,Icanspeakfromcertainknowledge,onlyfurnishedhimwithsport.Atlasttherecameoutascurrilousvolume,largerthanJohnson'sown,filledwithmalignant

abuse,underaname,realorfictitious,ofsomelowmaninanobscurecornerofScotland,thoughsupposedtobetheworkofanotherScotchman,whohasfoundmeanstomakehimselfwellknownbothinScotlandandEngland.TheeffectwhichithaduponJohnsonwas,toproducethispleasantobservationtoMr.Seward,towhomhelentthebook:'Thisfellowmustbeablockhead.Theydon'tknowhowtogoabouttheirabuse.Whowillreadafive-shillingbookagainstme?No,Sir,iftheyhadwit,theyshouldhavekeptpeltingmewithpamphlets.'

OnTuesday,March21,IarrivedinLondon;andonrepairingtoDr.Johnson'sbeforedinner,foundhiminhisstudy,sittingwithMr.PeterGarrick,theelderbrotherofDavid,stronglyresemblinghimincountenanceandvoice,butofmoresedateandplacidmanners.Johnson

informedme,that'thoughMr.Beauclerkwasingreatpain,itwashopedhewasnotindanger,andthathenowwishedtoconsultDr.HeberdentotrytheeffectofaNEWUNDERSTANDING.'Bothatthisinterview,andintheeveningatMr.Thrale'swhereheandMr.PeterGarrickandImetagain,hewasvehementonthesubjectoftheOssiancontroversy;observing,'WedonotknowthatthereareanyancientErsemanuscripts;andwehavenootherreasontodisbelievethattherearemenwiththreeheads,butthatwedonotknowthatthereareanysuchmen.'Healsowasoutrageousuponhissuppositionthatmycountrymen'lovedScotlandbetterthantruth,'saying,'Allofthem,--naynotall,--butDROVESofthem,wouldcomeup,andattestanythingforthehonourofScotland.'Healsoperseveredinhiswildallegation,thathequestionediftherewasatreebetweenEdinburghandtheEnglishborderolderthanhimself.

Iassuredhimhewasmistaken,andsuggestedthattheproperpunishmentwouldbethatheshouldreceiveastripeateverytreeaboveahundredyearsold,thatwasfoundwithinthatspace.Helaughed,andsaid,'IbelieveImightsubmittoitforaBAUBEE!'

Thedoubtswhich,inmycorrespondencewithhim,IhadventuredtostateastothejusticeandwisdomoftheconductofGreat-BritaintowardstheAmericancolonies,whileIatthesametimerequestedthathewouldenablemetoinformmyselfuponthatmomentoussubject,hehadaltogetherdisregarded;andhadrecentlypublishedapamphlet,entitled,



TaxationnoTyranny;ananswertotheResolutionsandAddressoftheAmericanCongress.

Hehadlongbeforeindulgedmostunfavourablesentimentsofourfellow-subjectsinAmerica.For,asearlyas1769,IwastoldbyDr.JohnCampbell,thathehadsaidofthem,'Sir,theyarearaceofconvicts,andoughttobethankfulforanythingweallowthemshortofhanging.'

OfthisperformanceIavoidedtotalkwithhim;forIhadnowformedaclearandsettledopinion,thatthepeopleofAmericawerewellwarrantedtoresistaclaimthattheirfellow-subjectsinthemother-countryshouldhavetheentirecommandoftheirfortunes,bytaxingthemwithouttheirownconsent;andtheextremeviolencewhichitbreathed,appearedtomesounsuitabletothemildnessofachristianphilosopher,andsodirectlyoppositetotheprinciplesofpeacewhichhehadsobeautifullyrecommendedinhispamphletrespectingFalkland'sIslands,thatIwassorrytoseehimappearinsounfavourablealight.

OnFriday,March24,ImethimattheLITERARYCLUB,wherewereMr.Beauclerk,Mr.Langton,Mr.Colman,Dr.Percy,Mr.Vesey,SirCharlesBunbury,Dr.GeorgeFordyce,Mr.Steevens,andMr.CharlesFox.Beforehecamein,wetalkedofhisJourneytotheWesternIslands,andofhiscomingaway'willingtobelievethesecondsight,'whichseemedto

excitesomeridicule.IwasthensoimpressedwiththetruthofmanyofthestoriesofitwhichIhadbeentold,thatIavowedmyconviction,saying,'HeisonlyWILLINGtobelieve:IDObelieve.Theevidenceisenoughforme,thoughnotforhisgreatmind.Whatwillnotfillaquartbottlewillfillapintbottle.Iamfilledwithbelief.''Areyou?(saidColman,)thencorkitup.'

IfoundhisJourneythecommontopickofconversationinLondonatthistime,whereverIhappenedtobe.AtoneofLordMansfield'sformalSundayeveningconversations,strangelycalledLevees,hisLordshipaddressedme,'Wehaveallbeenreadingyourtravels,Mr.Boswell.'Ianswered,'IwasbutthehumbleattendantofDr.Johnson.'TheChiefJusticereplied,withthatairandmannerwhichnone,whoeversawand

heardhim,canforget,'HespeaksillofnobodybutOssian.'

Johnsonwasinhighspiritsthiseveningattheclub,andtalkedwithgreatanimationandsuccess.HeattackedSwift,asheusedtodouponalloccasions.TheTaleofaTubissomuchsuperiourtohisotherwritings,thatonecanhardlybelievehewastheauthourofit:'thereisinitsuchavigourofmind,suchaswarmofthoughts,somuchofnature,andart,andlife.'IwonderedtohearhimsayofGulliver'sTravels,'Whenonceyouhavethoughtofbigmenandlittlemen,itisveryeasytodoalltherest.'IendeavouredtomakeastandforSwift,andtriedtorousethosewhoweremuchmoreabletodefendhim;butinvain.Johnsonatlast,ofhisownaccord,allowedverygreatmerittotheinventoryofarticlesfoundinthepocketoftheManMountain,

particularlythedescriptionofhiswatch,whichitwasconjecturedwashisGod;asheconsultedituponalloccasions.Heobserved,that'Swiftputhisnametobuttwothings,(afterhehadanametoput,)ThePlanfortheImprovementoftheEnglishLanguage,andthelastDrapier'sLetter.'

FromSwift,therewasaneasytransitiontoMr.ThomasSheridan--JOHNSON.'SheridanisawonderfuladmirerofthetragedyofDouglas,andpresenteditsauthourwithagoldmedal.Someyearsago,atacoffee-houseinOxford,Icalledtohim,"Mr.Sheridan,Mr.Sheridan,



howcameyoutogiveagoldmedaltoHome,forwritingthatfoolishplay?"Thisyousee,waswantonandinsolent;butIMEANTtobewantonandinsolent.Amedalhasnovaluebutasastampofmerit.AndwasSheridantoassumetohimselftherightofgivingthatstamp?IfSheridanwasmagnificentenoughtobestowagoldmedalasanhonoraryrewardofdramatickexcellence,heshouldhaverequestedoneoftheUniversitiestochoosethepersononwhomitshouldbeconferred.Sheridanhadnorighttogiveastampofmerit:itwascounterfeitingApollo'scoin.'

OnMonday,March27,IbreakfastedwithhimatMrStrahan's.Hetoldus,thathewasengagedtogothateveningtoMrs.Abington'sbenefit.'ShewasvisitingsomeladieswhomIwasvisiting,andbeggedthatIwouldcometoherbenefit.ItoldherIcouldnothear:butsheinsistedsomuchonmycoming,thatitwouldhavebeenbrutaltohaverefusedher.'Thiswasaspeechquitecharacteristical.Helovedtobringforwardhishavingbeeninthegaycirclesoflife;andhewas,perhaps,alittlevainofthesolicitationsofthiselegantandfashionableactress.Hetoldus,theplaywastobetheTheHypocrite,alteredfromCibber'sNonjuror,soastosatirizetheMethodists.'Idonotthink(saidhe,)thecharacterofTheHypocritejustlyapplicabletotheMethodists,butitwasveryapplicabletotheNonjurors.'

Mr.Strahanhadtakenapoorboyfromthecountryasanapprentice,upon

Johnson'srecommendation.Johnsonhavingenquiredafterhim,said,'Mr.Strahan,letmehavefiveguineasonaccount,andI'llgivethisboyone.Nayifamanrecommendsaboy,anddoesnothingforhim,itissadwork.Callhimdown.'

Ifollowedhimintothecourt-yard,behindMr.Strahan'shouse;andthereIhadaproofofwhatIhadheardhimprofess,thathetalkedaliketoall.'Somepeopletellyouthattheyletthemselvesdowntothecapacityoftheirhearers.Ineverdothat.Ispeakuniformly,inasintelligibleamannerasIcan.'

'Well,myboy,howdoyougoon?'--'Prettywell,Sir;buttheyareafraidIan'tstrongenoughforsomepartsofthebusiness.'JOHNSON.

'Why,Ishallbesorryforit;forwhenyouconsiderwithhowlittlementalpowerandcorporeallabouraprintercangetaguineaaweek,itisaverydesirableoccupationforyou.Doyouhear,--takeallthepainsyoucan;andifthisdoesnotdo,wemustthinkofsomeotherwayoflifeforyou.There'saguinea.'

Herewasoneofthemany,manyinstancesofhisactivebenevolence.Atthesametime,theslowandsonoroussolemnitywithwhich,whilehebenthimselfdown,headdressedalittlethickshort-leggedboy,contrastedwiththeboy'saukwardnessandawe,couldnotbutexcitesomeludicrousemotions.

ImethimatDrury-laneplay-houseintheevening.SirJoshuaReynolds,

atMrs.Abington'srequest,hadpromisedtobringabodyofwitstoherbenefit;andhavingsecuredfortyplacesinthefrontboxes,haddonemethehonourtoputmeinthegroup.Johnsonsatontheseatdirectlybehindme;andashecouldneitherseenorhearatsuchadistancefromthestage,hewaswrappedupingraveabstraction,andseemedquiteacloud,amidstallthesunshineofglitterandgaiety.Iwonderedathispatienceinsittingoutaplayoffiveacts,andafarceoftwo.Hesaidverylittle;butaftertheprologuetoBonTonhadbeenspoken,whichhecouldhearprettywellfromthemoreslowanddistinctutterance,hetalkedofprologue-writing,andobserved,'Drydenhaswrittenprologues



superiourtoanythatDavidGarrickhaswritten;butDavidGarrickhaswrittenmoregoodprologuesthanDrydenhasdone.Itiswonderfulthathehasbeenabletowritesuchvarietyofthem.'

AtMr.Beauclerk's,whereIsupped,wasMr.Garrick,whomImadehappywithJohnson'spraiseofhisprologues;andIsuppose,ingratitudetohim,hetookuponeofhisfavouritetopicks,thenationalityoftheScotch,whichhemaintainedinapleasantmanner,withtheaidofalittlepoeticalfiction.'Come,come,don'tdenyit:theyarereallynational.Why,now,theAdamsareasliberal-mindedmenasanyintheworld:but,Idon'tknowhowitis,alltheirworkmenareScotch.Youare,tobesure,wonderfullyfreefromthatnationality:butsoithappens,thatyouemploytheonlyScotchshoe-blackinLondon.'Heimitatedthemannerofhisoldmasterwithludicrousexaggeration;repeating,withpausesandhalf-whistlingsinterjected,

'Oshominisublimededit,--caelumquetueriJussit,--eterectosadsidera--tollerevultus';

lookingdownwardsallthetime,and,whilepronouncingthefourlastwords,absolutelytouchingthegroundwithakindofcontortedgesticulation.

Garrick,however,whenhepleased,couldimitateJohnsonveryexactly;

forthatgreatactor,withhisdistinguishedpowersofexpressionwhichweresouniversallyadmired,possessedalsoanadmirabletalentofmimickry.HewasalwaysjealousthatJohnsonspokelightlyofhim.Irecollecthisexhibitinghimtomeoneday,asifsaying,'Davyhassomeconvivialpleasantryabouthim,but'tisafutilefellow;'whichheutteredperfectlywiththetoneandairofJohnson.

Icannottoofrequentlyrequestofmyreaders,whiletheyperusemyaccountofJohnson'sconversation,toendeavourtokeepinmindhisdeliberateandstrongutterance.Hismodeofspeakingwasindeedveryimpressive;andIwishitcouldbepreservedasmusickiswritten,accordingtotheveryingeniousmethodofMr.Steele,whohasshewnhowtherecitationofMr.Garrick,andothereminentspeakers,mightbe

transmittedtoposterityINSCORE.

NextdayIdinedwithJohnsonatMr.Thrale's.HeattackedGray,callinghim'adullfellow.'BOSWELL.'Iunderstandhewasreserved,andmightappeardullincompany;butsurelyhewasnotdullinpoetry.'JOHNSON.'Sir,hewasdullincompany,dullinhiscloset,dulleverywhere.Hewasdullinanewway,andthatmademanypeoplethinkhimGREAT.Hewasamechanicalpoet.'Hethenrepeatedsomeludicrouslines,whichhaveescapedmymemory,andsaid,'IsnotthatGREAT,likehisOdes?'Mrs.ThralemaintainedthathisOdesweremelodious;uponwhichheexclaimed,

'Weavethewarp,andweavethewoof;'--

Iadded,inasolemntone,

'Thewinding-sheetofEdward'srace.'

'THEREisagoodline.''Ay,(saidhe,)andthenextlineisagoodone,'(pronouncingitcontemptuously;)



'Giveamplevergeandroomenough.'--

'No,Sir,therearebuttwogoodstanzasinGray'spoetry,whichareinhisElegyinaCountryChurch-yard.'Hethenrepeatedthestanza,

'Forwhotodumbforgetfulnessaprey,'&c.

mistakingoneword;forinsteadofprecinctshesaidconfines.Headded,'TheotherstanzaIforget.'

Ayoungladywhohadmarriedamanmuchherinferiourinrankbeingmentioned,aquestionarosehowawoman'srelationsshouldbehavetoherinsuchasituation;and,whileIrecapitulatethedebate,andrecollectwhathassincehappened,Icannotbutbestruckinamannerthatdelicacyforbidsmetoexpress.WhileIcontendedthatsheoughttobetreatedwithaninflexiblesteadinessofdispleasure,Mrs.Thralewasallformildnessandforgiveness,and,accordingtothevulgarphrase,'makingthebestofabadbargain.'JOHNSON.Madam,wemustdistinguish.WereIamanofrank,Iwouldnotletadaughterstarvewhohadmadeameanmarriage;buthavingvoluntarilydegradedherselffromthestation

whichshewasoriginallyentitledtohold,Iwouldsupportheronlyinthatwhichsheherselfhadchosen;andwouldnotputheronalevelwithmyotherdaughters.Youaretoconsider,Madam,thatitisourdutytomaintainthesubordinationofcivilizedsociety;andwhenthereisagrossandshamefuldeviationfromrank,itshouldbepunishedsoastodeterothersfromthesameperversion.'

OnFriday,March31,Isuppedwithhimandsomefriendsatatavern.Oneofthecompany*attempted,withtoomuchforwardness,torallyhimonhislateappearanceatthetheatre;buthadreasontorepentofhistemerity.'Why,Sir,didyougotoMrs.Abington'sbenefit?Didyousee?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir.''Didyouhear?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir.''Whythen,Sir,didyougo?'JOHNSON.'Because,Sir,sheisafavouriteofthe

publick;andwhenthepublickcaresthethousandthpartforyouthatitdoesforher,Iwillgotoyourbenefittoo.'

*VerylikelyBoswell.--HILL.

NextmorningIwonasmallbetfromLadyDianaBeauclerk,byaskinghimastooneofhisparticularities,whichherLadyshiplaidIdurstnotdo.ItseemshehadbeenfrequentlyobservedattheClubtoputintohispockettheSevilleoranges,afterhehadsqueezedthejuiceofthemintothedrinkwhichhemadeforhimself.BeauclerkandGarricktalkedofittome,andseemedtothinkthathehadastrangeunwillingnesstobediscovered.Wecouldnotdivinewhathedidwiththem;andthiswastheboldquestiontobeput.Isawonhistablethespoilsofthepreceding

night,somefreshpeelsnicelyscrapedandcutintopieces.'O,Sir,(saidI,)InowpartlyseewhatyoudowiththesqueezedorangeswhichyouputintoyourpocketattheClub.'JOHNSON.'Ihaveagreatloveforthem.'BOSWELL.'Andpray,Sir,whatdoyoudowiththem?Youscrapethem,itseems,veryneatly,andwhatnext?'JOHNSON.'Letthemdry,Sir.'BOSWELL.'Andwhatnext?'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,youshallknowtheirfatenofurther.'BOSWELL.'Thentheworldmustbeleftinthedark.Itmustbesaid(assumingamocksolemnity,)hescrapedthem,andletthemdry,butwhathedidwiththemnext,henevercouldbeprevailedupontotell.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,youshouldsayitmoreemphatically:--he



couldnotbeprevailedupon,evenbyhisdearestfriends,totell.'

HehadthismorningreceivedhisDiplomaasDoctorofLawsfromtheUniversityofOxford.Hedidnotvauntofhisnewdignity,butIunderstoodhewashighlypleasedwithit.

IobservedtohimthattherewereveryfewofhisfriendssoaccurateasthatIcouldventuretoputdowninwritingwhattheytoldmeashissayings.JOHNSON.'WhyshouldyouwritedownMYsayings?'BOSWELL.'Iwritethemwhentheyaregood.'JOHNSON.'Nay,youmayaswellwritedownthesayingsofanyoneelsethataregood.'ButWHERE,Imightwithgreatproprietyhaveadded,canIfindsuch?

Nextday,Sunday,April2,IdinedwithhimatMr.Hoole's.WetalkedofPope.JOHNSON.'Hewrote,hisDunciadforfame.Thatwashisprimarymotive.Haditnotbeenforthat,theduncesmighthaverailedagainsthimtilltheywereweary,withouthistroublinghimselfaboutthem.Hedelightedtovexthem,nodoubt;buthehadmoredelightinseeinghowwellhecouldvexthem.'

HisTaxationnoTyrannybeingmentioned,hesaid,'IthinkIhavenotbeenattackedenoughforit.Attackisthere-action;IneverthinkIhavehithard,unlessitrebounds.'BOSWELL.'Idon'tknow,Sir,whatyouwouldbeat.Fiveorsixshotsofsmallarmsineverynewspaper,

andrepeatedcannonadinginpamphlets,might,Ithink,satisfyyou.But,Sir,you'llnevermakeoutthismatch,ofwhichwehavetalked,withacertainpoliticallady,*sinceyouaresosevereagainstherprinciples.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,Ihavethebetterchanceforthat.SheisliketheAmazonsofold;shemustbecourtedbythesword.ButIhavenotbeensevereuponher.'BOSWELL.'Yes,Sir,youhavemadeherridiculous.'JOHNSON.'Thatwasalreadydone,Sir.ToendeavourtomakeHERridiculous,islikeblackingthechimney.'

*CrokeridentifiesherasMrs.Macaulay.Seep.119.--ED.

ItalkedofthecheerfulnessofFleet-street,owingtotheconstantquicksuccessionofpeoplewhichweperceivepassingthroughit.

JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Fleet-streethasaveryanimatedappearance;butIthinkthefulltideofhumanexistenceisatCharing-cross.'

Hemadethecommonremarkontheunhappinesswhichmenwhohaveledabusylifeexperience,whentheyretireinexpectationofenjoyingthemselvesatease,andthattheygenerallylanguishforwantoftheirhabitualoccupation,andwishtoreturntoit.Hementionedasstronganinstanceofthisascanwellbeimagined.'Aneminenttallow-chandlerinLondon,whohadacquiredaconsiderablefortune,gaveupthetradeinfavourofhisforeman,andwenttoliveatacountry-houseneartown.Hesoongrewweary,andpaidfrequentvisitstohisoldshop,wherehedesiredtheymightlethimknowtheirmelting-days,andhewouldcomeandassistthem;whichheaccordinglydid.Here,Sir,wasaman,towhom

themostdisgustingcircumstanceinthebusinesstowhichhehadbeenusedwasarelieffromidleness.'

OnWednesday,April5,IdinedwithhimatMessieursDilly's,withMr.JohnScottofAmwell,theQuaker,Mr.Langton,Mr.Miller,(nowSirJohn,)andDr.ThomasCampbell,anIrishclergyman,whomItookthelibertyofinvitingtoMr.Dilly'stable,havingseenhimatMr.Thrale's,andbeentoldthathehadcometoEnglandchieflywithaviewtoseeDr.Johnson,forwhomheentertainedthehighestveneration.HehassincepublishedAPhilosophicalSurveyoftheSouthofIreland,a



veryentertainingbook,whichhas,however,onefault;--thatitassumesthefictitiouscharacterofanEnglishman.

Wetalkedofpublickspeaking--JOHNSON.'Wemustnotestimateaman'spowersbyhisbeingable,ornotabletodeliverhissentimentsinpublick.IsaacHawkinsBrowne,oneofthefirstwitsofthiscountry,gotintoParliament,andneveropenedhismouth.Formyownpart,Ithinkitismoredisgracefulnevertotrytospeak,thantotryitandfail;asitismoredisgracefulnottofight,thantofightandbebeaten.'Thisargumentappearedtomefallacious;forifamanhasnotspoken,itmaybesaidthathewouldhavedoneverywellithehadtried;whereas,ifhehastriedandfailed,thereisnothingtobesaidforhim.'Whythen,(Iasked,)isitthoughtdisgracefulforamannottofight,andnotdisgracefulnottospeakinpublick?'JOHNSON.'Becausetheremaybeotherreasonsforaman'snotspeakinginpublickthanwantofresolution:hemayhavenothingtosay,(laughing.)Whereas,Sir,youknowcourageisreckonedthegreatestofallvirtues;because,unlessamanhasthatvirtue,hehasnosecurityforpreservinganyother.'

OnThursday,April6,IdinedwithhimatMr.ThomasDavies's,withMr.Hicky,thepainter,andmyoldacquaintanceMr.Moody,theplayer.

Dr.Johnson,asusual,spokecontemptuouslyofColleyCibber.'Itis

wonderfulthataman,whoforfortyyearshadlivedwiththegreatandthewitty,shouldhaveacquiredsoillthetalentsofconversation:andhehadbuthalftofurnish;foronehalfofwhathesaidwasoaths.'He,however,allowedconsiderablemerittosomeofhiscomedies,andsaidtherewasnoreasontobelievethattheCarelessHusbandwasnotwrittenbyhimself.Daviessaid,hewasthefirstdramatickwriterwhointroducedgenteelladiesuponthestage.Johnsonrefutedthisobservationbyinstancingseveralsuchcharactersincomediesbeforehistime.DAVIES.(tryingtodefendhimselffromachargeofignorance,)'Imeangenteelmoralcharacters.''Ithink(saidHicky,)gentilityandmoralityareinseparable.'BOSWELL.'Bynomeans,Sir.Thegenteelestcharactersareoftenthemostimmoral.DoesnotLordChesterfieldgivepreceptsforunitingwickednessandthegraces?Aman,indeed,is

notgenteelwhenhegetsdrunk;butmostvicesmaybecommittedverygenteelly:amanmaydebauchhisfriend'swifegenteelly:hemaycheatatcardsgenteelly.'HICKY.'IdonotthinkTHATisgenteel.'BOSWELL.'Sir,itmaynotbelikeagentleman,butitmaybegenteel.'JOHNSON.'Youaremeaningtwodifferentthings.Onemeansexteriourgrace;theotherhonour.Itiscertainthatamanmaybeveryimmoralwithexteriourgrace.Lovelace,inClarissa,isaverygenteelandaverywickedcharacter.TomHervey,whodiedt'otherday,thoughaviciousman,wasoneofthegenteelestmenthateverlived.'TomDaviesinstancedCharlestheSecond.JOHNSON.(takingfireatanyattackuponthatPrince,forwhomhehadanextraordinarypartiality,)'CharlestheSecondwaslicentiousinhispractice;buthealwayshadareverenceforwhatwasgood.CharlestheSecondknewhispeople,andrewardedmerit.

TheChurchwasatnotimebetterfilledthaninhisreign.HewasthebestKingwehavehadfromhistimetillthereignofhispresentMajesty,exceptJamestheSecond,whowasaverygoodKing,butunhappilybelievedthatitwasnecessaryforthesalvationofhissubjectsthattheyshouldbeRomanCatholicks.HEhadthemeritofendeavouringtodowhathethoughtwasforthesalvationofthesoulsofhissubjects,tillhelostagreatEmpire.WE,whothoughtthatweshouldNOTbesavedifwewereRomanCatholicks,hadthemeritofmaintainingourreligion,attheexpenceofsubmittingourselvestothegovernmentofKingWilliam,(foritcouldnotbedoneotherwise,)--to



thegovernmentofoneofthemostworthlessscoundrelsthateverexisted.No;CharlestheSecondwasnotsuchamanas-----,(naminganotherKing).Hedidnotdestroyhisfather'swill.Hetookmoney,indeed,fromFrance:buthedidnotbetraythoseoverwhomheruled:hedidnotlettheFrenchfleetpassours.GeorgetheFirstknewnothing,anddesiredtoknownothing;didnothing,anddesiredtodonothing:andtheonlygoodthingthatistoldofhimis,thathewishedtorestorethecrowntoitshereditarysuccessor.'HeroaredwithprodigiousviolenceagainstGeorgetheSecond.Whenheceased,Moodyinterjected,inanIrishtone,andwithacomicklook,'Ah!poorGeorgetheSecond.'

ImentionedthatDr.ThomasCampbellhadcomefromIrelandtoLondon,principallytoseeDr.Johnson.Heseemedangryatthisobservation.DAVIES.'Why,youknow,Sir,therecameamanfromSpaintoseeLivy;andCorellicametoEnglandtoseePurcell,andwhenheheardhewasdead,wentdirectlybackagaintoItaly.'JOHNSON.'IshouldnothavewishedtobedeadtodisappointCampbell,hadhebeensofoolishasyourepresenthim;butIshouldhavewishedtohavebeenahundredmilesoff.'Thiswasapparentlyperverse;andIdobelieveitwasnothisrealwayofthinking:hecouldnotbutlikeamanwhocamesofartoseehim.Helaughedwithsomecomplacency,whenItoldhimCampbell'soddexpressiontomeconcerninghim:'Thathavingseensuchaman,wasathingtotalkofacenturyhence,'--asifhecouldlivesolong.

WegotintoanargumentwhethertheJudgeswhowenttoIndiamightwithproprietyengageintrade.Johnsonwarmlymaintainedthattheymight.'Forwhy(heurged,)shouldnotJudgesgetriches,aswellasthosewhodeservethemless?'Isaid,theyshouldhavesufficientsalaries,andhavenothingtotakeofftheirattentionfromtheaffairsofthepublick.JOHNSON.'NoJudge,Sir,cangivehiswholeattentiontohisoffice;anditisveryproperthatheshouldemploywhattimehehastohimself,tohisownadvantage,inthemostprofitablemanner.''Then,Sir,(saidDavies,whoenlivenedthedisputebymakingitsomewhatdramatick,)hemaybecomeaninsurer;andwhenheisgoingtothebench,hemaybestopped,--"YourLordshipcannotgoyet:hereisabunchofinvoices:severalshipsareabouttosail."'JOHNSON.Sir,youmayaswellsayaJudgeshouldnothaveahouse;fortheymaycomeandtell

him,"YourLordship'shouseisonfire;"andso,insteadofmindingthebusinessofhisCourt,heistobeoccupiedingettingtheenginewiththegreatestspeed.Thereisnoendofthis.EveryJudgewhohasland,tradestoacertainextentincornorincattle;andinthelanditself,undoubtedly.Hisstewardactsforhim,andsodoclerksforagreatmerchant.AJudgemaybeafarmer;butheisnottogeldhisownpigs.AJudgemayplayalittleatcardsforhisamusement;butheisnottoplayatmarbles,oratchuck-farthinginthePiazza.No,Sir;thereisnoprofessiontowhichamangivesaverygreatproportionofhistime.Itiswonderful,whenacalculationismade,howlittlethemindisactuallyemployedinthedischargeofanyprofession.NomanwouldbeaJudge,upontheconditionofbeingtotallyaJudge.Thebestemployedlawyerhashismindatworkbutforasmallproportionofhistime;a

greatdealofhisoccupationismerelymechanical.Ioncewroteforamagazine:Imadeacalculation,thatifIshouldwritebutapageaday,atthesamerate,Ishould,intenyears,writeninevolumesinfolio,ofanordinarysizeandprint.'BOSWELL.'SuchasCarte'sHistory?'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir.Whenamanwritesfromhisownmind,hewritesveryrapidly.Thegreatestpartofawriter'stimeisspentinreading,inordertowrite:amanwillturnoverhalfalibrarytomakeonebook.'

WespokeofRolt,towhoseDictionaryofCommerceDr.JohnsonwrotethePreface.JOHNSON.'OldGardnerthebookselleremployedRoltandSmart



towriteamonthlymiscellany,calledTheUniversalVisitor.Therewasaformalwrittencontract,whichAllentheprintersaw.GardnerthoughtasyoudooftheJudge.Theywereboundtowritenothingelse;theyweretohave,Ithink,athirdoftheprofitsofthissixpennypamphlet;andthecontractwasforninety-nineyears.IwishIhadthoughtofgivingthistoThurlow,inthecauseaboutLiteraryProperty.Whatanexcellentinstancewouldithavebeenoftheoppressionofbooksellerstowardspoorauthours!'(smiling.)Davies,zealousforthehonourofTHETRADE,said,Gardnerwasnotproperlyabookseller.JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir;hecertainlywasabookseller.Hehadservedhistimeregularly,wasamemberoftheStationers'company,keptashopinthefaceofmankind,purchasedcopyright,andwasabibliopole,Sir,ineverysense.IwroteforsomemonthsinTheUniversalVisitor,forpoorSmart,whilehewasmad,notthenknowingthetermsonwhichhewasengagedtowrite,andthinkingIwasdoinghimgood.Ihopedhiswitswouldsoonreturntohim.Minereturnedtome,andIwroteinTheUniversalVisitornolonger.

Friday,April7,IdinedwithhimataTavern,withanumerouscompany.

OneofthecompanysuggestedaninternalobjectiontotheantiquityofthepoetrysaidtobeOssian's,thatwedonotfindthewolfinit,whichmusthavebeenthecasehaditbeenofthatage.

ThementionofthewolfhadledJohnsontothinkofotherwildbeasts;andwhileSirJoshuaReynoldsandMr.Langtonwerecarryingonadialogueaboutsomethingwhichengagedthemearnestly,he,inthemidstofit,brokeout,'PennanttellsofBears--'[whatheadded,Ihaveforgotten.]Theywenton,whichhebeingdullofhearing,didnotperceive,or,ifhedid,wasnotwillingtobreakoffhistalk;sohecontinuedtovociferatehisremarks,andBEAR('likeawordinacatch'asBeauclerksaid,)wasrepeatedlyheardatintervals,whichcomingfromhimwho,bythosewhodidnotknowhim,hadbeensooftenassimilatedtothatferociousanimal,whilewewhoweresittingaroundcouldhardlystiflelaughter,producedaveryludicrouseffect.Silencehavingensued,heproceeded:'Wearetold,thattheblackbearisinnocent;butIshouldnotliketotrustmyselfwithhim.'Mr.Gibbonmuttered,ina

lowtoneofvoice,'IshouldnotliketotrustmyselfwithYOU.'Thispieceofsarcastickpleasantrywasaprudentresolution,ifappliedtoacompetitionofabilities.

Patriotismhavingbecomeoneofourtopicks,Johnsonsuddenlyuttered,inastrongdeterminedtone,anapophthegm,atwhichmanywillstart:'Patriotismisthelastrefugeofascoundrel.'Butletitbeconsidered,thathedidnotmeanarealandgenerousloveofourcountry,butthatpretendedpatriotismwhichsomany,inallagesandcountries,havemadeacloakforself-interest.

Mrs.Prichardbeingmentioned,hesaid,'Herplayingwasquitemechanical.Itiswonderfulhowlittlemindshehad.Sir,shehadnever

readthetragedyofMacbethallthrough.Shenomorethoughtoftheplayoutofwhichherpartwastaken,thanashoemakerthinksoftheskin,outofwhichthepieceofleather,ofwhichheismakingapairofshoes,iscut.'

OnSaturday,April8,IdinedwithhimatMr.Thrale's,wherewemettheIrishDr.Campbell.JohnsonhadsuppedthenightbeforeatMrs.Abington's,withsomefashionablepeoplewhomhenamed;andheseemedmuchpleasedwithhavingmadeoneinsoelegantacircle.NordidheomittopiquehisMISTRESSalittlewithjealousyofherhousewifery;



forhesaid,(withasmile,)'Mrs.Abington'sjelly,mydearlady,wasbetterthanyours.'

Mrs.Thrale,whofrequentlypractisedacoarsemodeofflattery,byrepeatinghisbon-motsinhishearing,toldusthathehadsaid,acertaincelebratedactorwasjustfittostandatthedoorofanauction-roomwithalongpole,andcry'Praygentlemen,walkin;'andthatacertainauthour,uponhearingthis,hadsaid,thatanotherstillmorecelebratedactorwasfitfornothingbetterthanthat,andwouldpickyourpocketafteryoucameout.JOHNSON.'Nay,mydearlady,thereisnowitinwhatourfriendadded;thereisonlyabuse.Youmayaswellsayofanymanthathewillpickapocket.Besides,themanwhoisstationedatthedoordoesnotpickpeople'spockets;thatisdonewithin,bytheauctioneer.'

OnMonday,April10,IdinedwithhimatGeneralOglethorpe's,withMr.LangtonandtheIrishDr.Campbell,whomtheGeneralhadobliginglygivenmeleavetobringwithme.Thislearnedgentlemanwasthusgratifiedwithaveryhighintellectualfeast,bynotonlybeingincompanywithDr.Johnson,butwithGeneralOglethorpe,whohadbeensolongacelebratednamebothathomeandabroad.

Imust,againandagain,intreatofmyreadersnottosupposethatmyimperfectrecordofconversationcontainsthewholeofwhatwassaid

byJohnson,orothereminentpersonswholivedwithhim.WhatIhavepreserved,however,hasthevalueofthemostperfectauthenticity.

HeurgedGeneralOglethorpetogivetheworldhisLife.Hesaid,'IknownomanwhoseLifewouldbemoreinteresting.IfIwerefurnishedwithmaterials,Ishouldbeverygladtowriteit.'

Mr.ScottofAmwell'sElegieswerelyingintheroom.Dr.Johnsonobserved,'Theyareverywell;butsuchastwentypeoplemightwrite.'UponthisItookoccasiontocontrovertHorace'smaxim,

'-------mediocribusessepoetisNonDi,nonhomines,nonconcesserecolumnae.'

Forhere,(Iobserved,)wasaverymiddle-ratepoet,whopleasedmanyreaders,andthereforepoetryofamiddlesortwasentitledtosomeesteem;norcouldIseewhypoetryshouldnot,likeeverythingelse,havedifferentgradationsofexcellence,andconsequentlyofvalue.Johnsonrepeatedthecommonremark,that,'asthereisnonecessityforourhavingpoetryatall,itbeingmerelyaluxury,aninstrumentofpleasure,itcanhavenovalue,unlesswhenexquisiteinitskind.'Ideclaredmyselfnotsatisfied.'Whythen,Sir,(saidhe,)Horaceandyoumustsettleit.'Hewasnotmuchinthehumouroftalking.

Nomoreofhisconversationforsomedaysappearsinmyjournal,exceptthatwhenagentlemantoldhimhehadboughtasuitoflaceforhis

lady,hesaid,'Well,Sir,youhavedoneagoodthingandawisething.''Ihavedoneagoodthing,(saidthegentleman,)butIdonotknowthatIhavedoneawisething.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;nomoneyisbetterspentthanwhatislaidoutfordomesticksatisfaction.Amanispleasedthathiswifeisdrestaswellasotherpeople;andawifeispleasedthatsheisdrest.'

OnFriday,April14,beingGood-Friday,Irepairedtohiminthemorning,accordingtomyusualcustomonthatday,andbreakfastedwithhim.Iobservedthathefastedsoverystrictly,thathedidnoteven



tastebread,andtooknomilkwithhistea;Isupposebecauseitisakindofanimalfood.

ItoldhimthatIhadbeeninformedbyMr.Orme,thatmanypartsoftheEast-IndieswerebettermappedthantheHighlandsofScotland.JOHNSON.'Thatacountrymaybemapped,itmustbetravelledover.''Nay,(saidI,meaningtolaughwithhimatoneofhisprejudices,)can'tyousay,itisnotWORTHmapping?'

AswewalkedtoSt.Clement'schurch,andsawseveralshopsopenuponthismostsolemnfast-dayoftheChristianworld,Iremarked,thatonedisadvantagearisingfromtheimmensityofLondon,was,thatnobodywasheededbyhisneighbour;therewasnofearofcensurefornotobservingGood-Friday,asitoughttobekept,andasitiskeptincountry-towns.Hesaid,itwas,uponthewhole,verywellobservedeveninLondon.He,however,owned,thatLondonwastoolarge;butadded,'Itisnonsensetosaytheheadistoobigforthebody.Itwouldbeasmuchtoobig,thoughthebodywereeversolarge;thatistosay,thoughthecountrywereeversoextensive.Ithasnosimilaritytoaheadconnectedwithabody.'

Dr.Wetherell,MasterofUniversityCollege,Oxford,accompaniedushomefromchurch;andafterhewasgone,therecametwoothergentlemen,oneofwhomutteredthecommonplacecomplaints,thatbytheincreaseof

taxes,labourwouldbedear,othernationswouldundersellus,andourcommercewouldberuined.JOHNSON.(smiling,)'Neverfear,Sir.Ourcommerceisinaverygoodstate;andsupposewehadnocommerceatall,wecouldliveverywellontheproduceofourowncountry.'Icannotomittomention,thatIneverknewanymanwhowaslessdisposedtobequerulousthanJohnson.Whetherthesubjectwashisownsituation,orthestateofthepublick,orthestateofhumannatureingeneral,thoughhesawtheevils,hismindwasturnedtoresolution,andnevertowhiningorcomplaint.

WewentagaintoSt.Clement'sintheafternoon.Hehadfoundfaultwiththepreacherinthemorningfornotchoosingatextadaptedtotheday.Thepreacherintheafternoonhadchosenoneextremelyproper:'Itis

finished.'

Aftertheeveningservice,hesaid,'Come,youshallgohomewithme,andsitjustanhour.'Buthewasbetterthanhisword;forafterwehaddrunkteawithMrs.Williams,heaskedmetogouptohisstudywithhim,wherewesatalongwhiletogetherinasereneundisturbedframeofmind,sometimesinsilence,andsometimesconversing,aswefeltourselvesinclined,ormoreproperlyspeaking,asHEwasinclined;forduringallthecourseofmylongintimacywithhim,myrespectfulattentionneverabated,andmywishtohearhimwassuch,thatIconstantlywatchedeverydawningofcommunicationfromthatgreatandilluminatedmind.

Heagainadvisedmetokeepajournalfullyandminutely,butnottomentionsuchtriflesas,thatmeatwastoomuchortoolittledone,orthattheweatherwasfairorrainy.Hehad,tillverynearhisdeath,acontemptforthenotionthattheweatheraffectsthehumanframe.

ItoldhimthatourfriendGoldsmithhadsaidtome,thathehadcometoolateintotheworld,forthatPopeandotherpoetshadtakenuptheplacesintheTempleofFame;sothat,asbutafewatanyperiodcanpossesspoeticalreputation,amanofgeniuscannowhardlyacquireit.JOHNSON.'ThatisoneofthemostsensiblethingsIhaveeverheardof



Goldsmith.Itisdifficulttogetliteraryfame,anditiseverydaygrowingmoredifficult.Ah,Sir,thatshouldmakeamanthinkofsecuringhappinessinanotherworld,whichallwhotrysincerelyforitmayattain.Incomparisonofthat,howlittleareallotherthings!Thebeliefofimmortalityisimpresseduponallmen,andallmenactunderanimpressionofit,howevertheymaytalk,andthough,perhaps,theymaybescarcelysensibleofit.'Isaid,itappearedtomethatsomepeoplehadnottheleastnotionofimmortality;andImentionedadistinguishedgentlemanofouracquaintance.JOHNSON.'Sir,ifitwerenotforthenotionofimmortality,hewouldcutathroattofillhispockets.'WhenIquotedthistoBeauclerk,whoknewmuchmoreofthegentlemanthanwedid,hesaid,inhisacidmanner,'Hewouldcutathroattofillhispockets,ifitwerenotforfearofbeinghanged.'

Hewaspleasedtosay,'Ifyoucometosettlehere,wewillhaveonedayintheweekonwhichwewillmeetbyourselves.Thatisthehappiestconversationwherethereisnocompetition,novanity,butacalmquietinterchangeofsentiments.'Inhisprivateregisterthiseveningisthusmarked,'Boswellsatwithmetillnight;wehadsomeserioustalk.'Italsoappearsfromthesamerecord,thatafterIlefthimhewasoccupiedinreligiousduties,in'givingFrancis,hisservant,somedirectionsforpreparationtocommunicate;inreviewinghislife,andresolvingonbetterconduct.'Thehumilityandpietywhichhediscoversonsuchoccasions,istruelyedifying.Nosaint,however,inthecourseofhis

religiouswarfare,wasmoresensibleoftheunhappyfailureofpiousresolves,thanJohnson.Hesaidoneday,talkingtoanacquaintanceonthissubject,'SirHellispavedwithgoodintentions.'

OnSunday,April16,beingEasterDay,afterhavingattendedthesolemnserviceatSt.Paul's,IdinedwithDr.JohnsonandMrs.Williams.ImaintainedthatHoracewaswronginplacinghappinessinNiladmirari,forthatIthoughtadmirationoneofthemostagreeableofallourfeelings;andIregrettedthatIhadlostmuchofmydispositiontoadmire,whichpeoplegenerallydoastheyadvanceinlife.JOHNSON.'Sir,asamanadvancesinlife,hegetswhatisbetterthanadmiration--judgement,toestimatethingsattheirtruevalue.'Istillinsistedthatadmirationwasmorepleasingthanjudgement,asloveis

morepleasingthanfriendship.Thefeelingoffriendshipislikethatofbeingcomfortablyfilledwithroastbeef;love,likebeingenlivenedwithchampagne.JOHNSON.'No,Sir;admirationandlovearelikebeingintoxicatedwithchampagne;judgementandfriendshiplikebeingenlivened.Wallerhashituponthesamethoughtwithyou:butIdon'tbelieveyouhaveborrowedfromWaller.Iwishyouwouldenableyourselftoborrowmore.'

Hethentookoccasiontoenlargeontheadvantagesofreading,andcombatedtheidlesuperficialnotion,thatknowledgeenoughmaybeacquiredinconversation.'Thefoundation(saidhe,)mustbelaidbyreading.Generalprinciplesmustbehadfrombooks,which,however,mustbebroughttothetestofreallife.Inconversationyounevergeta

system.Whatissaiduponasubjectistobegatheredfromahundredpeople.Thepartsofatruth,whichamangetsthus,areatsuchadistancefromeachotherthatheneverattainstoafullview.'

OnTuesday,April15,heandIwereengagedtogowithSirJoshuaReynoldstodinewithMr.Cambridge,athisbeautifulvillaonthebanksoftheThames,nearTwickenham.Dr.Johnson'stardinesswassuch,thatSirJoshua,whohadanappointmentatRichmond,earlyintheday,wasobligedtogobyhimselfonhorseback,leavinghiscoachtoJohnsonandme.Johnsonwasinsuchgoodspirits,thateverythingseemedtoplease



himaswedrovealong.

Ourconversationturnedonavarietyofsubjects.Hethoughtportrait-paintinganimproperemploymentforawoman.'Publickpracticeofanyart,(heobserved,)andstaringinmen'sfaces,isveryindelicateinafemale.'Ihappenedtostartaquestion,whether,whenamanknowsthatsomeofhisintimatefriendsareinvitedtothehouseofanotherfriend,withwhomtheyareallequallyintimate,hemayjointhemwithoutaninvitation.JOHNSON.'No,Sir;heisnottogowhenheisnotinvited.Theymaybeinvitedonpurposetoabusehim'(smiling).

Asacuriousinstancehowlittleamanknows,orwishestoknow,hisowncharacterintheworld,or,rather,asaconvincingproofthatJohnson'sroughnesswasonlyexternal,anddidnotproceedfromhisheart,Iinsertthefollowingdialogue.JOHNSON.'Itiswonderful,Sir,howrareaqualitygoodhumourisinlife.Wemeetwithveryfewgoodhumouredmen.'Imentionedfourofourfriends,noneofwhomhewouldallowtobegoodhumoured.OnewasACID,anotherwasMUDDY,andtotheothershehadobjectionswhichhaveescapedme.Then,shakinghisheadandstretchinghimselfateaseinthecoach,andsmilingwithmuchcomplacency,heturnedtomeandsaid,'IlookuponMYSELFasagoodhumouredfellow.'TheepithetFELLOW,appliedtothegreatLexicographer,thestatelyMoralist,themasterlycritick,asifhehadbeenSAMJohnson,amerepleasantcompanion,washighlydiverting;andthislightnotionof

himselfstruckmewithwonder.Ianswered,alsosmiling,'No,no,Sir;thatwillNOTdo.Youaregoodnatured,butnotgoodhumoured:youareirascible.Youhavenotpatiencewithfollyandabsurdity.Ibelieveyouwouldpardonthem,ifthereweretimetodeprecateyourvengeance;butpunishmentfollowssoquickaftersentence,thattheycannotescape.

IhadbroughtwithmeagreatbundleofScotchmagazinesandnews-papers,inwhichhisJourneytotheWesternIslandswasattackedineverymode;andIreadagreatpartofthemtohim,knowingtheywouldaffordhimentertainment.Iwishthewritersofthemhadbeenpresent:theywouldhavebeensufficientlyvexed.Oneludicrousimitationofhisstyle,byMr.Maclaurin,nowoneoftheScotchJudges,withthetitleofLordDreghorn,wasdistinguishedbyhimfromtherudemass.'This

(saidhe,)isthebest.ButIcouldcaricaturemyownstylemuchbettermyself.'HedefendedhisremarkuponthegeneralinsufficiencyofeducationinScotland;andconfirmedtometheauthenticityofhiswittysayingonthelearningoftheScotch;--'Theirlearningislikebreadinabesiegedtown:everymangetsalittle,butnomangetsafullmeal.''Thereis(saidhe,)inScotland,adiffusionoflearning,acertainportionofitwidelyandthinlyspread.Amerchanttherehasasmuchlearningasoneoftheirclergy.

NosoonerhadwemadeourbowtoMr.Cambridge,inhislibrary,thanJohnsonraneagerlytoonesideoftheroom,intentonporingoverthebacksofthebooks.SirJoshuaobserved,(aside,)'Herunstothebooks,asIdotothepictures:butIhavetheadvantage.Icanseemuchmore

ofthepicturesthanhecanofthebooks.'Mr.Cambridge,uponthis,politelysaid,'Dr.Johnson,Iamgoing,withyourpardon,toaccusemyself,forIhavethesamecustomwhichIperceiveyouhave.Butitseemsoddthatoneshouldhavesuchadesiretolookatthebacksofbooks.'Johnson,everreadyforcontest,instantlystartedfromhisreverie,wheeledabout,andanswered,'Sir,thereasonisveryplain.Knowledgeisoftwokinds.Weknowasubjectourselves,orweknowwherewecanfindinformationuponit.Whenweenquireintoanysubject,thefirstthingwehavetodoistoknowwhatbookshavetreatedofit.Thisleadsustolookatcatalogues,andthebacksofbooksinlibraries.'



thattheyweremerelyarrangementsofsomanywords,andlaughedattheUniversitiesofOxfordandCambridge,forsendingforthcollectionsofthemnotonlyinGreekandLatin,buteveninSyriac,Arabick,andothermoreunknowntongues.JOHNSON.'Iwouldhaveasmanyoftheseaspossible;Iwouldhaveversesineverylanguagethattherearethemeansofacquiring.NobodyimaginesthatanUniversityistohaveatoncetwohundredpoets;butitshouldbeabletoshowtwohundredscholars.Pieresc'sdeathwaslamented,Ithink,infortylanguages.AndIwouldhavehadateverycoronation,andeverydeathofaKing,everyGaudium,andeveryLuctus,Universityverses,inasmanylanguagesascanbeacquired.Iwouldhavetheworldtobethustold,"Hereisaschoolwhereeverythingmaybelearnt."'

HavingsetoutnextdayonavisittotheEarlofPembroke,atWilton,andtomyfriend,Mr.Temple,atMamhead,inDevonshire,andnothavingreturnedtotowntillthesecondofMay,IdidnotseeDr.Johnsonforaconsiderabletime,andduringtheremainingpartofmystayinLondon,keptveryimperfectnotesofhisconversation,whichhadIaccordingtomyusualcustomwrittenoutatlargesoonafterthetime,muchmighthavebeenpreserved,whichisnowirretrievablylost.

OnMonday,May8,wewenttogetherandvisitedthemansionsofBedlam.IhadbeeninformedthathehadoncebeentherebeforewithMr.Wedderburne,(nowLordLoughborough,)Mr.Murphy,andMr.Foote;andI

hadheardFootegiveaveryentertainingaccountofJohnson'shappeningtohavehisattentionarrestedbyamanwhowasveryfurious,andwho,whilebeatinghisstraw,supposeditwasWilliamDukeofCumberland,whomhewaspunishingforhiscrueltiesinScotland,in1746.Therewasnothingpeculiarlyremarkablethisday;butthegeneralcontemplationofinsanitywasveryaffecting.Iaccompaniedhimhome,anddinedanddrankteawithhim.

OnFriday,May12,ashehadbeensogoodastoassignmearoominhishouse,whereImightsleepoccasionally,whenIhappenedtositwithhimtoalatehour,Itookpossessionofitthisnight,foundeverythinginexcellentorder,andwasattendedbyhonestFranciswithamostcivilassiduity.IaskedJohnsonwhetherImightgotoaconsultationwith

anotherlawyeruponSunday,asthatappearedtometobedoingworkasmuchinmyway,asifanartisanshouldworkonthedayappropriatedforreligiousrest.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,whenyouareofconsequenceenoughtoopposethepracticeofconsultinguponSunday,youshoulddoit:butyoumaygonow.Itisnotcriminal,thoughitisnotwhatoneshoulddo,whoisanxiousforthepreservationandincreaseofpiety,towhichapeculiarobservanceofSundayisagreathelp.Thedistinctionisclearbetweenwhatisofmoralandwhatisofritualobligation.'

OnSaturday,May13,Ibreakfastedwithhimbyinvitation,accompaniedbyMr.AndrewCrosbie,aScotchAdvocate,whomhehadseenatEdinburgh,andtheHon.Colonel(nowGeneral)EdwardStopford,brothertoLordCourtown,whowasdesirousofbeingintroducedtohim.Histeaandrolls

andbutter,andwholebreakfastapparatuswereallinsuchdecorum,andhisbehaviourwassocourteous,thatColonelStopfordwasquitesurprized,andwonderedathishavingheardsomuchsaidofJohnson'sslovenlinessandroughness.

Ipassedmanyhourswithhimonthe17th,ofwhichIfindallmymemorialis,'muchlaughing.'Itshouldseemhehadthatdaybeeninahumourforjocularityandmerriment,anduponsuchoccasionsIneverknewamanlaughmoreheartily.Wemaysuppose,thatthehighrelishofastatesodifferentfromhishabitualgloom,producedmorethan



ordinaryexertionsofthatdistinguishingfacultyofman,whichhaspuzzledphilosopherssomuchtoexplain.Johnson'slaughwasasremarkableasanycircumstanceinhismanner.Itwasakindofgoodhumouredgrowl.TomDaviesdescribeditdrollyenough:'Helaughslikearhinoceros.'

'TOBENNETLANGTON,ESQ.

'DEARSIR,--Ihaveanoldamanuensisingreatdistress.IhavegivenwhatIthinkIcangive,andbeggedtillIcannottellwheretobegagain.Iputintohishandsthismorningfourguineas.Ifyoucouldcollectthreeguineasmore,itwouldclearhimfromhispresentdifficulty.Iam,Sir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'May21,1775.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

AftermyreturntoScotland,Iwrotethreeletterstohim.


'DEARSIR,--Iamreturnedfromtheannualrambleintothemiddlecounties.HavingseennothingIhadnotseenbefore,Ihavenothingtorelate.Timehasleftthatpartoftheislandfewantiquities;andcommercehasleftthepeoplenosingularities.Iwasgladtogoabroad,and,perhaps,gladtocomehome;whichis,inotherwords,Iwas,Iamafraid,wearyofbeingathome,andwearyofbeingabroad.Isnotthisthestateoflife?But,ifweconfessthisweariness,letusnotlamentit,forallthewiseandallthegoodsay,thatwemaycureit....

'Mrs.ThralewassoentertainedwithyourJournal,*thatshealmostreadherselfblind.Shehasagreatregardforyou.

'OfMrs.Boswell,thoughsheknowsinherheartthatshedoesnotloveme,Iamalwaysgladtohearanygood,andhopethatsheandthelittledearladieswillhaveneithersicknessnoranyotheraffliction.Butsheknowsthatshedoesnotcarewhatbecomesofme,andforthatshemaybesurethatIthinkherverymuchtoblame.

'Never,mydearSir,doyoutakeitintoyourheadtothinkthatIdonotloveyou;youmaysettleyourselfinfullconfidencebothofmyloveandmyesteem;Iloveyouasakindman,Ivalueyouasaworthyman,andhopeintimetoreverenceyouasamanofexemplarypiety.Iholdyou,asHamlethasit,"inmyheartofhearts,"andtherefore,itislittletosay,thatIam,Sir,youraffectionatehumbleservant,

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

'London,Aug.27,1775.'

*MyJournalofaTourtotheHebrides,whichthatladyreadintheoriginalmanuscript.--BOSWELL.

'TOMR.ROBERTLEVET.

'Paris,*Oct.22,1775.



'DEARSIR,--Wearestillhere,commonlyverybusyinlookingaboutus.Wehavebeento-dayatVersailles.Youhaveseenit,andIshallnotdescribeit.WecameyesterdayfromFontainbleau,wheretheCourtisnow.WewenttoseetheKingandQueenatdinner,andtheQueenwassoimpressedbyMiss,**thatshesentoneoftheGentlementoenquirewhoshewas.IfindalltruethatyouhaveevertoldmeofParis.Mr.Thraleisveryliberal,andkeepsustwocoaches,andaveryfinetable;butIthinkourcookeryverybad.Mrs.ThralegotintoaconventofEnglishnuns;andItalkedwithherthroughthegrate,andIamverykindlyusedbytheEnglishBenedictinefriars.ButuponthewholeIcannotmakemuchacquaintancehere;andthoughthechurches,palaces,andsomeprivatehousesareverymagnificent,thereisnoverygreatpleasureafterhavingseenmany,inseeingmore;atleastthepleasure,whateveritbe,mustsometimehaveanend,andwearebeginningtothinkwhenweshallcomehome.Mr.Thralecalculatesthat,asweleftStreathamonthefifteenthofSeptember,weshallseeitagainaboutthefifteenthofNovember.

*WrittenfromatourinFrancewiththeThrales,Johnson'sonlyvisittotheContinent.--ED.

**MissThrale.

'IthinkIhadnotbeenonthissideoftheseafivedaysbeforeIfoundasensibleimprovementinmyhealth.Iranaraceintherainthisday,andbeatBaretti.Barettiisafinefellow,andspeaksFrench,Ithink,quiteaswellasEnglish.

'MakemycomplimentstoMrs.Williams;andgivemylovetoFrancis;andtellmyfriendsthatIamnotlost.Iam,dearSir,youraffectionatehumble,&c.

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

Itistoberegrettedthathedidnotwriteanaccountofhistravels

inFrance;forasheisreportedtohaveoncesaid,that'hecouldwritetheLifeofaBroomstick,'so,notwithstandingsomanyformertravellershaveexhaustedalmosteverysubjectforremarkinthatgreatkingdom,hisveryaccurateobservation,andpeculiarvigourofthoughtandillustration,wouldhaveproducedavaluablework.

WhenImethiminLondonthefollowingyear,theaccountwhichhegavemeofhisFrenchtour,was,'Sir,IhaveseenallthevisibilitiesofParis,andaroundit;buttohaveformedanacquaintancewiththepeoplethere,wouldhaverequiredmoretimethanIcouldstay.IwasjustbeginningtocreepintoacquaintancebymeansofColonelDrumgold,averyhighman,Sir,headofL'EcoleMilitaire,amostcompletecharacter,forhehadfirstbeenaprofessorofrhetorick,andthen

becameasoldier.And,Sir,IwasverykindlytreatedbytheEnglishBenedictines,andhaveacellappropriatedtomeintheirconvent.'

Heobserved,'ThegreatinFranceliveverymagnificently,buttherestverymiserably.ThereisnohappymiddlestateasinEngland.TheshopsofParisaremean;themeatinthemarketsissuchaswouldbesenttoagaolinEngland:andMr.Thralejustlyobserved,thatthecookeryoftheFrenchwasforceduponthembynecessity;fortheycouldnoteattheirmeat,unlesstheyaddedsometastetoit.TheFrenchareanindelicatepeople;theywillspituponanyplace.AtMadame------'s,aliterary



ladyofrank,thefootmantookthesugarinhisfingers,andthrewitintomycoffee.Iwasgoingtoputitaside;buthearingitwasmadeonpurposeforme,Ie'entastedTom'sfingers.Thesameladywouldneedsmaketeaal'Angloise.Thespoutofthetea-potdidnotpourfreely;shehadthefootmanblowintoit.FranceisworsethanScotlandineverythingbutclimate.NaturehasdonemorefortheFrench;buttheyhavedonelessforthemselvesthantheScotchhavedone.'

IthappenedthatFootewasatParisatthesametimewithDr.Johnson,andhisdescriptionofmyfriendwhilethere,wasabundantlyludicrous.Hetoldme,thattheFrenchwerequiteastonishedathisfigureandmanner,andathisdress,whichheobstinatelycontinuedexactlyasinLondon;--hisbrownclothes,blackstockings,andplainshirt.Hementioned,thatanIrishgentlemansaidtoJohnson,'Sir,youhavenotseenthebestFrenchplayers.'JOHNSON.'Players,Sir!Ilookonthemasnobetterthancreaturessetupontablesandjoint-stoolstomakefacesandproducelaughter,likedancingdogs.'--'But,Sir,youwillallowthatsomeplayersarebetterthanothers?'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,assomedogsdancebetterthanothers.'

WhileJohnsonwasinFrance,hewasgenerallyveryresoluteinspeakingLatin.Itwasamaximwithhimthatamanshouldnotlethimselfdown,byspeakingalanguagewhichhespeaksimperfectly.Indeed,wemusthaveoftenobservedhowinferiour,howmuchlikeachildamanappears,who

speaksabrokentongue.WhenSirJoshuaReynolds,atoneofthedinnersoftheRoyalAcademy,presentedhimtoaFrenchmanofgreatdistinction,hewouldnotdeigntospeakFrench,buttalkedLatin,thoughhisExcellencydidnotunderstandit,owing,perhaps,toJohnson'sEnglishpronunciation:yetuponanotheroccasionhewasobservedtospeakFrenchtoaFrenchmanofhighrank,whospokeEnglish;andbeingaskedthereason,withsomeexpressionofsurprise,--heanswered,'becauseIthinkmyFrenchisasgoodashisEnglish.'ThoughJohnsonunderstoodFrenchperfectly,hecouldnotspeakitreadily,asIhaveobservedathisfirstinterviewwithGeneralPauli,in1769;yethewroteit,Iimagine,prettywell.

Hereletmenotforgetacuriousanecdote,asrelatedtomebyMr.

Beauclerk,whichIshallendeavourtoexhibitaswellasIcaninthatgentleman'slivelymanner;andinjusticetohimitispropertoadd,thatDr.JohnsontoldmeImightrelybothonthecorrectnessofhismemory,andthefidelityofhisnarrative.'WhenMadamedeBoufflerswasfirstinEngland,(saidBeauclerk,)shewasdesiroustoseeJohnson.IaccordinglywentwithhertohischambersintheTemple,whereshewasentertainedwithhisconversationforsometime.Whenourvisitwasover,sheandIlefthim,andweregotintoInnerTemple-lane,whenallatonceIheardanoiselikethunder.ThiswasoccasionedbyJohnson,whoitseems,uponalittlerecollection,hadtakenitintohisheadthatheoughttohavedonethehonoursofhisliteraryresidencetoaforeignladyofquality,andeagertoshewhimselfamanofgallantry,washurryingdownthestair-caseinviolentagitation.Heovertookus

beforewereachedtheTemple-gate,andbrushinginbetweenmeandMadamedeBoufflers,seizedherhand,andconductedhertohercoach.Hisdresswasarustybrownmorningsuit,apairofoldshoesbywayofslippers,alittleshrivelledwigstickingonthetopofhishead,andthesleevesofhisshirtandthekneesofhisbreecheshangingloose.Aconsiderablecrowdofpeoplegatheredround,andwerenotalittlestruckbythissingularappearance.'

HespokeLatinwithwonderfulfluencyandelegance.WhenPereBoscovichwasinEngland,JohnsondinedincompanywithhimatSirJoshua



Reynolds's,andatDr.Douglas's,nowBishopofSalisbury.UponbothoccasionsthatcelebratedforeignerexpressedhisastonishmentatJohnson'sLatinconversation.WhenatParis,JohnsonthuscharacterisedVoltairetoFrerontheJournalist:'Virestacerrimiingeniietpaucarumliterarum.'

InthecourseofthisyearDr.Burneyinformsmethat'heveryfrequentlymetDr.JohnsonatMr.Thrale's,atStreatham,wheretheyhadmanylongconversations,oftensittingupaslongasthefireandcandleslasted,andmuchlongerthanthepatienceoftheservantssubsisted.'

AfewofJohnson'ssayings,whichthatgentlemanrecollects,shallherebeinserted.

'InevertakeanapafterdinnerbutwhenIhavehadabadnight,andthenthenaptakesme.'

'Thewriterofanepitaphshouldnotbeconsideredassayingnothingbutwhatisstrictlytrue.Allowancemustbemadeforsomedegreeofexaggeratedpraise.Inlapidaryinscriptionsamanisnotuponoath.'

'Thereisnowlessflogginginourgreatschoolsthanformerly,butthenlessislearnedthere;sothatwhattheboysgetatoneendtheyloseat

theother.'

'Moreislearnedinpublickthaninprivateschools,fromemulation;thereisthecollisionofmindwithmind,ortheradiationofmanymindspointingtoonecentre.Thoughfewboysmaketheirownexercises,yetifagoodexerciseisgivenup,outofagreatnumberofboys,itismadebysomebody.'

'Ihateby-roadsineducation.Educationisaswellknown,andhaslongbeenaswellknown,aseveritcanbe.Endeavouringtomakechildrenprematurelywiseisuselesslabour.Supposetheyhavemoreknowledgeatfiveorsixyearsoldthanotherchildren,whatusecanbemadeofit?Itwillbelostbeforeitiswanted,andthewasteofsomuchtimeand

labouroftheteachercanneverberepaid.Toomuchisexpectedfromprecocity,andtoolittleperformed.Miss----wasaninstanceofearlycultivation,butinwhatdiditterminate?InmarryingalittlePresbyterianparson,whokeepsaninfantboarding-school,sothatallheremploymentnowis,

"Tosucklefools,andchroniclesmall-beer."

Shetellsthechildren,"Thisisacat,andthatisadog,withfourlegsandatail;seethere!youaremuchbetterthanacatoradog,foryoucanspeak."IfIhadbestowedsuchaneducationonadaughter,and

haddiscoveredthatshethoughtofmarryingsuchafellow,IwouldhavesenthertotheCongress.'

'Afterhavingtalkedslightinglyofmusick,hewasobservedtolistenveryattentivelywhileMissThraleplayedontheharpsichord,andwitheagernesshecalledtoher,"Whydon'tyoudashawaylikeBurney?"Dr.Burneyuponthissaidtohim,"Ibelieve,Sir,weshallmakeamusicianofyouatlast."Johnsonwithcandidcomplacencyreplied,"Sir,Ishallbegladtohaveanewsensegiventome."'



'Hehadcomedownonemorningtothebreakfast-room,andbeenaconsiderabletimebyhimselfbeforeanybodyappeared.When,onasubsequentday,hewastwittedbyMrs.Thraleforbeingverylate,whichhegenerallywas,hedefendedhimselfbyalludingtotheextraordinarymorning,whenhehadbeentooearly."Madame,IdonotliketocomedowntoVACUITY."'

'Dr.BurneyhavingremarkedthatMr.Garrickwasbeginningtolookold,hesaid,"Why,Sir,youarenottowonderatthat;noman'sfacehashadmorewearandtear."'

1776:AETAT.67.]--HavingarrivedinLondonlateonFriday,the15thofMarch,IhastenednextmorningtowaitonDr.Johnson,athishouse;butfoundhewasremovedfromJohnson's-court,No.7,toBolt-court,No.8,stillkeepingtohisfavouriteFleet-street.MyreflectionatthetimeuponthischangeasmarkedinmyJournal,isasfollows:'Ifeltafoolishregretthathehadleftacourtwhichborehisname;*butitwasnotfoolishtobeaffectedwithsometendernessofregardforaplaceinwhichIhadseenhimagreatdeal,fromwhenceIhadoftenissuedabetterandahappiermanthanwhenIwentin,andwhichhadoftenappearedtomyimaginationwhileItroditspavements,inthesolemndarknessofthenight,tobesacredtowisdomandpiety.'BeinginformedthathewasatMr.Thrale's,intheBorough,Ihastenedthither,andfoundMrs.Thraleandhimatbreakfast.Iwaskindlywelcomed.Ina

momenthewasinafullglowofconversation,andIfeltmyselfelevatedasifbroughtintoanotherstateofbeing.Mrs.ThraleandIlookedtoeachotherwhilehetalked,andourlooksexpressedourcongenialadmirationandaffectionforhim.Ishalleverrecollectthisscenewithgreatpleasure,Iexclaimedtoher,'Iamnow,intellectually,Hermippusredivivus,Iamquiterestoredbyhim,bytransfusionofmind.''Therearemany(shereplied)whoadmireandrespectMr.Johnson;butyouandILOVEhim.'

*Hesaid,wheninScotland,thathewasJohnsonofthatIlk.--BOSWELL.

HeseemedveryhappyinthenearprospectofgoingtoItalywithMr.

andMrs.Thrale.'But,(saidhe,)beforeleavingEnglandIamtotakeajaunttoOxford,Birmingham,mynativecityLichfield,andmyoldfriend,Dr.Taylor's,atAshbourn,inDerbyshire.Ishallgoinafewdays,andyou,Boswell,shallgowithme.'Iwasreadytoaccompanyhim;beingwillingeventoleaveLondontohavethepleasureofhisconversation.

WegotintoaboattocrossovertoBlack-friars;andaswemovedalongtheThames,Italkedtohimofalittlevolume,which,altogetherunknowntohim,wasadvertisedtobepublishedinafewdays,underthetitleofJohnsoniana,orBon-MotsofDr.Johnson.JOHNSON.'Sir,itisamightyimpudentthing.'BOSWELL.'Pray,Sir,couldyouhavenoredressifyouweretoprosecuteapublisherforbringingout,underyourname,

whatyouneversaid,andascribingtoyoudullstupidnonsense,ormakingyouswearprofanely,asmanyignorantrelatersofyourbon-motsdo?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir;therewillalwaysbesometruthmixedwiththefalsehood,andhowcanitbeascertainedhowmuchistrueandhowmuchisfalse?Besides,Sir,whatdamageswouldajurygivemeforhavingbeenrepresentedasswearing?'BOSWELL.'Ithink,Sir,youshouldatleastdisavowsuchapublication,becausetheworldandposteritymightwithmuchplausiblefoundationsay,"HereisavolumewhichwaspublicklyadvertisedandcameoutinDr.Johnson'sowntime,and,byhissilence,wasadmittedbyhimtobegenuine."'JOHNSON.'Ishallgive



myselfnotroubleaboutthematter.'

Hewas,perhaps,abovesufferingfromsuchspuriouspublications;butIcouldnothelpthinking,thatmanymenwouldbemuchinjuredintheirreputation,byhavingabsurdandvicioussayingsimputedtothem;andthatredressoughtinsuchcasestobegiven.

Hesaid,'Thevalueofeverystorydependsonitsbeingtrue.Astoryisapictureeitherofanindividualorofhumannatureingeneral:ifitbefalse,itisapictureofnothing.Forinstance:supposeamanshouldtellthatJohnson,beforesettingoutforItaly,ashehadtocrosstheAlps,satdowntomakehimselfwings.Thismanypeoplewouldbelieve;butitwouldbeapictureofnothing.*******(namingaworthyfriendofours,)usedtothinkastory,astory,tillIshewedhimthattruthwasessentialtoit.'Iobserved,thatFooteentertaineduswithstorieswhichwerenottrue;butthat,indeed,itwasproperlynotasnarrativesthatFoote'sstoriespleasedus,butascollectionsofludicrousimages.JOHNSON.'Footeisquiteimpartial,forhetellsliesofeverybody.'

Theimportanceofstrictandscrupulousveracitycannotbetooofteninculcated.Johnsonwasknowntobesorigidlyattentivetoit,thateveninhiscommonconversationtheslightestcircumstancewasmentionedwithexactprecision.Theknowledgeofhishavingsuchaprincipleandhabitmadehisfriendshaveaperfectrelianceonthetruthofevery

thingthathetold,howeveritmighthavebeendoubtediftoldbymanyothers.Asaninstanceofthis,ImaymentionanoddincidentwhichherelatedashavinghappenedtohimonenightinFleet-street.'Agentlewoman(saidhe)beggedIwouldgivehermyarmtoassistherincrossingthestreet,whichIaccordinglydid;uponwhichsheofferedmeashilling,supposingmetobethewatchman.Iperceivedthatshewassomewhatinliquor.'This,iftoldbymostpeople,wouldhavebeenthoughtaninvention;whentoldbyJohnson,itwasbelievedbyhisfriendsasmuchasiftheyhadseenwhatpassed.

WelandedattheTemple-stairs,whereweparted.

IfoundhimintheeveninginMrs.Williams'sroom.Findinghimstill

perseveringinhisabstinencefromwine,Iventuredtospeaktohimofit--JOHNSON.'Sir,Ihavenoobjectiontoaman'sdrinkingwine,ifhecandoitinmoderation.Ifoundmyselfapttogotoexcessinit,andtherefore,afterhavingbeenforsometimewithoutit,onaccountofillness,Ithoughtitbetternottoreturntoit.Everymanistojudgeforhimself,accordingtotheeffectswhichheexperiences.Oneofthefatherstellsus,hefoundfastingmadehimsopeevishthathedidnotpractiseit.'

Thoughheoftenenlargedupontheevilofintoxication,hewasbynomeansharshandunforgivingtothosewhoindulgedinoccasionalexcessinwine.Oneofhisfriends,Iwellremember,cametosupatatavernwithhimandsomeothergentlemen,andtooplainlydiscoveredthathe

haddrunktoomuchatdinner.Whenonewholovedmischief,thinkingtoproduceaseverecensure,askedJohnson,afewdaysafterwards,'Well,Sir,whatdidyourfriendsaytoyou,asanapologyforbeinginsuchasituation?'Johnsonanswered,'Sir,hesaidallthatamanSHOULDsay:hesaidhewassorryforit.'

IagainvisitedhimonMonday.Hetookoccasiontoenlarge,asheoftendid,uponthewretchednessofasea-life.'Ashipisworsethanagaol.Thereis,inagaol,betterair,bettercompany,betterconveniencyofeverykind;andashiphastheadditionaldisadvantageofbeingin



danger.Whenmencometolikeasea-life,theyarenotfittoliveonland.'--'Then(saidI)itwouldbecruelinafathertobreedhissontothesea.'JOHNSON.'ItwouldbecruelinafatherwhothinksasIdo.Mengotosea,beforetheyknowtheunhappinessofthatwayoflife;andwhentheyhavecometoknowit,theycannotescapefromit,becauseitisthentoolatetochooseanotherprofession;asindeedisgenerallythecasewithmen,whentheyhaveonceengagedinanyparticularwayoflife.'

OnTuesday,March19,whichwasfixedforourproposedjaunt,wemetinthemorningattheSomersetcoffee-houseintheStrand,whereweweretakenupbytheOxfordcoach.HewasaccompaniedbyMr.Gwyn,thearchitect;andagentlemanofMertonCollege,whomwedidnotknow,hadthefourthseat.Wesoongotintoconversation;foritwasveryremarkableofJohnson,thatthepresenceofastrangerhadnorestraintuponhistalk.IobservedthatGarrick,whowasabouttoquitthestage,wouldsoonhaveaneasierlife.JOHNSON.'Idoubtthat,Sir.'BOSWELL.'Why,Sir,hewillbeAtlaswiththeburthenoffhisback.'JOHNSON.'ButIknownot,Sir,ifhewillbesosteadywithouthisload.However,heshouldneverplayanymore,butbeentirelythegentleman,andnotpartlytheplayer:heshouldnolongersubjecthimselftobehissedbyamob,ortobeinsolentlytreatedbyperformers,whomheusedtorulewithahighhand,andwhowouldgladlyretaliate.'BOSWELL.'Ithinkheshouldplayonceayearforthebenefitofdecayedactors,asit

hasbeensaidhemeanstodo.'JOHNSON.'Alas,Sir!hewillsoonbeadecayedactorhimself.'

Johnsonexpressedhisdisapprobationofornamentalarchitecture,suchasmagnificentcolumnssupportingaportico,orexpensivepilasterssupportingmerelytheirowncapitals,'becauseitconsumeslabourdisproportionatetoitsutility.'Forthesamereasonhesatyrisedstatuary.'Painting(saidhe)consumeslabournotdisproportionatetoitseffect;butafellowwillhackhalfayearatablockofmarbletomakesomethinginstonethathardlyresemblesaman.Thevalueofstatuaryisowingtoitsdifficulty.Youwouldnotvaluethefinestheadcutuponacarrot.'

Gwynwasafinelivelyrattlingfellow.Dr.Johnsonkepthiminsubjection,butwithakindlyauthority.Thespiritoftheartist,however,roseagainstwhathethoughtaGothickattack,andhemadeabriskdefence.'What,Sir,willyouallownovaluetobeautyinarchitectureorinstatuary?Whyshouldweallowittheninwriting?Whydoyoutakethetroubletogiveussomanyfineallusions,andbrightimages,andelegantphrases?Youmightconveyallyourinstructionwithouttheseornaments.'Johnsonsmiledwithcomplacency;butsaid,'Why,Sir,alltheseornamentsareuseful,becausetheyobtainaneasierreceptionfortruth;butabuildingisnotatallmoreconvenientforbeingdecoratedwithsuperfluouscarvedwork.'

GwynatlastwasluckyenoughtomakeonereplytoDr.Johnson,whichhe

allowedtobeexcellent.Johnsoncensuredhimfortakingdownachurchwhichmighthavestoodmanyyears,andbuildinganewoneatadifferentplace,fornootherreasonbutthattheremightbeadirectroadtoanewbridge;andhisexpressionwas,'Youaretakingachurchoutoftheway,thatthepeoplemaygoinastraightlinetothebridge.'--'No,Sir,(saidGwyn,)IamputtingthechurchINtheway,thatthepeoplemaynotGOOUTOFTHEWAY.'JOHNSON.(withaheartyloudlaughofapprobation,)'Speaknomore.Restyourcolloquialfameuponthis.'

UponourarrivalatOxford,Dr.JohnsonandIwentdirectlyto



UniversityCollege,butweredisappointedonfindingthatoneofthefellows,hisfriendMr.Scott,whoaccompaniedhimfromNewcastletoEdinburgh,wasgonetothecountry.WeputupattheAngelinn,andpassedtheeveningbyourselvesineasyandfamiliarconversation.Talkingofconstitutionalmelancholy,heobserved,'Amansoafflicted,Sir,mustdivertdistressingthoughts,andnotcombatwiththem.'BOSWELL.'Maynothethinkthemdown,Sir?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir.ToattempttoTHINKTHEMDOWNismadness.Heshouldhavealampconstantlyburninginhisbed-chamberduringthenight,andifwakefullydisturbed,takeabook,andread,andcomposehimselftorest.Tohavethemanagementofthemindisagreatart,anditmaybeattainedinaconsiderabledegreebyexperienceandhabitualexercise.'BOSWELL.'Shouldnotheprovideamusementsforhimself?Woulditnot,forinstance,berightforhimtotakeacourseofchymistry?'JOHNSON.'Lethimtakeacourseofchymistry,oracourseofrope-dancing,oracourseofanythingtowhichheisinclinedatthetime.Lethimcontrivetohaveasmanyretreatsforhismindashecan,asmanythingstowhichitcanflyfromitself.Burton'sAnatomyofMelancholyisavaluablework.Itis,perhaps,overloadedwithquotation.ButthereisgreatspiritandgreatpowerinwhatBurtonsays,whenhewritesfromhisownmind.'

NextmorningwevisitedDr.Wetherell,MasterofUniversityCollege,withwhomDr.JohnsonconferredonthemostadvantageousmodeofdisposingofthebooksprintedattheClarendonpress.Ioftenhad

occasiontoremark,Johnsonlovedbusiness,lovedtohavehiswisdomactuallyoperateonreallife.

WethenwenttoPembrokeCollege,andwaitedonhisoldfriendDr.Adams,themasterofit,whomIfoundtobeamostpolite,pleasing,communicativeman.Beforehisadvancementtotheheadshipofhiscollege,IhadintendedtogoandvisithimatShrewsbury,wherehewasrectorofSt.Chad's,inordertogetfromhimwhatparticularshecouldrecollectofJohnson'sacademicallife.Henowobliginglygavemepartofthatauthentickinformation,which,withwhatIafterwardsowedtohiskindness,willbefoundincorporatedinitsproperplaceinthiswork.

Dr.Adamstoldus,thatinsomeoftheCollegesatOxford,thefellowshadexcludedthestudentsfromsocialintercoursewiththeminthecommonroom.JOHNSON.'Theyareintheright,Sir:therecanbenorealconversation,nofairexertionofmindamongstthem,iftheyoungmenareby;foramanwhohasacharacterdoesnotchoosetostakeitintheirpresence.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,maytherenotbeverygoodconversationwithoutacontestforsuperiority?'JOHNSON.'Noanimatedconversation,Sir,foritcannotbebutoneorotherwillcomeoffsuperiour.Idonotmeanthatthevictormusthavethebetteroftheargument,forhemaytaketheweakside;buthissuperiorityofpartsandknowledgewillnecessarilyappear:andhetowhomhethusshewshimselfsuperiourislessenedintheeyesoftheyoungmen.'

WewalkedwithDr.Adamsintothemaster'sgarden,andintothecommonroom.JOHNSON.(afterareverieofmeditation,)'Ay!HereIusedtoplayatdraughtswithPhil.JonesandFludyer.Joneslovedbeer,anddidnotgetveryforwardinthechurch.Fludyerturnedoutascoundrel,aWhig,andsaidhewasashamedofhavingbeenbredatOxford.HehadalivingatPutney,andgotundertheeyeofsomeretainerstothecourtatthattime,andsobecameaviolentWhig:buthehadbeenascoundrelallalongtobesure.'BOSWELL.'Washeascoundrel,Sir,inanyotherwaythanthatofbeingapoliticalscoundrel?Didhecheatatdraughts?'JOHNSON.'Sir,weneverplayedforMONEY.'



HethencarriedmetovisitDr.Bentham,CanonofChrist-Church,andDivinityProfessor,withwhoselearnedandlivelyconversationweweremuchpleased.Hegaveusaninvitationtodinner,whichDr.Johnsontoldmewasahighhonour.'Sir,itisagreatthingtodinewiththeCanonsofChrist-Church.'Wecouldnotaccepthisinvitation,aswewereengagedtodineatUniversityCollege.Wehadanexcellentdinnerthere,withtheMasterandFellows,itbeingSt.Cuthbert'sday,whichiskeptbythemasafestival,ashewasasaintofDurham,withwhichthiscollegeismuchconnected.

WedrankteawithDr.Horne,latePresidentofMagdalenCollege,andBishopofNorwich,ofwhoseabilities,indifferentrespects,thepublickhashademinentproofs,andtheesteemannexedtowhosecharacterwasincreasedbyknowinghimpersonally.

WethenwenttoTrinityCollege,whereheintroducedmetoMr.ThomasWarton,withwhomwepassedapartoftheevening.Wetalkedofbiography--JOHNSON.'Itisrarelywellexecuted.Theyonlywholivewithamancanwritehislifewithanygenuineexactnessanddiscrimination;andfewpeoplewhohavelivedwithamanknowwhattoremarkabouthim.ThechaplainofalateBishop,whomIwastoassistinwritingsomememoirsofhisLordship,couldtellmescarcelyanything.'

Isaid,Mr.RobertDodsley'slifeshouldbewritten,ashehadbeensomuchconnectedwiththewitsofhistime,andbyhisliterarymerithadraisedhimselffromthestationofafootman.Mr.Wartonsaid,hehadpublishedalittlevolumeunderthetitleofTheMuseinLivery.JOHNSON.'IdoubtwhetherDodsley'sbrotherwouldthankamanwhoshouldwritehislife:yetDodsleyhimselfwasnotunwillingthathisoriginallowconditionshouldberecollected.WhenLordLyttelton'sDialoguesoftheDeadcameout,oneofwhichisbetweenApicius,anancientepicure,andDartineuf,amodernepicure,Dodsleysaidtome,"IknewDartineufwell,forIwasoncehisfootman."'

ImentionedSirRichardSteelehavingpublishedhisChristianHero,withtheavowedpurposeofobliginghimselftoleadareligiouslife;yet,

thathisconductwasbynomeansstrictlysuitable.JOHNSON.'Steele,Ibelieve,practisedthelightervices.'

Mr.Warton,beingengaged,couldnotsupwithusatourinn;wehadthereforeanothereveningbyourselves.IaskedJohnson,whetheraman'sbeingforwardtomakehimselfknowntoeminentpeople,andseeingasmuchoflife,andgettingasmuchinformationashecouldineveryway,wasnotyetlesseninghimselfbyhisforwardness.JOHNSON.'No,Sir,amanalwaysmakeshimselfgreaterasheincreaseshisknowledge.

Icensuredsomeludicrousfantastickdialoguesbetweentwocoach-horsesandothersuchstuff,whichBarettihadlatelypublished.Hejoinedwithme,andsaid,'Nothingoddwilldolong.TristramShandydidnotlast.'

Iexpressedadesiretobeacquaintedwithaladywhohadbeenmuchtalkedof,anduniversallycelebratedforextraordinaryaddressandinsinuation.JOHNSON.'Neverbelieveextraordinarycharacterswhichyouhearofpeople.Dependuponit,Sir,theyareexaggerated.Youdonotseeonemanshootagreatdealhigherthananother.'ImentionedMr.Burke.JOHNSON.'Yes;Burkeisanextraordinaryman.Hisstreamofmindisperpetual.'Itisverypleasingtometorecord,thatJohnson'shighestimationofthetalentsofthisgentlemanwasuniformfromtheirearlyacquaintance.SirJoshuaReynoldsinformsme,thatwhenMr.BurkewasfirstelectedamemberofParliament,andSirJohnHawkinsexpressed



awonderathisattainingaseat,Johnsonsaid,'NowwewhoknowMr.Burke,know,thathewillbeoneofthefirstmeninthiscountry.'Andonce,whenJohnsonwasill,andunabletoexerthimselfasmuchasusualwithoutfatigue,Mr.Burkehavingbeenmentioned,hesaid,'Thatfellowcallsforthallmypowers.WereItoseeBurkenowitwouldkillme.'Somuchwasheaccustomedtoconsiderconversationasacontest,andsuchwashisnotionofBurkeasanopponent.

Nextmorning,Thursday,March21,wesetoutinapost-chaisetopursueourramble.Itwasadelightfulday,andwerodethroughBlenheimpark.WhenIlookedatthemagnificentbridgebuiltbyJohnDukeofMarlborough,overasmallrivulet,andrecollectedtheEpigrammadeuponit--

'Theloftyarchhishighambitionshows,Thestream,anemblemofhisbountyflows:'

andsawthatnow,bythegeniusofBrown,amagnificentbodyofwaterwascollected,Isaid,'TheyhaveDROWNEDtheEpigram.'Iobservedtohim,whileinthemidstofthenoblescenearoundus,'YouandI,Sir,have,Ithink,seentogethertheextremesofwhatcanbeseeninBritain:--thewildroughislandofMull,andBlenheimpark.'

WedinedatanexcellentinnatChapel-house,whereheexpatiatedon

thefelicityofEnglandinitstavernsandinns,andtriumphedovertheFrenchfornothaving,inanyperfection,thetavernlife.'Thereisnoprivatehouse,(saidhe,)inwhichpeoplecanenjoythemselvessowell,asatacapitaltavern.Lettherebeeversogreatplentyofgoodthings,eversomuchgrandeur,eversomuchelegance,eversomuchdesirethateverybodyshouldbeeasy;inthenatureofthingsitcannotbe:theremustalwaysbesomedegreeofcareandanxiety.Themasterofthehouseisanxioustoentertainhisguests;theguestsareanxioustobeagreeabletohim:andnoman,butaveryimpudentdogindeed,canasfreelycommandwhatisinanotherman'shouse,asifitwerehisown.Whereas,atatavern,thereisageneralfreedomfromanxiety.Youaresureyouarewelcome:andthemorenoiseyoumake,themoretroubleyougive,themoregoodthingsyoucallfor,thewelcomeryouare.No

servantswillattendyouwiththealacritywhichwaitersdo,whoareincitedbytheprospectofanimmediatereward,inproportionastheyplease.No,Sir;thereisnothingwhichhasyetbeencontrivedbyman,bywhichsomuchhappinessisproducedasbyagoodtavernorinn.'*Hethenrepeated,withgreatemotion,Shenstone'slines:--

'Whoe'erhastravell'dlife'sdullround,Where'erhisstagesmayhavebeen,MaysightothinkhestillhasfoundThewarmestwelcomeataninn.'

*SirJohnHawkinshaspreservedveryfewMemorabiliaof

Johnson.Thereis,however,tobefound,inhisbulkytome[p.87],averyexcellentoneuponthissubject:--'Incontradictiontothose,who,havingawifeandchildren,preferdomestickenjoymentstothosewhichatavernaffords,Ihaveheardhimassert,thatatavernchairwasthethroneofhumanfelicity.--"Assoon,"saidhe,"asIenterthedoorofatavern,Iexperienceanoblivionofcare,andafreedomfromsolicitude:whenIamseated,Ifindthemastercourteous,andtheservantsobsequioustomycall;anxioustoknowandreadytosupplymywants:winethereexhilarates



myspirits,andpromptsmetofreeconversationandaninterchangeofdiscoursewiththosewhomImostlove:Idogmatiseandamcontradicted,andinthisconflictofopinionsandsentimentsIfinddelight."'--BOSWELL.

Intheafternoon,asweweredrivenrapidlyalonginthepost-chaise,hesaidtome'Lifehasnotmanythingsbetterthanthis.'

WestoppedatStratford-upon-Avon,anddrankteaandcoffee;anditpleasedmetobewithhimupontheclassickgroundofShakspeare'snativeplace.

HespokeslightinglyofDyer'sFleece.--'Thesubject,Sir,cannotbemadepoetical.Howcanamanwritepoeticallyofsergesanddruggets?Yetyouwillhearmanypeopletalktoyougravelyofthatexcellentpoem,TheFleece.'HavingtalkedofGrainger'sSugar-Cane,ImentionedtohimMr.Langton'shavingtoldme,thatthispoem,whenreadinmanuscriptatSirJoshuaReynolds's,hadmadealltheassembledwitsburstintoalaugh,when,aftermuchblank-versepomp,thepoetbegananewparagraphthus:--

'Now,Muse,let'ssingofrats.'

Andwhatincreasedtheridiculewas,thatoneofthecompany,whoslilyoverlookedthereader,perceivedthatthewordhadbeenoriginallyMICE,andhadbeenalteredtoRATS,asmoredignified.

Johnsonsaid,thatDr.Graingerwasanagreeableman;amanwhowoulddoanygoodthatwasinhispower.HistranslationofTibullus,hethought,wasverywelldone;butTheSugar-Cane,apoem,didnotpleasehim;for,heexclaimed,'Whatcouldhemakeofasugar-cane?Onemightaswellwritethe"Parsley-bed,aPoem;"or"TheCabbage-garden,aPoem."'BOSWELL.'Youmustthenpickleyourcabbagewiththesalatticum.'JOHNSON.'YouknowthereisalreadyTheHop-Garden,aPoem:and,Ithink,onecouldsayagreatdealaboutcabbage.Thepoemmightbegin

withtheadvantagesofcivilizedsocietyoverarudestate,exemplifiedbytheScotch,whohadnocabbagestillOliverCromwell'ssoldiersintroducedthem;andonemightthusshewhowartsarepropagatedbyconquest,astheywerebytheRomanarms.'Heseemedtobemuchdivertedwiththefertilityofhisownfancy.

Itoldhim,thatIheardDr.PercywaswritingthehistoryofthewolfinGreat-Britain.JOHNSON.'Thewolf,Sir!whythewolf?whydoeshenotwriteofthebear,whichwehadformerly?Nay,itissaidwehadthebeaver.Orwhydoeshenotwriteofthegreyrat,theHanoverrat,asitiscalled,becauseitissaidtohavecomeintothiscountryaboutthetimethatthefamilyofHanovercame?IshouldliketoseeTheHistoryoftheGreyRat,byThomasPercy,D.D.,ChaplaininOrdinaryto

hisMajesty,'(laughingimmoderately).BOSWELL.'Iamafraidacourtchaplaincouldnotdecentlywriteofthegreyrat.'JOHNSON.'Sir,heneednotgiveitthenameoftheHanoverrat.'Thuscouldheindulgealuxuriantsportiveimagination,whentalkingofafriendwhomhelovedandesteemed.

OnFriday,March22,havingsetoutearlyfromHenley,wherewehadlaintheprecedingnight,wearrivedatBirminghamaboutnineo'clock,and,afterbreakfast,wenttocallonhisoldschoolfellowMr.Hector.Averystupidmaid,whoopenedthedoor,toldus,that'hermasterwasgone



out;hewasgonetothecountry;shecouldnottellwhenhewouldreturn.'Inshort,shegaveusamiserablereception;andJohnsonobserved,'Shewouldhavebehavednobettertopeoplewhowantedhiminthewayofhisprofession.'Hesaidtoher,'MynameisJohnson;tellhimIcalled.Willyourememberthename?'Sheansweredwithrusticksimplicity,intheWarwickshirepronunciation,'Idon'tunderstandyou,Sir.'--'Blockhead,(saidhe,)I'llwrite.'Ineverheardthewordblockheadappliedtoawomanbefore,thoughIdonotseewhyitshouldnot,whenthereisevidentoccasionforit.He,however,madeanotherattempttomakeherunderstandhim,androaredloudinherear,'Johnson,'andthenshecatchedthesound.

WenextcalledonMr.Lloyd,oneofthepeoplecalledQuakers.Hetoowasnotathome;butMrs.Lloydwas,andreceiveduscourteously,andaskedustodinner.Johnsonsaidtome,'AftertheuncertaintyofallhumanthingsatHector's,thisinvitationcameverywell.'Wewalkedaboutthetown,andhewaspleasedtoseeitincreasing.

Mr.Lloydjoinedusinthestreet;andinalittlewhilewemetFriendHector,asMr.Lloydcalledhim.ItgavemepleasuretoobservethejoywhichJohnsonandheexpressedonseeingeachotheragain.Mr.LloydandIleftthemtogether,whileheobliginglyshewedmesomeofthemanufacturesofthisverycuriousassemblageofartificers.WeallmetatdinneratMr.Lloyd's,wherewewereentertainedwithgreat

hospitality.Mr.andMrs.LloydhadbeenmarriedthesameyearwiththeirMajesties,andlikethem,hadbeenblessedwithanumerousfamilyoffinechildren,theirnumbersbeingexactlythesame.Johnsonsaid,'Marriageisthebeststateforamaningeneral;andeverymanisaworseman,inproportionasheisunfitforthemarriedstate.'

Dr.Johnsonsaidtomeinthemorning,'Youwillsee,Sir,atMr.Hector's,hissister,Mrs.Careless,aclergyman'swidow.ShewasthefirstwomanwithwhomIwasinlove.Itdroptoutofmyheadimperceptibly;butsheandIshallalwayshaveakindnessforeachother.'Helaughedatthenotionthatamannevercanbereallyinlovebutonce,andconsidereditasamereromantickfancy.

OnourreturnfromMr.Bolton's,Mr.Hectortookmetohishouse,wherewefoundJohnsonsittingplacidlyattea,withhisfirstlove;who,thoughnowadvancedinyears,wasagenteelwoman,veryagreeable,andwell-bred.

JohnsonlamentedtoMr.Hectorthestateofoneoftheirschool-fellows,Mr.CharlesCongreve,aclergyman,whichhethusdescribed:'Heobtained,Ibelieve,considerableprefermentinIreland,butnowlivesinLondon,quiteasavaletudinarian,afraidtogointoanyhousebuthisown.Hetakesashortairinginhispost-chaiseeveryday.Hehasanelderlywoman,whomhecallscousin,wholiveswithhim,andjogshiselbowwhenhisglasshasstoodtoolongempty,andencourageshimindrinking,inwhichheisverywillingtobeencouraged;notthathegets

drunk,forheisaverypiousman,butheisalwaysmuddy.Heconfessestoonebottleofporteveryday,andheprobablydrinksmore.Heisquiteunsocial;hisconversationisquitemonosyllabical:andwhen,atmylastvisit,Iaskedhimwhataclockitwas?thatsignalofmydeparturehadsopleasinganeffectonhim,thathesprunguptolookathiswatch,likeagreyhoundboundingatahare.'WhenJohnsontookleaveofMr.Hector,hesaid,'Don'tgrowlikeCongreve;norletmegrowlikehim,whenyouarenearme.'

WhenheagaintalkedofMrs.Carelessto-night,heseemedtohavehad



hisaffectionrevived;forhesaid,'IfIhadmarriedher,itmighthavebeenashappyforme.'BOSWELL.'Pray,Sir,doyounotsupposethattherearefiftywomenintheworld,withanyoneofwhomamanmaybeashappy,aswithanyonewomaninparticular?'JOHNSON.'Ay,Sir,fiftythousand.'BOSWELL.'Then,Sir,youarenotofopinionwithsomewhoimaginethatcertainmenandcertainwomenaremadeforeachother;andthattheycannotbehappyiftheymisstheircounterparts?'JOHNSON.'Tobesurenot,Sir.Ibelievemarriageswouldingeneralbeashappy,andoftenmoreso,iftheywereallmadebytheLordChancellor,uponadueconsiderationofcharactersandcircumstances,withoutthepartieshavinganychoiceinthematter.'

IwishedtohavestaidatBirminghamto-night,tohavetalkedmorewithMr.Hector;butmyfriendwasimpatienttoreachhisnativecity;sowedroveonthatstageinthedark,andwerelongpensiveandsilent.WhenwecamewithinthefocusoftheLichfieldlamps,'Now(saidhe,)wearegettingoutofastateofdeath.'WeputupattheThreeCrowns,notoneofthegreatinns,butagoodoldfashionedone,whichwaskeptbyMr.Wilkins,andwastheverynexthousetothatinwhichJohnsonwasbornandbroughtup,andwhichwasstillhisownproperty.Wehadacomfortablesupper,andgotintohighspirits.IfeltallmyToryismglowinthisoldcapitalofStaffordshire.Icouldhaveofferedincensegenioloci;andIindulgedinlibationsofthatale,whichBoniface,inTheBeauxStratagem,recommendswithsuchaneloquentjollity.

NextmorningheintroducedmetoMrs.LucyPorter,hisstep-daughter.Shewasnowanoldmaid,withmuchsimplicityofmanner.ShehadneverbeeninLondon.Herbrother,aCaptaininthenavy,hadleftherafortuneoftenthousandpounds;aboutathirdofwhichshehadlaidoutinbuildingastatelyhouse,andmakingahandsomegarden,inanelevatedsituationinLichfield.Johnson,whenherebyhimself,usedtoliveatherhouse.Shereverencedhim,andhehadaparentaltendernessforher.

WethenvisitedMr.PeterGarrick,whohadthatmorningreceivedaletterfromhisbrotherDavid,announcingourcomingtoLichfield.Hewasengagedtodinner,butaskedustotea,andtosleepathishouse.

Johnson,however,wouldnotquithisoldacquaintanceWilkins,oftheThreeCrowns.ThefamilylikenessoftheGarrickswasverystriking;andJohnsonthoughtthatDavid'svivacitywasnotsopeculiartohimselfaswassupposed.'Sir,(saidhe,)Idon'tknowbutifPeterhadcultivatedalltheartsofgaietyasmuchasDavidhasdone,hemighthavebeenasbriskandlively.Dependuponit,Sir,vivacityismuchanart,anddependsgreatlyonhabit.'Ibelievethereisagooddealoftruthinthis,notwithstandingaludicrousstorytoldmebyaladyabroad,ofaheavyGermanbaron,whohadlivedmuchwiththeyoungEnglishatGeneva,andwasambitioustobeaslivelyasthey;withwhichview,he,withassiduousexertion,wasjumpingoverthetablesandchairsinhislodgings;andwhenthepeopleofthehouseraninandasked,withsurprize,whatwasthematter,heanswered,'Sh'apprenst'etrefif.'

Wedinedatourinn,andhadwithusaMr.Jackson,oneofJohnson'sschoolfellows,whomhetreatedwithmuchkindness,thoughheseemedtobealowman,dullanduntaught.Hehadacoarsegreycoat,blackwaistcoat,greasyleatherbreeches,andayellowuncurledwig;andhiscountenancehadtheruddinesswhichbetokensonewhoisinnohasteto'leavehiscan.'Hedrankonlyale.HehadtriedtobeacutleratBirmingham,buthadnotsucceeded;andnowhelivedpoorlyathome,andhadsomeschemeofdressingleatherinabettermannerthancommon;tohisindistinctaccountofwhich,Dr.Johnsonlistenedwithpatient



attention,thathemightassisthimwithhisadvice.Herewasaninstanceofgenuinehumanityandrealkindnessinthisgreatman,whohasbeenmostunjustlyrepresentedasaltogetherharshanddestituteoftenderness.Athousandsuchinstancesmighthavebeenrecordedinthecourseofhislonglife;thoughthathistemperwaswarmandhasty,andhismanneroftenrough,cannotbedenied.

Isawhere,forthefirsttime,oatale;andoatcakesnothardasinScotland,butsoftlikeaYorkshirecake,wereservedatbreakfast.Itwaspleasanttometofind,thatOats,thefoodofhorses,weresomuchusedasthefoodofthepeopleinDr.Johnson'sowntown.HeexpatiatedinpraiseofLichfieldanditsinhabitants,who,hesaid,were'themostsober,decentpeopleinEngland,thegenteelestinproportiontotheirwealth,andspokethepurestEnglish.'Idoubtedastothelastarticleofthiseulogy:fortheyhadseveralprovincialsounds;asTHERE,pronouncedlikeFEAR,insteadoflikeFAIR;ONCEpronouncedWOONSE,insteadofWUNSE,orWONSE.Johnsonhimselfnevergotentirelyfreeofthoseprovincialaccents.Garricksometimesusedtotakehimoff,squeezingalemonintoapunch-bowl,withuncouthgesticulations,lookingroundthecompany,andcallingout,'Who'sforPOONSH?'

VerylittlebusinessappearedtobegoingforwardinLichfield.Ifoundhowevertwostrangemanufacturesforsoinlandaplace,sail-clothandstreamersforships;andIobservedthemmakingsomesaddle-cloths,

anddressingsheepskins:butuponthewhole,thebusyhandofindustryseemedtobequiteslackened.'Surely,Sir,(saidI,)youareanidlesetofpeople.''Sir,(saidJohnson,)weareacityofphilosophers,weworkwithourheads,andmaketheboobiesofBirminghamworkforuswiththeirhands.'

TherewasatthistimeacompanyofplayersperformingatLichfield,Themanager,Mr.Stanton,senthiscompliments,andbeggedleavetowaitonDr.Johnson.Johnsonreceivedhimverycourteously,andhedrankaglassofwinewithus.Hewasaplaindecentwell-behavedman,andexpressedhisgratitudetoDr.JohnsonforhavingoncegothimpermissionfromDr.TayloratAshbournetoplaythereuponmoderateterms.Garrick'snamewassoonintroduced.JOHNSON.'Garrick'sconversationisgayand

grotesque.Itisadishofallsorts,butallgoodthings.Thereisnosolidmeatinit:thereisawantofsentimentinit.Notbutthathehassentimentsometimes,andsentiment,too,verypowerfulandverypleasing:butithasnotitsfullproportioninhisconversation.'

Whenwewerebyourselveshetoldme,'Fortyyearsago,Sir,Iwasinlovewithanactresshere,Mrs.Emmet,whoactedFlora,inHobintheWell.'Whatmeritthisladyhadasanactress,orwhatwasherfigure,orhermanner,Ihavenotbeeninformed:but,ifwemaybelieveMr.Garrick,hisoldmaster'stasteintheatricalmeritwasbynomeansrefined;hewasnotanelegansformarumspectator.Garrickusedtotell,thatJohnsonsaidofanactor,whoplayedSirHarryWildairatLichfield,'Thereisacourtlyvivacityaboutthefellow;'wheninfact,

accordingtoGarrick'saccount,'hewasthemostvulgarruffianthateverwentuponboards.'

WehadpromisedMr.StantontobeathistheatreonMonday.Dr.JohnsonjocularlyproposedmetowriteaProloguefortheoccasion:'APrologue,byJamesBoswell,Esq.fromtheHebrides.'Iwasreallyinclinedtotakethehint.Methought,'Prologue,spokenbeforeDr.SamuelJohnson,atLichfield,1776;'wouldhavesoundedaswellas,'Prologue,spokenbeforetheDukeofYork,atOxford,'inCharlestheSecond'stime.MuchmighthavebeensaidofwhatLichfieldhaddoneforShakspeare,by



producingJohnsonandGarrick.ButIfoundhewasaversetoit.

WewentandviewedthemuseumofMr.RichardGreen,apothecaryhere,whotoldmehewasproudofbeingarelationofDr.Johnson's.Itwas,truely,awonderfulcollection,bothofantiquitiesandnaturalcuriosities,andingeniousworksofart.Hehadallthearticlesaccuratelyarranged,withtheirnamesuponlabels,printedathisownlittlepress;andonthestaircaseleadingtoitwasaboard,withthenamesofcontributorsmarkedingoldletters.Aprintedcatalogueofthecollectionwastobehadatabookseller's.JohnsonexpressedhisadmirationoftheactivityanddiligenceandgoodfortuneofMr.Green,ingettingtogether,inhissituation,sogreatavarietyofthings;andMr.GreentoldmethatJohnsononcesaidtohim,'Sir,Ishouldassoonhavethoughtofbuildingamanofwar,asofcollectingsuchamuseum.'Mr.Green'sobligingalacrityinshewingitwasverypleasing.

WedrankteaandcoffeeatMr.PeterGarrick's,wherewasMrs.Aston,oneofthemaidensistersofMrs.Walmsley,wifeofJohnson'sfirstfriend,andsisteralsooftheladyofwhomJohnsonusedtospeakwiththewarmestadmiration,bythenameofMollyAston,whowasafterwardsmarriedtoCaptainBrodieofthenavy.

OnSunday,March24,webreakfastedwithMrs.Cobb,awidowlady,wholivedinanagreeablesequesteredplaceclosebythetown,calledthe

Friary,ithavingbeenformerlyareligioushouse.Sheandherniece,MissAdey,weregreatadmirersofDr.Johnson;andhebehavedtothemwithakindnessandeasypleasantry,suchasweseebetweenoldandintimateacquaintance.HeaccompaniedMrs.CobbtoSt.Mary'schurch,andIwenttothecathedral,whereIwasverymuchdelightedwiththemusick,findingittobepeculiarlysolemnandaccordantwiththewordsoftheservice.

WedinedatMr.PeterGarrick's,whowasinaverylivelyhumour,andverifiedJohnson'ssaying,thatifhehadcultivatedgaietyasmuchashisbrotherDavid,hemighthaveequallyexcelledinit.Hewasto-dayquiteaLondonnarrator,tellingusavarietyofanecdoteswiththatearnestnessandattemptatmimicrywhichweusuallyfindinthewits

ofthemetropolis.Dr.Johnsonwentwithmetothecathedralintheafternoon.Itwasgrandandpleasingtocontemplatethisillustriouswriter,nowfulloffame,worshippinginthe'solemntemple'ofhisnativecity.

IreturnedtoteaandcoffeeatMr.PeterGarrick's,andthenfoundDr.JohnsonattheReverendMr.Seward's,CanonResidentiary,whoinhabitedtheBishop'spalace,inwhichMr.Walmsleylived,andwhichhadbeenthesceneofmanyhappyhoursinJohnson'searlylife.

Onmonday,March25,webreakfastedatMrs.LucyPorter's.JohnsonhadsentanexpresstoDr.Taylor's,acquaintinghimofourbeingatLichfield,andTaylorhadreturnedananswerthathispostchaiseshould

comeforusthisday.Whilewesatatbreakfast,Dr.Johnsonreceivedaletterbythepost,whichseemedtoagitatehimverymuch.Whenhehadreadit,heexclaimed,'Oneofthemostdreadfulthingsthathashappenedinmytime.'Thephrasemytime,likethewordage,isusuallyunderstoodtorefertoaneventofapublickorgeneralnature.IimaginedsomethinglikeanassassinationoftheKing--likeagunpowderplotcarriedintoexecution--orlikeanotherfireofLondon.Whenasked,'Whatisit,Sir?'heanswered,'Mr.Thralehaslosthisonlyson!'Thiswas,nodoubt,averygreatafflictiontoMr.andMrs.Thrale,whichtheirfriendswouldconsideraccordingly;butfromthemannerinwhich



theintelligenceofitwascommunicatedbyJohnson,itappearedforthemomenttobecomparativelysmall.I,however,soonfeltasincereconcern,andwascurioustoobserve,howDr.Johnsonwouldbeaffected.Hesaid,'Thisisatotalextinctiontotheirfamily,asmuchasiftheyweresoldintocaptivity.'UponmymentioningthatMr.Thralehaddaughters,whomightinherithiswealth;--'Daughters,(saidJohnson,warmly,)he'llnomorevaluehisdaughtersthan--'Iwasgoingtospeak.--'Sir,(saidhe,)don'tyouknowhowyouyourselfthink?Sir,hewishestopropagatehisname.'Inshort,Isawmalesuccessionstronginhismind,evenwheretherewasnoname,nofamilyofanylongstanding.Isaid,itwasluckyhewasnotpresentwhenthismisfortunehappened.JOHNSON.'ItisluckyforME.Peopleindistressneverthinkthatyoufeelenough.'BOSWELL.'AndSir,theywillhavethehopeofseeingyou,whichwillbeareliefinthemeantime;andwhenyougettothem,thepainwillbesofarabated,thattheywillbecapableofbeingconsoledbyyou,which,inthefirstviolenceofit,Ibelieve,wouldnotbethecase.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir;violentpainofmind,likeviolentpainofbody,MUSTbeseverelyfelt.'BOSWELL.'Iown,Sir,Ihavenotsomuchfeelingforthedistressofothers,assomepeoplehave,orpretendtohave:butIknowthis,thatIwoulddoallinmypowertorelievethem.'JOHNSON.'Siritisaffectationtopretendtofeelthedistressofothers,asmuchastheydothemselves.Itisequallyso,asifoneshouldpretendtofeelasmuchpainwhileafriend'slegiscuttingoff,ashedoes.No,Sir;youhaveexpressedtherationalandjustnature

ofsympathy.Iwouldhavegonetotheextremityoftheearthtohavepreservedthisboy.'

Hewassoonquitecalm.TheletterwasfromMr.Thrale'sclerk,andconcluded,'IneednotsayhowmuchtheywishtoseeyouinLondon.'Hesaid,'WeshallhastenbackfromTaylor's.'

Mrs.LucyPorterandsomeotherladiesoftheplacetalkedagreatdealofhimwhenhewasoutoftheroom,notonlywithvenerationbutaffection.ItpleasedmetofindthathewassomuchBELOVEDinhisnativecity.

Mrs.Aston,whomIhadseentheprecedingnight,andhersister,Mrs.

Gastrel,awidowlady,hadeachahouseandgarden,andpleasure-ground,prettilysituateduponStowhill,agentleeminence,adjoiningtoLichfield.Johnsonwalkedawaytodinnerthere,leavingmebymyselfwithoutanyapology;Iwonderedatthiswantofthatfacilityofmanners,fromwhichamanhasnodifficultyincarryingafriendtoahousewhereheisintimate;Ifeltitveryunpleasanttobethusleftinsolitudeinacountrytown,whereIwasanentirestranger,andbegantothinkmyselfunkindlydeserted;butIwassoonrelieved,andconvincedthatmyfriend,insteadofbeingdeficientindelicacy,hadconductedthematterwithperfectpropriety,forIreceivedthefollowingnoteinhishandwriting:'Mrs.Gastrel,atthelowerhouseonStowhill,desiresMr.Boswell'scompanytodinnerattwo.'Iacceptedoftheinvitation,andhadhereanotherproofhowamiablehischaracterwasintheopinion

ofthosewhoknewhimbest.Iwasnotinformed,tillafterwards,thatMrs.Gastrel'shusbandwastheclergymanwho,whilehelivedatStratforduponAvon,wherehewasproprietorofShakspeare'sgarden,withGothickbarbaritycutdownhismulberry-tree,and,asDr.Johnsontoldme,didittovexhisneighbours.Hislady,Ihavereasontobelieve,onthesameauthority,participatedintheguiltofwhattheenthusiastsforourimmortalbarddeemalmostaspeciesofsacrilege.

AfterdinnerDr.JohnsonwrotealettertoMrs.Thraleonthedeathofherson.IsaiditwouldbeverydistressingtoThrale,butshewould



soonforgetit,asshehadsomanythingstothinkof.JOHNSON.'No,Sir,Thralewillforgetitfirst.SHEhasmanythingsthatsheMAYthinkof.HEhasmanythingsthatheMUSTthinkof.'Thiswasaveryjustremarkuponthedifferenteffectofthoselightpursuitswhichoccupyavacantandeasymind,andthoseseriousengagementswhicharrestattention,andkeepusfrombroodingovergrief.

IntheeveningwewenttotheTown-hall,whichwasconvertedintoatemporarytheatre,andsawTheodosius,withTheStratfordJubilee.IwashappytoseeDr.Johnsonsittinginaconspicuouspartofthepit,andreceivingaffectionatehomagefromallhisacquaintance.Wewerequitegayandmerry.IafterwardsmentionedtohimthatIcondemnedmyselfforbeingso,whenpoorMr.andMrs.Thralewereinsuchdistress.JOHNSON.'Youarewrong,Sir;twentyyearshenceMr.andMrs.Thralewillnotsuffermuchpainfromthedeathoftheirson.Now,Sir,youaretoconsider,thatdistanceofplace,aswellasdistanceoftime,operatesuponthehumanfeelings.Iwouldnothaveyoubegayinthepresenceofthedistressed,becauseitwouldshockthem;butyoumaybegayatadistance.Painforthelossofafriend,orofarelationwhomwelove,isoccasionedbythewantwhichwefeel.Intimethevacuityisfilledwithsomethingelse;orsometimesthevacuityclosesupofitself.'

Mr.SewardandMr.Pearson,anotherclergymanhere,suptwithusatourinn,andaftertheyleftus,wesatuplateasweusedtodoinLondon.

HereIshallrecordsomefragmentsofmyfriend'sconversationduringthisjaunt.

'Marriage,Sir,ismuchmorenecessarytoamanthantoawoman;forheismuchlessabletosupplyhimselfwithdomestickcomforts.Youwillrecollectmysayingtosomeladiestheotherday,thatIhadoftenwonderedwhyyoungwomenshouldmarry,astheyhavesomuchmorefreedom,andsomuchmoreattentionpaidtothemwhileunmarried,thanwhenmarried.IindeeddidnotmentiontheSTRONGreasonfortheirmarrying--theMECHANICALreason.'BOSWELL.'Why,thatISastrongone.Butdoesnotimaginationmakeitmuchmoreimportantthanitisinreality?Isitnot,toacertaindegree,adelusioninusaswellas

inwomen?'JOHNSON.'Whyyes,Sir;butitisadelusionthatisalwaysbeginningagain.'BOSWELL.'Idon'tknowbutthereisuponthewholemoremiserythanhappinessproducedbythatpassion.'JOHNSON.'Idon'tthinkso,Sir.'

'Neverspeakofamaninhisownpresence.Itisalwaysindelicate,andmaybeoffensive.'

'Questioningisnotthemodeofconversationamonggentlemen.Itisassumingasuperiority,anditisparticularlywrongtoquestionamanconcerninghimself.Theremaybepartsofhisformerlifewhichhemaynotwishtobemadeknowntootherpersons,orevenbroughttohisownrecollection.'

'Amanshouldbecarefulnevertotelltalesofhimselftohisowndisadvantage.Peoplemaybeamusedandlaughatthetime,buttheywillberemembered,andbroughtoutagainsthimuponsomesubsequentoccasion.'

'Muchmaybedoneifamanputshiswholemindtoaparticularobject.Bydoingso,Nortonhasmadehimselfthegreatlawyerthatheisallowedtobe.'



OnTuesday,March26,therecameforusanequipageproperlysuitedtoawealthywell-beneficedclergyman;--Dr.Taylor'slargeroomypost-chaise,drawnbyfourstoutplumphorses,anddrivenbytwosteadyjollypostillions,whichconveyedustoAshbourne;whereIfoundmyfriend'sschoolfellowlivinguponanestablishmentperfectlycorrespondingwithhissubstantialcreditableequipage:hishouse,garden,pleasure-grounds,table,inshorteverythinggood,andnoscantinessappearing.Everymanshouldformsuchaplanoflivingashecanexecutecompletely.Lethimnotdrawanoutlinewiderthanhecanfillup.Ihaveseenmanyskeletonsofshewandmagnificencewhichexciteatonceridiculeandpity.Dr.Taylorhadagoodestateofhisown,andgoodprefermentinthechurch,beingaprebendaryofWestminster,andrectorofBosworth.Hewasadiligentjusticeofthepeace,andpresidedoverthetownofAshbourne,totheinhabitantsofwhichIwastoldhewasveryliberal;andasaproofofthisitwasmentionedtome,hehadtheprecedingwinterdistributedtwohundredpoundsamongsuchofthemasstoodinneedofhisassistance.HehadconsequentlyaconsiderablepoliticalinterestinthecountyofDerby,whichheemployedtosupporttheDevonshirefamily;forthoughtheschoolfellowandfriendofJohnson,hewasaWhig.IcouldnotperceiveinhischaractermuchcongenialityofanysortwiththatofJohnson,who,however,saidtome,'Sir,hehasaverystrongunderstanding.'Hissize,andfigure,andcountenance,andmanner,werethatofaheartyEnglish'Squire,withtheparsonsuper-induced:andItookparticularnoticeofhisupperservant,

Mr.Peters,adecentgraveman,inpurpleclothes,andalargewhitewig,likethebutlerormajordomoofaBishop.

Dr.JohnsonandDr.Taylormetwithgreatcordiality;andJohnsonsoongavehimthesamesadaccountoftheirschool-fellow,Congreve,thathehadgiventoMr.Hector;addingaremarkofsuchmomenttotherationalconductofamaninthedeclineoflife,thatitdeservestobeimprinteduponeverymind:'Thereisnothingagainstwhichanoldmanshouldbesomuchuponhisguardasputtinghimselftonurse.Innumerablehavebeenthemelancholyinstancesofmenoncedistinguishedforfirmness,resolution,andspirit,whointheirlatterdayshavebeengovernedlikechildren,byinterestedfemaleartifice.

Dr.TaylorcommendedaphysicianwhowasknowntohimandDr.Johnson,andsaid,'Ifightmanybattlesforhim,asmanypeopleinthecountrydislikehim.'JOHNSON.'Butyoushouldconsider,Sir,thatbyeveryoneofyourvictoriesheisaloser;for,everymanofwhomyougetthebetter,willbeveryangry,andresolvenottoemployhim;whereasifpeoplegetthebetterofyouinargumentabouthim,they'llthink,"We'llsendforDr.******nevertheless."'Thiswasanobservationdeepandsureinhumannature.

Nextday,asDr.JohnsonhadacquaintedDr.TaylorofthereasonforhisreturningspeedilytoLondon,itwasresolvedthatweshouldsetoutafterdinner.AfewofDr.Taylor'sneighbourswerehisgueststhatday.

Dr.Johnsontalkedwithapprobationofonewhohadattainedtothestateofthephilosophicalwiseman,thatistohavenowantofanything.'Then,Sir,(saidI,)thesavageisawiseman.''Sir,(saidhe,)Idonotmeansimplybeingwithout,--butnothavingawant.'Imaintained,againstthisproposition,thatitwasbettertohavefineclothes,forinstance,thannottofeelthewantofthem.JOHNSON.'No,Sir;fineclothesaregoodonlyastheysupplythewantofothermeansofprocuringrespect.WasCharlestheTwelfth,thinkyou,lessrespectedforhiscoarsebluecoatandblackstock?AndyoufindtheKingofPrussiadressesplain,becausethedignityofhischaracteris



sufficient.'Iherebroughtmyselfintoascrape,forIheedlesslysaid,'WouldnotYOU,Sir,bethebetterforvelvetandembroidery?'JOHNSON.'Sir,youputanendtoallargumentwhenyouintroduceyouropponenthimself.Haveyounobettermanners?ThereisYOURWANT.'Iapologisedbysaying,Ihadmentionedhimasaninstanceofonewhowantedaslittleasanymanintheworld,andyet,perhaps,mightreceivesomeadditionallustrefromdress.

HavingleftAshbourneintheevening,westoppedtochangehorsesatDerby,andavailedourselvesofamomenttoenjoytheconversationofmycountryman,Dr.Butter,thenphysicianthere.HewasingreatindignationbecauseLordMountstuart'sbillforaScotchmilitiahadbeenlost.Dr.Johnsonwasasviolentagainstit.'Iamglad,(saidhe,)thatParliamenthashadthespirittothrowitout.Youwantedtotakeadvantageofthetimidityofourscoundrels;'(meaning,Isuppose,theministry).Itmaybeobserved,thatheusedtheepithetscoundrelverycommonlynotquiteinthesenseinwhichitisgenerallyunderstood,butasastrongtermofdisapprobation;aswhenheabruptlyansweredMrs.Thrale,whohadaskedhimhowhedid,'Readytobecomeascoundrel,Madam;withalittlemorespoilingyouwill,Ithink,makemeacompleterascal:'hemeant,easytobecomeacapriciousandself-indulgentvaletudinarian;acharacterforwhichIhaveheardhimexpressgreatdisgust.WelaythisnightatLoughborough.

OnThursday,March28,wepursuedourjourney.Hesaid,'Itiscommonlyaweakmanwhomarriesforlove.'Wethentalkedofmarryingwomenoffortune;andImentionedacommonremark,thatamanmaybe,uponthewhole,richerbymarryingawomanwithaverysmallportion,becauseawomanoffortunewillbeproportionallyexpensive;whereasawomanwhobringsnonewillbeverymoderateinexpenses.JOHNSON.'Dependuponit,Sir,thisisnottrue.Awomanoffortunebeingusedtothehandlingofmoney,spendsitjudiciously:butawomanwhogetsthecommandofmoneyforthefirsttimeuponhermarriage,hassuchagustinspendingit,thatshethrowsitawaywithgreatprofusion.'

Hepraisedtheladiesofthepresentage,insistingthattheyweremorefaithfultotheirhusbands,andmorevirtuousineveryrespect,thanin

formertimes,becausetheirunderstandingswerebettercultivated.

AtLeicesterwereadinthenews-paperthatDr.Jameswasdead.Ithoughtthatthedeathofanoldschool-fellow,andonewithwhomhehadlivedagooddealinLondon,wouldhaveaffectedmyfellow-travellermuch:butheonlysaid,Ah!poorJamy.'Afterwards,however,whenwewereinthechaise,hesaid,withmoretenderness,'SinceIsetoutonthisjaunt,Ihavelostanoldfriendandayoungone;--Dr.James,andpoorHarry.'(MeaningMr.Thrale'sson.)

IenjoyedtheluxuryofourapproachtoLondon,thatmetropoliswhichwebothlovedsomuch,forthehighandvariedintellectualpleasurewhichitfurnishes.Iexperiencedimmediatehappinesswhilewhirledalongwith

suchacompanion,andsaidtohim,'Sir,youobservedonedayatGeneralOglethorpe's,thatamanisneverhappyforthepresent,butwhenheisdrunk.Willyounotadd,--orwhendrivingrapidlyinapost-chaise?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir,youaredrivingrapidlyFROMsomething,orTOsomething.'

Talkingofmelancholy,hesaid,'Somemen,andverythinkingmentoo,havenotthosevexingthoughts.SirJoshuaReynoldsisthesamealltheyearround.Beauclerk,exceptwhenillandinpain,isthesame.ButIbelievemostmenhavetheminthedegreeinwhichtheyarecapable



ofhavingthem.IfIwereinthecountry,andweredistressedbythatmalady,Iwouldforcemyselftotakeabook;andeverytimeIdiditIshouldfindittheeasier.Melancholy,indeed,shouldbedivertedbyeverymeansbutdrinking.'

WestoppedatMessieursDillys,booksellersinthePoultry;fromwhencehehurriedaway,inahackneycoach,toMr.Thrale's,intheBorough.Icalledathishouseintheevening,havingpromisedtoacquaintMrs.Williamsofhissafereturn;when,tomysurprize,Ifoundhimsittingwithherattea,and,asIthought,notinaverygoodhumour:for,itseems,whenhehadgottoMr.Thrale's,hefoundthecoachwasatthedoorwaitingtocarryMrs.andMissThrale,andSignorBaretti,theirItalianmaster,toBath.Thiswasnotshewingtheattentionwhichmighthavebeenexpectedtothe'Guide,Philosopher,andFriend,'theImlacwhohadhastenedfromthecountrytoconsoleadistressedmother,whoheunderstoodwasveryanxiousforhisreturn.Theyhad,Ifound,withoutceremony,proceededontheirintendedjourney.IwasgladtounderstandfromhimthatitwasstillresolvedthathistourtoItalywithMr.andMrs.Thraleshouldtakeplace,ofwhichhehadentertainedsomedoubt,onaccountofthelosswhichtheyhadsuffered;andhisdoubtsafterwardsprovedtobewell-founded.Heobserved,indeedveryjustly,that'theirlosswasanadditionalreasonfortheirgoingabroad;andifithadnotbeenfixedthatheshouldhavebeenoneoftheparty,hewouldforcethemout;buthewouldnotadvisethemunlesshisadvicewas

asked,lesttheymightsuspectthatherecommendedwhathewishedonhisownaccount.'IwasnotpleasedthathisintimacywithMr.Thrale'sfamily,thoughitnodoubtcontributedmuchtohiscomfortandenjoyment,wasnotwithoutsomedegreeofrestraint:not,ashasbeengrosslysuggested,thatitwasrequiredofhimasatasktotalkfortheentertainmentofthemandtheircompany;butthathewasnotquiteathisease;which,however,mightpartlybeowingtohisownhonestpride--thatdignityofmindwhichisalwaysjealousofappearingtoocompliant.

OnSunday,March31,Icalledonhim,andshewedhimasacuriositywhichIhaddiscovered,hisTranslationofLobo'sAccountofAbyssinia,whichSirJohnPringlehadlentme,itbeingthenlittleknownasone

ofhisworks.Hesaid,'Takenonoticeofit,'or'don'ttalkofit.'Heseemedtothinkitbeneathhim,thoughdoneatsix-and-twenty.Isaidtohim,'Yourstyle,Sir,ismuchimprovedsinceyoutranslatedthis.'Heansweredwithasortoftriumphantsmile,'Sir,Ihopeitis.'

OnWednesday,April3,inthemorningIfoundhimverybusyputtinghisbooksinorder,andastheyweregenerallyveryoldones,cloudsofdustwereflyingaroundhim.Hehadonapairoflargeglovessuchashedgersuse.Hispresentappearanceputmeinmindofmyuncle,Dr.Boswell'sdescriptionofhim,'Arobustgenius,borntograpplewithwholelibraries.'

HehadbeenincompanywithOmai,anativeofoneoftheSouthSea

Islands,afterhehadbeensometimeinthiscountry.Hewasstruckwiththeeleganceofhisbehaviour,andaccountedforitthus:'Sir,hehadpassedhistime,whileinEngland,onlyinthebestcompany;sothatallthathehadacquiredofourmannerswasgenteel.Asaproofofthis,Sir,LordMulgraveandhedinedonedayatStreatham;theysatwiththeirbackstothelightfrontingme,sothatIcouldnotseedistinctly;andtherewassolittleofthesavageinOmai,thatIwasafraidtospeaktoeither,lestIshouldmistakeonefortheother.'

Weagreedtodineto-dayattheMitre-tavernaftertherisingofthe



HouseofLords,whereabranchofthelitigationconcerningtheDouglasEstate,inwhichIwasoneofthecounsel,wastocomeon.

Iintroducedthetopick,whichisoftenignorantlyurged,thattheUniversitiesofEnglandaretoorich;sothatlearningdoesnotflourishinthemasitwoulddo,ifthosewhoteachhadsmallersalaries,anddependedontheirassiduityforagreatpartoftheirincome.JOHNSON.'Sir,theveryreverseofthisisthetruth;theEnglishUniversitiesarenotrichenough.Ourfellowshipsareonlysufficienttosupportamanduringhisstudiestofithimfortheworld,andaccordinglyingeneraltheyareheldnolongerthantillanopportunityoffersofgettingaway.Nowandthen,perhaps,thereisafellowwhogrowsoldinhiscollege;butthisisagainsthiswill,unlesshebeamanveryindolentindeed.Ahundredayearisreckonedagoodfellowship,andthatisnomorethanisnecessarytokeepamandecentlyasascholar.Wedonotallowourfellowstomarry,becauseweconsideracademicalinstitutionsaspreparatorytoasettlementintheworld.Itisonlybybeingemployedasatutor,thatafellowcanobtainanythingmorethanalivelihood.Tobesureaman,whohasenoughwithoutteaching,willprobablynotteach;forwewouldallbeidleifwecould.Inthesamemanner,amanwhoistogetnothingbyteaching,willnotexerthimself.GreshamCollegewasintendedasaplaceofinstructionforLondon;ableprofessorsweretoreadlecturesgratis,theycontrivedtohavenoscholars;whereas,iftheyhadbeenallowedtoreceivebutsixpencea

lecturefromeachscholar,theywouldhavebeenemuloustohavehadmanyscholars.EverybodywillagreethatitshouldbetheinterestofthosewhoteachtohavescholarsandthisisthecaseinourUniversities.Thattheyaretoorichiscertainlynottrue;fortheyhavenothinggoodenoughtokeepamanofeminentlearningwiththemforhislife.IntheforeignUniversitiesaprofessorshipisahighthing.Itisasmuchalmostasamancanmakebyhislearning;andthereforewefindthemostlearnedmenabroadareintheUniversities.Itisnotsowithus.OurUniversitiesareimpoverishedoflearning,bythepenuryoftheirprovisions.Iwishthereweremanyplacesofathousanda-yearatOxford,tokeepfirst-ratemenoflearningfromquittingtheUniversity.'

ImentionedMr.Maclaurin'suneasinessonaccountofadegreeofridiculecarelesslythrownonhisdeceasedfather,inGoldsmith'sHistoryofAnimatedNature,inwhichthatcelebratedmathematicianisrepresentedasbeingsubjecttofitsofyawningsoviolentastorenderhimincapableofproceedinginhislecture;astoryaltogetherunfounded,butforthepublicationofwhichthelawwouldgivenoreparation.Thisledustoagitatethequestion,whetherlegalredresscouldbeobtained,evenwhenaman'sdeceasedrelationwascalumniatedinapublication.

OnFriday,April5,beingGoodFriday,afterhavingattendedthemorningserviceatSt.Clement'sChurch,IwalkedhomewithJohnson.WetalkedoftheRomanCatholickreligion.JOHNSON.'Inthebarbarousages,Sir,

priestsandpeoplewereequallydeceived;butafterwardsthereweregrosscorruptionsintroducedbytheclergy,suchasindulgenciestoprieststohaveconcubines,andtheworshipofimages,not,indeed,inculcated,butknowinglypermitted.'HestronglycensuredthelicensedstewsatRome.BOSWELL.'Sothen,Sir,youwouldallowofnoirregularintercoursewhateverbetweenthesexes?'JOHNSON.'TobesureIwouldnot,Sir.Iwouldpunishitmuchmorethanitisdone,andsorestrainit.Inallcountriestherehasbeenfornication,asinallcountriestherehasbeentheft;buttheremaybemoreorlessoftheone,aswellasoftheother,inproportiontotheforceoflaw.Allmenwill



naturallycommitfornication,asallmenwillnaturallysteal.And,Sir,itisveryabsurdtoargue,ashasbeenoftendone,thatprostitutesarenecessarytopreventtheviolenteffectsofappetitefromviolatingthedecentorderoflife;nay,shouldbepermitted,inordertopreservethechastityofourwivesanddaughters.Dependuponit,Sir,severelaws,steadilyenforced,wouldbesufficientagainstthoseevils,andwouldpromotemarriage.'

Mr.Thralecalleduponhim,andappearedtobearthelossofhissonwithamanlycomposure.Therewasnoaffectationabouthim;andhetalked,asusual,uponindifferentsubjects.HeseemedtometohesitateastotheintendedItaliantour,onwhich,Iflatteredmyself,heandMrs.ThraleandDr.Johnsonweresoontosetout;and,therefore,IpresseditasmuchasIcould.Imentioned,thatMr.Beauclerkhadsaid,thatBaretti,whomtheyweretocarrywiththem,wouldkeepthemsolonginthelittletownsofhisowndistrict,thattheywouldnothavetimetoseeRome.Imentionedthis,toputthemontheirguard.JOHNSON.'Sir,wedonotthankMr.BeauclerkforsupposingthatwearetobedirectedbyBaretti.No,Sir;Mr.Thraleistogo,bymyadvice,toMr.Jackson,(theall-knowing)andgetfromhimaplanforseeingthemostthatcanbeseeninthetimethatwehavetotravel.Wemust,tobesure,seeRome,Naples,Florence,andVenice,andasmuchmoreaswecan.'(Speakingwithatoneofanimation.)

WhenIexpressedanearnestwishforhisremarksonItaly,hesaid,'IdonotseethatIcouldmakeabookuponItaly;yetIshouldbegladtogettwohundredpounds,orfivehundredpounds,bysuchawork.'ThisshewedboththatajournalofhisTourupontheContinentwasnotwhollyoutofhiscontemplation,andthatheuniformlyadheredtothatstrangeopinion,whichhisindolentdispositionmadehimutter:'Nomanbutablockheadeverwrote,exceptformoney.'Numerousinstancestorefutethiswilloccurtoallwhoareversedinthehistoryofliterature.

Hegaveusoneofthemanysketchesofcharacterwhichweretreasuredinhismind,andwhichhewaswonttoproducequiteunexpectedlyinaveryentertainingmanner.'Ilately,(saidhe,)receivedaletterfromtheEastIndies,fromagentlemanwhomIformerlyknewverywell;hehad

returnedfromthatcountrywithahandsomefortune,asitwasreckoned,beforemeanswerefoundtoacquirethoseimmensesumswhichhavebeenbroughtfromthenceoflate;hewasascholar,andanagreeableman,andlivedveryprettilyinLondon,tillhiswifedied.Afterherdeath,hetooktodissipationandgaming,andlostallhehad.OneeveninghelostathousandpoundstoagentlemanwhosenameIamsorryIhaveforgotten.Nextmorninghesentthegentlemanfivehundredpounds,withanapologythatitwasallhehadintheworld.Thegentlemansentthemoneybacktohim,declaringhewouldnotacceptofit;andadding,thatifMr.------hadoccasionforfivehundredpoundsmore,hewouldlendittohim.HeresolvedtogooutagaintotheEastIndies,andmakehisfortuneanew.Hegotaconsiderableappointment,andIhadsomeintentionofaccompanyinghim.HadIthoughtthenasIdonow,Ishould

havegone:but,atthattime,IhadobjectionstoquittingEngland.'

ItwasaveryremarkablecircumstanceaboutJohnson,whomshallowobservershavesupposedtohavebeenignorantoftheworld,thatveryfewmenhadseengreatervarietyofcharacters;andnonecouldobservethembetter,aswasevidentfromthestrong,yetniceportraitswhichheoftendrew.IhavefrequentlythoughtthatifhehadmadeoutwhattheFrenchcallunecatalogueraisonneeofallthepeoplewhohadpassedunderhisobservation,itwouldhaveaffordedaveryrichfundofinstructionandentertainment.Thesuddennesswithwhichhisaccounts



ofsomeofthemstartedoutinconversation,wasnotlesspleasingthansurprizing.Irememberheonceobservedtome,'Itiswonderful,Sir,whatistobefoundinLondon.ThemostliteraryconversationthatIeverenjoyed,wasatthetableofJackEllis,amoney-scrivenerbehindtheRoyalExchange,withwhomIatoneperiodusedtodinegenerallyonceaweek.'

Volumeswouldberequiredtocontainalistofhisnumerousandvariousacquaintance,noneofwhomheeverforgot;andcoulddescribeanddiscriminatethemallwithprecisionandvivacity.Heassociatedwithpersonsthemostwidelydifferentinmanners,abilities,rank,andaccomplishments.HewasatoncethecompanionofthebrilliantColonelForresteroftheGuards,whowroteThePolitePhilosopher,andoftheaukwardanduncouthRobertLevet;ofLordThurlow,andMr.Sastres,theItalianmaster;andhasdinedonedaywiththebeautiful,gay,andfascinatingLadyCraven,andthenextwithgoodMrs.Gardiner,thetallow-chandler,onSnow-hill.

Onmyexpressingmywonderathisdiscoveringsomuchoftheknowledgepeculiartodifferentprofessions,hetoldme,'IlearntwhatIknowoflaw,chieflyfromMr.Ballow,averyableman.Ilearntsome,too,fromChambers;butwasnotsoteachablethen.Oneisnotwillingtobetaughtbyayoungman.'WhenIexpressedawishtoknowmoreaboutMr.Ballow,Johnsonsaid,'Sir,Ihaveseenhimbutoncethesetwentyyears.The

tideoflifehasdrivenusdifferentways.'Iwassorryatthetimetohearthis;butwhoeverquitsthecreeksofprivateconnections,andfairlygetsintothegreatoceanofLondon,will,byimperceptibledegrees,unavoidablyexperiencesuchcessationsofacquaintance.

'Myknowledgeofphysick,(headded,)IlearntfromDr.James,whomIhelpedinwritingtheproposalsforhisDictionaryandalsoalittleintheDictionaryitself.IalsolearntfromDr.Lawrence,butwasthengrownmorestubborn.'

Acuriousincidenthappenedto-day,whileMr.ThraleandIsatwithhim.Francisannouncedthatalargepacketwasbroughttohimfromthepost-office,saidtohavecomefromLisbon,anditwaschargedSEVEN

POUNDSTENSHILLINGS.Hewouldnotreceiveit,supposingittobesometrick,nordidheevenlookatit.Butuponenquiryafterwardshefoundthatitwasarealpacketforhim,fromthatveryfriendintheEastIndiesofwhomhehadbeenspeaking;andtheshipwhichcarriedithavingcometoPortugal,thispacket,withothers,hadbeenputintothepost-officeatLisbon.

Imentionedanewgaming-club,ofwhichMr.Beauclerkhadgivenmeanaccount,wherethemembersplayedtoadesperateextent.JOHNSON.'Dependuponit,Sir,thisismeretalk.WHOisruinedbygaming?Youwillnotfindsixinstancesinanage.Thereisastrangeroutmadeaboutdeepplay:whereasyouhavemanymorepeopleruinedbyadventuroustrade,andyetwedonothearsuchanoutcryagainstit.'THRALE.'There

maybefewpeopleabsolutelyruinedbydeepplay;butverymanyaremuchhurtintheircircumstancesbyit.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,andsoareverymanybyotherkindsofexpence.'Ihadheardhimtalkoncebeforeinthesamemanner;andatOxfordhesaid,'hewishedhehadlearnttoplayatcards.'Thetruth,however,is,thathelovedtodisplayhisingenuityinargument;andthereforewouldsometimesinconversationmaintainopinionswhichhewassensiblewerewrong,butinsupportingwhich,hisreasoningandwitwouldbemostconspicuous.Hewouldbeginthus:'Why,Sir,astothegoodorevilofcard-playing--''Now,(saidGarrick,)heisthinkingwhichsideheshalltake.'Heappearedtohaveapleasurein



contradiction,especiallywhenanyopinionwhateverwasdeliveredwithanairofconfidence;sothattherewashardlyanytopick,ifnotoneofthegreattruthsofReligionandMorality,thathemightnothavebeenincitedtoargue,eitherfororagainst.LordElibankhadthehighestadmirationofhispowers.Heonceobservedtome,'WhateveropinionJohnsonmaintains,Iwillnotsaythatheconvincesme;butheneverfailstoshewme,thathehasgoodreasonsforit.'IhaveheardJohnsonpayhisLordshipthishighcompliment:'IneverwasinLordElibank'scompanywithoutlearningsomething.'

Wesattogethertillitwastoolatefortheafternoonservice.Thralesaidhehadcomewithintentiontogotochurchwithus.WewentatseventoeveningprayersatSt.Clement'schurch,afterhavingdrankcoffee;anindulgence,whichIunderstoodJohnsonyieldedtoonthisoccasion,incomplimenttoThrale.

OnSunday,April7,Easter-day,afterhavingbeenatSt.Paul'sCathedral,IcametoDr.Johnson,accordingtomyusualcustom.Itseemedtome,thattherewasalwayssomethingpeculiarlymildandplacidinhismanneruponthisholyfestival,thecommemorationofthemostjoyfuleventinthehistoryofourworld,theresurrectionofourLORDandSAVIOUR,who,havingtriumphedoverdeathandthegrave,proclaimedimmortalitytomankind.

Irepeatedtohimanargumentofaladyofmyacquaintance,whomaintained,thatherhusband'shavingbeenguiltyofnumberlessinfidelities,releasedherfromconjugalobligations,becausetheywerereciprocal.JOHNSON.'Thisismiserablestuff,Sir.Tothecontractofmarriage,besidesthemanandwife,thereisathirdparty--Society;andifitbeconsideredasavow--GOD:and,therefore,itcannotbedissolvedbytheirconsentalone.Lawsarenotmadeforparticularcases,butformeningeneral.Awomanmaybeunhappywithherhusband;butshecannotbefreedfromhimwithouttheapprobationofthecivilandecclesiasticalpower.Amanmaybeunhappy,becauseheisnotsorichasanother;butheisnottoseizeuponanother'spropertywithhisownhand.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,thisladydoesnotwantthatthecontractshouldbedissolved;sheonlyarguesthatshemayindulgeherselfin

gallantrieswithequalfreedomasherhusbanddoes,providedshetakescarenottointroduceaspuriousissueintohisfamily.Youknow,Sir,whatMacrobiushastoldusofJulia.'JOHNSON.'Thisladyofyours,Sir,Ithink,isveryfitforabrothel.'

Mr.Macbean,authouroftheDictionaryofancientGeography,camein.HementionedthathehadbeenfortyyearsabsentfromScotland.'Ah,Boswell!(saidJohnson,smiling,)whatwouldyougivetobefortyyearsfromScotland?'Isaid,'Ishouldnotliketobesolongabsentfromtheseatofmyancestors.'Thisgentleman,Mrs.Williams,andMr.Levet,dinedwithus.

Mrs.Williamswasverypeevish;andIwonderedatJohnson'spatience

withhernow,asIhadoftendoneonsimilaroccasions.Thetruthis,thathishumaneconsiderationoftheforlornandindigentstateinwhichthisladywasleftbyherfather,inducedhimtotreatherwiththeutmosttenderness,andeventobedesirousofprocuringheramusement,soassometimestoincommodemanyofhisfriends,bycarryingherwithhimtotheirhouses,where,fromhermannerofeating,inconsequenceofherblindness,shecouldnotbutoffendthedelicacyofpersonsofnicesensations.

Aftercoffee,wewenttoafternoonserviceinSt.Clement'schurch.



Observingsomebeggarsinthestreetaswewalkedalong,IsaidtohimIsupposedtherewasnocivilizedcountryintheworld,wherethemiseryofwantinthelowestclassesofthepeoplewasprevented.JOHNSON.'Ibelieve,Sir,thereisnot;butitisbetterthatsomeshouldbeunhappy,thanthatnoneshouldbehappy,whichwouldbethecaseinageneralstateofequality.'

Whentheservicewasended,Iwenthomewithhim,andwesatquietlybyourselves.

Uponthequestionwhetheramanwhohadbeenguiltyofviciousactionswoulddowelltoforcehimselfintosolitudeandsadness;JOHNSON.'No,Sir,unlessitpreventhimfrombeingviciousagain.Withsomepeople,gloomypenitenceisonlymadnessturnedupsidedown.Amanmaybegloomy,till,inordertoberelievedfromgloom,hehasrecourseagaintocriminalindulgencies.'

OnWednesday,April10,IdinedwithhimatMr.Thrale's,wherewereMr.Murphyandsomeothercompany.Beforedinner,Dr.JohnsonandIpassedsometimebyourselves.IwassorrytofinditwasnowresolvedthattheproposedjourneytoItalyshouldnottakeplacethisyear.Hesaid,'Iamdisappointed,tobesure;butitisnotagreatdisappointment.'Iwonderedtoseehimbear,withaphilosophicalcalmness,whatwouldhavemademostpeoplepeevishandfretful.Iperceived,however,thathehad

sowarmlycherishedthehopeofenjoyingclassicalscenes,thathecouldnoteasilypartwiththescheme;forhesaid:'IshallprobablycontrivetogettoItalysomeotherway.ButIwon'tmentionittoMr.andMrs.Thrale,asitmightvexthem.'Isuggested,thatgoingtoItalymighthavedoneMr.andMrs.Thralegood.JOHNSON.'Iratherbelievenot,Sir.Whilegriefisfresh,everyattempttodivertonlyirritates.YoumustwaittillgriefbeDIGESTED,andthenamusementwilldissipatetheremainsofit.'

Isaid,Idislikedthecustomwhichsomepeoplehadofbringingtheirchildrenintocompany,becauseitinamannerforcedustopayfoolishcomplimentstopleasetheirparents.JOHNSON.'Youareright,Sir.Wemaybeexcusedfornotcaringmuchaboutotherpeople'schildren,for

therearemanywhocareverylittleabouttheirownchildren.Itmaybeobserved,thatmen,whofrombeingengagedinbusiness,orfromtheircourseoflifeinwhateverway,seldomseetheirchildren,donotcaremuchaboutthem.Imyselfshouldnothavehadmuchfondnessforachildofmyown.'MRS.THRALE.'Nay,Sir,howcanyoutalkso?'JOHNSON.'Atleast,Ineverwishedtohaveachild.'

HetalkedofLordLyttelton'sextremeanxietyasanauthour;observing,that'hewasthirtyyearsinpreparinghisHistory,andthatheemployedamantopointitforhim;asif(laughing)anothermancouldpointhissensebetterthanhimself.'Mr.Murphysaid,heunderstoodhishistorywaskeptbackseveralyearsforfearofSmollet.JOHNSON.'ThisseemsstrangetoMurphyandme,whoneverfeltthatanxiety,butsentwhatwe

wrotetothepress,andletittakeitschance.'MRS.THRALE.'Thetimehasbeen,Sir,whenyoufeltit.'JOHNSON.'Why,really,Madam,Idonotrecollectatimewhenthatwasthecase.'

OnThursday,April11,IdinedwithhimatGeneralPaoli's,inwhosehouseInowresided,andwhereIhadeverafterwardsthehonourofbeingentertainedwiththekindestattentionashisconstantguest,whileIwasinLondon,tillIhadahouseofmyownthere.ImentionedmyhavingthatmorningintroducedtoMr.Garrick,CountNeni,aFlemishNoblemanofgreatrankandfortune,towhomGarricktalkedofAbelDruggerasA



SMALLPART;andrelated,withpleasantvanity,thataFrenchmanwhohadseenhiminoneofhislowcharacters,exclaimed,'Comment!jenelecroispas.Cen'estpasMonsieurGarrick,ceGrandHomme!'Garrickadded,withanappearanceofgraverecollection,'IfIweretobeginlifeagain,IthinkIshouldnotplaythoselowcharacters.'UponwhichIobserved,'Sir,youwouldbeinthewrong;foryourgreatexcellenceisyourvarietyofplaying,yourrepresentingsowell,characterssoverydifferent.'JOHNSON.'Garrick,Sir,wasnotinearnestinwhathesaid;for,tobesure,hispeculiarexcellenceishisvariety;and,perhaps,thereisnotanyonecharacterwhichhasnotbeenaswellactedbysomebodyelse,ashecoulddoit.'BOSWELL.'Whythen,Sir,didhetalkso?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,tomakeyouanswerasyoudid.'BOSWELL.'Idon'tknow,Sir;heseemedtodipdeepintohismindforthereflection.'JOHNSON.'Hehadnotfartodip,Sir:hesaidthesamething,probably,twentytimesbefore.'

Ofanoblemanraisedataveryearlyperiodtohighoffice,hesaid,'Hisparts,Sir,areprettywellforaLord;butwouldnotbedistinguishedinamanwhohadnothingelsebuthisparts.'

AjourneytoItalywasstillinhisthoughts.Hesaid,'AmanwhohasnotbeeninItaly,isalwaysconsciousofaninferiority,fromhisnothavingseenwhatitisexpectedamanshouldsee.ThegrandobjectoftravellingistoseetheshoresoftheMediterranean.Onthoseshores

werethefourgreatEmpiresoftheworld;theAssyrian,thePersian,theGrecian,andtheRoman.--Allourreligion,almostallourlaw,almostallourarts,almostallthatsetsusabovesavages,hascometousfromtheshoresoftheMediterranean.'TheGeneralobserved,that'THEMEDITERRANEANwouldbeanoblesubjectforapoem.'

Wetalkedoftranslation.Isaid,Icouldnotdefineit,norcouldIthinkofasimilitudetoillustrateit;butthatitappearedtomethetranslationofpoetrycouldbeonlyimitation.JOHNSON.'Youmaytranslatebooksofscienceexactly.Youmayalsotranslatehistory,insofarasitisnotembellishedwithoratory,whichispoetical.Poetry,indeed,cannotbetranslated;and,therefore,itisthepoetsthatpreservelanguages;forwewouldnotbeatthetroubletolearna

language,ifwecouldhaveallthatiswritteninitjustaswellinatranslation.Butasthebeautiesofpoetrycannotbepreservedinanylanguageexceptthatinwhichitwasoriginallywritten,welearnthelanguage.'

'Goldsmith(hesaid,)referredeverythingtovanity;hisvirtues,andhisvicestoo,werefromthatmotive.Hewasnotasocialman.Heneverexchangedmindwithyou.'

WespenttheeveningatMr.Hoole's.Mr.Mickle,theexcellenttranslatorofTheLusiad,wasthere.Ihavepreservedlittleoftheconversationofthisevening.Dr.Johnsonsaid,'Thomsonhadatruepoeticalgenius,thepowerofviewingeverythinginapoeticallight.

Hisfaultissuchacloudofwordssometimes,thatthesensecanhardlypeepthrough.Shiels,whocompiledCibber'sLivesofthePoets,wasonedaysittingwithme.ItookdownThomson,andreadaloudalargeportionofhim,andthenasked,--Isnotthisfine?Shielshavingexpressedthehighestadmiration.Well,Sir,(saidI,)Ihaveomittedeveryotherline.'

IrelatedadisputebetweenGoldsmithandMr.RobertDodsley,onedaywhentheyandIwerediningatTomDavies's,in1762.Goldsmithasserted,thattherewasnopoetryproducedinthisage.Dodsley



appealedtohisownCollection,andmaintained,thatthoughyoucouldnotfindapalacelikeDryden'sOdeonSt.Cecilia'sDay,youhadvillagescomposedofveryprettyhouses;andhementionedparticularlyTheSpleen.JOHNSON.'IthinkDodsleygaveupthequestion.HeandGoldsmithsaidthesamething;onlyhesaiditinasoftermannerthanGoldsmithdid;forheacknowledgedthattherewasnopoetry,nothingthattoweredabovethecommonmark.Youmayfindwitandhumourinverse,andyetnopoetry.Hudibrashasaprofusionofthese;yetitisnottobereckonedapoem.TheSpleen,inDodsley'sCollection,onwhichyousayhechieflyrested,isnotpoetry.'BOSWELL.'DoesnotGray'spoetry,Sir,towerabovethecommonmark?'JOHNSON.Yes,Sir;butwemustattendtothedifferencebetweenwhatmeningeneralcannotdoiftheywould,andwhateverymanmaydoifhewould.Sixteen-stringJack*toweredabovethecommonmark.'BOSWELL.'Then,Sir,whatispoetry?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,itismucheasiertosaywhatitisnot.WeallKNOWwhatlightis;butitisnoteasytoTELLwhatitis.'

*Anotedhighwayman,whoafterhavingbeenseveraltimestriedandacquitted,wasatlasthanged.Hewasremarkableforfopperyinhisdress,andparticularlyforwearingabunchofsixteenstringsatthekneesofhisbreeches.--BOSWELL.

OnFriday,April12,IdinedwithhimatourfriendTomDavies's.

HeremindedDr.JohnsonofMr.Murphy'shavingpaidhimthehighestcomplimentthateverwaspaidtoalayman,byaskinghispardonforrepeatingsomeoathsinthecourseoftellingastory.

JohnsonandIsuptthiseveningattheCrownandAnchortavern,incompanywithSirJoshuaReynolds,Mr.Langton,Mr.Nairne,nowoneoftheScotchJudges,withthetitleofLordDunsinan,andmyveryworthyfriend,SirWilliamForbes,ofPitsligo.

Wediscussedthequestionwhetherdrinkingimprovedconversationandbenevolence.SirJoshuamaintaineditdid.JOHNSON.'No,Sir:beforedinnermenmeetwithgreatinequalityofunderstanding;andthosewhoareconsciousoftheirinferiority,havethemodestynottotalk.When

theyhavedrunkwine,everymanfeelshimselfhappy,andlosesthatmodesty,andgrowsimpudentandvociferous:butheisnotimproved;heisonlynotsensibleofhisdefects.'SirJoshuasaidtheDoctorwastalkingoftheeffectsofexcessinwine;butthatamoderateglassenlivenedthemind,bygivingapropercirculationtotheblood.'Iam(saidhe,)inverygoodspirits,whenIgetupinthemorning.Bydinner-timeIamexhausted;wineputsmeinthesamestateaswhenIgotup;andIamsurethatmoderatedrinkingmakespeopletalkbetter.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir;winegivesnotlight,gay,idealhilarity;buttumultuous,noisy,clamorousmerriment.Ihaveheardnoneofthosedrunken,--nay,drunkenisacoarseword,--noneofthoseVINOUSflights.'SIRJOSHUA.'Becauseyouhavesatby,quitesober,andfeltanenvyofthehappinessofthosewhoweredrinking.'JOHNSON.'Perhaps,

contempt.--And,Sir,itisnotnecessarytobedrunkone'sself,torelishthewitofdrunkenness.Dowenotjudgeofthedrunkenwit,ofthedialoguebetweenIagoandCassio,themostexcellentinitskind,whenwearequitesober?Witiswit,bywhatevermeansitisproduced;and,ifgood,willappearsoatalltimes.Iadmitthatthespiritsareraisedbydrinking,asbythecommonparticipationofanypleasure:cock-fighting,orbear-baiting,willraisethespiritsofacompany,asdrinkingdoes,thoughsurelytheywillnotimproveconversation.Ialsoadmit,thattherearesomesluggishmenwhoareimprovedbydrinking;astherearefruitswhicharenotgoodtilltheyarerotten.Therearesuch



men,buttheyaremedlars.Iindeedallowthattherehavebeenaveryfewmenoftalentswhowereimprovedbydrinking;butImaintainthatIamrightastotheeffectsofdrinkingingeneral:andletitbeconsidered,thatthereisnoposition,howeverfalseinitsuniversality,whichisnottrueofsomeparticularman.'SirWilliamForbessaid,'Mightnotamanwarmedwithwinebelikeabottleofbeer,whichismadebriskerbybeingsetbeforethefire?'--'Nay,(saidJohnson,laughing,)Icannotanswerthat:thatistoomuchforme.'

Iobserved,thatwinedidsomepeopleharm,byinflaming,confusing,andirritatingtheirminds;butthattheexperienceofmankindhaddeclaredinfavourofmoderatedrinking.JOHNSON.'Sir,Idonotsayitiswrongtoproduceselfcomplacencybydrinking;Ionlydenythatitimprovesthemind.WhenIdrankwine,Iscornedtodrinkitwhenincompany.Ihavedrunkmanyabottlebymyself;inthefirstplace,becauseIhadneedofittoraisemyspirits;inthesecondplace,becauseIwouldhavenobodytowitnessitseffectsuponme.'

Hetoldus,'almostallhisRamblerswerewrittenjustastheywerewantedforthepress;thathesentacertainportionofthecopyofanessay,andwrotetheremainder,whiletheformerpartofitwasprinting.Whenitwaswanted,andhehadfairlysatdowntoit,hewassureitwouldbedone.'

Hesaid,thatforgeneralimprovement,amanshouldreadwhateverhisimmediateinclinationpromptshimto;though,tobesure,ifamanhasasciencetolearn,hemustregularlyandresolutelyadvance.Headded,'whatwereadwithinclinationmakesamuchstrongerimpression.Ifwereadwithoutinclination,halfthemindisemployedinfixingtheattention;sothereisbutonehalftobeemployedonwhatweread.'Hetoldus,hereadFielding'sAmeliathroughwithoutstopping.Hesaid,'ifamanbeginstoreadinthemiddleofabook,andfeelsaninclinationtogoon,lethimnotquitit,togotothebeginning.Hemayperhapsnotfeelagaintheinclination.'

Soonafterthisday,hewenttoBathwithMr.andMrs.Thrale.Ihadneverseenthatbeautifulcity,andwishedtotaketheopportunityof

visitingit,whileJohnsonwasthere.

Onthe26thofApril,IwenttoBath;andonmyarrivalatthePelicaninn,foundlyingformeanobliginginvitationfromMr.andMrs.Thrale,bywhomIwasagreeablyentertainedalmostconstantlyduringmystay.Theyweregonetotherooms;buttherewasakindnotefromDr.Johnson,thatheshouldsitathomealltheevening.Iwenttohimdirectly,andbeforeMr.andMrs.Thralereturned,wehadbyourselvessomehoursoftea-drinkingandtalk.

IshallgrouptogethersuchofhissayingsasIpreservedduringthefewdaysthatIwasatBath.

Ithavingbeenmentioned,Iknownotwithwhattruth,thatacertainfemalepoliticalwriter,whosedoctrineshedisliked,hadoflatebecomeveryfondofdress,sathourstogetherathertoilet,andevenputonrouge:--Johnson.'Sheisbetteremployedathertoilet,thanusingherpen.Itisbettersheshouldbereddeningherowncheeks,thanblackeningotherpeople'scharacters.'

HewouldnotallowmetopraisealadythenatBath;observing,'Shedoesnotgainuponme,Sir;Ithinkherempty-headed.'Hewas,indeed,asterncritickuponcharactersandmanners.EvenMrs.Thraledidnot



escapehisfriendlyanimadversionattimes.WhenheandIwereonedayendeavouringtoascertain,articlebyarticle,howoneofourfriendscouldpossiblyspendasmuchmoneyinhisfamilyashetoldushedid,sheinterruptedusbyalivelyextravagantsally,ontheexpenceofclothinghischildren,describingitinaveryludicrousandfancifulmanner.Johnsonlookedalittleangry,andsaid,'Nay,Madam,whenyouaredeclaiming,declaim;andwhenyouarecalculating,calculate.'Atanothertime,whenshesaid,perhapsaffectedly,'Idon'tliketofly.'JOHNSON.'WithYOURwings,Madam,youMUSTfly:buthaveacare,thereareCLIPPERSabroad.'

OnMonday,April29,heandImadeanexcursiontoBristol,whereIwasentertainedwithseeinghimenquireuponthespot,intotheauthenticityof'Rowley'sPoetry,'asIhadseenhimenquireuponthespotintotheauthenticityof'Ossian'sPoetry.'GeorgeCatcot,thepewterer,whowasaszealousforRowley,asDr.HughBlairwasforOssian,(ItrustmyReverendfriendwillexcusethecomparison,)attendedusatourinn,andwithatriumphantairoflivelysimplicitycalledout,'I'llmakeDr.Johnsonaconvert.'Dr.Johnson,athisdesire,readaloudsomeofChatterton'sfabricatedverses,whileCatcotstoodatthebackofhischair,movinghimselflikeapendulum,andbeatingtimewithhisfeet,andnowandthenlookingintoDr.Johnson'sface,wonderingthathewasnotyetconvinced.WecalledonMr.Barret,thesurgeon,andsawsomeoftheORIGINALSastheywerecalled,whichwereexecutedvery

artificially;butfromacarefulinspectionofthem,andaconsiderationofthecircumstanceswithwhichtheywereattended,wewerequitesatisfiedoftheimposture,which,indeed,hasbeenclearlydemonstratedfrominternalevidence,byseveralablecriticks.

HonestCatcotseemedtopaynoattentionwhatevertoanyobjections,butinsisted,asanendofallcontroversy,thatweshouldgowithhimtothetowerofthechurchofSt.Mary,Redcliff,andVIEWWITHOUROWNEYEStheancientchestinwhichthemanuscriptswerefound.Tothis,Dr.Johnsongood-naturedlyagreed;andthoughtroubledwithashortnessofbreathing,labouredupalongflightofsteps,tillwecametotheplacewherethewonderouscheststood.'THERE,(saidCateot,withabouncingconfidentcredulity,)THEREistheverychestitself.'Afterthis

OCULARDEMONSTRATION,therewasnomoretobesaid.HebroughttomyrecollectionaScotchHighlander,amanoflearningtoo,andwhohadseentheworld,attesting,andatthesametimegivinghisreasonsfortheauthenticityofFingal:--'IhaveheardallthatpoemwhenIwasyoung.'--'Haveyou,Sir?Praywhathaveyouheard?'--'IhaveheardOssian,Oscar,andEVERYONEOFTHEM.'

JohnsonsaidofChatterton,'Thisisthemostextraordinaryyoungmanthathasencounteredmyknowledge.Itiswonderfulhowthewhelphaswrittensuchthings.'

WewerebynomeanspleasedwithourinnatBristol.'Letusseenow,(saidI,)howweshoulddescribeit.'Johnsonwasreadywithhis

raillery.'Describeit,Sir?--Why,itwassobadthatBoswellwishedtobeinScotland!'

AfterDr.Johnson'sreturntoLondon,Iwasseveraltimeswithhimathishouse,whereIoccasionallyslept,intheroomthathadbeenassignedtome.IdinedwithhimatDr.Taylor's,atGeneralOglethorpe's,andatGeneralPaoli's.Toavoidatediousminuteness,IshallgrouptogetherwhatIhavepreservedofhisconversationduringthisperiodalso,withoutspecifyingeachscenewhereitpassed,exceptone,whichwillbefoundsoremarkableascertainlytodeserveavery



particularrelation.

'Garrick(heobserved,)doesnotplaythepartofArcherinTheBeauxStratagemwell.Thegentlemanshouldbreakoutthroughthefootman,whichisnotthecaseashedoesit.'

'Thatmanisneverhappyforthepresentissotrue,thatallhisrelieffromunhappinessisonlyforgettinghimselfforalittlewhile.Lifeisaprogressfromwanttowant,notfromenjoymenttoenjoyment.'

'LordChesterfield'sLetterstohisSon,Ithink,mightbemadeaveryprettybook.Takeouttheimmorality,anditshouldbeputintothehandsofeveryyounggentleman.Anelegantmannerandeasinessofbehaviourareacquiredgraduallyandimperceptibly.Nomancansay"I'llbegenteel."Therearetengenteelwomenforonegenteelman,becausetheyaremorerestrained.Amanwithoutsomedegreeofrestraintisinsufferable;butwearealllessrestrainedthanwomen.Wereawomansittingincompanytoputoutherlegsbeforeherasmostmendo,weshouldbetemptedtokickthemin.'

Nomanwasamoreattentiveandniceobserverofbehaviourinthoseinwhosecompanyhehappenedtobe,thanJohnson;or,howeverstrangeitmayseemtomany,hadahigherestimationofitsrefinements.LordEliotinformsme,thatonedaywhenJohnsonandhewereatdinnerat

agentleman'shouseinLondon,uponLordChesterfield'sLettersbeingmentioned,Johnsonsurprizedthecompanybythissentence:'Everymanofanyeducationwouldratherbecalledarascal,thanaccusedofdeficiencyinTHEGRACES.'Mr.Gibbon,whowaspresent,turnedtoaladywhoknewJohnsonwell,andlivedmuchwithhim,andinhisquaintmanner,tappinghisbox,addressedherthus:'Don'tyouthink,Madam,(lookingtowardsJohnson,)thatamongALLyouracquaintance,youcouldfindONEexception?'Theladysmiled,andseemedtoacquiesce.

TheuncommonvivacityofGeneralOglethorpe'smind,andvarietyofknowledge,havingsometimesmadehisconversationseemtoodesultory,Johnsonobserved,'Oglethorpe,Sir,neverCOMPLETESwhathehastosay.'

HeonthesameaccountmadeasimilarremarkonPatrickLordElibank:'Sir,thereisnothingCONCLUSIVEinhistalk.'

WhenIcomplainedofhavingdinedatasplendidtablewithouthearingonesentenceofconversationworthyofbeingremembered,hesaid,'Sir,thereseldomisanysuchconversation.'BOSWELL.'Whythenmeetattable?'JOHNSON.'Why,toeatanddrinktogether,andtopromotekindness;and,Sir,thisisbetterdonewhenthereisnosolidconversation;forwhenthereis,peopledifferinopinion,andgetintobadhumour,orsomeofthecompanywhoarenotcapableofsuchconversation,areleftout,andfeelthemselvesuneasy.Itwasforthisreason,SirRobertWalpolesaid,healwaystalkedbawdyathistable,becauseinthatallcouldjoin.'

Beingirritatedbyhearingagentleman*askMr.Levettavarietyofquestionsconcerninghim,whenhewassittingby,hebrokeout,'Sir,youhavebuttwotopicks,yourselfandme.Iamsickofboth.''Aman,(saidhe,)shouldnottalkofhimself,normuchofanyparticularperson.Heshouldtakecarenottobemadeaproverb;and,therefore,shouldavoidhavinganyonetopickofwhichpeoplecansay,"Weshallhearhimuponit."TherewasaDr.Oldfield,whowasalwaystalkingoftheDukeofMarlborough.Hecameintoacoffee-houseoneday,andtoldthathisGracehadspokenintheHouseofLordsforhalfanhour.



"Didheindeedspeakforhalfanhour?"(saidBelehier,thesurgeon,)--"Yes."--"AndwhatdidhesayofDr.Oldfield?"--"Nothing"--"Whythen,Sir,hewasveryungrateful;forDr.Oldfieldcouldnothavespokenforaquarterofanhour,withoutsayingsomethingofhim."'

*MostlikelyBoswellhimself.--HILL.

IamnowtorecordaverycuriousincidentinDr.Johnson'sLife,whichfellundermyownobservation;ofwhichparsmagnafui,andwhichIampersuadedwill,withtheliberal-minded,bemuchtohiscredit.

Mydesireofbeingacquaintedwithcelebratedmenofeverydescription,hadmademe,muchaboutthesametime,obtainanintroductiontoDr.SamuelJohnsonandtoJohnWilkes,Esq.Twomenmoredifferentcouldperhapsnotbeselectedoutofallmankind.Theyhadevenattackedoneanotherwithsomeasperityintheirwritings;yetIlivedinhabitsoffriendshipwithboth.Icouldfullyrelishtheexcellenceofeach;forIhaveeverdelightedinthatintellectualchymistry,whichcanseparategoodqualitiesfromevilinthesameperson.

SirJohnPringle,'mineownfriendandmyFather'sfriend,'betweenwhomandDr.JohnsonIinvainwishedtoestablishanacquaintance,asIrespectedandlivedinintimacywithbothofthem,observedtomeonce,

veryingeniously,'Itisnotinfriendshipasinmathematicks,wheretwothings,eachequaltoathird,areequalbetweenthemselves.YouagreewithJohnsonasamiddlequality,andyouagreewithmeasamiddlequality;butJohnsonandIshouldnotagree.'SirJohnwasnotsufficientlyflexible;soIdesisted;knowing,indeed,thattherepulsionwasequallystrongonthepartofJohnson;who,Iknownotfromwhatcause,unlesshisbeingaScotchman,hadformedaveryerroneousopinionofSirJohn.ButIconceivedanirresistiblewish,ifpossible,tobringDr.JohnsonandMr.Wilkestogether.Howtomanageit,wasaniceanddifficultmatter.

Myworthybooksellersandfriends,MessieursDillyinthePoultry,atwhosehospitableandwell-coveredtableIhaveseenagreaternumberof

literarymen,thanatanyother,exceptthatofSirJoshuaReynolds,hadinvitedmetomeetMr.WilkesandsomemoregentlemenonWednesday,May15.'Pray(saidI,)letushaveDr.Johnson.'--'WhatwithMr.Wilkes?notfortheworld,(saidMr.EdwardDilly:)Dr.Johnsonwouldneverforgiveme.'--'Come,(saidI,)ifyou'llletmenegotiateforyou,Iwillbeanswerablethatallshallgowell.'DILLY.'Nay,ifyouwilltakeituponyou,IamsureIshallbeveryhappytoseethembothhere.'

NotwithstandingthehighvenerationwhichIentertainedforDr.Johnson,Iwassensiblethathewassometimesalittleactuatedbythespiritofcontradiction,andbymeansofthatIhopedIshouldgainmypoint.IwaspersuadedthatifIhadcomeuponhimwithadirectproposal,'Sir,

willyoudineincompanywithJackWilkes?'hewouldhaveflownintoapassion,andwouldprobablyhaveanswered,'DinewithJackWilkes,Sir!I'dassoondinewithJackKetch.'Itherefore,whileweweresittingquietlybyourselvesathishouseinanevening,tookoccasiontoopenmyplanthus:--'Mr.Dilly,Sir,sendshisrespectfulcomplimentstoyou,andwouldbehappyifyouwoulddohimthehonourtodinewithhimonWednesdaynextalongwithme,asImustsoongotoScotland.'JOHNSON.'Sir,IamobligedtoMr.Dilly.Iwillwaituponhim--'BOSWELL.'Provided,Sir,Isuppose,thatthecompanywhichheistohave,isagreeabletoyou.'JOHNSON.'Whatdoyoumean,Sir?Whatdoyoutakeme



for?DoyouthinkIamsoignorantoftheworldastoimaginethatIamtoprescribetoagentlemanwhatcompanyheistohaveathistable?'BOSWELL.'Ibegyourpardon,Sir,forwishingtopreventyoufrommeetingpeoplewhomyoumightnotlike.Perhapshemayhavesomeofwhathecallshispatriotickfriendswithhim.'Johnson.'Well,Sir,andwhatthen?WhatcareIforhisPATRIOTICKFRIENDS?Poh!'BOSWELL.'IshouldnotbesurprizedtofindJackWilkesthere.'Johnson.'AndifJackWilkesSHOULDbethere,whatisthattoME,Sir?Mydearfriend,letushavenomoreofthis.Iamsorrytobeangrywithyou;butreallyitistreatingmestrangelytotalktomeasifIcouldnotmeetanycompanywhatever,occasionally.'BOSWELL.'Prayforgiveme,Sir:Imeantwell.Butyoushallmeetwhoevercomes,forme.'ThusIsecuredhim,andtoldDillythathewouldfindhimverywellpleasedtobeoneofhisguestsonthedayappointed.

Uponthemuch-expectedWednesday,Icalledonhimabouthalfanhourbeforedinner,asIoftendidwhenweweretodineouttogether,toseethathewasreadyintime,andtoaccompanyhim.Ifoundhimbuffetinghisbooks,asuponaformeroccasion,coveredwithdust,andmakingnopreparationforgoingabroad.'Howisthis,Sir?(saidI.)Don'tyourecollectthatyouaretodineatMr.Dilly's?'JOHNSON.'Sir,IdidnotthinkofgoingtoDilly's:itwentoutofmyhead.IhaveordereddinnerathomewithMrs.Williams.'BOSWELL.'But,mydearSir,youknowyouwereengagedtoMr.Dilly,andItoldhimso.Hewillexpectyou,and

willbemuchdisappointedifyoudon'tcome.'JOHNSON.'YoumusttalktoMrs.Williamsaboutthis.'

Herewasasaddilemma.IfearedthatwhatIwassoconfidentIhadsecuredwouldyetbefrustrated.HehadaccustomedhimselftoshewMrs.Williamssuchadegreeofhumaneattention,asfrequentlyimposedsomerestraintuponhim;andIknewthatifsheshouldbeobstinate,hewouldnotstir.Ihasteneddownstairstotheblindlady'sroom,andtoldherIwasingreatuneasiness,forDr.JohnsonhadengagedtometodinethisdayatMr.Dilly's,butthathehadtoldmehehadforgottenhisengagement,andhadordereddinnerathome.'Yes,Sir,(saidshe,prettypeevishly,)Dr.Johnsonistodineathome.'--'Madam,(saidI,)hisrespectforyouissuch,thatIknowhewillnotleaveyouunlessyou

absolutelydesireit.Butasyouhavesomuchofhiscompany,Ihopeyouwillbegoodenoughtoforegoitforaday;asMr.Dillyisaveryworthyman,hasfrequentlyhadagreeablepartiesathishouseforDr.Johnson,andwillbevexediftheDoctorneglectshimto-day.Andthen,Madam,bepleasedtoconsidermysituation;Icarriedthemessage,andIassuredMr.DillythatDr.Johnsonwastocome,andnodoubthehasmadeadinner,andinvitedacompany,andboastedofthehonourheexpectedtohave.IshallbequitedisgracediftheDoctorisnotthere.'Shegraduallysoftenedtomysolicitations,whichwerecertainlyasearnestasmostentreatiestoladiesuponanyoccasion,andwasgraciouslypleasedtoempowermetotellDr.Johnson,'Thatallthingsconsidered,shethoughtheshouldcertainlygo.'Iflewbacktohim,stillindust,andcarelessofwhatshouldbetheevent,'indifferentinhischoice

togoorstay;'butassoonasIhadannouncedtohimMrs.Williams'consent,heroared,'Frank,acleanshirt,'andwasverysoondrest.WhenIhadhimfairlyseatedinahackney-coachwithme,Iexultedasmuchasafortune-hunterwhohasgotanheiressintoapost-chaisewithhimtosetoutforGretna-Green.

WhenweenteredMr.Dilly'sdrawingroom,hefoundhimselfinthemidstofacompanyhedidnotknow.Ikeptmyselfsnugandsilent,watchinghowhewouldconducthimself.IobservedhimwhisperingtoMr.Dilly,'Whoisthatgentleman,Sir?'--'Mr.ArthurLee.'--JOHNSON.'Too,too,



too,'(underhisbreath,)whichwasoneofhishabitualmutterings.Mr.ArthurLeecouldnotbutbeveryobnoxioustoJohnson,forhewasnotonlyaPATRIOTbutanAMERICAN.HewasafterwardsministerfromtheUnitedStatesatthecourtofMadrid.'Andwhoisthegentlemaninlace?'--'Mr.Wilkes,Sir.'Thisinformationconfoundedhimstillmore;hehadsomedifficultytorestrainhimself,andtakingupabook,satdownuponawindow-seatandread,oratleastkepthiseyeuponitintentlyforsometime,tillhecomposedhimself.Hisfeelings,Idaresay,wereaukwardenough.Buthenodoubtrecollectedhishavingratedmeforsupposingthathecouldbeatalldisconcertedbyanycompany,andhe,therefore,resolutelysethimselftobehavequiteasaneasymanoftheworld,whocouldadapthimselfatoncetothedispositionandmannersofthosewhomhemightchancetomeet.

Thecheeringsoundof'Dinnerisuponthetable,'dissolvedhisreverie,andweALLsatdownwithoutanysymptomofillhumour.Therewerepresent,besideMr.Wilkes,andMr.ArthurLee,whowasanoldcompanionofminewhenhestudiedphysickatEdinburgh,Mr.(nowSirJohn)Miller,Dr.Lettsom,andMr.Slaterthedruggist.Mr.WilkesplacedhimselfnexttoDr.Johnson,andbehavedtohimwithsomuchattentionandpoliteness,thathegaineduponhiminsensibly.NomaneatmoreheartilythanJohnson,orlovedbetterwhatwasniceanddelicate.Mr.Wilkeswasveryassiduousinhelpinghimtosomefineveal.'Praygivemeleave,Sir:--Itisbetterhere--Alittleofthebrown--Somefat,Sir--Alittle

ofthestuffing--Somegravy--Letmehavethepleasureofgivingyousomebutter--Allowmetorecommendasqueezeofthisorange;--orthelemon,perhaps,mayhavemorezest.'--'Sir,Sir,Iamobligedtoyou,Sir,'criedJohnson,bowing,andturninghisheadtohimwithalookforsometimeof'surlyvirtue,'but,inashortwhile,ofcomplacency.

Footebeingmentioned,Johnsonsaid,'Heisnotagoodmimick.'Oneofthecompanyadded,'AmerryAndrew,abuffoon.'JOHNSON.'Buthehaswittoo,andisnotdeficientinideas,orinfertilityandvarietyofimagery,andnotemptyofreading;hehasknowledgeenoughtofilluphispart.Onespeciesofwithehasinaneminentdegree,thatofescape.Youdrivehimintoacornerwithbothhands;buthe'sgone,Sir,whenyouthinkyouhavegothim--likeananimalthatjumpsoveryour

head.Thenhehasagreatrangeforwit;heneverletstruthstandbetweenhimandajest,andheissometimesmightycoarse.GarrickisundermanyrestraintsfromwhichFooteisfree.'WILKES.'Garrick'switismorelikeLordChesterfield's.'JOHNSON.'ThefirsttimeIwasincompanywithFootewasatFitzherbert's.Havingnogoodopinionofthefellow,Iwasresolvednottobepleased;anditisverydifficulttopleaseamanagainsthiswill.Iwentoneatingmydinnerprettysullenly,affectingnottomindhim.Butthedogwassoverycomical,thatIwasobligedtolaydownmyknifeandfork,throwmyselfbackuponmychair,andfairlylaughitout.No,Sir,hewasirresistible.Heupononeoccasionexperienced,inanextraordinarydegree,theefficacyofhispowersofentertaining.Amongstthemanyandvariousmodeswhichhetriedofgettingmoney,hebecameapartnerwithasmall-beerbrewer,

andhewastohaveashareoftheprofitsforprocuringcustomersamongsthisnumerousacquaintance.Fitzherbertwasonewhotookhissmall-beer;butitwassobadthattheservantsresolvednottodrinkit.Theywereatsomelosshowtonotifytheirresolution,beingafraidofoffendingtheirmaster,whotheyknewlikedFootemuchasacompanion.Atlasttheyfixeduponalittleblackboy,whowasratherafavourite,tobetheirdeputy,anddelivertheirremonstrance;andhavinginvestedhimwiththewholeauthorityofthekitchen,hewastoinformMr.Fitzherbert,inalltheirnames,uponacertainday,thattheywoulddrinkFoote'ssmall-beernolonger.OnthatdayFoote



happenedtodineatFitzherbert's,andthisboyservedattable;hewassodelightedwithFoote'sstories,andmerriment,andgrimace,thatwhenhewentdownstairs,hetoldthem,"ThisisthefinestmanIhaveeverseen.Iwillnotdeliveryourmessage.Iwilldrinkhissmall-beer."'

SomebodyobservedthatGarrickcouldnothavedonethis.WILKES.'Garrickwouldhavemadethesmall-beerstillsmaller.Heisnowleavingthestage;buthewillplayScruballhislife.'IknewthatJohnsonwouldletnobodyattackGarrickbuthimself,asGarrickoncesaidtome,andIhadheardhimpraisehisliberality;sotobringouthiscommendationofhiscelebratedpupil,Isaid,loudly,'IhaveheardGarrickisliberal.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,IknowthatGarrickhasgivenawaymoremoneythananymaninEnglandthatIamacquaintedwith,andthatnotfromostentatiousviews.Garrickwasverypoorwhenhebeganlife;sowhenhecametohavemoney,heprobablywasveryunskilfulingivingaway,andsavedwhenheshouldnot.ButGarrickbegantobeliberalassoonashecould;andIamofopinion,thereputationofavaricewhichhehashad,hasbeenveryluckyforhim,andpreventedhishavingmanyenemies.Youdespiseamanforavarice,butdonothatehim.Garrickmighthavebeenmuchbetterattackedforlivingwithmoresplendourthanissuitabletoaplayer:iftheyhadhadthewittohaveassaultedhiminthatquarter,theymighthavegalledhimmore.Buttheyhavekeptclamouringabouthisavarice,whichhasrescuedhimfrommuchobloquyandenvy.'

Talkingofthegreatdifficultyofobtainingauthentickinformationforbiography,Johnsontoldus,'WhenIwasayoungfellowIwantedtowritetheLifeofDryden,andinordertogetmaterials,Iappliedtotheonlytwopersonsthenalivewhohadseenhim;thesewereoldSwinney,andoldCibber.Swinney'sinformationwasnomorethanthis,"ThatatWill'scoffee-houseDrydenhadaparticularchairforhimself,whichwassetbythefireinwinter,andwasthencalledhiswinter-chair;andthatitwascarriedoutforhimtothebalconyinsummer,andwasthencalledhissummer-chair."Cibbercouldtellnomorebut"Thatherememberedhimadecentoldman,arbiterofcriticaldisputesatWill's."YouaretoconsiderthatCibberwasthenatagreatdistancefromDryden,hadperhapsonelegonlyintheroom,anddurstnotdrawintheother.'

BOSWELL.'YetCibberwasamanofobservation?'JOHNSON.'Ithinknot.'BOSWELL.'YouwillallowhisApologytobewelldone.'JOHNSON.'Verywelldone,tobesure,Sir.ThatbookisastrikingproofofthejusticeofPope'sremark:

"Eachmighthisseveralprovincewellcommand,Wouldallbutstooptowhattheyunderstand."'

BOSWELL.'Andhisplaysaregood.'JOHNSON.'Yes;butthatwashistrade;l'espritducorps:hehadbeenallhislifeamongplayersandplay-writers.Iwonderedthathehadsolittletosayinconversation,forhehadkeptthebestcompany,andlearntallthatcanbegotbytheear.HeabusedPindartome,andthenshewedmeanOdeofhisown,with

anabsurdcouplet,makingalinnetsoaronaneagle'swing.Itoldhimthatwhentheancientsmadeasimile,theyalwaysmadeitlikesomethingreal.'

Mr.Wilkesremarked,that'amongalltheboldflightsofShakspeare'simagination,theboldestwasmakingBirnamwoodmarchtoDunsinane;creatingawoodwherethereneverwasashrub;awoodinScotland!ha!ha!ha!'Andhealsoobserved,that'theclannishslaveryoftheHighlandsofScotlandwasthesingleexceptiontoMilton'sremarkof"TheMountainNymph,sweetLiberty,"beingworshippedinallhilly



countries.'--'WhenIwasatInverary(saidhe,)onavisittomyoldfriend,Archibald,DukeofArgyle,hisdependentscongratulatedmeonbeingsuchafavouriteofhisGrace.Isaid,"Itisthen,gentlemen,truelyluckyforme;forifIhaddispleasedtheDuke,andhehadwishedit,thereisnotaCampbellamongyoubutwouldhavebeenreadytobringJohnWilkes'sheadtohiminacharger.Itwouldhavebeenonly,

'Offwithhishead!SomuchforAylesbury.'"

IwasthenmemberforAylesbury.'

Mr.ArthurLeementionedsomeScotchwhohadtakenpossessionofabarrenpartofAmerica,andwonderedwhytheyshouldchooseit.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,allbarrennessiscomparative.TheSCOTCHwouldnotknowittobebarren.'BOSWELL.'Come,come,heisflatteringtheEnglish.YouhavenowbeeninScotland,Sir,andsayifyoudidnotseemeatanddrinkenoughthere.'JOHNSON.'Whyyes,Sir;meatanddrinkenoughtogivetheenhabitantssufficientstrengthtorunawayfromhome.'Allthesequickandlivelysalliesweresaidsportively,quiteinjest,andwithasmile,whichshowedthathemeantonlywit.UponthistopickheandMr.Wilkescouldperfectlyassimilate;herewasabondofunionbetweenthem,andIwasconsciousthatasbothofthemhadvisited

Caledonia,bothwerefullysatisfiedofthestrangenarrowignoranceofthosewhoimaginethatitisalandoffamine.Buttheyamusedthemselveswithperseveringintheoldjokes.WhenIclaimedasuperiorityforScotlandoverEnglandinonerespect,thatnomancanbearrestedthereforadebtmerelybecauseanotherswearsitagainsthim;buttheremustfirstbethejudgementofacourtoflawascertainingitsjustice;andthataseizureoftheperson,beforejudgementisobtained,cantakeplaceonly,ifhiscreditorshouldswearthatheisabouttoflyfromthecountry,or,asitistechnicallyexpressed,isinmeditationefugoe:WILKES.'That,Ishouldthink,maybesafelyswornofalltheScotchnation.'JOHNSON.(toMr.Wilkes,)'Youmustknow,Sir,IlatelytookmyfriendBoswellandshewedhimgenuinecivilisedlifeinanEnglishprovincialtown.IturnedhimlooseatLichfield,mynative

city,thathemightseeforoncerealcivility:foryouknowhelivesamongsavagesinScotland,andamongrakesinLondon.'WILKES.'Exceptwhenheiswithgrave,sober,decentpeoplelikeyouandme.'JOHNSON.(smiling,)'Andweashamedofhim.'

Theywerequitefrankandeasy.JohnsontoldthestoryofhisaskingMrs.Macaulaytoallowherfootmantositdownwiththem,toprovetheridiculousnessoftheargumentfortheequalityofmankind;andhesaidtomeafterwards,withanodofsatisfaction,'YousawMr.Wilkesacquiesced.'WilkestalkedwithallimaginablefreedomoftheludicroustitlegiventotheAttorney-General,DiabolusRegis;adding,'Ihavereasontoknowsomethingaboutthatofficer;forIwasprosecutedforalibel.'Johnson,whomanypeoplewouldhavesupposedmusthavebeen

furiouslyangryathearingthistalkedofsolightly,saidnotaword.Hewasnow,INDEED,'agood-humouredfellow.'

AfterdinnerwehadanaccessionofMrs.Knowles,theQuakerlady,wellknownforhervarioustalents,andofMr.AldermanLee.Amidstsomepatriotickgroans,somebody(IthinktheAlderman)said,'PooroldEnglandislost.'JOHNSON.'Sir,itisnotsomuchtobelamentedthatOldEnglandislost,asthattheScotchhavefoundit.'WILKES.'HadLordButegovernedScotlandonly,Ishouldnothavetakenthetroubletowritehiseulogy,anddedicateMortimertohim.'



Mr.Wilkesheldacandletoshewafineprintofabeautifulfemalefigurewhichhungintheroom,andpointedouttheelegantcontourofthebosomwiththefingerofanarchconnoisseur.Heafterwards,inaconversationwithme,waggishlyinsisted,thatallthetimeJohnsonshewedvisiblesignsofaferventadmirationofthecorrespondingcharmsofthefairQuaker.

Thisrecord,thoughbynomeanssoperfectasIcouldwish,willservetogiveanotionofaverycuriousinterview,whichwasnotonlypleasingatthetime,buthadtheagreeableandbenignanteffectofreconcilinganyanimosity,andsweeteninganyacidity,whichinthevariousbustleofpoliticalcontest,hadbeenproducedinthemindsoftwomen,whothoughwidelydifferent,hadsomanythingsincommon--classicallearning,modernliterature,wit,andhumour,andreadyrepartee--thatitwouldhavebeenmuchtoberegrettediftheyhadbeenforeveratadistancefromeachother.

Mr.BurkegavememuchcreditforthissuccessfulNEGOCIATION;andpleasantlysaid,that'therewasnothingtoequalitinthewholehistoryoftheCorpsDiplomatique.'

IattendedDr.Johnsonhome,andhadthesatisfactiontohearhimtellMrs.WilliamshowmuchhehadbeenpleasedwithMr.Wilkes'scompany,

andwhatanagreeabledayhehadpassed.

ItalkedagooddealtohimofthecelebratedMargaretCarolineRudd,whomIhadvisited,inducedbythefameofhertalents,address,andirresistiblepoweroffascination.Toaladywhodisapprovedofmyvisitingher,hesaidonaformeroccasion,'Nay,Madam,Boswellisintheright;Ishouldhavevisitedhermyself,wereitnotthattheyhavenowatrickofputtingeverythingintothenews-papers.'Thiseveningheexclaimed,'IenvyhimhisacquaintancewithMrs.Rudd.'

OntheeveningofthenextdayItookleaveofhim,beingtosetoutforScotland.Ithankedhimwithgreatwarmthforallhiskindness.'Sir,(saidhe,)youareverywelcome.Nobodyrepaysitwithmore.

ThefollowinglettersconcerninganEpitaphwhichhewroteforthemonumentofDr.Goldsmith,inWestminster-Abbey,affordatonceaproofofhisunaffectedmodesty,hiscarelessnessastohisownwritings,andofthegreatrespectwhichheentertainedforthetasteandjudgementoftheexcellentandeminentpersontowhomtheyareaddressed:

TOSIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS.

DEARSIR,--Ihavebeenkeptawayfromyou,Iknownotwellhow,andofthesevexatioushindrancesIknownotwhentherewillbeanend.IthereforesendyouthepoordearDoctor'sepitaph.Readitfirst

yourself;andifyouthenthinkitright,shewittotheClub.Iam,youknow,willingtobecorrected.Ifyouthinkanythingmuchamiss,keepittoyourself,tillwecometogether.Ihavesenttwocopies,butpreferthecard.ThedatesmustbesettledbyDr.Percy.Iam,Sir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'May16,1776.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'



Itwas,Ithink,afterIhadleftLondonthisyear,thatthisEpitaphgaveoccasiontoaRemonstrancetotheMONARCHOFLITERATURE,foranaccountofwhichIamindebtedtoSirWilliamForbes,ofPitsligo.

Thatmyreadersmayhavethesubjectmorefullyandclearlybeforethem,IshallfirstinserttheEpitaph.

OLIVARIIGOLDSMITH,

Poetae,Physici,Historici,QuinullumferescribendigenusNontetigit,Nullumquodtetiqitnonornavit:Siverisusessentmovendi,Sivelacrymae,Affectuumpotensatlenisdominator:Ingeniosublimis,vividus,versatilis,Orationegrandis,nitidus,venustus:HocmonumentomemoriamcoluitSodaliumamor,Amicorumfides,Lectorumveneratio.NatusinHiberniaForniaeLongfordiensis,

InlococuinomenPallas,Nov.XXIX.MDCCXXXI;Eblanaeliterisinstitutus;ObiitLondini,AprilIV,MDCCLXXIV.'

SirWilliamForbeswritestomethus:--

'IenclosetheRoundRobin.Thisjeud'esprittookitsriseonedayatdinneratourfriendSirJoshuaReynolds's.Allthecompanypresent,exceptmyself,werefriendsandacquaintanceofDr.Goldsmith.TheEpitaph,writtenforhimbyDr.Johnson,becamethesubjectofconversation,andvariousemendationsweresuggested,whichitwas

agreedshouldbesubmittedtotheDoctor'sconsideration.Butthequestionwas,whoshouldhavethecouragetoproposethemtohim?Atlastitwashinted,thattherecouldbenowaysogoodasthatofaRoundRobin,asthesailorscallit,whichtheymakeuseofwhentheyenterintoaconspiracy,soasnottoletitbeknownwhoputshisnamefirstorlasttothepaper.Thispropositionwasinstantlyassentedto;andDr.Barnard,DeanofDerry,nowBishopofKillaloe,drewupanaddresstoDr.Johnsonontheoccasion,repletewithwitandhumour,butwhichitwasfearedtheDoctormightthinktreatedthesubjectwithtoomuchlevity.Mr.Burkethenproposedtheaddressasitstandsinthepaperinwriting,towhichIhadthehonourtoofficiateasclerk.

'SirJoshuaagreedtocarryittoDr.Johnson,whoreceiveditwith

muchgoodhumour,*anddesiredSirJoshuatotellthegentlemen,thathewouldaltertheEpitaphinanymannertheypleased,astothesenseofit;buthewouldneverconsenttodisgracethewallsofWestminsterAbbeywithanEnglishinscription.

*Hehowever,uponseeingDr.Warton'snametothesuggestion,thattheEpitaphshouldbeinEnglish,observedtoSirJoshua,'IwonderthatJoeWarton,ascholarbyprofession,shouldbesuchafool.'Hesaidtoo,'IshouldhavethoughtMundBurkewouldhavehadmoresense.'Mr.



Langton,whowasoneofthecompanyatSirJoshua's,likeasturdyscholar,resolutelyrefusedtosigntheRoundRobin.TheEpitaphisengraveduponDr.Goldsmith'smonumentwithoutanyalteration.Atanothertime,whensomebodyendeavouredtoargueinfavourofitsbeinginEnglish,Johnsonsaid,'Thelanguageofthecountryofwhichalearnedmanwasanative,isnotthelanguagefitforhisepitaph,whichshouldbeinancientandpermanentlanguage.Consider,Sir;howyoushouldfeel,wereyoutofindatRotterdamanepitaphuponErasmusINDUTCH!'--BOSWELL.

'IconsiderthisRoundRobinasaspeciesofliterarycuriosityworthpreserving,asitmarks,inacertaindegree,Dr.Johnson'scharacter.'

SirWilliamForbes'sobservationisveryjust.Theanecdotenowrelatedproves,inthestrongestmanner,thereverenceandawewithwhichJohnsonwasregarded,bysomeofthemosteminentmenofhistime,invariousdepartments,andevenbysuchofthemaslivedmostwithhim;whileitalsoconfirmswhatIhaveagainandagaininculcated,thathewasbynomeansofthatferociousandirasciblecharacterwhichhasbeenignorantlyimagined.

ThishastycompositionisalsotoberemarkedasoneofathousandinstanceswhichevincetheextraordinarypromptitudeofMr.Burke;who

whileheisequaltothegreatestthings,canadorntheleast;can,withequalfacility,embracethevastandcomplicatedspeculationsofpoliticks,ortheingenioustopicksofliteraryinvestigation.

'DR.JOHNSONTOMRS.BOSWELL.

'MADAM,--Youmustnotthinkmeuncivilinomittingtoanswertheletterwithwhichyoufavouredmesometimeago.IimaginedittohavebeenwrittenwithoutMr.Boswell'sknowledge,andthereforesupposedtheanswertorequire,whatIcouldnotfind,aprivateconveyance.

'ThedifferencewithLordAuchinleckisnowover;andsinceyoung

Alexanderhasappeared,Ihopenomoredifficultieswillariseamongyou;forIsincerelywishyouallhappy.Donotteachtheyoungonestodislikeme,asyoudislikemeyourself;butletmeatleasthaveVeronica'skindness,becausesheismyacquaintance.

'YouwillnowhaveMr.Boswellhome;itiswellthatyouhavehim;hehasledawildlife.IhavetakenhimtoLichfield,andhehasfollowedMr.ThraletoBath.Praytakecareofhim,andtamehim.TheonlythinginwhichIhavethehonourtoagreewithyouis,inlovinghim;andwhilewearesomuchofamindinamatterofsomuchimportance,ourotherquarrelswill,Ihope,producenogreatbitterness.Iam,Madam,yourmosthumbleservant,

'May16,1776.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

Iselectfromhisprivateregisterthefollowingpassage:

'July25,1776.OGod,whohastordainedthatwhateveristobedesiredshouldbesoughtbylabour,andwho,bythyblessing,bringesthonestlabourtogoodeffect,lookwithmercyuponmystudiesandendeavours.



Grantme,OLORD,todesignonlywhatislawfulandright;andaffordmecalmnessofmind,andsteadinessofpurpose,thatImaysodothywillinthisshortlife,astoobtainhappinessintheworldtocome,forthesakeofJESUSCHRISTourLord.Amen.'

Itappearsfromanotesubjoined,thatthiswascomposedwhenhe'purposedtoapplyvigorouslytostudy,particularlyoftheGreekandItaliantongues.'

Suchapurpose,soexpressed,attheageofsixty-seven,isadmirableandencouraging;anditmustimpressallthethinkingpartofmyreaderswithaconsolatoryconfidenceinhabitualdevotion,whentheyseeamanofsuchenlargedintellectualpowersasJohnson,thusinthegenuineearnestnessofsecrecy,imploringtheaidofthatSupremeBeing,'fromwhomcomethdowneverygoodandeveryperfectgift.'

1777:AETAT.68.]--In1777,itappearsfromhisPrayersandMeditations,thatJohnsonsufferedmuchfromastateofmind'unsettledandperplexed,'andfromthatconstitutionalgloom,which,togetherwithhisextremehumilityandanxietywithregardtohisreligiousstate,madehimcontemplatehimselfthroughtoodarkandunfavourableamedium.Itmaybesaidofhim,thathe'sawGODinclouds.'Certainwemaybeofhisinjusticetohimselfinthefollowinglamentableparagraph,whichit

ispainfultothinkcamefromthecontriteheartofthisgreatman,towhoselabourstheworldissomuchindebted:'WhenIsurveymypastlife,Idiscovernothingbutabarrenwasteoftimewithsomedisordersofbody,anddisturbancesofthemind,veryneartomadness,whichIhopeHethatmademewillsuffertoextenuatemanyfaults,andexcusemanydeficiencies.'Butwefindhisdevotionsinthisyeareminentlyfervent;andwearecomfortedbyobservingintervalsofquiet,composure,andgladness.

OnEaster-daywefindthefollowingemphatickprayer:

'AlmightyandmostmercifulFather,whoseestallourmiseries,andknowestallournecessities,lookdownuponme,andpityme.Defendme

fromtheviolentincursion[incursions]ofevilthoughts,andenablemetoformandkeepsuchresolutionsasmayconducetothedischargeofthedutieswhichthyprovidenceshallappointme;andsohelpme,bythyHolySpirit,thatmyheartmaysurelytherebefixed,wheretruejoysaretobefound,andthatImayservetheewithpureaffectionandacheerfulmind.Havemercyuponme,OGOD,havemercyuponme;yearsandinfirmitiesoppressme,terrourandanxietybesetme.Havemercyuponme,myCreatorandmyJudge.[Inalldangersprotectme.]Inallperplexitiesrelieveandfreeme;andsohelpmebythyHolySpirit,thatImaynowsocommemoratethedeathofthySonourSaviourJESUSCHRIST,asthatwhenthisshortandpainfullifeshallhaveanend,Imay,forhissake,bereceivedtoeverlastinghappiness.Amen.'

'SIRALEXANDERDICKTODR.SAMUELJOHNSON.

'Prestonfield,Feb.17,1777.

'SIR,IhadyesterdaythehonourofreceivingyourbookofyourJourneytotheWesternIslandsofScotland,whichyouwassogoodastosendme,bythehandsofourmutualfriend,Mr.Boswell,ofAuchinleck;forwhichIreturnyoumymostheartythanks;andaftercarefullyreadingitoveragain,shalldepositinmylittlecollectionofchoicebooks,nextour



'February18,1777.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

'ToDR.SAMUELJOHNSON.

'Glasgow,April24,1777.

'MYDEARSIR,...Mywifehasmademarmaladeoforangesforyou.IleftherandmydaughtersandAlexanderallwellyesterday.IhavetaughtVeronicatospeakofyouthus;--Dr.JohnSON,notJohnSTON.Iremain,mydearSir,yourmostaffectionate,andobligedhumbleservant,

'JAMESBOSWELL.'


'DEARSIR,...TellMrs.BoswellthatIshalltastehermarmaladecautiouslyatfirst.TimeoDanaosetdonaferentes.Beware,saystheItalianproverb,ofareconciledenemy.ButwhenIfinditdoesmenoharm,Ishallthenreceiveitandbethankfulforit,asapledgeoffirm,and,Ihope,ofunalterablekindness.Sheis,afterall,adear,

dearlady....

'Iam,dearSir,yourmostaffectionatehumbleservant,

'May3,1777.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'


'Southill,Sept.26,1777.

'DEARSIR,Youwillfindbythisletter,thatIamstillinthesamecalmretreat,fromthenoiseandbustleofLondon,aswhenIwrotetoyoulast.IamhappytofindyouhadsuchanagreeablemeetingwithyouroldfriendDr.Johnson;Ihavenodoubtyourstockismuchincreasedbytheinterview;fewmen,nayImaysay,scarcelyanyman,hasgotthatfundofknowledgeandentertainmentasDr.Johnsoninconversation.Whenheopensfreely,everyoneisattentivetowhathesays,andcannotfailofimprovementaswellaspleasure.

'TheeditionofThePoets,nowprinting,willdohonourtotheEnglishpress;andaconciseaccountofthelifeofeachauthour,byDr.Johnson,willbeaveryvaluableaddition,andstampthereputationofthiseditionsuperiourtoanythingthatisgonebefore.Thefirstcause

thatgaverisetothisundertaking,Ibelieve,wasowingtothelittletriflingeditionofThePoets,printingbytheMartins,atEdinburgh,andtobesoldbyBell,inLondon.Uponexaminingthevolumeswhichwereprinted,thetypewasfoundsoextremelysmall,thatmanypersonscouldnotreadthem;notonlythisinconvenienceattendedit,buttheinaccuracyofthepresswasveryconspicuous.Thesereasons,aswellastheideaofaninvasionofwhatwecallourLiteraryProperty,inducedtheLondonBooksellerstoprintanelegantandaccurateeditionofalltheEnglishPoetsofreputation,fromChaucertothepresenttime.



'Accordinglyaselectnumberofthemostrespectablebooksellersmetontheoccasion;and,onconsultingtogether,agreed,thatalltheproprietorsofcopy-rightinthevariousPoetsshouldbesummonedtogether;andwhentheiropinionsweregiven,toproceedimmediatelyonthebusiness.Accordinglyameetingwasheld,consistingofaboutfortyofthemostrespectablebooksellersofLondon,whenitwasagreedthatanelegantanduniformeditionofTheEnglishPoetsshouldbeimmediatelyprinted,withaconciseaccountofthelifeofeachauthour,byDr.SamuelJohnson;andthatthreepersonsshouldbedeputedtowaituponDr.Johnson,tosolicithimtoundertaketheLives,viz.,T.Davies,Strahan,andCadell.TheDoctorverypolitelyundertookit,andseemedexceedinglypleasedwiththeproposal.Astotheterms,itwasleftentirelytotheDoctortonamehisown:hementionedtwohundredguineas:*itwasimmediatelyagreedto;andafarthercompliment,Ibelieve,willbemadehim.Acommitteewaslikewiseappointedtoengagethebestengravers,viz.,Bartolozzi,Sherwin,Hall,etc.Likewiseanothercommitteeforgivingdirectionsaboutthepaper,printing,etc.,sothatthewholewillbeconductedwithspirit,andinthebestmanner,withrespecttoauthourship,editorship,engravings,etc.,etc.MybrotherwillgiveyoualistofthePoetswemeantogive,manyofwhicharewithinthetimeoftheActofQueenAnne,whichMartinandBellcannotgive,astheyhavenopropertyinthem;theproprietorsarealmostallthebooksellersinLondon,ofconsequence.Iam,dearSir,everyour's,

'EDWARDDILLY.'

*Johnson'smoderationindemandingsosmallasumisextraordinary.Hadheaskedonethousand,orevenfifteenhundredguineas,thebooksellers,whoknewthevalueofhisname,woulddoubtlesshavereadilygivenit.Theyhaveprobablygotfivethousandguineasbythisworkinthecourseoftwenty-fiveyears.--MALONE.

AcircumstancewhichcouldnotfailtobeverypleasingtoJohnsonoccurredthisyear.TheTragedyofSirThomasOverbury,writtenbyhisearlycompanioninLondon,RichardSavage,wasbroughtoutwith

alterationsatDrury-lanetheatre.TheProloguetoitwaswrittenbyMr.RichardBrinsleySheridan;inwhich,afterdescribingverypatheticallythewretchednessof

'Ill-fatedSavage,atwhosebirthwasgiv'nNoparentbuttheMuse,nofriendbutHeav'n:'

heintroducedanelegantcomplimenttoJohnsononhisDictionary,thatwonderfulperformancewhichcannotbetoooftenortoohighlypraised;ofwhichMr.Harris,inhisPhilologicalInquiries,justlyandliberallyobserves:'Suchisitsmerit,thatourlanguagedoesnotpossessamorecopious,learned,andvaluablework.'TheconcludinglinesofthisProloguewerethese:--

'SopleadsthetalethatgivestofuturetimesTheson'smisfortunesandtheparent'scrimes;Thereshallhisfame(ifown'dto-night)survive,Fix'dbyTHEHANDTHATBIDSOURLANGUAGELIVE.'

Mr.Sheridanhereatoncedidhonourtohistasteandtohisliberalityofsentiment,byshewingthathewasnotprejudicedfromtheunluckydifferencewhichhadtakenplacebetweenhisworthyfatherandDr.Johnson.Ihavealreadymentioned,thatJohnsonwasverydesirousof



reconciliationwitholdMr.Sheridan.Itwill,therefore,notseematallsurprizingthathewaszealousinacknowledgingthebrilliantmeritofhisson.Whileithadasyetbeendisplayedonlyinthedrama,JohnsonproposedhimasamemberofTHELITERARYCLUB,observing,that'Hewhohaswrittenthetwobestcomediesofhisage,issurelyaconsiderableman.'Andhehad,accordingly,thehonourtobeelected;foranhonouritundoubtedlymustbeallowedtobe,whenitisconsideredofwhomthatsocietyconsists,andthatasingleblackballexcludesacandidate.

Onthe23rdofJune,IagainwrotetoDr.Johnson,enclosingaship-master'sreceiptforajaroforange-marmalade,andalargepacketofLordHailes'sAnnalsofScotland.


'MADAM,--ThoughIamwellenoughpleasedwiththetasteofsweetmeats,verylittleofthepleasurewhichIreceivedatthearrivalofyourjarofmarmaladearosefromeatingit.Ireceiveditasatokenoffriendship,asaproofofreconciliation,thingsmuchsweeterthansweetmeats,anduponthisconsiderationIreturnyou,dearMadam,mysincerestthanks.ByhavingyourkindnessIthinkIhaveadoublesecurityforthecontinuanceofMr.Boswell's,whichitisnottobe

expectedthatanymancanlongkeep,whentheinfluenceofaladysohighlyandsojustlyvaluedoperatesagainsthim.Mr.BoswellwilltellyouthatIwasalwaysfaithfultoyourinterest,andalwaysendeavouredtoexaltyouinhisestimation.Youmustnowdothesameforme.Wemustallhelponeanother,andyoumustnowconsiderme,as,dearMadam,yourmostobliged,andmosthumbleservant,

'July22,1777.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

'ToJAMESBOSWELL,ESQ.

'DEARSIR,--IamthisdaycometoAshbourne,andhaveonlytotellyou,thatDr.Taylorsaysyoushallbewelcometohim,andyouknowhowwelcomeyouwillbetome.Makehastetoletmeknowwhenyoumaybeexpected.

'MakemycomplimentstoMrs.Boswell,andtellher,Ihopeweshallbeatvariancenomore.Iam,dearSir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'August30,1777.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

OnSundayevening,Sept.14,IarrivedatAshbourne,anddrovedirectlyuptoDr.Taylor'sdoor.Dr.JohnsonandheappearedbeforeIhadgotoutofthepost-chaise,andwelcomedmecordially.

ItoldthemthatIhadtravelledalltheprecedingnight,andgonetobedatLeekinStaffordshire;andthatwhenIrosetogotochurchintheafternoon,Iwasinformedtherehadbeenanearthquake,ofwhich,itseems,theshockhadbeenfeltinsomedegreeatAshbourne.JOHNSON.'Siritwillbemuchexaggeratedinpopulartalk:for,inthefirst



place,thecommonpeopledonotaccuratelyadapttheirthoughtstotheobjects;nor,secondly,dotheyaccuratelyadapttheirwordstotheirthoughts:theydonotmeantolie;but,takingnopainstobeexact,theygiveyouveryfalseaccounts.Agreatpartoftheirlanguageisproverbial.Ifanythingrocksatall,theysayitrockslikeacradle;andinthiswaytheygoon.

Thesubjectofgriefforthelossofrelationsandfriendsbeingintroduced,Iobservedthatitwasstrangetoconsiderhowsoonitingeneralwearsaway.Dr.TaylormentionedagentlemanoftheneighbourhoodastheonlyinstancehehadeverknownofapersonwhohadendeavouredtoRETAINgrief.HetoldDr.Taylor,thatafterhisLady'sdeath,whichaffectedhimdeeply,heRESOLVEDthatthegrief,whichhecherishedwithakindofsacredfondness,shouldbelasting;butthathefoundhecouldnotkeepitlong.JOHNSON.'Allgriefforwhatcannotinthecourseofnaturebehelped,soonwearsaway;insomesooner,indeed,insomelater;butitnevercontinuesverylong,unlesswherethereismadness,suchaswillmakeamanhavepridesofixedinhismind,astoimaginehimselfaKing;oranyotherpassioninanunreasonableway:forallunnecessarygriefisunwise,andthereforewillnotbelongretainedbyasoundmind.If,indeed,thecauseofourgriefisoccasionedbyourownmisconduct,ifgriefismingledwithremorseofconscience,itshouldbelasting.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,wedonotapproveofamanwhoverysoonforgetsthelossofawifeorafriend.'JOHNSON.'Sir,we

disapproveofhim,notbecausehesoonforgetshisgrief,forthesooneritisforgottenthebetter,butbecausewesuppose,thatifheforgetshiswifeorhisfriendsoon,hehasnothadmuchaffectionforthem.'

IwassomewhatdisappointedinfindingthattheeditionofTheEnglishPoets,forwhichhewastowritePrefacesandLives,wasnotanundertakingdirectedbyhim:butthathewastofurnishaPrefaceandLifetoanypoetthebooksellerspleased.Iaskedhimifhewoulddothistoanydunce'sworks,iftheyshouldaskhim.JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,andSAYhewasadunce.'Myfriendseemednownotmuchtorelishtalkingofthisedition.

Afterbreakfast,*Johnsoncarriedmetoseethegardenbelongingtothe

schoolofAshbourne,whichisveryprettilyformeduponabank,risinggraduallybehindthehouse.TheReverendMr.Langley,thehead-master,accompaniedus.

*Nextmorning.--ED.

WehadwithusatdinnerseveralofDr.Taylor'sneighbours,goodcivilgentlemen,whoseemedtounderstandDr.Johnsonverywell,andnottoconsiderhiminthelightthatacertainpersondid,whobeingstruck,orratherstunnedbyhisvoiceandmanner,whenhewasafterwardsaskedwhathethoughtofhim,answered.'He'satremendouscompanion.'

Johnsontoldme,that'Taylorwasaverysensibleacuteman,andhada

strongmind;thathehadgreatactivityinsomerespects,andyetsuchasortofindolence,thatifyoushouldputapebbleuponhischimney-piece,youwouldfinditthere,inthesamestate,ayearafterwards.'

AndhereistheproperplacetogiveanaccountofJohnson'shumaneandzealousinterferenceinbehalfoftheReverendDr.WilliamDodd,formerlyPrebendaryofBrecon,andchaplaininordinarytohisMajesty;celebratedasaverypopularpreacher,anencouragerofcharitableinstitutions,andauthourofavarietyofworks,chieflytheological.



Havingunhappilycontractedexpensivehabitsofliving,partlyoccasionedbylicentiousnessofmanners,heinanevilhour,whenpressedbywantofmoney,anddreadinganexposureofhiscircumstances,forgedabondofwhichheattemptedtoavailhimselftosupporthiscredit,flatteringhimselfwithhopesthathemightbeabletorepayitsamountwithoutbeingdetected.Theperson,whosenamehethusrashlyandcriminallypresumedtofalsify,wastheEarlofChesterfield,towhomhehadbeentutor,andwho,heperhaps,inthewarmthofhisfeelings,flatteredhimselfwouldhavegenerouslypaidthemoneyincaseofanalarmbeingtaken,ratherthansufferhimtofallavictimtothedreadfulconsequencesofviolatingthelawagainstforgery,themostdangerouscrimeinacommercialcountry;buttheunfortunatedivinehadthemortificationtofindthathewasmistaken.Hisnoblepupilappearedagainsthim,andhewascapitallyconvicted.

JohnsontoldmethatDr.Doddwasverylittleacquaintedwithhim,havingbeenbutonceinhiscompany,manyyearsprevioustothisperiod(whichwaspreciselythestateofmyownacquaintancewithDodd);butinhisdistresshebethoughthimselfofJohnson'spersuasivepowerofwriting,ifhaplyitmightavailtoobtainforhimtheRoyalMercy.Hedidnotapplytohimdirectly,but,extraordinaryasitmayseem,throughthelateCountessofHarrington,whowrotealettertoJohnson,askinghimtoemployhispeninfavourofDodd.Mr.Allen,theprinter,whowasJohnson'slandlordandnextneighbourinBolt-court,andfor

whomhehadmuchkindness,wasoneofDodd'sfriends,ofwhomtothecreditofhumanitybeitrecorded,thathehadmanywhodidnotdeserthim,evenafterhisinfringementofthelawhadreducedhimtothestateofamanundersentenceofdeath.Mr.AllentoldmethathecarriedLadyHarrington'slettertoJohnson,thatJohnsonreaditwalkingupanddownhischamber,andseemedmuchagitated,afterwhichhesaid,'IwilldowhatIcan;'--andcertainlyhedidmakeextraordinaryexertions.

Hethisevening,ashehadobliginglypromisedinoneofhisletters,putintomyhandsthewholeseriesofhiswritingsuponthismelancholyoccasion.

Dr.Johnsonwroteinthefirstplace,Dr.Dodd'sSpeechtotheRecorder

ofLondon,attheOld-Bailey,whensentenceofdeathwasabouttobepronounceduponhim.

HewrotealsoTheConvict'sAddresstohisunhappyBrethren,asermondeliveredbyDr.Dodd,inthechapelofNewgate.

TheotherpiecesmentionedbyJohnsonintheabove-mentionedcollection,aretwoletters,onetotheLordChancellorBathurst,(notLordNorth,asiserroneouslysupposed,)andonetoLordMansfield;--APetitionfromDr.DoddtotheKing;--APetitionfromMrs.DoddtotheQueen;--Observationsofsomelengthinsertedinthenews-papers,onoccasionofEarlPercy'shavingpresentedtohisMajestyapetitionformercytoDodd,signedbytwentythousandpeople,butallinvain.He

toldmethathehadalsowrittenapetitionfromthecityofLondon;'but(saidhe,withasignificantsmile)theyMENDEDit.'

ThelastofthesearticleswhichJohnsonwroteisDr.Dodd'slastsolemnDeclaration,whichheleftwiththesheriffattheplaceofexecution.

IfoundalettertoDr.JohnsonfromDr.Dodd,May23,1777,inwhichTheConvict'sAddressseemsclearlytobemeant.

'Iamsopenetrated,myeverdearSir,withasenseofyourextreme



benevolencetowardsme,thatIcannotfindwordsequaltothesentimentsofmyheart....'

OnSunday,June22,hewrites,beggingDr.Johnson'sassistanceinframingasupplicatorylettertohisMajesty.

ThisletterwasbroughttoDr.Johnsonwheninchurch.Hestoopeddownandreadit,andwrote,whenhewenthome,thefollowingletterforDr.DoddtotheKing:

'SIR,--MayitnotoffendyourMajesty,thatthemostmiserableofmenapplieshimselftoyourclemency,ashislasthopeandhislastrefuge;thatyourmercyismostearnestlyandhumblyimploredbyaclergyman,whomyourLawsandJudgeshavecondemnedtothehorrourandignominyofapublickexecution....'

Subjoinedtoitwaswrittenasfollows:--

'TODR.DODD.

'SIR,--ImostseriouslyenjoinyounottoletitbeatallknownthatIhavewrittenthisletter,andtoreturnthecopytoMr.Alleninacovertome.IhopeIneednottellyou,thatIwishitsuccess.--Butdonot

indulgehope.--Tellnobody.'

IthappenedluckilythatMr.Allenwaspitchedontoassistinthismelancholyoffice,forhewasagreatfriendofMr.Akerman,thekeeperofNewgate.Dr.JohnsonneverwenttoseeDr.Dodd.Hesaidtome,'itwouldhavedoneHIMmoreharm,thangoodtoDodd,whoonceexpressedadesiretoseehim,butnotearnestly.'

AllapplicationsfortheRoyalMercyhavingfailed,Dr.Doddpreparedhimselffordeath;and,withawarmthofgratitude,wrotetoDr.Johnsonasfollows:--

'June25,Midnight.

'Accept,thouGREATandGOODheart,myearnestandferventthanksandprayersforallthybenevolentandkindeffortsinmybehalf--Oh!Dr.Johnson!asIsoughtyourknowledgeatanearlyhourinlife,wouldtoheavenIhadcultivatedtheloveandacquaintanceofsoexcellentaman!--IprayGODmostsincerelytoblessyouwiththehighesttransports--theinfeltsatisfactionofHUMANEandbenevolentexertions!--Andadmitted,asItrustIshallbe,totherealmsofblissbeforeyou,IshallhailYOURarrivaltherewithtransports,andrejoicetoacknowledgethatyouwasmyComforter,myAdvocateandmyFRIEND!GODBEEVERWITHYOU!'

Dr.JohnsonlastlywrotetoDr.Doddthissolemnandsoothingletter:--

'TOTHEREVERENDDR.DODD.

'DEARSIR,--Thatwhichisappointedtoallmenisnowcominguponyou.Outwardcircumstances,theeyesandthethoughtsofmen,arebelowthenoticeofanimmortalbeingabouttostandthetrialforeternity,beforetheSupremeJudgeofheavenandearth.Becomforted:yourcrime,morallyorreligiouslyconsidered,hasnoverydeepdyeofturpitude.



quitsus.Isaid,Dr.Doddseemedtobewillingtodie,andfullofhopesofhappiness.'Sir,(saidhe,)Dr.Doddwouldhavegivenbothhishandsandbothhislegstohavelived.Thebetteramanis,themoreafraidheisofdeath,havingaclearerviewofinfinitepurity.'Heowned,thatourbeinginanunhappyuncertaintyastooursalvation,wasmysterious;andsaid,'Ah!wemustwaittillweareinanotherstateofbeing,tohavemanythingsexplainedtous.'EventhepowerfulmindofJohnsonseemedfoiledbyfuturity.

OnWednesday,September17,Dr.Butter,physicianatDerby,drankteawithus;anditwassettledthatDr.JohnsonandIshouldgoonFridayanddinewithhim.Johnsonsaid,'I'mgladofthis.'HeseemedwearyoftheuniformityoflifeatDr.Taylor's.

Talkingofbiography,Isaid,inwritingalife,aman'speculiaritiesshouldbementioned,becausetheymarkhischaracter.JOHNSON.'Sir,thereisnodoubtastopeculiarities:thequestionis,whetheraman'svicesshouldbementioned;forinstance,whetheritshouldbementionedthatAddisonandParnelldranktoofreely:forpeoplewillprobablymoreeasilyindulgeindrinkingfromknowingthis;sothatmoreillmaybedonebytheexample,thangoodbytellingthewholetruth.'Herewasaninstanceofhisvaryingfromhimselfintalk;forwhenLordHailesandhesatonemorningcalmlyconversinginmyhouseatEdinburgh,IwellrememberthatDr.Johnsonmaintained,that'IfamanistowriteA

Panegyrick,hemaykeepvicesoutofsight;butifheprofessestowriteALife,hemustrepresentitreallyasitwas:'andwhenIobjectedtothedangeroftellingthatParnelldranktoexcess,hesaid,that'itwouldproduceaninstructivecautiontoavoiddrinking,whenitwasseen,thateventhelearningandgeniusofParnellcouldbedebasedbyit.'AndintheHebrideshemaintained,asappearsfrommyJournal,thataman'sintimatefriendshouldmentionhisfaults,ifhewriteshislife.

Thursday,September18.LastnightDr.Johnsonhadproposedthatthecrystallustre,orchandelier,inDr.Taylor'slargeroom,shouldbelightedupsometimeorother.Taylorsaid,itshouldbelightedupnextnight.'Thatwilldoverywell,(saidI,)foritisDr.Johnson's

birth-day.'WhenwewereintheIsleofSky,Johnsonhaddesiredmenottomentionhisbirth-day.HedidnotseempleasedatthistimethatImentionedit,andsaid(somewhatsternly,)'hewouldnothavethelustrelightedthenextday.'

Someladies,whohadbeenpresentyesterdaywhenImentionedhisbirth-day,cametodinnerto-day,andplaguedhimunintentionally,bywishinghimjoy.Iknownotwhyhedislikedhavinghisbirth-daymentioned,unlessitwerethatitremindedhimofhisapproachingnearertodeath,ofwhichhehadaconstantdread.

Imentionedtohimafriendofminewhowasformerlygloomyfromlowspirits,andmuchdistressedbythefearofdeath,butwasnowuniformly

placid,andcontemplatedhisdissolutionwithoutanyperturbation.'Sir,(saidJohnson,)thisisonlyadisorderedimaginationtakingadifferentturn.'

Heobserved,thatagentlemanofeminenceinliteraturehadgotintoabadstyleofpoetryoflate.'Heputs(saidhe,)averycommonthinginastrangedresstillhedoesnotknowithimself,andthinksotherpeopledonotknowit.'BOSWELL.'ThatisowingtohisbeingsomuchversantinoldEnglishpoetry.'JOHNSON.'Whatisthattothepurpose,Sir?IfIsayamanisdrunk,andyoutellmeitisowingtohistaking



toLordScarsdaleofhislargeroom,"MyLord,thisisthemostCOSTLYroomthatIeversaw;"whichistrue.'

Dr.Manningham,physicianinLondon,whowasvisitingatLordScarsdale's,accompanyedusthroughmanyoftherooms,andsoonafterwardsmyLordhimself,towhomDr.Johnsonwasknown,appeared,anddidthehonoursofthehouse.WetalkedofMr.Langton.Johnson,withawarmvehemenceofaffectionateregard,exclaimed,'TheearthdoesnotbearaworthiermanthanBennetLangton.'Wesawagoodmanyfinepictures,whichIthinkaredescribedinoneofYoung'sTours.Thereisaprintedcatalogueofthemwhichthehousekeeperputintomyhand;Ishouldliketoviewthematleisure.IwasmuchstruckwithDanielinterpretingNebuchadnezzar'sdreambyRembrandt.Wewereshownaprettylargelibrary.InhisLordship'sdressing-roomlayJohnson'ssmallDictionary:heshewedittome,withsomeeagerness,saying,'Look'ye!Quaeterranostrinonplenalaboris.'Heobserved,also,Goldsmith'sAnimatedNature;andsaid,'Here'sourfriend!ThepoorDoctorwouldhavebeenhappytohearofthis.'

Inourway,Johnsonstronglyexpressedhisloveofdrivingfastinapost-chaise.'If(saidhe,)Ihadnoduties,andnoreferencetofuturity,Iwouldspendmylifeindrivingbrisklyinapost-chaisewithaprettywoman;butsheshouldbeonewhocouldunderstandme,andwouldaddsomethingtotheconversation.'Iobserved,thatwewerethisdayto

stopjustwheretheHighlandarmydidin1745.JOHNSON.'Itwasanobleattempt.'BOSWELL.'Iwishwecouldhaveanauthentickhistoryofit.'JOHNSON.'Ifyouwerenotanidledogyoumightwriteit,bycollectingfromeverybodywhattheycantell,andputtingdownyourauthorities.'BOSWELL.'ButIcouldnothavetheadvantageofitinmylife-time.'JOHNSON.'Youmighthavethesatisfactionofitsfame,byprintingitinHolland;andastoprofit,considerhowlongitwasbeforewritingcametobeconsideredinapecuniaryview.Barettisays,heisthefirstmanthateverreceivedcopy-moneyinItaly.'IsaidthatIwouldendeavourtodowhatDr.JohnsonsuggestedandIthoughtthatImightwritesoastoventuretopublishmyHistoryoftheCivilWarinGreat-Britainin1745and1746,withoutbeingobligedtogotoaforeignpress.

WhenwearrivedatDerby,Dr.Butteraccompaniedustoseethemanufactoryofchinathere.Iadmiredtheingenuityanddelicateartwithwhichamanfashionedclayintoacup,asaucer,oratea-pot,whileaboyturnedroundawheeltogivethemassrotundity.Ithoughtthisasexcellentinitsspeciesofpower,asmakinggoodversesinITSspecies.YetIhadnorespectforthispotter.Neither,indeed,hasamanofanyextentofthinkingforamereverse-maker,inwhosenumbers,howeverperfect,thereisnopoetry,nomind.Thechinawasbeautiful,butDr.Johnsonjustlyobserveditwastoodear;forthathecouldhavevesselsofsilver,ofthesamesize,ascheapaswhatwereheremadeofporcelain.

IfeltapleasureinwalkingaboutDerbysuchasIalwayshavein

walkingaboutanytowntowhichIamnotaccustomed.Thereisanimmediatesensationofnovelty;andonespeculatesonthewayinwhichlifeispassedinit,which,althoughthereisasamenesseverywhereuponthewhole,isyetminutelydiversified.Theminutediversitiesineverythingarewonderful.TalkingofshavingtheothernightatDr.Taylor's,Dr.Johnsonsaid,'Sir,ofathousandshavers,twodonotshavesomuchalikeasnottobedistinguished.'Ithoughtthisnotpossible,tillhespecifiedsomanyofthevarietiesinshaving;--holdingtherazormoreorlessperpendicular;--drawinglongorshortstrokes;--beginningattheupperpartoftheface,orthe



ImentionedthatLordMonboddotoldme,heawakedeverymorningatfour,andthenforhishealthgotupandwalkedinhisroomnaked,withthewindowopen,whichhecalledtakinganairbath;afterwhichhewenttobedagain,andslepttwohoursmore.Johnson,whowasalwaysreadytobeatdownanythingthatseemedtobeexhibitedwithdisproportionateimportance,thusobserved:'Isuppose,Sir,thereisnomoreinitthanthis,heawakesatfour,andcannotsleeptillhechillshimself,andmakesthewarmthofthebedagratefulsensation.'

Italkedofthedifficultyofrisinginthemorning.Dr.Johnsontoldme,'thatthelearnedMrs.Carter,atthatperiodwhenshewaseagerinstudy,didnotawakeasearlyasshewished,andshethereforehadacontrivance,that,atacertainhour,herchamber-lightshouldburnastringtowhichaheavyweightwassuspended,whichthenfellwithastrongsuddennoise:thisrousedherfromsleep,andthenshehadnodifficultyingettingup.'ButIsaidTHATwasmydifficulty;andwishedtherecouldbesomemedicineinventedwhichwouldmakeonerisewithoutpain,whichIneverdid,unlessafterlyinginbedaverylongtime.

Johnsonadvisedmeto-nightnottoREFINEintheeducationofmychildren.'Life(saidhe,)willnotbearrefinement:youmustdoasotherpeopledo.'

AswedrovebacktoAshbourne,Dr.Johnsonrecommendedtome,ashehad

oftendone,todrinkwateronly:'For(saidhe,)youarethensurenottogetdrunk;whereasifyoudrinkwineyouareneversure.'Isaid,drinkingwinewasapleasurewhichIwasunwillingtogiveup,'Why,Sir,(saidhe,)thereisnodoubtthatnottodrinkwineisagreatdeductionfromlife;butitmaybenecessary.'Hehoweverowned,thatinhisopinionafreeuseofwinedidnotshortenlife;andsaid,hewouldnotgivelessforthelifeofacertainScotchLord(whomhenamed)celebratedforharddrinking,thanforthatofasoberman.'Butstay,(saidhe,withhisusualintelligence,andaccuracyofenquiry,)doesittakemuchwinetomakehimdrunk?'Ianswered,'agreatdealeitherofwineorstrongpunch.'--'Then(saidhe,)thatistheworse.'Ipresumetoillustratemyfriend'sobservationthus:'Afortresswhichsoonsurrendershasitswallslessshatteredthanwhenalongandobstinate

resistanceismade.'

IventuredtomentionapersonwhowasasviolentaScotsmanashewasanEnglishman;andliterallyhadthesamecontemptforanEnglishmancomparedwithaScotsman,thathehadforaScotsmancomparedwithanEnglishman;andthathewouldsayofDr.Johnson,'Damnedrascal!totalkashedoesoftheScotch.'Thisseemed,foramoment,'togivehimpause.'It,perhaps,presentedhisextremeprejudiceagainsttheScotchinapointofviewsomewhatnewtohim,bytheeffectofCONTRAST.

BythetimewhenwereturnedtoAshbourne,Dr.Taylorwasgonetobed.JohnsonandIsatupalongtimebyourselves.

OnSaturday,September20,afterbreakfast,whenTaylorwasgoneouttohisfarm,Dr.JohnsonandIhadaseriousconversationbyourselvesonmelancholyandmadness.

Weenteredseriouslyuponaquestionofmuchimportancetome,whichJohnsonwaspleasedtoconsiderwithfriendlyattention.IhadlongcomplainedtohimthatIfeltmyselfdiscontentedinScotland,astoonarrowasphere,andthatIwishedtomakemychiefresidenceinLondon,thegreatsceneofambition,instruction,andamusement:ascene,whichwastome,comparativelyspeaking,aheavenuponearth.JOHNSON.'Why,



asmuchasSHETHINKSreasonable.'

Dr.JohnsonobliginglyproposedtocarrymetoseeIslam,aromantickscene,nowbelongingtoafamilyofthenameofPort,butformerlytheseatoftheCongreves.IsupposeitiswelldescribedinsomeoftheTours.Johnsondescribeditdistinctlyandvividly,atwhichIcouldnotbutexpresstohimmywonder;because,thoughmyeyes,asheobserved,werebetterthanhis,Icouldnotbyanymeansequalhiminrepresentingvisibleobjects.Isaid,thedifferencebetweenusinthisrespectwasasthatbetweenamanwhohasabadinstrument,butplayswellonit,andamanwhohasagoodinstrument,onwhichhecanplayveryimperfectly.

Irecollectaveryfineamphitheatre,surroundedwithhillscoveredwithwoods,andwalksneatlyformedalongthesideofarockysteep,onthequarternextthehousewithrecessesunderprojectionsofrock,overshadowedwithtrees;inoneofwhichrecesses,weweretold,CongrevewrotehisOldBachelor.WeviewedaremarkablenaturalcuriosityatIslam;tworiversburstingneareachotherfromtherock,notfromimmediatesprings,butafterhavingrunformanymilesunderground.Plott,inhisHistoryofStaffordshire,givesanaccountofthiscuriosity;butJohnsonwouldnotbelieveit,thoughwehadtheattestationofthegardener,whosaid,hehadputincorks,wheretheriverManyfoldsinksintotheground,andhadcatchedtheminanet,

placedbeforeoneoftheopeningswherethewaterburstsout.Indeed,suchsubterraneouscoursesofwaterarefoundinvariouspartsofourglobe.

TalkingofDr.Johnson'sunwillingnesstobelieveextraordinarythingsIventuredtosay,'Sir,youcomenearHume'sargumentagainstmiracles,"Thatitismoreprobablewitnessesshouldlie,orbemistaken,thanthattheyshouldhappen."JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Hume,takingthepropositionsimply,isright.ButtheChristianrevelationisnotprovedbythemiraclesalone,butasconnectedwithprophecies,andwiththedoctrinesinconfirmationofwhichthemiracleswerewrought.'

Intheevening,agentleman-farmer,whowasonavisitatDr.Taylor's,

attemptedtodisputewithJohnsoninfavourofMungoCampbell,whoshotAlexander,EarlofEglintoune,uponhishavingfallen,whenretreatingfromhisLordship,whohebelievedwasabouttoseizehisgun,ashehadthreatenedtodo.Hesaid,heshouldhavedonejustasCampbelldid.JOHNSON.'WhoeverwoulddoasCampbelldid,deservestobehanged;notthatIcould,asajuryman,havefoundhimlegallyguiltyofmurder;butIamgladtheyfoundmeanstoconvicthim.'Thegentleman-farmersaid,'Apoormanhasasmuchhonourasarichman;andCampbellhadTHATtodefend.'Johnsonexclaimed,'Apoormanhasnohonour.'TheEnglishyeoman,notdismayed,proceeded:'LordEglintounewasadamnedfooltorunonuponCampbell,afterbeingwarnedthatCampbellwouldshoothimifhedid.'Johnson,whocouldnotbearanythinglikeswearing,angrilyreplied,'HewasNOTaDAMNEDfool:heonlythoughttoowellof

Campbell.HedidnotbelieveCampbellwouldbesuchaDAMNEDscoundrel,astodosoDAMNEDathing.'HisemphasisonDAMNED,accompaniedwithfrowninglooks,reprovedhisopponent'swantofdecoruminHISpresence.

DuringthisinterviewatAshbourne,Johnsonseemedtobemoreuniformlysocial,cheerful,andalert,thanIhadalmosteverseenhim.Hewaspromptongreatoccasionsandonsmall.Taylor,whopraisedeverythingofhisowntoexcess;inshort,'whosegeesewereallswans,'astheproverbsays,expatiatedontheexcellenceofhisbull-dog,which,hetoldus,was'perfectlywellshaped.'Johnson,afterexaminingthe



animalattentively,thusrepressedthevain-gloryofourhost:--'No,Sir,heisNOTwellshaped;forthereisnotthequicktransitionfromthethicknessofthefore-part,totheTENUITY--thethinpart--behind,--whichabull-dogoughttohave.'ThisTENUITYwastheonlyHARDWORDthatIheardhimuseduringthisinterview,anditwillbeobserved,heinstantlyputanotherexpressioninitsplace.Taylorsaid,asmallbull-dogwasasgoodasalargeone.JOHNSON.'No,Sir;for,inproportiontohissize,hehasstrength:andyourargumentwouldprove,thatagoodbull-dogmaybeassmallasamouse.'Itwasamazinghowheenteredwithperspicuityandkeennessuponeverythingthatoccurredinconversation.Mostmen,whomIknow,wouldnomorethinkofdiscussingaquestionaboutabull-dog,thanofattackingabull.

Icannotallowanyfragmentwhateverthatfloatsinmymemoryconcerningthegreatsubjectofthisworktobelost.Thoughasmallparticularmayappeartriflingtosome,itwillberelishedbyothers;whileeverylittlesparkaddssomethingtothegeneralblaze:andtopleasethetrue,candid,warmadmirersofJohnson,andinanydegreeincreasethesplendourofhisreputation,Ibiddefiancetotheshaftsofridicule,orevenofmalignity.ShowersofthemhavebeendischargedatmyJournalofaTourtotheHebrides;yetitstillsailsunhurtalongthestreamoftime,and,asanattendantuponJohnson,

'Pursuesthetriumph,andpartakesthegale.'

Onemorningafterbreakfast,whenthesunshonebright,wewalkedouttogether,and'pored'forsometimewithplacidindolenceuponanartificialwater-fall,whichDr.Taylorhadmadebybuildingastrongdykeofstoneacrosstheriverbehindthegarden.Itwasnowsomewhatobstructedbybranchesoftreesandotherrubbish,whichhadcomedowntheriver,andsettledclosetoit.Johnson,partlyfromadesiretoseeitplaymorefreely,andpartlyfromthatinclinationtoactivitywhichwillanimate,attimes,themostinertandsluggishmortal,tookalongpolewhichwaslyingonabank,andpusheddownseveralparcelsofthiswreckwithpainfulassiduity,whileIstoodquietlyby,wonderingto

beholdthesagethuscuriouslyemployed,andsmilingwithanhumoroussatisfactioneachtimewhenhecarriedhispoint.Heworkedtillhewasquiteoutofbreath;andhavingfoundalargedeadcatsoheavythathecouldnotmoveitafterseveralefforts,'Come,'saidhe,(throwingdownthepole,)'YOUshalltakeitnow;'whichIaccordinglydid,andbeingafreshman,soonmadethecattumbleoverthecascade.Thismaybelaughedatastootriflingtorecord;butitisasmallcharacteristicktraitintheFlemishpicturewhichIgiveofmyfriend,andinwhich,thereforeImarkthemostminuteparticulars.Andletitberemembered,thatAesopatplayisoneoftheinstructiveapologuesofantiquity.

TalkingofRochester'sPoems,hesaid,hehadgiventhemtoMr.Steevenstocastratefortheeditionofthepoets,towhichhewastowrite

Prefaces.Dr.Taylor(theonlytimeIeverheardhimsayanythingwitty)observed,thatifRochesterhadbeencastratedhimself,hisexceptionablepoemswouldnothavebeenwritten.'IaskedifBurnethadnotgivenagoodLifeofRochester.JOHNSON.'WehaveagoodDeath:thereisnotmuchLife.'IaskedwhetherPrior'sPoemsweretobeprintedentire:Johnsonsaidtheywere.ImentionedLordHailes'scensureofPrior,inhisPrefacetoacollectionofSacredPoems,byvarioushands,publishedbyhimatEdinburghagreatmanyyearsago,wherehementions,'thoseimpuretaleswhichwillbetheeternalopprobriumoftheiringeniousauthour.'JOHNSON.'Sir,LordHaileshas



forgot.ThereisnothinginPriorthatwillexcitetolewdness.IfLordHailesthinksthereis,hemustbemorecombustiblethanotherpeople.'IinstancedthetaleofPauloPurgantiandhisWife.JOHNSON.Sir,thereisnothingthere,butthathiswifewantedtobekissedwhenpoorPaulowasoutofpocket.No,Sir,Priorisalady'sbook.Noladyisashamedtohaveitstandinginherlibrary.'

Thehypochondriackdisorderbeingmentioned,Dr.JohnsondidnotthinkitsocommonasIsupposed.'Dr.Taylor(saidhe,)isthesameonedayasanother.BurkeandReynoldsarethesame;Beauclerk,exceptwheninpain,isthesame.Iamnotsomyself;butthisIdonotmentioncommonly.'

Dr.Johnsonadvisedmeto-day,tohaveasmanybooksaboutmeasIcould;thatImightreaduponanysubjectuponwhichIhadadesireforinstructionatthetime.'WhatyoureadTHEN(saidhe,)youwillremember;butifyouhavenotabookimmediatelyready,andthesubjectmouldsinyourmind,itisachanceifyouagainhaveadesiretostudyit.'Headded,'Ifamanneverhasaneagerdesireforinstruction,heshouldprescribeataskforhimself.Butitisbetterwhenamanreadsfromimmediateinclination.'

HerepeatedagoodmanylinesofHorace'sOdes,whilewewereinthechaise.IrememberparticularlytheOdeEheufugaces.

HetoldmethatBaconwasafavouriteauthourwithhim;buthehadneverreadhisworkstillhewascompilingtheEnglishDictionary,inwhich,hesaid,ImightseeBaconveryoftenquoted.Mr.Sewardrecollectshishavingmentioned,thataDictionaryoftheEnglishLanguagemightbecompiledfromBacon'swritingsalone,andthathehadonceanintentionofgivinganeditionofBacon,atleastofhisEnglishworks,andwritingtheLifeofthatgreatman.Hadheexecutedthisintention,therecanbenodoubtthathewouldhavedoneitinamostmasterlymanner.

WishingtobesatisfiedwhatdegreeoftruththerewasinastorywhichafriendofJohnson'sandminehadtoldmetohisdisadvantage,I

mentionedittohimindirectterms;anditwastothiseffect:thatagentlemanwhohadlivedingreatintimacywithhim,shewnhimmuchkindness,andevenrelievedhimfromaspunging-house,havingafterwardsfallenintobadcircumstances,wasoneday,whenJohnsonwasatdinnerwithhim,seizedfordebt,andcarriedtoprison;thatJohnsonsatstillundisturbed,andwentoneatinganddrinking;uponwhichthegentleman'ssister,whowaspresent,couldnotsuppressherindignation:'What,Sir,(saidshe,)areyousounfeeling,asnoteventooffertogotomybrotherinhisdistress;youwhohavebeensomuchobligedtohim?'AndthatJohnsonanswered,'Madam,Iowehimnoobligation;whathedidformehewouldhavedoneforadog.'

Johnsonassuredme,thatthestorywasabsolutelyfalse:butlikeaman

consciousofbeingintheright,anddesirousofcompletelyvindicatinghimselffromsuchacharge,hedidnotarrogantlyrestonameredenial,andonhisgeneralcharacter,butproceededthus:--'Sir,Iwasveryintimatewiththatgentleman,andwasoncerelievedbyhimfromanarrest;butIneverwaspresentwhenhewasarrested,neverknewthathewasarrested,andIbelieveheneverwasindifficultiesafterthetimewhenherelievedme.Ilovedhimmuch;yet,intalkingofhisgeneralcharacter,Imayhavesaid,thoughIdonotrememberthatIeverdidsayso,thatashisgenerosityproceededfromnoprinciple,butwasapartofhisprofusion,hewoulddoforadogwhathewoulddoforafriend:



butIneverappliedthisremarktoanyparticularinstance,andcertainlynottohiskindnesstome.Ifaprofuseman,whodoesnotvaluehismoney,andgivesalargesumtoawhore,giveshalfasmuch,oranequallylargesumtorelieveafriend,itcannotbeesteemedasvirtue.ThiswasallthatIcouldsayofthatgentleman;and,ifsaidatall,itmusthavebeensaidafterhisdeath.Sir,Iwouldhavegonetotheworld'sendtorelievehim.Theremarkaboutthedog,ifmadebyme,wassuchasallyasmightescapeonewhenpaintingamanhighly.'

OnTuesday,September23,Johnsonwasremarkablycordialtome.ItbeingnecessaryformetoreturntoScotlandsoon,Ihadfixedonthenextdayformysettingout,andIfeltatenderconcernatthethoughtofpartingwithhim.Hehad,atthistime,franklycommunicatedtomemanyparticulars,whichareinsertedinthisworkintheirproperplaces;andonce,whenIhappenedtomentionthattheexpenceofmyjauntwouldcometomuchmorethanIhadcomputed,hesaid,'Why,Sir,iftheexpenceweretobeaninconvenience,youwouldhavereasontoregretit:but,ifyouhavehadthemoneytospend,Iknownotthatyoucouldhavepurchasedasmuchpleasurewithitinanyotherway.'

Iperceivedthathepronouncedthewordheard,asifspeltwithadoublee,heerd,insteadofsoundingitherd,asismostusuallydone.Hesaid,hisreasonwas,thatifitwaspronouncedherd,therewouldbeasingleexceptionfromtheEnglishpronunciationofthesyllableear,andhe

thoughtitbetternottohavethatexception.

Intheeveningourgentleman-farmer,andtwoothers,entertainedthemselvesandthecompanywithagreatnumberoftunesonthefiddle.Johnsondesiredtohave'Letambitionfirethymind,'playedoveragain,andappearedtogiveapatientattentiontoit;thoughheownedtomethathewasveryinsensibletothepowerofmusick.Itoldhim,thatitaffectedmetosuchadegree,asoftentoagitatemynervespainfully,producinginmymindalternatesensationsofpathetickdejection,sothatIwasreadytoshedtears;andofdaringresolution,sothatIwasinclinedtorushintothethickestpartofthebattle.'Sir,(saidhe,)Ishouldneverhearit,ifitmademesuchafool.'

Thisevening,whilesomeofthetunesofordinarycompositionwereplayedwithnogreatskill,myframewasagitated,andIwasconsciousofagenerousattachmenttoDr.Johnson,asmypreceptorandfriend,mixedwithanaffectionateregretthathewasanoldman,whomIshouldprobablyloseinashorttime.IthoughtIcoulddefendhimatthepointofmysword.Myreverenceandaffectionforhimwereinfullglow.Isaidtohim,'MydearSir,wemustmeeteveryyear,ifyoudon'tquarrelwithme.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,youaremorelikelytoquarrelwithme,thanIwithyou.MyregardforyouisgreateralmostthanIhavewordstoexpress;butIdonotchoosetobealwaysrepeatingit;writeitdowninthefirstleafofyourpocket-book,andneverdoubtofitagain.'

Italkedtohimofmiserybeing'thedoomofman'inthislife,as

displayedinhisVanityofHumanWishes.YetIobservedthatthingsweredoneuponthesuppositionofhappiness;grandhouseswerebuilt,finegardensweremade,splendidplacesofpublickamusementwerecontrived,andcrowdedwithcompany.JOHNSON.'Alas,Sir,theseareallonlystrugglesforhappiness.WhenIfirstenteredRanelagh,itgaveanexpansionandgaysensationtomymind,suchasIneverexperiencedanywhereelse.But,asXerxesweptwhenheviewedhisimmensearmy,andconsideredthatnotoneofthatgreatmultitudewouldbealiveahundredyearsafterwards,soitwenttomyhearttoconsiderthattherewasnotoneinallthatbrilliantcircle,thatwasnotafraidtogohome



andthink;butthatthethoughtsofeachindividualthere,wouldbedistressingwhenalone.'

Isuggested,thatbeinginlove,andflatteredwithhopesofsuccess;orhavingsomefavouriteschemeinviewforthenextday,mightpreventthatwretchednessofwhichwehadbeentalking.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,itmaysometimesbesoasyousuppose;butmyconclusionisingeneralbuttootrue.'

WhileJohnsonandIstoodincalmconferencebyourselvesinDr.Taylor'sgarden,ataprettylatehourinasereneautumnnight,lookinguptotheheavens,Idirectedthediscoursetothesubjectofafuturestate.Myfriendwasinaplacidandmostbenignantframe.'Sir,(saidhe,)Idonotimaginethatallthingswillbemadecleartousimmediatelyafterdeath,butthatthewaysofProvidencewillbeexplainedtousverygradually.'Hetalkedtomeuponthisawefulanddelicatequestioninagentletone,andasifafraidtobedecisive.

AftersupperIaccompaniedhimtohisapartment,andatmyrequesthedictatedtomeanargumentinfavourofthenegrowhowasthenclaiminghisliberty,inanactionintheCourtofSessioninScotland.Hehadalwaysbeenveryzealousagainstslaveryineveryform,inwhichI,withalldeference,thoughtthathediscovered'azealwithoutknowledge.'Upononeoccasion,whenincompanywithsomeverygravemenatOxford,

histoastwas,'Here'stothenextinsurrectionofthenegroesintheWestIndies.'HisviolentprejudiceagainstourWestIndianandAmericansettlersappearedwhenevertherewasanopportunity.TowardstheconclusionofhisTaxationnoTyranny,hesays,'howisitthatweheartheloudestYELPSforlibertyamongthedriversofnegroes?'

WhenIsaidnowtoJohnson,thatIwasafraidIkepthimtoolateup.'No,Sir,(saidhe,)Idon'tcarethoughIsitallnightwithyou.'Thiswasananimatedspeechfromamaninhissixty-ninthyear.

HadIbeenasattentivenottodispleasehimasIoughttohavebeen,Iknownotbutthisvigilmighthavebeenfulfilled;butIunluckilyentereduponthecontroversyconcerningtherightofGreat-Britainto

taxAmerica,andattemptedtoargueinfavourofourfellow-subjectsontheothersideoftheAtlantick.IinsistedthatAmericamightbeverywellgoverned,andmadetoyieldsufficientrevenuebythemeansofINFLUENCE,asexemplifiedinIreland,whilethepeoplemightbepleasedwiththeimaginationoftheirparticipatingoftheBritishconstitution,byhavingabodyofrepresentatives,withoutwhoseconsentmoneycouldnotbeexactedfromthem.Johnsoncouldnotbearmythusopposinghisavowedopinion,whichhehadexertedhimselfwithanextremedegreeofheattoenforce;andtheviolentagitationintowhichhewasthrown,whileanswering,orratherreprimandingme,alarmedmeso,thatIheartilyrepentedofmyhavingunthinkinglyintroducedthesubject.Imyself,however,grewwarm,andthechangewasgreat,fromthecalmstateofphilosophicaldiscussioninwhichwehadalittlebeforebeen

pleasinglyemployed.

Wewerefatiguedbythecontest,whichwasproducedbymywantofcaution;andhewasnottheninthehumourtoslideintoeasyandcheerfultalk.Itthereforesohappened,thatwewereafteranhourortwoverywillingtoseparateandgotobed.

OnWednesday,September24,IwentintoDr.Johnson'sroombeforehegotup,andfindingthatthestormoftheprecedingnightwasquitelaid,Isatdownuponhisbed-side,andhetalkedwithasmuchreadinessand



good-humourasever.HerecommendedtometoplantaconsiderablepartofalargemoorishfarmwhichIhadpurchased,andhemadeseveralcalculationsoftheexpenceandprofit:forhedelightedinexercisinghismindonthescienceofnumbers.Hepresseduponmetheimportanceofplantingatthefirstinaverysufficientmanner,quotingthesaying'Inbellononlicetbiserrare:'andadding,'thisisequallytrueinplanting.'

IspokewithgratitudeofDr.Taylor'shospitality;and,asevidencethatitwasnotonaccountofhisgoodtablealonethatJohnsonvisitedhimoften,Imentionedalittleanecdotewhichhadescapedmyfriend'srecollection,andathearingwhichrepeated,hesmiled.Oneevening,whenIwassittingwithhim,Frankdeliveredthismessage:'Sir,Dr.Taylorsendshiscomplimentstoyou,andbegsyouwilldinewithhimto-morrow.Hehasgotahare.'--'Mycompliments(saidJohnson,)andI'lldinewithhim--hareorrabbit.'

AfterbreakfastIdeparted,andpursuedmyjourneynorthwards.Itookmypost-chaisefromtheGreenMan,averygoodinnatAshbourne,themistressofwhich,amightycivilgentlewoman,courtseyingverylow,presentedmewithanengravingofthesignofherhouse;towhichshehadsubjoined,inherownhand-writing,anaddressinsuchsingularsimplicityofstyle,thatIhavepreserveditpastedupononeoftheboardsofmyoriginalJournalatthistime,andshallhereinsertitfor

theamusementofmyreaders:--

'M.KILLINGLEY'sdutywaitsuponMr.Boswell,isexceedinglyobligedtohimforthisfavour;wheneverhecomesthisway,hopesforacontinuanceofthesame.WouldMr.Boswellnamethehousetohisextensiveacquaintance,itwouldbeasingularfavourconferr'dononewhohasitnotinherpowertomakeanyotherreturnbuthermostgratefulthanks,andsincerestprayersforhishappinessintime,andinablessedeternity.--Tuesdaymorn.'

IcannotomitacuriouscircumstancewhichoccurredatEdensor-inn,closebyChatsworth,tosurveythemagnificenceofwhichIhadgoneaconsiderablewayoutofmyroadtoScotland.Theinnwasthenkeptby

averyjollylandlord,whosename,Ithink,wasMalton.Hehappenedtomentionthat'thecelebratedDr.Johnsonhadbeeninhishouse.'IinquiredWHOthisDr.Johnsonwas,thatImighthearminehost'snotionofhim.'Sir,(saidhe,)Johnson,thegreatwriter;ODDITY,astheycallhim.He'sthegreatestwriterinEngland;hewritesfortheministry;hehasacorrespondenceabroad,andletsthemknowwhat'sgoingon.'

Myfriend,whohadathoroughdependanceupontheauthenticityofmyrelationwithoutanyEMBELLISHMENT,asFALSEHOODorFICTIONistoogentlycalled,laughedagooddealatthisrepresentationofhimself.

OnWednesday,March18,*IarrivedinLondon,andwasinformedbygoodMr.Francisthathismasterwasbetter,andwasgonetoMr.Thrale'sat

Streatham,towhichplaceIwrotetohim,beggingtoknowwhenhewouldbeintown.Hewasnotexpectedforsometime;butnextdayhavingcalledonDr.Taylor,inDean's-yard,Westminster,Ifoundhimthere,andwastoldhehadcometotownforafewhours.Hemetmewithhisusualkindness,butinstantlyreturnedtothewritingofsomethingonwhichhewasemployedwhenIcamein,andonwhichheseemedmuchintent.Findinghimthusengaged,Imademyvisitveryshort.

*1778.



OnFriday,March20,Ifoundhimathisownhouse,sittingwithMrs.Williams,andwasinformedthattheroomformerlyallottedtomewasnowappropriatedtoacharitablepurpose;Mrs.Desmoulins,andIthinkherdaughter,andaMissCarmichael,beingalllodgedinit.Suchwashishumanity,andsuchhisgenerosity,thatMrs.Desmoulinsherselftoldme,heallowedherhalf-a-guineaaweek.Letitberemembered,thatthiswasaboveatwelfthpartofhispension.

Hisliberality,indeed,wasatallperiodsofhislifeveryremarkable.Mr.Howard,ofLichfield,atwhosefather'shouseJohnsonhadinhisearlyyearsbeenkindlyreceived,toldme,thatwhenhewasaboyattheCharter-House,hisfatherwrotetohimtogoandpayavisittoMr.SamuelJohnson,whichheaccordinglydid,andfoundhiminanupperroom,ofpoorappearance.Johnsonreceivedhimwithmuchcourteousness,andtalkedagreatdealtohim,astoaschool-boy,ofthecourseofhiseducation,andotherparticulars.Whenheafterwardscametoknowandunderstandthehighcharacterofthisgreatman,herecollectedhiscondescensionwithwonder.Headded,thatwhenhewasgoingaway,Mr.Johnsonpresentedhimwithhalf-a-guinea;andthis,saidMr.Howard,wasatatimewhenheprobablyhadnotanother.

WeretiredfromMrs.Williamstoanotherroom.TomDaviessoonafterjoinedus.Hehadnowunfortunatelyfailedinhiscircumstances,andwasmuchindebtedtoDr.Johnson'skindnessforobtainingforhimmany

alleviationsofhisdistress.Afterhewentaway,Johnsonblamedhisfollyinquittingthestage,bywhichheandhiswifegotfivehundredpoundsayear.Isaid,IbelieveditwasowingtoChurchill'sattackuponhim,

'Hemouthsasentence,ascursmouthabone.'

JOHNSON.'Ibelievesotoo,Sir.Butwhatamanishe,whoistobedrivenfromthestagebyaline?Anotherlinewouldhavedrivenhimfromhisshop.'

HereturnednextdaytoStreatham,toMr.Thrale's;where,asMr.Strahanoncecomplainedtome,'hewasinagreatmeasureabsorbedfromthesocietyofhisoldfriends.'IwaskeptinLondonbybusiness,andwrotetohimonthe27th,thataseparationfromhimforaweek,whenweweresonear,wasequaltoaseparationforayear,whenwewereatfourhundredmilesdistance.IwenttoStreathamonMonday,March30.Beforeheappeared,Mrs.Thralemadeaverycharacteristicalremark:--'IdonotknowforcertainwhatwillpleaseDr.Johnson:butIknowforcertainthatitwilldispleasehimtopraiseanything,evenwhathelikes,extravagantly.'

Atdinnerhelaughedatquerulousdeclamationsagainsttheage,onaccountofluxury,--increaseofLondon,--scarcityofprovisions,--and

othersuchtopicks.'Houses(saidhe,)willbebuilttillrentsfall:andcornismoreplentifulnowthaneveritwas.'

Ihadbeforedinnerrepeatedaridiculousstorytoldmebyanoldmanwhohadbeenapassengerwithmeinthestage-coachto-day.Mrs.Thrale,havingtakenoccasiontoalludetoitintalkingtome,calledit'ThestorytoldyoubytheoldWOMAN.'--'Now,Madam,(saidI,)givemeleavetocatchyouinthefact;itwasnotanoldWOMAN,butanoldMAN,whomImentionedashavingtoldmethis.'Ipresumedtotakeanopportunity,inpresenceofJohnson,ofshewingthislivelyladyhowreadyshewas,



theother.Imaybemistakenastotheman,whenIswear:Icannotbemistaken,ifIshoothimintheact.Besides,wefeellessreluctancetotakeawayaman'slife,whenweareheatedbytheinjury,thantodoitatadistanceoftimebyanoath,afterwehavecooled.'BOSWELL.'So,Sir,youwouldratheractfromthemotiveofprivatepassion,thanthatofpublickadvantage.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,whenIshootthehighwaymanIactfromboth.'BOSWELL.'Verywell,verywell--Thereisnocatchinghim.'JOHNSON.'Atthesametimeonedoesnotknowwhattosay.Forperhapsonemay,ayearafter,hanghimselffromuneasinessforhavingshotaman.Fewmindsarefittobetrustedwithsogreatathing.'BOSWELL.'Then,Sir,youwouldnotshoothim?'JOHNSON.'ButImightbevexedafterwardsforthattoo.'

Thrale'scarriagenothavingcomeforhim,asheexpected,Iaccompaniedhimsomepartofthewayhometohisownhouse.Itoldhim,thatIhadtalkedofhimtoMr.Dunningafewdaysbefore,andhadsaid,thatinhiscompanywedidnotsomuchinterchangeconversation,aslistentohim;andthatDunningobserved,uponthis,'OneisalwayswillingtolistentoDr.Johnson:'towhichIanswered,'Thatisagreatdealfromyou,Sir.'--'Yes,Sir,(saidJohnson,)agreatdealindeed.Hereisamanwillingtolisten,towhomtheworldislisteningalltherestoftheyear.'BOSWELL.'Ithink,Sir,itisrighttotellonemanofsuchahandsomething,whichhasbeensaidofhimbyanother.Ittendstoincreasebenevolence.'JOHNSON.'Undoubtedlyitisright,Sir.'

OnTuesday,April7,Ibreakfastedwithhimathishouse.Hesaid,'nobodywascontent.'ImentionedtohimarespectablepersoninScotlandwhomheknew;andIasserted,thatIreallybelievedhewasalwayscontent.JOHNSON.'No,Sir,heisnotcontentwiththepresent;hehasalwayssomenewscheme,somenewplantation,somethingwhichisfuture.Youknowhewasnotcontentasawidower;forhemarriedagain.'BOSWELL.'Butheisnotrestless.'JOHNSON.'Sir,heisonlylocallyatrest.Achymistislocallyatrest;buthismindishardatwork.Thisgentlemanhasdonewithexternalexertions.Itistoolateforhimtoengageindistantprojects.'BOSWELL.'Heseemstoamusehimselfquitewell;tohavehisattentionfixed,andhistranquillitypreservedbyverysmallmatters.Ihavetriedthis;butitwouldnotdowith

me.'JOHNSON.(laughing,)'No,Sir;itmustbebornwithamantobecontentedtotakeupwithlittlethings.Womenhaveagreatadvantagethattheymaytakeupwithlittlethings,withoutdisgracingthemselves:amancannot,exceptwithfiddling.HadIlearnttofiddle,Ishouldhavedonenothingelse.'BOSWELL.'Pray,Sir,didyoueverplayonanymusicalinstrument?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir.Ionceboughtmeaflagelet;butInevermadeoutatune.'BOSWELL.'Aflagelet,Sir!--sosmallaninstrument?Ishouldhavelikedtohearyouplayonthevioloncello.THATshouldhavebeenYOURinstrument.'JOHNSON.'Sir,Imightaswellhaveplayedonthevioloncelloasanother;butIshouldhavedonenothingelse.No,Sir;amanwouldneverundertakegreatthings,couldhebeamusedwithsmall.Ioncetriedknotting.Dempster'ssisterundertooktoteachme;butIcouldnotlearnit.'BOSWELL.'So,Sir;it

willberelatedinpompousnarrative,"Onceforhisamusementhetriedknotting;nordidthisHerculesdisdainthedistaff."'JOHNSON.'Knittingofstockingsisagoodamusement.AsafreemanofAberdeenIshouldbeaknitterofstockings.'HeaskedmetogodownwithhimanddineatMr.Thrale'satStreatham,towhichIagreed.IhadlenthimAnAccountofScotland,in1702,writtenbyamanofvariousenquiry,anEnglishchaplaintoaregimentstationedthere.JOHNSON.'Itissadstuff,Sir,miserablywritten,asbooksingeneralthenwere.Thereisnowaneleganceofstyleuniversallydiffused.NomannowwritessoillasMartin'sAccountoftheHebridesiswritten.Amancouldnotwriteso



eagerlyonanother,togotoDr.Johnson.Iwonderedwhatthiscouldmean.Iafterwardslearnt,thatitwastogiveheraBible,whichhehadbroughtfromLondonasapresenttoher.

HewasforaconsiderabletimeoccupiedinreadingMemoiresdeFontenelle,leaningandswinginguponthelowgateintothecourt,withouthishat.

Atdinner,Mrs.ThraleexpressedawishtogoandseeScotland.JOHNSON.'SeeingScotland,Madam,isonlyseeingaworseEngland.Itisseeingtheflowergraduallyfadeawaytothenakedstalk.SeeingtheHebrides,indeed,isseeingquiteadifferentscene.'

OnThursday,April9,IdinedwithhimatSirJoshuaReynolds's,withtheBishopofSt.Asaph,(Dr.Shipley,)Mr.AllanRamsay,Mr.Gibbon,Mr.Cambridge,andMr.Langton.

Goldsmithbeingmentioned,Johnsonobserved,thatitwaslongbeforehismeritcametobeacknowledged.Thatheoncecomplainedtohim,inludicroustermsofdistress,'WheneverIwriteanything,thepublickMAKEAPOINTtoknownothingaboutit:'butthathisTravellerbroughthimintohighreputation.LANGTON.'Thereisnotonebadlineinthatpoem;notoneofDryden'scarelessverses.SIRJOSHUA.'IwasgladtohearCharlesFoxsay,itwasoneofthefinestpoemsintheEnglish

language.'LANGTON.'Whywasyouglad?Yousurelyhadnodoubtofthisbefore.'JOHNSON.'No;themeritofTheTravellerissowellestablished,thatMr.Fox'spraisecannotaugmentit,norhiscensurediminishit.'SIRJOSHUA.'Buthisfriendsmaysuspecttheyhadtoogreatapartialityforhim.'JOHNSON.Nay,Sir,thepartialityofhisfriendswasalwaysagainsthim.Itwaswithdifficultywecouldgivehimahearing.Goldsmithhadnosettlednotionsuponanysubject;sohetalkedalwaysatrandom.Itseemedtobehisintentiontoblurtoutwhateverwasinhismind,andseewhatwouldbecomeofit.Hewasangrytoo,whencatchedinanabsurdity;butitdidnotpreventhimfromfallingintoanotherthenextminute.IrememberChamier,aftertalkingwithhimforsometime,said,"Well,Idobelievehewrotethispoemhimself:and,letmetellyou,thatisbelievingagreatdeal."Chamier

onceaskedhim,whathemeantbyslow,thelastwordinthefirstlineofTheTraveller,

"Remote,unfriended,melancholy,slow."

Didhemeantardinessoflocomotion?Goldsmith,whowouldsaysomethingwithoutconsideration,answered,"Yes."Iwassittingby,andsaid,"No,Sir;youdonotmeantardinessoflocomotion;youmean,thatsluggishnessofmindwhichcomesuponamaninsolitude."ChamierbelievedthenthatIhadwrittenthelineasmuchasifhehadseenmewriteit.Goldsmith,however,wasaman,who,whateverhewrote,did

itbetterthananyothermancoulddo.HedeservedaplaceinWestminster-Abbey,andeveryyearhelived,wouldhavedeserveditbetter.Hehad,indeed,beenatnopainstofillhismindwithknowledge.Hetransplanteditfromoneplacetoanother;anditdidnotsettleinhismind;sohecouldnottellwhatwasinhisownbooks.'

Wetalkedoflivinginthecountry.JOHNSON.'Nowisemanwillgotoliveinthecountry,unlesshehassomethingtodowhichcanbebetterdoneinthecountry.Forinstance:ifheistoshuthimselfupforayeartostudyascience,itisbettertolookouttothefields,than



toanoppositewall.Then,ifamanwalksoutinthecountry,thereisnobodytokeephimfromwalkinginagain:butifamanwalksoutinLondon,heisnotsurewhenheshallwalkinagain.Agreatcityis,tobesure,theschoolforstudyinglife;and"Theproperstudyofmankindisman,"asPopeobserves.'BOSWELL.'IfancyLondonisthebestplaceforsociety;thoughIhaveheardthattheveryfirstsocietyofParisisstillbeyondanythingthatwehavehere.'JOHNSON.'Sir,IquestionifinParissuchacompanyasissittingroundthistablecouldbegottogetherinlessthanhalfayear.TheytalkinFranceofthefelicityofmenandwomenlivingtogether:thetruthis,thattherethemenarenothigherthanthewomen,theyknownomorethanthewomendo,andtheyarenothelddownintheirconversationbythepresenceofwomen.'

Wetalkedofoldage.Johnson(nowinhisseventiethyear,)said,'Itisaman'sownfault,itisfromwantofuse,ifhismindgrowstorpidinoldage.'TheBishopasked,ifanoldmandoesnotlosefasterthanhegets.JOHNSON.'Ithinknot,myLord,ifheexertshimself.'Oneofthecompanyrashlyobserved,thathethoughtitwashappyforanoldmanthatinsensibilitycomesuponhim.JOHNSON.(withanobleelevationanddisdain,)'No,Sir,Ishouldneverbehappybybeinglessrational.'BISHOPOFST.ASAPH.'Yourwishthen,Sir,is[Greektextomitted].'JOHNSON.'Yes,myLord.'

Thisseasontherewasawhimsicalfashioninthenewspapersofapplying

Shakspeare'swordstodescribelivingpersonswellknownintheworld;whichwasdoneunderthetitleofModernCharactersfromShakspeare;manyofwhichwereadmirablyadapted.Thefancytooksomuch,thattheywereafterwardscollectedintoapamphlet.SomebodysaidtoJohnson,acrossthetable,thathehadnotbeeninthosecharacters.'Yes(saidhe,)Ihave.Ishouldhavebeensorrytobeleftout.'Hethenrepeatedwhathadbeenappliedtohim,

'ImustborrowGARAGANTUA'Smouth.'

MissReynoldsnotperceivingatoncethemeaningofthis,hewasobliged

toexplainittoher,whichhadsomethingofanaukwardandludicrouseffect.'Why,Madam,ithasareferencetome,asusingbigwords,whichrequirethemouthofagianttopronouncethem.GaragantuaisthenameofagiantinRabelais.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,thereisanotheramongstthemforyou:

"HewouldnotflatterNeptuneforhistrident,OrJoveforhispowertothunder."'

JOHNSON.'Thereisnothingmarkedinthat.No,Sir,Garagantuaisthebest.'Notwithstandingthiseaseandgoodhumour,whenI,alittlewhileafterwards,repeatedhissarcasmonKenrick,whichwasreceivedwithapplause,heasked,'WHOsaidthat?'andonmysuddenlyanswering,

Garagantua,helookedserious,whichwasasufficientindicationthathedidnotwishittobekeptup.

Whenwewenttothedrawing-roomtherewasarichassemblage.Besidesthecompanywhohadbeenatdinner,therewereMr.Garrick,Mr.HarrisofSalisbury,Dr.Percy,Dr.Burney,HonourableMrs.Cholmondeley,MissHannahMore,&c.&c.

Afterwanderingaboutinakindofpleasingdistractionforsometime,Igotintoacorner,withJohnson,Garrick,andHarris.GARRICK.(to



Harris,)'Pray,Sir,haveyoureadPotter'sAeschylus?'HARRIS.'Yes;andthinkitpretty.'GARRICK.(toJohnson,)'Andwhatthinkyou,Sir,ofit?'JOHNSON.'IthoughtwhatIreadofitVERBIAGE:butuponMr.Harris'srecommendation,Iwillreadaplay.(ToMr.Harris,)Don'tprescribetwo.'Mr.Harrissuggestedone,Idonotrememberwhich.JOHNSON.'WemusttryitseffectasanEnglishpoem;thatisthewaytojudgeofthemeritofatranslation.Translationsare,ingeneral,forpeoplewhocannotreadtheoriginal.'Imentionedthevulgarsaying,thatPope'sHomerwasnotagoodrepresentationoftheoriginal.JOHNSON.'Sir,itisthegreatestworkofthekindthathaseverbeenproduced.'BOSWELL.'Thetruthis,itisimpossibleperfectlytotranslatepoetry.Inadifferentlanguageitmaybethesametune,butithasnotthesametone.Homerplaysitonabassoon;Popeonaflagelet.'HARRIS.'IthinkHeroickpoetryisbestinblankverse;yetitappearsthatrhymeisessentialtoEnglishpoetry,fromourdeficiencyinmetricalquantities.Inmyopinion,thechiefexcellenceofourlanguageisnumerousprose.'JOHNSON.'SirWilliamTemplewasthefirstwriterwhogavecadencetoEnglishprose.Beforehistimetheywerecarelessofarrangement,anddidnotmindwhetherasentenceendedwithanimportantwordoraninsignificantword,orwithwhatpartofspeechitwasconcluded.'

GARRICK.'Ofallthetranslationsthateverwereattempted,IthinkElphinston'sMartialthemostextraordinary.Heconsultedmeuponit,

whoamalittleofanepigrammatistmyself,youknow.Itoldhimfreely,"Youdon'tseemtohavethatturn."Iaskedhimifhewasserious;andfindinghewas,Iadvisedhimagainstpublishing.Why,histranslationismoredifficulttounderstandthantheoriginal.Ithoughthimamanofsometalents;butheseemscrazyinthis.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youhavedonewhatIhadnotcouragetodo.Buthedidnotaskmyadvice,andIdidnotforceituponhim,tomakehimangrywithme.'GARRICK.'Butasafriend,Sir--.'JOHNSON.'Why,suchafriendasIamwithhim--no.'GARRICK.'Butifyouseeafriendgoingtotumbleoveraprecipice?'JOHNSON.'Thatisanextravagantcase,Sir.Youaresureafriendwillthankyouforhinderinghimfromtumblingoveraprecipice;but,intheothercase,Ishouldhurthisvanity,anddohimnogood.Hewouldnottakemyadvice.Hisbrother-in-law,Strahan,senthimasubscription

offiftypounds,andsaidhewouldsendhimfiftymore,ifhewouldnotpublish.'GARRICK.'What!eh!isStrahanagoodjudgeofanEpigram?IsnotheratheranOBTUSEman,eh?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,hemaynotbeajudgeofanEpigram:butyouseeheisajudgeofwhatisnotanEpigram.'BOSWELL.'Itiseasyforyou,Mr.Garrick,totalktoanauthourasyoutalkedtoElphinston;you,whohavebeensolongthemanagerofatheatre,rejectingtheplaysofpoorauthours.YouareanoldJudge,whohaveoftenpronouncedsentenceofdeath.Youareapracticedsurgeon,whohaveoftenamputatedlimbs;andthoughthismayhavebeenforthegoodofyourpatients,theycannotlikeyou.Thosewhohaveundergoneadreadfuloperation,arenotveryfondofseeingtheoperatoragain.'GARRICK.'Yes,Iknowenoughofthat.Therewasareverendgentleman,(Mr.Hawkins,)whowroteatragedy,theSIEGE

ofsomething,whichIrefused.'HARRIS.'So,thesiegewasraised.'JOHNSON.'Ay,hecametomeandcomplained;andtoldme,thatGarricksaidhisplaywaswrongintheCONCOCTION.Now,whatistheconcoctionofaplay?'(HereGarrickstarted,andtwistedhimself,andseemedsorelyvexed;forJohnsontoldme,hebelievedthestorywastrue.)GARRICK.'I--I--I--saidFIRSTconcoction.'JOHNSON.(smiling,)'Well,heleftoutFIRST.AndRich,hesaid,refusedhimINFALSEENGLISH:hecouldshewitunderhishand.'GARRICK.'Hewrotetomeinviolentwrath,forhavingrefusedhisplay:"Sir,thisisgrowingaveryseriousandterribleaffair.Iamresolvedtopublishmyplay.Iwillappeal



orQuin,they'dhavejumpedoverthemoon--YetGarrickspeakstoUS.'(smiling.)BOSWELL.'AndGarrickisaverygoodman,acharitableman.'JOHNSON.'Sir,aliberalman.HehasgivenawaymoremoneythananymaninEngland.Theremaybealittlevanitymixed;buthehasshewn,thatmoneyisnothisfirstobject.'BOSWELL.'YetFooteusedtosayofhim,thathewalkedoutwithanintentiontodoagenerousaction;but,turningthecornerofastreet,hemetwiththeghostofahalf-penny,whichfrightenedhim.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thatisverytrue,too;forIneverknewamanofwhomitcouldbesaidwithlesscertaintyto-day,whathewilldoto-morrow,thanGarrick;itdependssomuchonhishumouratthetime.'SCOTT.'Iamgladtohearofhisliberality.Hehasbeenrepresentedasverysaving.'JOHNSON.'Withhisdomesticksavingwehavenothingtodo.Irememberdrinkingteawithhimlongago,whenPegWoffingtonmadeit,andhegrumbledatherformakingittoostrong.*Hehadthenbeguntofeelmoneyinhispurse,anddidnotknowwhenheshouldhaveenoughofit.'

*WhenJohnsontoldthislittleanecdotetoSirJoshuaReynolds,hementionedacircumstancewhichheomittedto-day:--'Why,(saidGarrick,)itisasredasblood.'--BOSWELL

Wetalkedofwar.JOHNSON.'Everymanthinksmeanlyofhimselffornothavingbeenasoldier,ornothavingbeenatsea.'BOSWELL.'Lord

Mansfielddoesnot.'JOHNSON.'Sir,ifLordMansfieldwereinacompanyofGeneralOfficersandAdmiralswhohavebeeninservice,hewouldshrink;he'dwishtocreepunderthetable.'BOSWELL.'No;he'dthinkhecouldTRYthemall.'JOHNSON.'Yes,ifhecouldcatchthem:butthey'dtryhimmuchsooner.No,Sir;wereSocratesandCharlestheTwelfthofSwedenbothpresentinanycompany,andSocratestosay,"Followme,andhearalectureonphilosophy;"andCharles,layinghishandonhissword,tosay,"Followme,anddethronetheCzar;"amanwouldbeashamedtofollowSocrates.Sir,theimpressionisuniversal;yetitisstrange.'

HetalkedofMr.CharlesFox,ofwhoseabilitieshethoughthighly,butobserved,thathedidnottalkmuchatourCLUB.IhaveheardMr.

Gibbonremark,'thatMr.FoxcouldnotbeafraidofDr.Johnson;yethecertainlywasveryshyofsayinganythinginDr.Johnson'spresence.'

HeexpressedgreatindignationattheimpostureoftheCock-laneGhost,andrelated,withmuchsatisfaction,howhehadassistedindetectingthecheat,andhadpublishedanaccountofitinthenews-papers.UponthissubjectIincautiouslyoffendedhim,bypressinghimwithtoomanyquestions,andheshewedhisdispleasure.Iapologised,sayingthat'Iaskedquestionsinordertobeinstructedandentertained;Irepairedeagerlytothefountain;butthatthemomenthegavemeahint,themomentheputalockuponthewell,Idesisted.'--'But,Sir,(saidhe),thatisforcingonetodoadisagreeablething:'andhecontinuedtorateme.'Nay,Sir,(saidI,)whenyouhaveputalockuponthewell,

sothatIcannolongerdrink,donotmakethefountainofyourwitplayuponmeandwetme.'

Hesometimescouldnotbearbeingteazedwithquestions.Iwasoncepresentwhenagentlemanaskedsomanyas,'Whatdidyoudo,Sir?''Whatdidyousay,Sir?'thatheatlastgrewenraged,andsaid,'IwillnotbeputtotheQUESTION.Don'tyouconsider,Sir,thatthesearenotthemannersofagentleman?IwillnotbebaitedwithWHAT,andWHY;whatisthis?whatisthat?whyisacow'staillong?whyisafox'stailbushy?'Thegentleman,whowasagooddealoutofcountenance,said,



'Why,Sir,youaresogood,thatIventuretotroubleyou.'Johnson.'Sir,mybeingsoGOODisnoreasonwhyyoushouldbesoILL.'

Hetalkedwithanuncommonanimationoftravellingintodistantcountries;thatthemindwasenlargedbyit,andthatanacquisitionofdignityofcharacterwasderivedfromit.HeexpressedaparticularenthusiasmwithrespecttovisitingthewallofChina.Icatcheditforthemoment,andsaidIreallybelievedIshouldgoandseethewallofChinahadInotchildren,ofwhomitwasmydutytotakecare.'Sir,(saidhe,)bydoingso,youwoulddowhatwouldbeofimportanceinraisingyourchildrentoeminence.Therewouldbealustrereflecteduponthemfromyourspiritandcuriosity.TheywouldbeatalltimesregardedasthechildrenofamanwhohadgonetoviewthewallofChina.Iamserious,Sir.'

WhenwehadleftMr.Scott's,hesaid'Willyougohomewithme?''Sir,(saidI,)itislate;butI'llgowithyouforthreeminutes.'JOHNSON.'Orfour.'WewenttoMrs.Williams'sroom,wherewefoundMr.Allentheprinter,whowasthelandlordofhishouseinBolt-court,aworthy,obligingman,andhisveryoldacquaintance;andwhatwasexceedinglyamusing,thoughhewasofaverydiminutivesize,heused,eveninJohnson'spresence,toimitatethestatelyperiodsandslowandsolemnutteranceofthegreatman.--Ithiseveningboasted,thatalthoughIdidnotwritewhatiscalledstenography,orshort-hand,inappropriated

charactersdevisedforthepurpose,Ihadamethodofmyownofwritinghalfwords,andleavingoutsomealtogethersoasyettokeepthesubstanceandlanguageofanydiscoursewhichIhadheardsomuchinview,thatIcouldgiveitverycompletelysoonafterIhadtakenitdown.

OnSunday,April12,Ifoundhimathomebeforedinner.HeandI,andMrs.Williams,wenttodinewiththeReverendDr.Percy.

AndhereIshallrecordasceneoftoomuchheatbetweenDr.JohnsonandDr.Percy,whichIshouldhavesuppressed,wereitnotthatitgaveoccasiontodisplaythetruelytenderandbenevolentheartofJohnson,who,assoonashefoundafriendwasatallhurtbyanythingwhich

hehad'saidinhiswrath,'wasnotonlypromptanddesiroustobereconciled,butexertedhimselftomakeamplereparation.

BooksofTravelshavingbeenmentioned,JohnsonpraisedPennantveryhighly,ashedidatDunvegan,intheIsleofSky.Dr.Percy,knowinghimselftobetheheirmaleoftheancientPercies,andhavingthewarmestandmostdutifulattachmenttothenobleHouseofNorthumberland,couldnotsitquietlyandhearamanpraised,whohadspokendisrespectfullyofAlnwick-CastleandtheDuke'spleasuregrounds,especiallyashethoughtmeanlyofhistravels.HethereforeopposedJohnsoneagerly.JOHNSON.'PennantinwhathehassaidofAlnwick,hasdonewhatheintended;hehasmadeyouveryangry.'PERCY.'HehassaidthegardenisTRIM,whichisrepresentingitlikea

citizen'sparterre,whenthetruthis,thereisaverylargeextentoffineturfandgravelwalks.'JOHNSON.'Accordingtoyourownaccount,Sir,Pennantisright.ItIStrim.Hereisgrasscutclose,andgravelrolledsmooth.Isnotthattrim?Theextentisnothingagainstthat;amilemaybeastrimasasquareyard.Yourextentputsmeinmindofthecitizen'senlargeddinner,twopiecesofroast-beef,andtwopuddings.Thereisnovariety,nomindexertedinlayingouttheground,notrees.'PERCY.'HepretendstogivethenaturalhistoryofNorthumberland,andyettakesnonoticeoftheimmensenumberoftreesplantedthereoflate.'JOHNSON.'That,Sir,hasnothingtodowith



theNATURALhistory;thatisCIVILhistory.Amanwhogivesthenaturalhistoryoftheoak,isnottotellhowmanyoakshavebeenplantedinthisplaceorthat.Amanwhogivesthenaturalhistoryofthecow,isnottotellhowmanycowsaremilkedatIslington.Theanimalisthesame,whethermilkedintheParkoratIslington.'PERCY.'Pennantdoesnotdescribewell;acarrierwhogoesalongthesideofLoch-lomondwoulddescribeitbetter.'JOHNSON.'Ithinkhedescribesverywell.'PERCY.'Itravelledafterhim.'JOHNSON.'AndItravelledafterhim.'PERCY.'But,mygoodfriend,youareshort-sighted,anddonotseesowellasIdo.'IwonderedatDr.Percy'sventuringthus.Dr.Johnsonsaidnothingatthetime;butinflammableparticleswerecollectingforacloudtoburst.InalittlewhileDr.PercysaidsomethingmoreindisparagementofPennant.JOHNSON.(pointedly,)'Thisistheresentmentofanarrowmind,becausehedidnotfindeverythinginNorthumberland.'PERCY.(feelingthestroke,)'Sir,youmaybeasrudeasyouplease.'JOHNSON.'Hold,Sir!Don'ttalkofrudeness;remember,Sir,youtoldme(puffinghardwithpassionstrugglingforavent,)Iwasshortsighted.Wehavedonewithcivility.Wearetobeasrudeasweplease.'PERCY.'Uponmyhonour,Sir,Ididnotmeantobeuncivil.'JOHNSON.'Icannotsayso,Sir;forIDIDmeantobeuncivil,thinkingYOUhadbeenuncivil.'Dr.Percyrose,ranuptohim,andtakinghimbythehand,assuredhimaffectionatelythathismeaninghadbeenmisunderstood;uponwhichareconciliationinstantlytookplace.JOHNSON.'MydearSir,IamwillingyoushallHANGPennant.'PERCY.

(resumingtheformersubject,)'Pennantcomplainsthatthehelmetisnothungouttoinvitetothehallofhospitality.NowIneverheardthatitwasacustomtohangoutaHELMET.'JOHNSON.'Hanghimup,hanghimup.'BOSWELL.(humouringthejoke,)'Hangouthisskullinsteadofahelmet,andyoumaydrinkaleoutofitinyourhallofOdin,asheisyourenemy;thatwillbetrulyancient.THEREwillbeNorthernAntiquities.'JOHNSON.'He'saWHIG,Sir;aSADDOG.(smilingathisownviolentexpressions,merelyforpoliticaldifferenceofopinion.)Buthe'sthebesttravellerIeverread;heobservesmorethingsthananyoneelsedoes.'

OnMonday,April13,IdinedwithJohnsonatMr.Langton's,wherewereDr.Porteus,thenBishopofChester,nowofLondon,andDr.Stinton.He

wasatfirstinaverysilentmood.Beforedinnerhesaidnothingbut'Prettybaby,'tooneofthechildren.Langtonsaidverywelltomeafterwards,thathecouldrepeatJohnson'sconversationbeforedinner,asJohnsonhadsaidthathecouldrepeatacompletechapterofTheNaturalHistoryofIceland,fromtheDanishofHorrebow,thewholeofwhichwasexactlythus:--

'CHAP.LXXII.Concerningsnakes.

'Therearenosnakestobemetwiththroughoutthewholeisland.'

Mr.TophamBeauclerkcameintheevening,andheandDr.JohnsonandIstaidtosupper.ItwasmentionedthatDr.DoddhadoncewishedtobeamemberofTHELITERARYCLUB.JOHNSON.'IshouldbesorryifanyofourClubwerehanged.Iwillnotsaybutsomeofthemdeserveit.'BEAUCLERK.(supposingthistobeaimedatpersonsforwhomhehadatthattimeawonderfulfancy,which,however,didnotlastlong,)wasirritated,andeagerlysaid,'You,Sir,haveafriend,(naminghim)whodeservestobehanged;forhespeaksbehindtheirbacksagainstthosewithwhomhelivesonthebestterms,andattackstheminthenewspapers.HEcertainlyoughttobeKICKED.'JOHNSON.'Sir,wealldo



thisinsomedegree,"Veniampetimusdamusquevicissim."Tobesureitmaybedonesomuch,thatamanmaydeservetobekicked.'BEAUCLERK.'Heisverymalignant.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir;heisnotmalignant.Heismischievous,ifyouwill.Hewoulddonomananessentialinjury;hemay,indeed,lovetomakesportofpeoplebyvexingtheirvanity.I,however,onceknewanoldgentlemanwhowasabsolutelymalignant.Hereallywishedeviltoothers,andrejoicedatit.'BOSWELL.'Thegentleman,Mr.Beauclerk,againstwhomyouaresoviolent,is,Iknow,amanofgoodprinciples.'BEAUCLERK.'Thenhedoesnotwearthemoutinpractice.'

Dr.Johnson,who,asIhaveobservedbefore,delightedindiscriminationofcharacter,andhavingamasterlyknowledgeofhumannature,waswillingtotakemenastheyare,imperfectandwithamixtureofgoodandbadqualities,Isupposethoughhehadsaidenoughindefenceofhisfriend,ofwhosemerits,notwithstandinghisexceptionalpoints,hehadajustvalue;andaddednomoreonthesubject.

OnWednesday,April15,IdinedwithDr.JohnsonatMr.Dilly's,andwasinhighspirits,forIhadbeenagoodpartofthemorningwithMr.Orme,theableandeloquenthistorianofHindostan,whoexpressedagreatadmirationofJohnson.'Idonotcare(saidhe,)onwhatsubjectJohnsontalks;butIlovebettertohearhimtalkthananybody.Heeithergivesyounewthoughts,oranewcolouring.Itisashametothe

nationthathehasnotbeenmoreliberallyrewarded.HadIbeenGeorgetheThird,andthoughtashedidaboutAmerica,IwouldhavegivenJohnsonthreehundredayearforhisTaxationnoTyrannyalone.'Irepeatedthis,andJohnsonwasmuchpleasedwithsuchpraisefromsuchamanasOrme.

AtMr.Dilly'sto-daywereMrs.Knowles,theingeniousQuakerlady,MissSeward,thepoetessofLichfield,theReverendDr.Mayo,andtheRev.Mr.Beresford,TutortotheDukeofBedford.BeforedinnerDr.JohnsonseizeduponMr.CharlesSheridan'sAccountofthelateRevolutioninSweden,andseemedtoreaditravenously,asifhedevouredit,whichwastoallappearancehismethodofstudying.'Heknowshowtoreadbetterthananyone(saidMrs.Knowles;)hegetsatthesubstanceofa

bookdirectly;hetearsouttheheartofit.'Hekeptitwraptupinthetableclothinhislapduringthetimeofdinner,fromanaviditytohaveoneentertainmentinreadinesswhenheshouldhavefinishedanother;resembling(ifImayusesocoarseasimile)adogwhoholdsaboneinhispawsinreserve,whileheeatssomethingelsewhichhasbeenthrowntohim.

ThesubjectofcookeryhavingbeenverynaturallyintroducedatatablewhereJohnson,whoboastedofthenicenessofhispalate,ownedthat'healwaysfoundagooddinner,'hesaid,'Icouldwriteabetterbookofcookerythanhaseveryetbeenwritten;itshouldbeabookuponphilosophicalprinciples.Pharmacyisnowmademuchmoresimple.Cookerymaybemadesotoo.Aprescriptionwhichisnowcompoundedoffive

ingredients,hadformerlyfiftyinit.Soincookery,ifthenatureoftheingredientsbewellknown,muchfewerwilldo.Thenasyoucannotmakebadmeatgood,Iwouldtellwhatisthebestbutcher'smeat,thebestbeef,thebestpieces;howtochooseyoungfowls;theproperseasonsofdifferentvegetables;andthenhowtoroastandboil,andcompound.'DILLY.'Mrs.Glasse'sCookery,whichisthebest,waswrittenbyDr.Hill.HalftheTRADEknowthis.'JOHNSON.'Well,Sir.Thisshewshowmuchbetterthesubjectofcookerymaybetreatedbyaphilosopher.IdoubtifthebookbewrittenbyDr.Hill;for,inMrs.Glasse'sCookery,whichIhavelookedinto,salt-petreandsal-prunella



arespokenofasdifferentsubstanceswhereassal-prunellaisonlysalt-petreburntoncharcoal;andHillcouldnotbeignorantofthis.However,asthegreatestpartofsuchabookismadebytranscription,thismistakemayhavebeencarelesslyadopted.ButyoushallseewhataBookofCookeryIshallmake!IshallagreewithMr.Dillyforthecopy-right.'MissSEWARD.'ThatwouldbeHerculeswiththedistaffindeed.'JOHNSON.'No,Madam.Womencanspinverywell;buttheycannotmakeagoodbookofCookery.'

Mrs.Knowlesaffectedtocomplainthatmenhadmuchmorelibertyallowedthemthanwomen.JOHNSON.'Why,Madam,womenhaveallthelibertytheyshouldwishtohave.Wehaveallthelabourandthedanger,andthewomenalltheadvantage.Wegotosea,webuildhouses,wedoeverything,inshort,topayourcourttothewomen.'MRS.KNOWLES.'TheDoctorreasonsverywittily,butnotconvincingly.Now,taketheinstanceofbuilding;themason'swife,ifsheiseverseeninliquor,isruined;themasonmaygethimselfdrunkasoftenashepleases,withlittlelossofcharacter;nay,maylethiswifeandchildrenstarve.'JOHNSON.'Madam,youmustconsider,ifthemasondoesgethimselfdrunk,andlethiswifeandchildrenstarve,theparishwillobligehimtofindsecurityfortheirmaintenance.Wehavedifferentmodesofrestrainingevil.Stocksforthemen,aducking-stoolforwomen,andapoundforbeasts.Ifwerequiremoreperfectionfromwomenthanfromourselves,itisdoingthemhonour.Andwomenhavenotthesametemptationsthat

wehave:theymayalwaysliveinvirtuouscompany;menmustmixintheworldindiscriminately.Ifawomanhasnoinclinationtodowhatiswrongbeingsecuredfromitisnorestrainttoher.IamatlibertytowalkintotheThames;butifIweretotryit,myfriendswouldrestrainmeinBedlam,andIshouldbeobligedtothem.'MRS.KNOWLES.'Still,Doctor,Icannothelpthinkingitahardshipthatmoreindulgenceisallowedtomenthantowomen.Itgivesasuperioritytomen,towhichIdonotseehowtheyareentitled.'JOHNSON.'Itisplain,Madam,oneorothermusthavethesuperiority.AsShakspearesays,"Iftwomenrideonahorse,onemustridebehind."'DILLY.'Isuppose,Sir,Mrs.Knowleswouldhavethemtorideinpanniers,oneoneachside.'JOHNSON.'Then,Sir,thehorsewouldthrowthemboth.'MRS.KNOWLES.'Well,Ihopethatinanotherworldthesexeswillbeequal.'BOSWELL.'Thatisbeingtoo

ambitious,Madam.WEmightaswelldesiretobeequalwiththeangels.Weshallall,Ihope,behappyinafuturestate,butwemustnotexpecttobeallhappyinthesamedegree.Itisenoughifwebehappyaccordingtoourseveralcapacities.AworthycarmanwillgettoheavenaswellasSirIsaacNewton.Yet,thoughequallygood,theywillnothavethesamedegreesofhappiness.'JOHNSON.'Probablynot.'

Dr.MayohavingaskedJohnson'sopinionofSoameJenyns'sViewoftheInternalEvidenceoftheChristianReligion;--JOHNSON.'Ithinkitaprettybook;notverytheologicalindeed;andthereseemstobeanaffectationofeaseandcarelessness,asifitwerenotsuitabletohischaractertobeveryseriousaboutthematter.'BOSWELL.'Hemayhaveintendedthistointroducehisbookthebetteramonggenteelpeople,

whomightbeunwillingtoreadtoograveatreatise.Thereisagenerallevityintheage.Wehavephysiciansnowwithbag-wigs;maywenothaveairydivines,atleastsomewhatlesssolemnintheirappearancethantheyusedtobe?'JOHNSON.'Jenynsmightmeanasyousay.'BOSWELL.'YOUshouldlikehisbook,Mrs.Knowles,asitmaintains,asyouFRIENDSdo,thatcourageisnotaChristianvirtue.'MRS.KNOWLES.'Yes,indeed,Ilikehimthere;butIcannotagreewithhim,thatfriendshipisnotaChristianvirtue.'JOHNSON.'Why,Madam,strictlyspeaking,heisright.Allfriendshipispreferringtheinterestofafriend,totheneglect,or,perhaps,againsttheinterestofothers;sothatanoldGreek



said,"HethathasFRIENDShasNOFRIEND."NowChristianityrecommendsuniversalbenevolence,toconsiderallmenasourbrethren,whichiscontrarytothevirtueoffriendship,asdescribedbytheancientphilosophers.Surely,Madam,yoursectmustapproveofthis;for,youcallallmenFRIENDS.'MRS.KNOWLES.'Wearecommandedtodogoodtoallmen,"butespeciallytothemwhoareofthehouseholdofFaith."'JOHNSON.'Well,Madam.ThehouseholdofFaithiswideenough.'MRS.KNOWLES.'But,Doctor,ourSaviourhadtwelveApostles,yettherewasONEwhomheLOVED.Johnwascalled"thedisciplewhomJESUSloved."'JOHNSON.(witheyessparklingbenignantly,)'Verywell,indeed,Madam.Youhavesaidverywell.'BOSWELL.'Afineapplication.Pray,Sir,hadyoueverthoughtofit?'JOHNSON.'Ihadnot,Sir.'

Fromthispleasingsubject,he,Iknownothoworwhy,madeasuddentransitiontooneuponwhichhewasaviolentaggressor;forhesaid,'Iamwillingtoloveallmankind,EXCEPTANAMERICAN:'andhisinflammablecorruptionburstingintohorridfire,he'breathedoutthreateningsandslaughter;'callingthem,Rascals--Robbers--Pirates;'andexclaiming,he'd'burnanddestroythem.'MissSeward,lookingtohimwithmildbutsteadyastonishment,said,'Sir,thisisaninstancethatwearealwaysmostviolentagainstthosewhomwehaveinjured.'Hewasirritatedstillmorebythisdelicateandkeenreproach;androaredoutanothertremendousvolley,whichonemightfancycouldbeheardacrosstheAtlantick.DuringthistempestIsatingreatuneasiness,lamenting

hisheatoftemper;till,bydegrees,Idivertedhisattentiontoothertopicks.

TalkingofMiss------,aliterarylady,hesaid,'IwasobligedtospeaktoMissReynolds,toletherknowthatIdesiredshewouldnotflattermesomuch.'Somebodynowobserved,'SheflattersGarrick.'JOHNSON.'SheisintherighttoflatterGarrick.Sheisintherightfortworeasons;first,becauseshehastheworldwithher,whohavebeenpraisingGarrickthesethirtyyears;andsecondly,becausesheisrewardedforitbyGarrick.WhyshouldsheflatterME?Icandonothingforher.Lethercarryherpraisetoabettermarket.(ThenturningtoMrs.Knowles.)You,Madam,havebeenflatteringmealltheevening;IwishyouwouldgiveBoswellalittlenow.Ifyouknewhismeritaswell

asIdo,youwouldsayagreatdeal;heisthebesttravellingcompanionintheworld.'

SomebodymentionedtheReverendMr.Mason'sprosecutionofMr.Murray,thebookseller,forhavinginsertedinacollectionofGray'sPoems,onlyfiftylines,ofwhichMr.Masonhadstilltheexclusiveproperty,underthestatuteofQueenAnne;andthatMr.Masonhadpersevered,notwithstandinghisbeingrequestedtonamehisowntermsofcompensation.JohnsonsignifiedhisdispleasureatMr.Mason'sconductverystrongly;butadded,bywayofshewingthathewasnotsurprizedatit,'Mason'saWhig.'MRS.KNOWLES.(nothearingdistinctly,)'What!aPrig,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Worse,Madam;aWhig!Butheisboth.'

OfJohnWesley,hesaid,'Hecantalkwellonanysubject.'BOSWELL.'Pray,Sir,whathashemadeofhisstoryofaghost?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,hebelievesit;butnotonsufficientauthority.Hedidnottaketimeenoughtoexaminethegirl.ItwasatNewcastle,wheretheghostwassaidtohaveappearedtoayoungwomanseveraltimes,mentioningsomethingabouttherighttoanoldhouse,advisingapplicationtobemadetoanattorney,whichwasdone;and,atthesametime,sayingtheattorneyswoulddonothing,whichprovedtobethefact."This(saysJohn,)isaproofthataghostknowsourthoughts."Now(laughing,)itisnotnecessarytoknowourthoughts,totellthatanattorneywill



sometimesdonothing.CharlesWesley,whoisamorestationaryman,doesnotbelievethestory.IamsorrythatJohndidnottakemorepainstoinquireintotheevidenceforit.'MISSSEWARD,(withanincreduloussmile,)'What,Sir!aboutaghost?'JOHNSON.(withsolemnvehemence,)'Yes,Madam:thisisaquestionwhich,afterfivethousandyears,isyetundecided;aquestion,whetherintheologyorphilosophy,oneofthemostimportantthatcancomebeforethehumanunderstanding.'

Mrs.Knowlesmentioned,asaproselytetoQuakerism,Miss------,ayoungladywellknowntoDr.Johnson,forwhomhehadshewnmuchaffection;whilesheeverhad,andstillretained,agreatrespectforhim.Mrs.Knowlesatthesametimetookanopportunityoflettinghimknow'thattheamiableyoungcreaturewassorryatfindingthathewasoffendedatherleavingtheChurchofEnglandandembracingasimplerfaith;'and,inthegentlestandmostpersuasivemanner,solicitedhiskindindulgenceforwhatwassincerelyamatterofconscience.JOHNSON.(frowningveryangrily,)'Madam,sheisanodiouswench.Shecouldnothaveanyproperconvictionthatitwasherdutytochangeherreligion,whichisthemostimportantofallsubjects,andshouldbestudiedwithallcare,andwithallthehelpswecanget.SheknewnomoreoftheChurchwhichsheleft,andthatwhichsheembraced,thanshedidofthedifferencebetweentheCopernicanandPtolemaicksystems.'MRS.KNOWLES.'ShehadtheNewTestamentbeforeher.'JOHNSON.'Madam,shecouldnotunderstandtheNewTestament,themostdifficultbookintheworld,for

whichthestudyofalifeisrequired.'MRS.KNOWLES.'Itisclearastoessentials.'JOHNSON.'Butnotastocontroversialpoints.Theheathenswereeasilyconverted,becausetheyhadnothingtogiveup;butweoughtnot,withoutverystrongconvictionindeed,todesertthereligioninwhichwehavebeeneducated.Thatisthereligiongivenyou,thereligioninwhichitmaybesaidProvidencehasplacedyou.Ifyouliveconscientiouslyinthatreligion,youmaybesafe.Buterrourisdangerousindeed,ifyouerrwhenyouchooseareligionforyourself.'MRS.KNOWLES.'Mustwethengobyimplicitfaith?'JOHNSON.'Why,Madam,thegreatestpartofourknowledgeisimplicitfaith;andastoreligion,haveweheardallthatadiscipleofConfucius,allthataMahometan,cansayforhimself?'Hethenroseagainintopassion,andattackedtheyoungproselyteintheseveresttermsofreproach,sothat

boththeladiesseemedtobemuchshocked.

Weremainedtogethertillitwasprettylate.Notwithstandingoccasionalexplosionsofviolence,wewerealldelighteduponthewholewithJohnson.IcomparedhimatthistimetoawarmWest-Indianclimate,whereyouhaveabrightsun,quickvegetation,luxuriantfoliage,lusciousfruits;butwherethesameheatsometimesproducesthunder,lightning,earthquakes,inaterribledegree.

April17,beingGoodFriday,IwaitedonJohnson,asusual.Iobservedatbreakfastthatalthoughitwasapartofhisabstemiousdisciplineonthismostsolemnfast,totakenomilkinhistea,yetwhenMrs.Desmoulinsinadvertentlypoureditin,hedidnotrejectit.Italkedof

thestrangeindecisionofmind,andimbecilityinthecommonoccurrencesoflife,whichwemayobserveinsomepeople.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,Iaminthehabitofgettingotherstodothingsforme.'BOSWELL.'What,Sir!haveyouthatweakness?'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir.ButIalwaysthinkafterwardsIshouldhavedonebetterformyself.'

IexpressedsomeinclinationtopublishanaccountofmyTravelsuponthecontinentofEurope,forwhichIhadavarietyofmaterialscollected.JOHNSON.'Idonotsay,Sir,youmaynotpublishyourtravels;butIgiveyoumyopinion,thatyouwouldlessenyourself



byit.WhatcanyoutellofcountriessowellknownasthoseuponthecontinentofEurope,whichyouhavevisited?'BOSWELL.'ButIcangiveanentertainingnarrative,withmanyincidents,anecdotes,jeuxd'esprit,andremarks,soastomakeverypleasantreading.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,mostmoderntravellersinEuropewhohavepublishedtheirtravels,havebeenlaughedat:Iwouldnothaveyouaddedtothenumber.Theworldisnownotcontentedtobemerelyentertainedbyatraveller'snarrative;theywanttolearnsomething.Nowsomeofmyfriendsaskedme,whyIdidnotgivesomeaccountofmytravelsinFrance.Thereasonisplain;intelligentreadershadseenmoreofFrancethanIhad.YOUmighthavelikedmytravelsinFrance,andTHECLUBmighthavelikedthem;but,uponthewhole,therewouldhavebeenmoreridiculethangoodproducedbythem.'BOSWELL.'Icannotagreewithyou,Sir.Peoplewouldliketoreadwhatyousayofanything.Supposeafacehasbeenpaintedbyfiftypaintersbefore;stillwelovetoseeitdonebySirJoshua.'JOHNSON.'True,Sir,butSirJoshuacannotpaintafacewhenhehasnottimetolookonit.'BOSWELL.'Sir,asketchofanysortbyhimisvaluable.And,Sir,totalktoyouinyourownstyle(raisingmyvoice,andshakingmyhead,)youSHOULDhavegivenusyourtravelsinFrance.IamSUREIamright,andTHERE'SANENDON'T.'

Isaidtohimthatitwascertainlytrue,asmyfriendDempsterhadobservedinhislettertomeuponthesubject,thatagreatpartofwhatwasinhisJourneytotheWesternIslandsofScotlandhadbeeninhis

mindbeforeheleftLondon.JOHNSON.'Whyyes,Sir,thetopickswere;andbooksoftravelswillbegoodinproportiontowhatamanhaspreviouslyinhismind;hisknowingwhattoobserve;hispowerofcontrastingonemodeoflifewithanother.AstheSpanishproverbsays,"He,whowouldbringhomethewealthoftheIndies,mustcarrythewealthoftheIndieswithhim."Soitisintravelling;amanmustcarryknowledgewithhim,ifhewouldbringhomeknowledge.'BOSWELL.'Theproverb,Isuppose,Sir,means,hemustcarryalargestockwithhimtotradewith.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir.'

Itwasadelightfulday:aswewalkedtoSt.Clement'schurch,IagainremarkedthatFleet-streetwasthemostcheerfulsceneintheworld.'Fleet-street(saidI,)isinmymindmoredelightfulthanTempe.'

JOHNSON.'Ay,Sir;butletitbecomparedwithMull.'

Therewasaverynumerouscongregationto-dayatSt.Clement'schurch,whichDr.Johnsonsaidheobservedwithpleasure.

AndnowIamtogiveaprettyfullaccountofoneofthemostcuriousincidentsinJohnson'slife,ofwhichhehimselfhasmadethefollowingminuteonthisday:'Inmyreturnfromchurch,IwasaccostedbyEdwards,anoldfellow-collegian,whohadnotseenmesince1729.Heknewme,andaskedifIrememberedoneEdwards;Ididnotatfirstrecollectthename,butgraduallyaswewalkedalong,recoveredit,andtoldhimaconversationthathadpassedatanale-housebetweenus.Mypurposeistocontinueouracquaintance.'

ItwasinButcher-rowthatthismeetinghappened.Mr.Edwards,whowasadecent-lookingelderlymaningreyclothes,andawigofmanycurls,accostedJohnsonwithfamiliarconfidence,knowingwhohewas,whileJohnsonreturnedhissalutationwithacourteousformality,astoastranger.ButassoonasEdwardshadbroughttohisrecollectiontheirhavingbeenatPembroke-Collegetogethernine-and-fortyyearsago,heseemedmuchpleased,askedwherehelived,andsaidheshouldbegladtoseehiminBolt-court.EDWARDS.'Ah,Sir!weareoldmennow.'JOHNSON.(whoneverlikedtothinkofbeingold,)'Don'tletusdiscourageone



another.'EDWARDS.'Why,Doctor,youlookstoutandhearty,Iamhappytoseeyouso;forthenews-paperstoldusyouwereveryill.'JOHNSON.'Ay,Sir,theyarealwaystellingliesofUSOLDFELLOWS.'

Wishingtobepresentatmoreofsosingularaconversationasthatbetweentwofellow-collegians,whohadlivedfortyyearsinLondonwithouteverhavingchancedtomeet,IwhisperedtoMr.EdwardsthatDr.Johnsonwasgoinghome,andthathehadbetteraccompanyhimnow.SoEdwardswalkedalongwithus,Ieagerlyassistingtokeepuptheconversation.Mr.EdwardsinformedDr.JohnsonthathehadpractisedlongasasolicitorinChancery,butthathenowlivedinthecountryuponalittlefarm,aboutsixtyacres,justbyStevenageinHertfordshire,andthathecametoLondon(toBarnard'sInn,No.6),generallytwiceaweek.Johnsonappearingtomeinareverie,Mr.Edwardsaddressedhimselftome,andexpatiatedonthepleasureoflivinginthecountry.BOSWELL.'Ihavenonotionofthis,Sir.Whatyouhavetoentertainyou,is,Ithink,exhaustedinhalfanhour.'EDWARDS.'What?don'tyoulovetohavehoperealized?Iseemygrass,andmycorn,andmytreesgrowing.Now,forinstance,Iamcurioustoseeifthisfrosthasnotnippedmyfruit-trees.'JOHNSON.(whowedidnotimaginewasattending,)'Youfind,Sir,youhavefearsaswellashopes.'--Sowelldidheseethewhole,whenanothersawbutthehalfofasubject.

WhenwegottoDr.Johnson'shouse,andwereseatedinhislibrary,thedialoguewentonadmirably.EDWARDS.'Sir,IrememberyouwouldnotletussayPRODIGIOUSatCollege.Foreventhen,Sir,(turningtome,)hewasdelicateinlanguage,andweallfearedhim.'*JOHNSON.(toEdwards,)'Fromyourhavingpractisedthelawlong,Sir,Ipresumeyoumustberich.'EDWARDS.'No,Sir;Igotagooddealofmoney;butIhadanumberofpoorrelationstowhomIgaveagreatpartofit.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youhavebeenrichinthemostvaluablesenseoftheword.'EDWARDS.'ButIshallnotdierich.'JOHNSON.'Nay,sure,Sir,itisbettertoLIVErichthantoDIErich.'EDWARDS.'IwishIhadcontinuedatCollege.'JOHNSON.'Whydoyouwishthat,Sir?'EDWARDS.'BecauseIthinkIshouldhavehadamucheasierlifethanminehasbeen.Ishouldhavebeenaparson,andhadagoodliving,likeBloxamandseveral

others,andlivedcomfortably.'JOHNSON.'Sir,thelifeofaparson,ofaconscientiousclergyman,isnoteasy.Ihavealwaysconsideredaclergymanasthefatherofalargerfamilythanheisabletomaintain.IwouldratherhaveChancerysuitsuponmyhandsthanthecureofsouls.No,Sir,Idonotenvyaclergyman'slifeasaneasylife,nordoIenvytheclergymanwhomakesitaneasylife.'Heretakinghimselfupallofasudden,heexclaimed,'O!Mr.Edwards!I'llconvinceyouthatIrecollectyou.DoyourememberourdrinkingtogetheratanalehousenearPembrokegate?Atthattime,youtoldmeoftheEtonboy,who,whenversesonourSAVIOUR'Sturningwaterintowinewereprescribedasanexercise,broughtupasingleline,whichwashighlyadmired,--

"ViditeterubuitlymphapudicaDEUM,"

andItoldyouofanotherfinelineinCamden'sRemains,aneulogyupononeofourKings,whowassucceededbyhisson,aprinceofequalmerit:--

"Miracano,Soloccubuit,noxnullasecutaest."'



*Johnsonsaidtomeafterwards,'Sir,theyrespectedmeformyliterature:andyetitwasnotgreatbutbycomparison.Sir,itisamazinghowlittleliteraturethereisintheworld.'--BOSWELL

EDWARDS.'Youareaphilosopher,Dr.Johnson.Ihavetriedtooinmytimetobeaphilosopher;but,Idon'tknowhow,cheerfulnesswasalwaysbreakingin.'--Mr.Burke,SirJoshuaReynolds,Mr.Courtenay,Mr.Malone,and,indeed,alltheeminentmentowhomIhavementionedthis,havethoughtitanexquisitetraitofcharacter.Thetruthis,thatphilosophy,likereligion,istoogenerallysupposedtobehardandsevere,atleastsograveastoexcludeallgaiety.

EDWARDS.'Ihavebeentwicemarried,Doctor.You,Isuppose,haveneverknownwhatitwastohaveawife.'JOHNSON.'Sir,Ihaveknownwhatitwastohaveawife,and(inasolemn,tender,faulteringtone)IhaveknownwhatitwastoLOSEAWIFE.--Ithadalmostbrokemyheart.'

EDWARDS.'Howdoyoulive,Sir?Formypart,Imusthavemyregularmeals,andaglassofgoodwine.IfindIrequireit.'JOHNSON.'Inowdrinknowine,Sir.EarlyinlifeIdrankwine:formanyyearsIdranknone.Ithenforsomeyearsdrankagreatdeal.'EDWARDS.'Somehogs-heads,Iwarrantyou.'JOHNSON.'Ithenhadasevereillness,andleftitoff,andIhaveneverbegunitagain.Ineverfeltany

differenceuponmyselffromeatingonethingratherthananother,norfromonekindofweatherratherthananother.Therearepeople,Ibelieve,whofeeladifference;butIamnotoneofthem.Andastoregularmeals,IhavefastedfromtheSunday'sdinnertotheTuesday'sdinner,withoutanyinconvenience.Ibelieveitisbesttoeatjustasoneishungry:butamanwhoisinbusiness,oramanwhohasafamily,musthavestatedmeals.Iamastraggler.ImayleavethistownandgotoGrandCairo,withoutbeingmissedhereorobservedthere.'EDWARDS.'Don'tyoueatsupper,Sir?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir.'EDWARDS.'Formypart,now,Iconsidersupperasaturnpikethroughwhichonemustpass,inordertogettobed.'

JOHNSON.'Youarealawyer,Mr.Edwards.Lawyersknowlifepractically.

Abookishmanshouldalwayshavethemtoconversewith.Theyhavewhathewants.'EDWARDS.'Iamgrownold:Iamsixty-five.'JOHNSON.'Ishallbesixty-eightnextbirth-day.Come,Sir,drinkwater,andputinforahundred.'

ThisinterviewconfirmedmyopinionofJohnson'smosthumaneandbenevolentheart.Hiscordialandplacidbehaviourtoanoldfellow-collegian,amansodifferentfromhimself;andhistellinghimthathewouldgodowntohisfarmandvisithim,showedakindnessofdispositionveryrareatanadvancedage.Heobserved,'howwonderfulitwasthattheyhadbothbeeninLondonfortyyears,withouthavingeveroncemet,andbothwalkersinthestreettoo!'Mr.Edwards,whengoingaway,againrecurredtohisconsciousnessofsenility,andlookingfull

inJohnson'sface,saidtohim,'You'llfindinDr.Young,

"Omycoevals!remnantsofyourselves."'

Johnsondidnotrelishthisatall;butshookhisheadwithimpatience.Edwardswalkedoff,seeminglyhighlypleasedwiththehonourofhavingbeenthusnoticedbyDr.Johnson.Whenhewasgone,IsaidtoJohnson,Ithoughthimbutaweakman.JOHNSON.'Why,yes,Sir.Hereisamanwho



haspassedthroughlifewithoutexperience:yetIwouldratherhavehimwithmethanamoresensiblemanwhowillnottalkreadily.Thismanisalwayswillingtosaywhathehastosay.'YetDr.Johnsonhadhimselfbynomeansthatwillingnesswhichhepraisedsomuch,andIthinksojustly;forwhohasnotfeltthepainfuleffectofthedrearyvoid,whenthereisatotalsilenceinacompany,foranylengthoftime;or,whichisasbad,orperhapsworse,whentheconversationiswithdifficultykeptupbyaperpetualeffort?

Johnsononceobservedtome,'TomTyersdescribedmethebest:"Sir,(saidhe,)youarelikeaghost:youneverspeaktillyouarespokento."'

ThegentlemanwhomhethusfamiliarlymentionedwasMr.ThomasTyers,sonofMr.JonathanTyers,thefounderofthatexcellentplaceofpublickamusement,VauxhallGardens,whichmusteverbeanestatetoitsproprietor,asitispeculiarlyadaptedtothetasteoftheEnglishnation;therebeingamixtureofcuriousshow,--gayexhibition,musick,vocalandinstrumental,nottoorefinedforthegeneralear;--forallwhichonlyashillingispaid;and,thoughlast,notleast,goodeatinganddrinkingforthosewhochoosetopurchasethatregale.Mr.ThomasTyerswasbredtothelaw;buthavingahandsomefortune,vivacityoftemper,andeccentricityofmind,hecouldnotconfinehimselftotheregularityofpractice.Hethereforeranabouttheworldwithapleasant

carelessness,amusingeverybodybyhisdesultoryconversation.Heaboundedinanecdote,butwasnotsufficientlyattentivetoaccuracy.IthereforecannotventuretoavailmyselfmuchofabiographicalsketchofJohnsonwhichhepublished,beingoneamongthevariouspersonsambitiousofappendingtheirnamestothatofmyillustriousfriend.Thatsketchis,however,anentertaininglittlecollectionoffragments.ThosewhichhepublishedofPopeandAddisonareofhighermerit;buthisfamemustchieflyrestuponhisPoliticalConferences,inwhichheintroducesseveraleminentpersonsdeliveringtheirsentimentsinthewayofdialogue,anddiscoversaconsiderableshareoflearning,variousknowledge,anddiscernmentofcharacter.ThismuchmayIbeallowedtosayofamanwhowasexceedinglyobligingtome,andwholivedwithDr.Johnsoninaseasyamannerasalmostanyofhisverynumerous

acquaintance.

Mr.Edwardshadsaidtomeaside,thatDr.Johnsonshouldhavebeenofaprofession.IrepeatedtheremarktoJohnsonthatImighthavehisownthoughtsonthesubject.JOHNSON.'Sir,itWOULDhavebeenbetterthatIhadbeenofaprofession.Ioughttohavebeenalawyer.'BOSWELL.'Idonotthink,Sir,itwouldhavebeenbetter,forweshouldnothavehadtheEnglishDictionary.'JOHNSON.'ButyouwouldhavehadReports.'BOSWELL.'Ay;buttherewouldnothavebeenanother,whocouldhavewrittentheDictionary.TherehavebeenmanyverygoodJudges.SupposeyouhadbeenLordChancellor;youwouldhavedeliveredopinionswithmoreextentofmind,andinamoreornamentedmanner,thanperhapsanyChancelloreverdid,oreverwilldo.But,Ibelieve,causeshavebeen

asjudiciouslydecidedasyoucouldhavedone.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir.Propertyhasbeenaswellsettled.'

Johnson,however,hadanobleambitionfloatinginhismind,andhad,undoubtedly,oftenspeculatedonthepossibilityofhissupereminentpowersbeingrewardedinthisgreatandliberalcountrybythehighesthonoursofthestate.SirWilliamScottinformsme,thatuponthedeathofthelateLordLichfield,whowasChancelloroftheUniversityofOxford,hesaidtoJohnson,'Whatapityitis,Sir,thatyoudidnotfollowtheprofessionofthelaw.YoumighthavebeenLordChancellorof



GreatBritain,andattainedtothedignityofthepeerage;andnowthatthetitleofLichfleld,yournativecity,isextinct,youmighthavehadit.'Johnson,uponthis,seemedmuchagitated;and,inanangrytone,exclaimed,'Whywillyouvexmebysuggestingthis,whenitistoolate?'

Buthedidnotrepineattheprosperityofothers.ThelateDr.ThomasLeland,toldMr.Courtenay,thatwhenMr.EdmundBurkeshewedJohnsonhisfinehouseandlandsnearBeaconsfield,Johnsoncoollysaid,'Nonequideminvideo;mirormagis.'*

*IamnotentirelywithoutsuspicionthatJohnsonmayhavefeltalittlemomentaryenvy;fornomanlovedthegoodthingsofthislifebetterthanhedidandhecouldnotbutbeconsciousthathedeservedamuchlargershareofthem,thanheeverhad.--BOSWELL.

YetnomanhadahighernotionofthedignityofliteraturethanJohnson,orwasmoredeterminedinmaintainingtherespectwhichhejustlyconsideredasduetoit.Ofthis,besidesthegeneraltenorofhisconductinsociety,somecharacteristicalinstancesmaybementioned.

HetoldSirJoshuaReynolds,thatoncewhenhedinedinanumerous

companyofbooksellers,wheretheroombeingsmall,theheadofthetable,atwhichhesat,wasalmostclosetothefire,heperseveredinsufferingagreatdealofinconveniencefromtheheat,ratherthanquithisplace,andletoneofthemsitabovehim.

Goldsmith,inhisdivertingsimplicity,complainedoneday,inamixedcompany,ofLordCamden.'Imethim(saidhe,)atLordClare'shouseinthecountry,andhetooknomorenoticeofmethanifIhadbeenanordinaryman.Thecompanyhavinglaughedheartily,Johnsonstoodforthindefenceofhisfriend.'Nay,Gentlemen,(saidhe,)Dr.Goldsmithisintheright.AnoblemanoughttohavemadeuptosuchamanasGoldsmith;andIthinkitismuchagainstLordCamdenthatheneglectedhim.'

Norcouldhepatientlyenduretohearthatsuchrespectashethoughtdueonlytohigherintellectualqualities,shouldbebestowedonmenofslighter,thoughperhapsmoreamusingtalents.Itoldhim,thatonemorning,whenIwenttobreakfastwithGarrick,whowasveryvainofhisintimacywithLordCamden,heaccostedmethus:--'Praynow,didyou--didyoumeetalittlelawyerturningthecorner,eh?'--'No,Sir,(saidI).Praywhatdoyoumeanbythequestion?'--'Why,(repliedGarrick,withanaffectedindifference,yetasifstandingontip-toe,)LordCamdenhasthismomentleftme.Wehavehadalongwalktogether.'JOHNSON.'Well,Sir,Garricktalkedveryproperly.LordCamdenWASALITTLELAWYERtobeassociatingsofamiliarlywithaplayer.'

SirJoshuaReynoldsobserved,withgreattruth,thatJohnsonconsideredGarricktobeasitwerehisPROPERTY.HewouldallownomaneithertoblameortopraiseGarrickinhispresence,withoutcontradictinghim.

Havingfallenintoaveryseriousframeofmind,inwhichmutualexpressionsofkindnesspassedbetweenus,suchaswouldbethoughttoovaininmetorepeat,Italkedwithregretofthesadinevitablecertaintythatoneofusmustsurvivetheother.JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,thatisanaffectingconsideration.IrememberSwift,inoneofhisletterstoPope,says,"Iintendtocomeover,thatwemaymeetonce



more;andwhenwemustpart,itiswhathappenstoallhumanbeings."'BOSWELL.'Thehopethatweshallseeourdepartedfriendsagainmustsupportthemind.'JOHNSON.'Whyyes,Sir.'BOSWELL.'Thereisastrangeunwillingnesstopartwithlife,independentofseriousfearsastofuturity.Areverendfriendofours(naminghim)tellsme,thathefeelsanuneasinessatthethoughtsofleavinghishouse,hisstudy,hisbooks.'JOHNSON.'Thisisfoolishin*****.Amanneednotbeuneasyonthesegrounds;for,ashewillretainhisconsciousness,hemaysaywiththephilosopher,Omniameamecumporto.'BOSWELL.'True,Sir:wemaycarryourbooksinourheads;butstillthereissomethingpainfulinthethoughtofleavingforeverwhathasgivenuspleasure.Iremember,manyyearsago,whenmyimaginationwaswarm,andIhappenedtobeinamelancholymood,itdistressedmetothinkofgoingintoastateofbeinginwhichShakspeare'spoetrydidnotexist.AladywhomIthenmuchadmired,averyamiablewoman,humouredmyfancy,andrelievedmebysaying,"Thefirstthingyouwillmeetintheotherworld,willbeanelegantcopyofShakspeare'sworkspresentedtoyou."'Dr.Johnsonsmiledbenignantlyatthis,anddidnotappeartodisapproveofthenotion.

WewenttoSt.Clement'schurchagainintheafternoon,andthenreturnedanddrankteaandcoffeeinMrs.Williams'sroom;Mrs.Desmoulinsdoingthehonoursofthetea-table.Iobservedthathewouldnotevenlookataproof-sheetofhisLifeofWalleronGood-Friday.

OnSaturday,April14,Idrankteawithhim.HepraisedthelateMr.Duncombe,ofCanterbury,asapleasingman.'Heusedtocometome:IdidnotseekmuchafterHIM.IndeedIneversoughtmuchafteranybody.'BOSWELL.'LordOrrery,Isuppose.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir;Ineverwenttohimbutwhenhesentforme.'BOSWELL.'Richardson?'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir.ButIsoughtafterGeorgePsalmanazarthemost.Iusedtogoandsitwithhimatanalehouseinthecity.'

IamhappytomentionanotherinstancewhichIdiscoveredofhisSEEKINGAFTERamanofmerit.SoonaftertheHonourableDainesBarringtonhadpublishedhisexcellentObservationsontheStatutes,Johnsonwaitedonthatworthyandlearnedgentleman;and,havingtoldhimhisname,

courteouslysaid,'Ihavereadyourbook,Sir,withgreatpleasure,andwishtobebetterknowntoyou.'Thusbegananacquaintance,whichwascontinuedwithmutualregardaslongasJohnsonlived.

Talkingofarecentseditiousdelinquent,hesaid,'Theyshouldsethiminthepillory,thathemaybepunishedinawaythatwoulddisgracehim.'Iobserved,thatthepillorydoesnotalwaysdisgrace.AndImentionedaninstanceofagentlemanwhoIthoughtwasnotdishonouredbyit.JOHNSON.'Ay,buthewas,Sir.Hecouldnotmouthandstrutasheusedtodo,afterhavingbeenthere.Peoplearenotwillingtoaskamantotheirtableswhohasstoodinthepillory.'

JohnsonattackedtheAmericanswithintemperatevehemenceofabuse.I

saidsomethingintheirfavour;andadded,thatIwasalwayssorrywhenhetalkedonthatsubject.This,itseems,exasperatedhim;thoughhesaidnothingatthetime.Thecloudwaschargedwithsulphureousvapour,whichwasafterwardstoburstinthunder.--WetalkedofagentlemanwhowasrunningouthisfortuneinLondon;andIsaid,'Wemustgethimoutofit.Allhisfriendsmustquarrelwithhim,andthatwillsoondrivehimaway.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir;we'llsendYOUtohim.Ifyourcompanydoesnotdriveamanoutofhishouse,nothingwill.'Thiswasahorribleshock,forwhichtherewasnovisiblecause.Iafterwardsaskedhimwhyhehadsaidsoharshathing.JOHNSON.Because,Sir,youmade



supposehemeantthisasaplayuponthewordtoy:itwasthefirsttimethatIknewhimstooptosuchsport.Afterhehadbeensometimeintheshop,hesentformetocomeoutofthecoach,andhelphimtochooseapairofsilverbuckles,asthosehehadweretoosmall.ProbablythisalterationindresshadbeensuggestedbyMrs.Thrale,byassociatingwithwhom,hisexternalappearancewasmuchimproved.Hegotbettercloaths;andthedarkcolour,fromwhichheneverdeviated,wasenlivenedbymetalbuttons.Hiswigs,too,weremuchbetter;andduringtheirtravelsinFrance,hewasfurnishedwithaParis-madewig,ofhandsomeconstruction.Thischoosingofsilverbuckleswasanegociation:'Sir,(saidhe,)Iwillnothavetheridiculouslargeonesnowinfashion;andIwillgivenomorethanaguineaforapair.'SuchwerethePRINCIPLESofthebusiness;and,aftersomeexamination,hewasfitted.Aswedrovealong,Ifoundhiminatalkinghumour,ofwhichIavailedmyself.BOSWELL.'IwasthismorninginRidley'sshop,Sir;andwastold,thatthecollectioncalledJohnsonianahassoldverymuch.'JOHNSON.'YettheJourneytotheHebrideshasnothadagreatsale.'BOSWELL.'Thatisstrange.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;forinthatbookIhavetoldtheworldagreatdealthattheydidnotknowbefore.'

BOSWELL.'Idrankchocolate,Sir,thismorningwithMr.Eld;and,tomynosmallsurprize,foundhimtobeaStaffordshireWhig,abeingwhichIdidnotbelievehadexisted.'JOHNSON.'Sir,therearerascalsinallcountries.'BOSWELL.'Eldsaid,aTorywasacreaturegeneratedbetween

anon-juringparsonandone'sgrandmother.'JOHNSON.'AndIhavealwayssaid,thefirstWhigwastheDevil.'BOSWELL.'Hecertainlywas,Sir.TheDevilwasimpatientofsubordination;hewasthefirstwhoresistedpower:--

"BettertoreigninHell,thanserveinHeaven."'

AtGeneralPaoli'swereSirJoshuaReynolds,Mr.Langton,MarcheseGherardiofLombardy,andMr.JohnSpottiswoodetheyounger,ofSpottiswoode,thesolicitor.

Wetalkedofdrinkingwine.JOHNSON.'IrequirewineonlywhenIamalone.Ihavethenoftenwishedforit,andoftentakenit.'SPOTTISWOODE.'What,bywayofacompanion,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Togetridofmyself,tosendmyselfaway.Winegivesgreatpleasure;andeverypleasureisofitselfagood.Itisagood,unlesscounterbalancedbyevil.Amanmayhaveastrongreasonnottodrinkwine;andthatmaybegreaterthanthepleasure.Winemakesamanbetterpleasedwithhimself.Idonotsaythatitmakeshimmorepleasingtoothers.Sometimesitdoes.Butthedangeris,thatwhileamangrowsbetterpleasedwithhimself,hemaybegrowinglesspleasingtoothers.Winegivesamannothing.Itneithergiveshimknowledgenorwit;itonlyanimatesaman,andenableshimtobringoutwhatadreadofthecompanyhadrepressed.Itonlyputsinmotionwhathasbeenlockedupinfrost.Butthismay

begood,oritmaybebad.'SPOTTISWOODE.'So,Sir,wineisakeywhichopensabox;butthisboxmaybeeitherfullorempty.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,conversationisthekey:wineisapick-lock,whichforcesopentheboxandinjuresit.Amanshouldcultivatehismindsoastohavethatconfidenceandreadinesswithoutwine,whichwinegives.'BOSWELL.'Thegreatdifficultyofresistingwineisfrombenevolence.Forinstance,agoodworthymanasksyoutotastehiswine,whichhehashadtwentyyearsinhiscellar.'JOHNSON.'Sir,allthisnotionaboutbenevolencearisesfromaman'simagininghimselftobeofmoreimportancetoothers,thanhereallyis.Theydon'tcareafarthingwhetherhedrinks



wineornot.'SIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS.'Yes,theydoforthetime.'JOHNSON.'Forthetime!--Iftheycarethisminute,theyforgetitthenext.Andasforthegoodworthyman;howdoyouknowheisgoodandworthy?Nogoodandworthymanwillinsistuponanotherman'sdrinkingwine.Astothewinetwentyyearsinthecellar,--oftenmen,threesaythis,merelybecausetheymustsaysomething;--threearetellingalie,whentheysaytheyhavehadthewinetwentyyears;--threewouldrathersavethewine;--one,perhaps,cares.Iallowitissomethingtopleaseone'scompany:andpeoplearealwayspleasedwiththosewhopartakepleasurewiththem.Butafteramanhasbroughthimselftorelinquishthegreatpersonalpleasurewhicharisesfromdrinkingwine,anyotherconsiderationisatrifle.Topleaseothersbydrinkingwine,issomethingonly,iftherebenothingagainstit.Ishould,however,besorrytooffendworthymen:--

"Curstbetheverse,howwellsoe'eritflow,Thattendstomakeoneworthymanmyfoe."'

BOSWELL.'CurstbetheSPRING,theWATER.'JOHNSON.'Butletusconsiderwhatasadthingitwouldbe,ifwewereobligedtodrinkordoanythingelsethatmayhappentobeagreeabletothecompanywhereweare.'LANGTON.'Bythesameruleyoumustjoinwithagangofcut-purses.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir:butyetwemustdojusticetowine;wemustallowitthepoweritpossesses.Tomakeamanpleasedwithhimself,letmetell

you,isdoingaverygreatthing;

"Sipatriaevolumus,siNobisviverecari."'

Iwasatthistimemyselfawater-drinker,upontrial,byJohnson'srecommendation.JOHNSON.'BoswellisaboldercombatantthanSirJoshua:hearguesforwinewithoutthehelpofwine;butSirJoshuawithit.'SIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS.'Buttopleaseone'scompanyisastrongmotive.'JOHNSON.(who,fromdrinkingonlywater,supposedeverybodywhodrankwinetobeelevated,)'Iwon'targueanymorewithyou,Sir.Youaretoofargone.'SIRJOSHUA.'Ishouldhavethoughtsoindeed,Sir,hadImade

suchaspeechasyouhavenowdone.'JOHNSON.(drawinghimselfin,and,Ireallythoughtblushing,)'Nay,don'tbeangry.Ididnotmeantooffendyou.'SIRJOSHUA.'Atfirstthetasteofwinewasdisagreeabletome;butIbroughtmyselftodrinkit,thatImightbelikeotherpeople.Thepleasureofdrinkingwineissoconnectedwithpleasingyourcompany,thataltogetherthereissomethingofsocialgoodnessinit.'JOHNSON.'Sir,thisisonlysayingthesamethingoveragain.'SIRJOSHUA.'No,thisisnew.'JOHNSON.'Youputitinnewwords,butitisanoldthought.Thisisoneofthedisadvantagesofwine.Itmakesamanmistakewordsforthoughts.'BOSWELL.'Ithinkitisanewthought;atleast,itisinanewATTITUDE.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,itisonlyinanewcoat;oranoldcoatwithanewfacing.(Thenlaughingheartily,)Itistheolddoginanewdoublet.--Anextraordinaryinstancehowever

mayoccurwhereaman'spatronwilldonothingforhim,unlesshewilldrink:THEREmaybeagoodreasonfordrinking.'

Imentionedanobleman,whoIbelievedwasreallyuneasyifhiscompanywouldnotdrinkhard.JOHNSON.'Thatisfromhavinghadpeopleabouthimwhomhehasbeenaccustomedtocommand.'BOSWELL.'SupposingIshouldbetete-a-tetewithhimattable.'JOHNSON.'Sir,thereisnomorereasonforyourdrinkingwithHIM,thanhisbeingsoberwithYOU.'BOSWELL.'Why,thatistrue;foritwoulddohimlesshurttobesober,thanitwoulddometogetdrunk.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;andfromwhatIhave



heardofhim,onewouldnotwishtosacrificehimselftosuchaman.Ifhemustalwayshavesomebodytodrinkwithhim,heshouldbuyaslave,andthenhewouldbesuretohaveit.Theywhosubmittodrinkasanotherpleases,makethemselveshisslaves.'Boswell.'But,Sir,youwillsurelymakeallowanceforthedutyofhospitality.Agentlemanwholovesdrinking,comestovisitme.'JOHNSON.'Sir,amanknowswhomhevisits;hecomestothetableofasoberman.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,youandIshouldnothavebeensowellreceivedintheHighlandsandHebrides,ifIhadnotdrunkwithourworthyfriends.HadIdrunkwateronlyasyoudid,theywouldnothavebeensocordial.'JOHNSON.'SirWilliamTemplementionsthatinhistravelsthroughtheNetherlandshehadtwoorthreegentlemenwithhim;andwhenabumperwasnecessary,heputitonTHEM.WereItotravelagainthroughtheislands,IwouldhaveSirJoshuawithmetotakethebumpers.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,letmeputacase.SupposeSirJoshuashouldtakeajauntintoScotland;hedoesmethehonourtopaymeavisitatmyhouseinthecountry;Iamoverjoyedatseeinghim;wearequitebyourselves,shallIunsociablyandchurlishlylethimsitdrinkingbyhimself?No,no,mydearSirJoshua,youshallnotbetreatedso,IWILLtakeabottlewithyou.'

OnWednesday,April29,IdinedwithhimatMr.AllanRamsay's,wherewereLordBinning,Dr.Robertsonthehistorian,SirJoshuaReynolds,andtheHonourableMrs.Boscawen,widowoftheAdmiral,andmotherofthepresentViscountFalmouth;ofwhom,ifitbenotpresumptuousinmeto

praiseher,Iwouldsay,thathermannersarethemostagreeable,andherconversationthebest,ofanyladywithwhomIeverhadthehappinesstobeacquainted.BeforeJohnsoncamewetalkedagooddealofhim;Ramsaysaidhehadalwaysfoundhimaverypoliteman,andthathetreatedhimwithgreatrespect,whichhedidverysincerely.IsaidIworshippedhim.ROBERTSON.'Butsomeofyouspoilhim;youshouldnotworshiphim;youshouldworshipnoman.'BOSWELL.'Icannothelpworshippinghim,heissomuchsuperiourtoothermen.'ROBERTSON.Incriticism,andinwitinconversation,heisnodoubtveryexcellent;butinotherrespectsheisnotaboveothermen;hewillbelieveanything,andwillstrenuouslydefendthemostminutecircumstanceconnectedwiththeChurchofEngland.'BOSWELL.'Believeme,Doctor,youaremuchmistakenastothis;forwhenyoutalkwithhimcalmlyin

private,heisveryliberalinhiswayofthinking.'ROBERTSON.'HeandIhavebeenalwaysverygracious;thefirsttimeImethimwasoneeveningatStrahan's,whenhehadjusthadanunluckyaltercationwithAdamSmith,towhomhehadbeensorough,thatStrahan,afterSmithwasgone,hadremonstratedwithhim,andtoldhimthatIwascomingsoon,andthathewasuneasytothinkthathemightbehaveinthesamemannertome."No,no,Sir,(saidJohnson,)IwarrantyouRobertsonandIshalldoverywell."Accordinglyhewasgentleandgood-humoured,andcourteouswithmethewholeevening;andhehasbeensouponeveryoccasionthatwehavemetsince.Ihaveoftensaid(laughing,)thatIhavebeeninagreatmeasureindebtedtoSmithformygoodreception.'BOSWELL.'Hispowerofreasoningisverystrong,andhehasapeculiarartofdrawingcharacters,whichisasrareasgoodportraitpainting.'

SIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS.'Heisundoubtedlyadmirableinthis;but,inordertomarkthecharacterswhichhedraws,heoverchargesthem,andgivespeoplemorethantheyreallyhave,whetherofgoodorbad.'

Nosoonerdidhe,ofwhomwehadbeenthustalkingsoeasily,arrive,thanwewereallasquietasaschoolupontheentranceofthehead-master;andwereverysoonsetdowntoatablecoveredwithsuchvarietyofgoodthings,ascontributednotalittletodisposehimtobepleased.



RAMSAY.'IamoldenoughtohavebeenacontemporaryofPope.Hispoetrywashighlyadmiredinhislife-time,moreagreatdealthanafterhisdeath.'JOHNSON.'Sir,ithasnotbeenlessadmiredsincehisdeath;noauthourseverhadsomuchfameintheirownlife-timeasPopeandVoltaire;andPope'spoetryhasbeenasmuchadmiredsincehisdeathasduringhislife;ithasonlynotbeenasmuchtalkedof,butthatisowingtoitsbeingnowmoredistant,andpeoplehavingotherwritingstotalkof.VirgilislesstalkedofthanPope,andHomerislesstalkedofthanVirgil;buttheyarenotlessadmired.Wemustreadwhattheworldreadsatthemoment.Ithasbeenmaintainedthatthissuperfoetation,thisteemingofthepressinmoderntimes,isprejudicialtogoodliterature,becauseitobligesustoreadsomuchofwhatisofinferiourvalue,inordertobeinthefashion;sothatbetterworksareneglectedforwantoftime,becauseamanwillhavemoregratificationofhisvanityinconversation,fromhavingreadmodernbooks,thanfromhavingreadthebestworksofantiquity.Butitmustbeconsidered,thatwehavenowmoreknowledgegenerallydiffused;allourladiesreadnow,whichisagreatextension.Modernwritersarethemoonsofliterature;theyshinewithreflectedlight,withlightborrowedfromtheancients.Greeceappearstometobethefountainofknowledge;Romeofelegance.'RAMSAY.'IsupposeHomer'sIliadtobeacollectionofpieceswhichhadbeenwrittenbeforehistime.IshouldliketoseeatranslationofitinpoeticalproselikethebookofRuthorJob.'ROBERTSON.'Wouldyou,Dr.Johnson,whoaremasteroftheEnglishlanguage,buttryyourhand

uponapartofit.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youcouldnotreaditwithoutthepleasureofverse.

Dr.Robertsonexpatiatedonthecharacterofacertainnobleman;thathewasoneofthestrongest-mindedmenthateverlived;thathewouldsitincompanyquitesluggish,whiletherewasnothingtocallforthhisintellectualvigour;butthemomentthatanyimportantsubjectwasstarted,forinstance,howthiscountryistobedefendedagainstaFrenchinvasion,hewouldrousehimself,andshewhisextraordinarytalentswiththemostpowerfulabilityandanimation.JOHNSON.'Yetthismancuthisownthroat.Thetruestrongandsoundmindisthemindthatcanembraceequallygreatthingsandsmall.NowIamtoldtheKingofPrussiawillsaytoaservant,"Bringmeabottleofsuchawine,which

cameinsuchayear;itliesinsuchacornerofthecellars."Iwouldhaveamangreatingreatthings,andelegantinlittlethings.'Hesaidtomeafterwards,whenwewerebyourselves,'Robertsonwasinamightyromantickhumour,hetalkedofonewhomhedidnotknow;butIDOWNEDhimwiththeKingofPrussia.''Yes,Sir,(saidI,)youthrewaBOTTLEathishead.'

Aningeniousgentlemanwasmentioned,concerningwhombothRobertsonandRamsayagreedthathehadaconstantfirmnessofmind;forafteralaboriousday,andamidstamultiplicityofcaresandanxieties,hewouldsitdownwithhissistersandhequitecheerfulandgood-humoured.Suchadisposition,itwasobserved,wasahappygiftofnature.JOHNSON.'Idonotthinkso;amanhasfromnatureacertainportionof

mind;theusehemakesofitdependsuponhisownfreewill.ThatamanhasalwaysthesamefirmnessofmindIdonotsay;becauseeverymanfeelshismindlessfirmatonetimethananother;butIthinkaman'sbeinginagoodorbadhumourdependsuponhiswill.'I,however,couldnothelpthinkingthataman'shumourisoftenuncontroulablebyhiswill.

Nextday,Thursday,April30,Ifoundhimathomebyhimself.JOHNSON.'Well,Sir,Ramsaygaveusasplendiddinner.IloveRamsay.Youwillnotfindamaninwhoseconversationthereismoreinstruction,more



information,andmoreelegance,thaninRamsay's.'BOSWELL.'WhatIadmireinRamsay,ishiscontinuingtobesoyoung.'JOHNSON.'Why,yes,Sir,itistobeadmired.Ivaluemyselfuponthis,thatthereisnothingoftheoldmaninmyconversation.Iamnowsixty-eight,andIhavenomoreofitthanattwenty-eight.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,wouldnotyouwishtoknowoldage?Hewhoisneveranoldman,doesnotknowthewholeofhumanlife;foroldageisoneofthedivisionsofit.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,whattalkisthis?'BOSWELL.'Imean,Sir,theSphinx'sdescriptionofit;--morning,noon,andnight.Iwouldknownight,aswellasmorningandnoon.'JOHNSON.'What,Sir,wouldyouknowwhatitistofeeltheevilsofoldage?Wouldyouhavethegout?Wouldyouhavedecrepitude?'--Seeinghimheated,Iwouldnotargueanyfarther;butIwasconfidentthatIwasintheright.Iwould,induetime,beaNestor,anelderofthepeople;andthereSHOULDbesomedifferencebetweentheconversationoftwenty-eightandsixty-eight.Agravepictureshouldnotbegay.Thereisaserene,solemn,placidoldage.JOHNSON.'Mrs.Thrale'smothersaidofmewhatflatteredmemuch.Aclergymanwascomplainingofwantofsocietyinthecountrywherehelived;andsaid,"TheytalkofRUNTS;"(thatis,youngcows)."Sir,(saidMrs.Salusbury,)Mr.Johnsonwouldlearntotalkofrunts:"meaningthatIwasamanwhowouldmakethemostofmysituation,whateveritwas.'Headded,'Ithinkmyselfaverypoliteman.'

OnSaturday,May2,IdinedwithhimatSirJoshuaReynolds's,where

therewasaverylargecompany,andagreatdealofconversation;butowingtosomecircumstancewhichIcannotnowrecollect,Ihavenorecordofanypartofit,exceptthattherewereseveralpeopletherebynomeansoftheJohnsonianschool;sothatlessattentionwaspaidtohimthanusual,whichputhimoutofhumour;anduponsomeimaginaryoffencefromme,heattackedmewithsuchrudeness,thatIwasvexedandangry,becauseitgavethosepersonsanopportunityofenlarginguponhissupposedferocity,andilltreatmentofhisbestfriends.Iwassomuchhurt,andhadmypridesomuchroused,thatIkeptawayfromhimforaweek;and,perhaps,mighthavekeptawaymuchlonger,nay,gonetoScotlandwithoutseeinghimagain,hadnotwefortunatelymetandbeenreconciled.Tosuchunhappychancesarehumanfriendshipsliable.

OnFriday,May8,IdinedwithhimatMr.Langton's.Iwasreservedandsilent,whichIsupposeheperceived,andmightrecollectthecause.AfterdinnerwhenMr.Langtonwascalledoutoftheroom,andwewerebyourselves,hedrewhischairneartomine,andsaid,inatoneofconciliatingcourtesy,'Well,howhaveyoudone?'Boswell.'Sir,youhavemademeveryuneasybyyourbehaviourtomewhenwewerelastatSirJoshuaReynolds's.Youknow,mydearSir,nomanhasagreaterrespectandaffectionforyou,orwouldsoonergototheendoftheworldtoserveyou.Nowtotreatmeso--.'HeinsistedthatIhadinterruptedhim,whichIassuredhimwasnotthecase;andproceeded--'Butwhytreatmesobeforepeoplewhoneitherloveyounorme?'JOHNSON.'Well,Iamsorryforit.I'llmakeituptoyoutwentydifferentways,asyouplease.'BOSWELL.'Isaidto-daytoSirJoshua,

whenheobservedthatyouTOSSEDmesometimes--Idon'tcarehowoften,orhowhighhetossesme,whenonlyfriendsarepresent,forthenIfalluponsoftground:butIdonotlikefallingonstones,whichisthecasewhenenemiesarepresent.--Ithinkthisaprettygoodimage,Sir.'JOHNSON.'Sir,itisoneofthehappiestIhaveeverheard.'

Thetruthis,therewasnovenominthewoundswhichheinflictedatanytime,unlesstheywereirritatedbysomemalignantinfusionbyotherhands.Wewereinstantlyascordialagainasever,andjoinedinheartylaughatsomeludicrousbutinnocentpeculiaritiesofoneofour



friends.BOSWELL.'Doyouthink,Sir,itisalwaysculpabletolaughatamantohisface?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thatdependsuponthemanandthething.Ifitisaslightman,andaslightthing,youmay;foryoutakenothingvaluablefromhim.'

WhenMr.Langtonreturnedtous,the'flowoftalk'wenton.Aneminentauthourbeingmentioned;--JOHNSON.'Heisnotapleasantman.Hisconversationisneitherinstructivenorbrilliant.Hedoesnottalkasifimpelledbyanyfulnessofknowledgeorvivacityofimagination.Hisconversationislikethatofanyothersensibleman.Hetalkswithnowisheithertoinformortohear,butonlybecausehethinksitdoesnotbecome------------tositinacompanyandsaynothing.'

Mr.LangtonhavingrepeatedtheanecdoteofAddisonhavingdistinguishedbetweenhispowersinconversationandinwriting,bysaying'Ihaveonlynine-penceinmypocket;butIcandrawforathousandpounds;'--JOHNSON.'Hehadnotthatretortready,Sir;hehadprepareditbefore-hand.'LANGTON.(turningtome,)'Afinesurmise.Setathieftocatchathief.'

JOHNSON.'Ishallbeathometo-morrow.'BOSWELL.'ThenletusdinebyourselvesattheMitre,tokeepuptheoldcustom,"thecustomofthemanor,"thecustomofthemitre.'JOHNSON.'Sir,soitshallbe.'

OnSaturday,May9,wefulfilledourpurposeofdiningbyourselvesattheMitre,accordingtooldcustom.Therewas,ontheseoccasions,alittlecircumstanceofkindattentiontoMrs.Williams,whichmustnotbeomitted.Beforecomingout,andleavinghertodinealone,hegaveherherchoiceofachicken,asweetbread,oranyotherlittlenicething,whichwascarefullysenttoherfromthetavern,ready-drest.

OnTuesday,May12,IwaitedontheEarlofMarchmont,toknowifhisLordshipwouldfavourDr.JohnsonwithinformationconcerningPope,whoseLifehewasabouttowrite.Johnsonhadnotflatteredhimselfwiththehopesofreceivinganycivilityfromthisnobleman;forhesaidtome,whenImentionedLordMarchmontasonewhocouldtellhimagreatdealaboutPope,--'Sir,hewilltellMEnothing.'Ihadthehonourof

beingknowntohisLordship,andappliedtohimofmyself,withoutbeingcommissionedbyJohnson.HisLordshipbehavedinthemostpoliteandobligingmanner,promisedtotellallherecollectedaboutPope,andwassoverycourteousastosay,'TellDr.JohnsonIhaveagreatrespectforhim,andamreadytoshewitinanywayIcan.Iamtobeinthecityto-morrow,andwillcallathishouseasIreturn.'HisLordshiphoweverasked,'WillhewritetheLivesofthePoetsimpartially?HewasthefirstthatbroughtWhigandToryintoaDictionary.AndwhatdoyouthinkofhisdefinitionofExcise?Doyouknowthehistoryofhisaversiontothewordtranspire?'ThentakingdownthefolioDictionary,hesheweditwiththiscensureonitssecondarysense:'"Toescapefromsecrecytonotice;asenselatelyinnovatedfromFrance,withoutnecessity."ThetruthwasLordBolingbroke,wholefttheJacobites,

firstusedit;therefore,itwastobecondemned.Heshouldhaveshewnwhatwordwoulddoforit,ifitwasunnecessary.'IafterwardsputthequestiontoJohnson:'Why,Sir,(saidhe,)GETABROAD.'BOSWELL.'That,Sir,isusingtwowords.'JOHNSON.'Sir,thereisnoendofthis.Youmayaswellinsisttohaveawordforoldage.'BOSWELL.'Well,Sir,Senectus.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,toinsistalwaysthatthereshouldbeonewordtoexpressathinginEnglish,becausethereisoneinanotherlanguage,istochangethelanguage.'

IproposedtoLordMarchmontthatheshouldreviseJohnson'sLife



ofPope:'So(saidhisLordship,)youwouldputmeinadangeroussituation.YouknowheknockeddownOsbornethebookseller.'

ElatedwiththesuccessofmyspontaneousexertiontoprocurematerialandrespectableaidtoJohnsonforhisveryfavouritework,TheLivesofthePoets,IhasteneddowntoMr.Thrale'satStreatham,wherehenowwas,thatImightinsurehisbeingathomenextday;andafterdinner,whenIthoughthewouldreceivethegoodnewsinthebesthumour,Iannouncediteagerly:'Ihavebeenatworkforyouto-day,Sir.IhavebeenwithLordMarchmont.Hebademetellyouhehasagreatrespectforyou,andwillcallonyouto-morrowatoneo'clock,andcommunicateallheknowsaboutPope.'--HereIpaused,infullexpectationthathewouldbepleasedwiththisintelligence,wouldpraisemyactivemerit,andwouldbealerttoembracesuchanofferfromanobleman.ButwhetherIhadshewnanover-exultation,whichprovokedhisspleen;orwhetherhewasseizedwithasuspicionthatIhadobtrudedhimonLordMarchmont,andhumbledhimtoomuch;orwhethertherewasanythingmorethananunluckyfitofill-humour,Iknownot;but,tomysurprize,theresultwas,--JOHNSON.'Ishallnotbeintownto-morrow.Idon'tcaretoknowaboutPope.'MRS.THRALE.(surprizedasIwas,andalittleangry,)'Isuppose,Sir,Mr.Boswellthought,thatasyouaretowritePope'sLife,youwouldwishtoknowabouthim.'JOHNSON.'Wish!whyyes.IfitrainedknowledgeI'dholdoutmyhand;butIwouldnotgivemyselfthetroubletogoinquestofit.'Therewasnoarguingwithhimatthemoment.Some

timeafterwardshesaid,'LordMarchmontwillcallonme,andthenIshallcallonLordMarchmont.'Mr.Thralewasuneasyathisunaccountablecaprice;andtoldme,thatifIdidnottakecaretobringaboutameetingbetweenLordMarchmontandhim,itwouldnevertakeplace,whichwouldbeagreatpity.IsentacardtohisLordship,tobeleftatJohnson'shouse,acquaintinghim,thatDr.Johnsoncouldnotbeintownnextday,butwoulddohimselfthehonourofwaitingonhimatanothertime.Igivethisaccountfairly,asaspecimenofthatunhappytemperwithwhichthisgreatandgoodmanhadoccasionallytostruggle,fromsomethingmorbidinhisconstitution.Letthemostcensoriousofmyreaderssupposehimselftohaveaviolentfitofthetooth-ach,ortohavereceivedaseverestrokeontheshin-bone,andwheninsuchastatetobeaskedaquestion;andifhehasanycandour,hewillnot

besurprizedattheanswerswhichJohnsonsometimesgaveinmomentsofirritation,which,letmeassurethem,isexquisitelypainful.Butitmustnotbeerroneouslysupposedthathewas,inthesmallestdegree,carelessconcerninganyworkwhichheundertook,orthathewasgenerallythuspeevish.Itwillbeseen,thatinthefollowingyearhehadaveryagreeableinterviewwithLordMarchmont,athisLordship'shouse;andthisveryafternoonhesoonforgotanyfretfulness,andfellintoconversationasusual.

JOHNSON.'HowfoolishwasitinPopetogiveallhisfriendshiptoLords,whothoughttheyhonouredhimbybeingwithhim;andtochoosesuchLordsasBurlington,andCobham,andBolingbroke!Bathurstwasnegative,apleasingman;andIhaveheardnoillofMarchmont;andthen

alwayssaying,"IdonotvalueyouforbeingaLord;"whichwasasureproofthathedid.Ineversay,IdonotvalueBoswellmoreforbeingborntoanestate,becauseIdonotcare.'BOSWELL.'NorforbeingaScotchman?'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,IdovalueyoumoreforbeingaScotchman.YouareaScotchmanwithoutthefaultsofaScotchman.Youwouldnothavebeensovaluableasyouare,hadyounotbeenaScotchman.'

Amongstthenumerousprintspastedonthewallsofthedining-roomatStreatham,wasHogarth's'ModernMidnightConversation.'Iaskedhim



whatheknewofParsonFord,whomakesaconspicuousfigureintheriotousgroup.JOHNSON.'Sir,hewasmyacquaintanceandrelation,mymother'snephew.Hehadpurchasedalivinginthecountry,butnotsimoniacally.Ineversawhimbutinthecountry.Ihavebeentoldhewasamanofgreatparts;veryprofligate,butIneverheardhewasimpious.'BOSWELL.'Wastherenotastoryofhisghosthavingappeared?'JOHNSON.'Sir,itwasbelieved.AwaiterattheHummums,inwhichhouseForddied,hadbeenabsentforsometime,andreturned,notknowingthatFordwasdead.Goingdowntothecellar,accordingtothestory,hemethim;goingdownagainhemethimasecondtime.Whenhecameup,heaskedsomeofthepeopleofthehousewhatFordcouldbedoingthere.TheytoldhimFordwasdead.Thewaitertookafever,inwhichhelayforsometime.Whenherecovered,hesaidhehadamessagetodelivertosomewomenfromFord;buthewasnottotellwhat,ortowhom.Hewalkedout;hewasfollowed;butsomewhereaboutSt.Paul'stheylosthim.Hecameback,andsaidhehaddeliveredthemessage,andthewomenexclaimed,"Thenweareallundone!"Dr.Pellet,whowasnotacredulousman,inquiredintothetruthofthisstory,andhesaid,theevidencewasirresistible.MywifewenttotheHummums;(itisaplacewherepeoplegetthemselvescupped.)IbelieveshewentwithintentiontohearaboutthisstoryofFord.Atfirsttheywereunwillingtotellher;but,aftertheyhadtalkedtoher,shecameawaysatisfiedthatitwastrue.Tobesurethemanhadafever;andthisvisionmayhavebeenthebeginningofit.Butifthemessagetothewomen,andtheirbehaviour

uponit,weretrueasrelated,therewassomethingsupernatural.Thatrestsuponhisword;andthereitremains.'

Istaidallthisday*withhimatStreatham.Hetalkedagreatdeal,inverygoodhumour.

*Wednesday,May13.--ED.

LookingatMessrs.Dilly'ssplendideditionofLordChesterfield'smiscellaneousworks,helaughed,andsaid,'Herenowaretwospeechesascribedtohim,bothofwhichwerewrittenbyme:andthebestofitis,theyhavefoundoutthatoneislikeDemosthenes,andtheotherlikeCicero.'

BOSWELL.'Isnotmodestynatural?'JOHNSON.'Icannotsay,Sir,aswefindnopeoplequiteinastateofnature;butIthinkthemoretheyaretaught,themoremodesttheyare.TheFrenchareagross,ill-bred,untaughtpeople;aladytherewillspitonthefloorandrubitwithherfoot.WhatIgainedbybeinginFrancewas,learningtobebettersatisfiedwithmyowncountry.Timemaybeemployedtomoreadvantagefromnineteentotwenty-fouralmostinanywaythanintravelling;whenyousettravellingagainstmerenegation,againstdoingnothing,itisbettertobesure;buthowmuchmorewouldayoungmanimprovewerehetostudyduringthoseyears.Indeed,ifayoungmaniswild,andmustrunafterwomenandbadcompany,itisbetterthisshouldbedoneabroad,as,onhisreturn,hecanbreakoffsuchconnections,andbegin

athomeanewman,withacharactertoform,andacquaintancestomake.Howlittledoestravellingsupplytotheconversationofanymanwhohastravelled;howlittletoBeauclerk!'BOSWELL.'WhatsayyoutoLord------?'JOHNSON.'Ineverbutonceheardhimtalkofwhathehadseen,andthatwasofalargeserpentinoneofthePyramidsofEgypt.'BOSWELL.'Well,Ihappenedtohearhimtellthesamething,whichmademementionhim.'

Italkedofacountrylife.JOHNSON.'WereItoliveinthecountry,Iwouldnotdevotemyselftotheacquisitionofpopularity;Iwouldlive



inamuchbetterway,muchmorehappily;Iwouldhavemytimeatmyowncommand.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,isitnotasadthingtobeatadistancefromallourliteraryfriends?'JOHNSON.'Sir,youwillbyandbyhaveenoughofthisconversation,whichnowdelightsyousomuch.'

Ashewasazealousfriendofsubordination,hewasatalltimeswatchfultorepressthevulgarcantagainstthemannersofthegreat;'Highpeople,Sir,(saidhe,)arethebest;takeahundredladiesofquality,you'llfindthembetterwives,bettermothers,morewillingtosacrificetheirownpleasuretotheirchildrenthanahundredotherwomen.Tradeswomen(Imeanthewivesoftradesmen)inthecity,whoareworthfromtentofifteenthousandpounds,aretheworstcreaturesupontheearth,grosslyignorant,andthinkingviciousnessfashionable.Farmers,Ithink,areoftenworthlessfellows.Fewlordswillcheat;and,iftheydo,they'llbeashamedofit:farmerscheatandarenotashamedofit:theyhaveallthesensualvicestooofthenobility,withcheatingintothebargain.Thereisasmuchfornicationandadulteryamongfarmersasamongstnoblemen.'BOSWELL.'Thenotionoftheworld,Sir,howeveris,thatthemoralsofwomenofqualityareworsethanthoseinlowerstations.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,thelicentiousnessofonewomanofqualitymakesmorenoisethanthatofanumberofwomeninlowerstations;then,Sir,youaretoconsiderthemalignityofwomeninthecityagainstwomenofquality,whichwillmakethembelieveanythingofthem,suchasthattheycalltheircoachmentobed.No,Sir,so

farasIhaveobserved,thehigherinrank,thericherladiesare,theyarethebetterinstructedandthemorevirtuous.'

OnTuesday,May19,IwastosetoutforScotlandintheevening.HewasengagedtodinewithmeatMr.Dilly's,Iwaiteduponhimtoremindhimofhisappointmentandattendhimthither;hegavemesomesalutarycounsel,andrecommendedvigorousresolutionagainstanydeviationfrommoralduty.BOSWELL.'Butyouwouldnothavemetobindmyselfbyasolemnobligation?'JOHNSON.(muchagitated,)'What!avow--O,no,Sir,avowisahorriblething,itisasnareforsin.ThemanwhocannotgotoHeavenwithoutavow--maygo--'Here,standingerect,inthemiddleofhislibrary,androllinggrand,hispausewastrulyacuriouscompoundofthesolemnandtheludicrous;hehalf-whistledinhisusual

way,whenpleasant,andhepaused,asifcheckedbyreligiousawe.Methoughthewouldhaveadded--toHell--butwasrestrained.Ihumouredthedilemma.'What!Sir,(saidI,)Incaelumjusserisibit?'alludingtohisimitationofit,--

'AndbidhimgotoHell,toHellhegoes.'

WehadaquietcomfortablemeetingatMr.Dilly's;nobodytherebutourselves.MyillustriousfriendandIpartedwithassurancesofaffectionateregard.

Mr.Langtonhasbeenpleased,atmyrequest,tofavourmewithsomeparticularsofDr.Johnson'svisittoWarley-camp,wherethisgentlemanwasatthetimestationedasaCaptainintheLincolnshiremilitia.Ishallgivetheminhisownwordsinalettertome.

'Itwasinthesummeroftheyear1778,thathecompliedwithmyinvitationtocomedowntotheCampatWarley,andhestaidwithmeaboutaweek;thesceneappeared,notwithstandingagreatdegreeofillhealththatheseemedtolabourunder,tointerestandamusehim,asagreeingwiththedispositionthatIbelieveyouknowheconstantly



manifestedtowardsenquiringintosubjectsofthemilitarykind.Hesate,withapatientdegreeofattention,toobservetheproceedingsofaregimentalcourt-martial,thathappenedtobecalled,inthetimeofhisstaywithus;andonenight,aslateasateleveno'clock,heaccompaniedtheMajoroftheregimentingoingwhatarestyledtheRounds,wherehemightobservetheformsofvisitingtheguards,fortheseeingthattheyandtheirsentriesarereadyintheirdutyontheirseveralposts.Hetookoccasiontoconverseattimesonmilitarytopicks,oneinparticular,thatIseethementionof,inyourJournalofaTourtotheHebrides,whichliesopenbeforeme,astogun-powder;whichhespokeoftothesameeffect,inpart,thatyourelate.

'Ononeoccasion,whentheregimentweregoingthroughtheirexercise,hewentquiteclosetothemenatoneoftheextremitiesofit,andwatchedalltheirpracticesattentively;and,whenhecameaway,hisremarkwas,"Themenindeeddoloadtheirmusketsandfirewithwonderfulcelerity."Hewaslikewiseparticularinrequiringtoknowwhatwastheweightofthemusquetballsinuse,andwithinwhatdistancetheymightbeexpectedtotakeeffectwhenfiredoff.

'Inwalkingamongthetents,andobservingthedifferencebetweenthoseoftheofficersandprivatemen,hesaidthatthesuperiorityofaccommodationofthebetterconditionsoflife,tothatoftheinferiourones,wasneverexhibitedtohiminsodistinctaview.Thecivilities

paidtohiminthecampwere,fromthegentlemenoftheLincolnshireregiment,oneoftheofficersofwhichaccommodatedhimwithatentinwhichheslept;andfromGeneralHall,whoverycourteouslyinvitedhimtodinewithhim,whereheappearedtobeverywellpleasedwithhisentertainment,andthecivilitieshereceivedonthepartoftheGeneral;theattentionlikewise,oftheGeneral'saide-de-camp,CaptainSmith,seemedtobeverywelcometohim,asappearedbytheirengaginginagreatdealofdiscoursetogether.'

Wesurelycannotbutadmirethebenevolentexertionsofthisgreatandgoodman,especiallywhenweconsiderhowgrievouslyhewasafflictedwithbadhealth,andhowuncomfortablehishomewasmadebytheperpetualjarringofthosewhomhecharitablyaccommodatedunderhis

roof.Hehassometimessufferedmetotalkjocularlyofhisgroupoffemales,andcallthemhisSeraglio.Hethusmentionsthem,togetherwithhonestLevett,inoneofhisletterstoMrs.Thrale:'Williamshateseverybody;LevetthatesDesmoulins,anddoesnotloveWilliams;Desmoulinshatesthemboth;Poll*lovesnoneofthem.'**

*MissCarmichael.

**Ayearlaterhewrote:AtBolt-courtthereismuchmalignity,butoflatelittlehostility.'--ED.

In1779,Johnsongavetheworldaluminousproofthatthevigourofhismindinallitsfaculties,whethermemory,judgement,orimagination,

wasnotintheleastabated;forthisyearcameoutthefirstfourvolumesofhisPrefaces,biographicalandcritical,tothemosteminentoftheEnglishPoets,publishedbythebooksellersofLondon.Theremainingvolumescameoutintheyear1780.ThePoetswereselectedbytheseveralbooksellerswhohadthehonorarycopyright,whichisstillpreservedamongthembymutualcompact,notwithstandingthedecisionoftheHouseofLordsagainsttheperpetuityofLiteraryProperty.Wehavehisownauthority,thatbyhisrecommendationthepoemsofBlackmore,Watts,Pomfret,andYalden,wereaddedtothecollection.



Onthe22ndofJanuary,Iwrotetohimonseveraltopicks,andmentionedthatashehadbeensogoodastopermitmetohavetheproofsheetsofhisLivesofthePoets,Ihadwrittentohisservant,Francis,totakecareofthemforme.

Onthe23rdofFebruaryIwrotetohimagain,complainingofhissilence,asIhadheardhewasill,andhadwrittentoMr.Thrale,forinformationconcerninghim;andIannouncedmyintentionofsoonbeingagaininLondon.


'DEARSIR,--Whyshouldyoutakesuchdelighttomakeabustle,towritetoMr.ThralethatIamnegligent,andtoFrancistodowhatissoveryunnecessary.Thrale,youmaybesure,carednotaboutit;andIshallspareFrancisthetrouble,byorderingasetbothoftheLivesandPoetstodearMrs.Boswell,*inacknowledgementofhermarmalade.Persuadehertoacceptthem,andacceptthemkindly.IfIthoughtshewouldreceivethemscornfully,IwouldsendthemtoMissBoswell,who,Ihope,hasyetnoneofhermamma'sill-willtome....

'Mrs.Thralewaitsinthecoach.Iam,dearSir,&c.,

'March13,1779.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

*Hesentasetelegantlyboundandgilt,whichwasreceivedasaveryhandsomepresent.--BOSWELL

ThislettercrossedmeontheroadtoLondon,whereIarrivedonMonday,March15,andnextmorningatalatehour,foundDr.Johnsonsittingoverhistea,attendedbyMrs.Desmoulins,Mr.Levett,andaclergyman,whohadcometosubmitsomepoeticalpiecestohisrevision.Itiswonderfulwhatanumberandvarietyofwriters,someofthemevenunknowntohim,prevailedonhisgood-naturetolookovertheirworks,

andsuggestcorrectionsandimprovements.MyarrivalinterruptedforalittlewhiletheimportantbusinessofthistruerepresentativeofBayes;uponitsbeingresumed,Ifoundthatthesubjectunderimmediateconsiderationwasatranslation,yetinmanuscript,oftheCarmenSeculareofHorace,whichhadthisyearbeensettomusick,andperformedasapublickentertainmentinLondon,forthejointbenefitofmonsieurPhilidorandSignorBaretti.WhenJohnsonhaddonereading,theauthouraskedhimbluntly,'Ifuponthewholeitwasagoodtranslation?'Johnson,whoseregardfortruthwasuncommonlystrict,seemedtobepuzzledforamoment,whatanswertomake;ashecertainlycouldnothonestlycommendtheperformance:withexquisiteaddressheevadedthequestionthus,'Sir,Idonotsaythatitmaynotbemadeaverygoodtranslation.'Herenothingwhateverinfavourofthe

performancewasaffirmed,andyetthewriterwasnotshocked.AprintedOdetotheWarlikeGeniusofBritain,camenextinreview;thebardwasalankbonyfigure,withshortblackhair;hewaswrithinghimselfinagitation,whileJohnsonread,andshewinghisteethinagrinofearnestness,exclaimedinbrokensentences,andinakeensharptone,'Isthatpoetry,Sir?--IsitPindar?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thereishereagreatdealofwhatiscalledpoetry.'Then,turningtome,thepoetcried,'Mymusehasnotbeenlonguponthetown,and(pointingtotheOde)ittremblesunderthehandofthegreatcritick.'Johnson,inatoneofdispleasure,askedhim,'WhydoyoupraiseAnson?'Ididnot



troublehimbyaskinghisreasonforthisquestion.Heproceeded,'Hereisanerrour,Sir;youhavemadeGeniusfeminine.''Palpable,Sir;(criedtheenthusiast,)Iknowit.But(inalowertone,)itwastopayacomplimenttotheDuchessofDevonshire,withwhichherGracewaspleased.SheiswalkingacrossCoxheath,inthemilitaryuniform,andIsupposehertobetheGeniusofBritain.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youaregivingareasonforit;butthatwillnotmakeitright.Youmayhaveareasonwhytwoandtwoshouldmakefive;buttheywillstillmakebutfour.'

AlthoughIwasseveraltimeswithhiminthecourseofthefollowingdays,suchitseemsweremyoccupations,orsuchmynegligence,thatIhavepreservednomemorialofhisconversationtillFriday,March26,whenIvisitedhim.HesaidheexpectedtobeattackedonaccountofhisLivesofthePoets.'However(saidhe,)Iwouldratherbeattackedthanunnoticed.Fortheworstthingyoucandotoanauthouristobesilentastohisworks.Anassaultuponatownisabadthing;butstarvingitisstillworse;anassaultmaybeunsuccessful;youmayhavemoremenkilledthanyoukill;butifyoustarvethetown,youaresureofvictory.'

Talkingofafriendofoursassociatingwithpersonsofverydiscordantprinciplesandcharacters;Isaidhewasaveryuniversalman,quiteamanoftheworld.JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;butonemaybesomuchamanoftheworldastobenothingintheworld.Irememberapassagein

Goldsmith'sVicarofWakefield,whichhewasafterwardsfoolenoughtoexpunge:"Idonotloveamanwhoiszealousfornothing."'BOSWELL.'Thatwasafinepassage.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir:therewasanotherfinepassagetoo,whichbestruckout:"WhenIwasayoungman,beinganxioustodistinguishmyself,Iwasperpetuallystartingnewpropositions.ButIsoongavethisover;for,Ifoundthatgenerallywhatwasnewwasfalse."'IsaidIdidnotliketositwithpeopleofwhomIhadnotagoodopinion.JOHNSON.'Butyoumustnotindulgeyourdelicacytoomuch;oryouwillbeatete-a-tetemanallyourlife.'

DuringmystayinLondonthisspring,IfindIwasunaccountablynegligentinpreservingJohnson'ssayings,moresothanatanytimewhenIwashappyenoughtohaveanopportunityofhearinghiswisdomandwit.

Thereisnohelpforitnow.ImustcontentmyselfwithpresentingsuchscrapsasIhave.ButIamneverthelessashamedandvexedtothinkhowmuchhasbeenlost.Itisnotthattherewasabadcropthisyear;butthatIwasnotsufficientlycarefulingatheringitin.I,therefore,insomeinstancescanonlyexhibitafewdetachedfragments.

TalkingofthewonderfulconcealmentoftheauthourofthecelebratedletterssignedJunius;hesaid,'IshouldhavebelievedBurketobeJunius,becauseIknownomanbutBurkewhoiscapableofwritingtheseletters;butBurkespontaneouslydeniedittome.ThecasewouldhavebeendifferenthadIaskedhimifhewastheauthour;amansoquestioned,astoananonymouspublication,maythinkhehasarighttodenyit.'

OnWednesday,March31,whenIvisitedhim,andconfessedanexcessofwhichIhadveryseldombeenguilty;thatIhadspentawholenightinplayingatcards,andthatIcouldnotlookbackonitwithsatisfaction;insteadofaharshanimadversion,hemildlysaid,'Alas,Sir,onhowfewthingscanwelookbackwithsatisfaction.'

OnFriday,April2,beingGood-Friday,Ivisitedhiminthemorningasusual;andfindingthatweinsensiblyfellintoatrainofridiculeuponthefoiblesofoneofourfriends,averyworthyman,I,bywayofa



check,quotedsomegoodadmonitionfromTheGovernmentoftheTongue,thatverypiousbook.Ithappenedalsoremarkablyenough,thatthesubjectofthesermonpreachedtousto-daybyDr.Burrows,therectorofSt.ClementDanes,wasthecertaintythatatthelastdaywemustgiveanaccountof'thedeedsdoneinthebody;'and,amongstvariousactsofculpabilityhementionedevil-speaking.Asweweremovingslowlyalonginthecrowdfromchurch,Johnsonjoggedmyelbow,andsaid,'Didyouattendtothesermon?''Yes,Sir,(saidI,)itwasveryapplicabletoUS.'He,however,stooduponthedefensive.'Why,Sir,thesenseofridiculeisgivenus,andmaybelawfullyused.TheauthourofTheGovernmentoftheTonguewouldhaveustreatallmenalike.'

Intheintervalbetweenmorningandeveningservice,heendeavouredtoemployhimselfearnestlyindevotionalexercises;andashehasmentionedinhisPrayersandMeditations,gavemeLesPenseesdePaschal,thatImightnotinterrupthim.Ipreservethebookwithreverence.Hispresentingittomeismarkeduponitwithhisownhand,andIhavefoundinitatrulydivineunction.Wewenttochurchagainintheafternoon.

OnWednesday,April7,IdinedwithhimatSirJoshuaReynolds's.Ihavenotmarkedwhatcompanywasthere.Johnsonharangueduponthequalitiesofdifferentliquors;andspokewithgreatcontemptofclaret,assoweak,thatamanwouldbedrownedbyitbeforeitmadehimdrunk.'He

waspersuadedtodrinkoneglassofit,thathemightjudge,notfromrecollection,whichmightbedim,butfromimmediatesensation.Heshookhishead,andsaid,'Poorstuff!No,Sir,claretistheliquorforboys;portformen;buthewhoaspirestobeahero(smiling),mustdrinkbrandy.Inthefirstplace,theflavourofbrandyismostgratefultothepalate;andthenbrandywilldosoonestforamanwhatdrinkingCANdoforhim.Thereare,indeed,fewwhoareabletodrinkbrandy.Thatisapowerrathertobewishedforthanattained.Andyet,(proceededhe,)asinallpleasurehopeisaconsiderablepart,Iknownotbutfruitioncomestooquickbybrandy.FlorencewineIthinktheworst;itiswineonlytotheeye;itiswineneitherwhileyouaredrinkingit,norafteryouhavedrunkit;itneitherpleasesthetaste,norexhilaratesthespirits.'IremindedhimhowheartilyheandIusedtodrinkwine

together,whenwewerefirstacquainted;andhowIusedtohaveahead-acheaftersittingupwithhim.Hedidnotliketohavethisrecalled,or,perhaps,thinkingthatIboastedimproperly,resolvedtohaveawittystrokeatme:'Nay,Sir,itwasnottheWINEthatmadeyourheadache,buttheSENSEthatIputintoit.'BOSWELL.'What,Sir!willsensemaketheheadache?'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,(withasmile,)whenitisnotusedtoit.'--Nomanwhohasatruerelishofpleasantrycouldbeoffendedatthis;especiallyifJohnsoninalongintimacyhadgivenhimrepeatedproofsofhisregardandgoodestimation.Iusedtosay,thatashehadgivenmeathousandpoundsinpraise,hehadagoodrightnowandthentotakeaguineafromme.

OnThursday,April8,IdinedwithhimatMr.AllanRamsay's,with

LordGrahamandsomeothercompany.WetalkedofShakspeare'switches.JOHNSON.'Theyarebeingsofhisowncreation;theyareacompoundofmalignityandmeanness,withoutanyabilities;andarequitedifferentfromtheItalianmagician.KingJamessaysinhisDaemonology,'Magicianscommandthedevils:witchesaretheirservants.TheItalianmagiciansareelegantbeings.'RAMSAY.'Operawitches,notDrury-lanewitches.'Johnsonobserved,thatabilitiesmightbeemployedinanarrowsphere,asingettingmoney,whichhesaidhebelievednomancoulddo,withoutvigorousparts,thoughconcentratedtoapoint.RAMSAY.'Yes,likeastronghorseinamill;hepullsbetter.'



LordGraham,whilehepraisedthebeautyofLochlomond,onthebanksofwhichishisfamilyseat,complainedoftheclimate,andsaidhecouldnotbearit.JOHNSON.'Nay,myLord,don'ttalkso:youmaybearitwellenough.YourancestorshaveborneitmoreyearsthanIcantell.'ThiswasahandsomecomplimenttotheantiquityoftheHouseofMontrose.HisLordshiptoldmeafterwards,thathehadonlyaffectedtocomplainoftheclimate;lest,ifhehadspokenasfavourablyofhiscountryashereallythought,Dr.Johnsonmighthaveattackedit.JohnsonwasverycourteoustoLadyMargaretMacdonald.'Madam,(saidhe,)whenIwasintheIsleofSky,Iheardofthepeoplerunningtotakethestonesofftheroad,lestLadyMargaret'shorseshouldstumble.'

LordGrahamcommendedDr.DrummondatNaples,asamanofextraordinarytalents;andadded,thathehadagreatloveofliberty.JOHNSON.'HeisYOUNG,myLord;(lookingtohisLordshipwithanarchsmile,)allBOYSloveliberty,tillexperienceconvincesthemtheyarenotsofittogovernthemselvesastheyimagined.Weareallagreedastoourownliberty;wewouldhaveasmuchofitaswecanget;butwearenotagreedastothelibertyofothers:forinproportionaswetake,othersmustlose.Ibelievewehardlywishthatthemobshouldhavelibertytogovernus.Whenthatwasthecasesometimeago,nomanwasatlibertynottohavecandlesinhiswindows.'RAMSAY.'Theresultis,thatorderisbetterthanconfusion.'JOHNSON.'Theresultis,thatordercannotbe

hadbutbysubordination.'

OnFriday,April16,IhadbeenpresentatthetrialoftheunfortunateMr.Hackman,who,inafitoffrantickjealouslove,hadshotMissRay,thefavouriteofanobleman.Johnson,inwhosecompanyIdinedto-daywithsomeotherfriends,wasmuchinterestedbymyaccountofwhatpassed,andparticularlywithhisprayerforthemercyofheaven.Hesaid,inasolemnfervidtone,'IhopeheSHALLfindmercy.'

ThisdayaviolentaltercationarosebetweenJohnsonandBeauclerk,whichhavingmademuchnoiseatthetime,Ithinkitproper,inordertopreventanyfuturemisrepresentation,togiveaminuteaccountofit.

IntalkingofHackman,Johnsonargued,asJudgeBlackstonehaddone,thathisbeingfurnishedwithtwopistolswasaproofthathemeanttoshoottwopersons.Mr.Beauclerksaid,'No;forthateverywisemanwhointendedtoshoothimself,tooktwopistols,thathemightbesureofdoingitatonce.Lord------------'cookshothimselfwithonepistol,andlivedtendaysingreatagony.Mr.------,wholovedbutteredmuffins,butdurstnoteatthembecausetheydisagreedwithhisstomach,resolvedtoshoothimself;andthenheeatthreebutteredmuffinsforbreakfast,beforeshootinghimself,knowingthatheshouldnotbetroubledwithindigestion:HEhadtwochargedpistols;onewasfoundlyingchargeduponthetablebyhim,afterhehadshothimselfwiththeother.''Well,(saidJohnson,withanairoftriumph,)youseehereonepistolwassufficient.'Beauclerkrepliedsmartly,'Becauseithappened

tokillhim.'Andeitherthenoraverylittleafterwards,beingpiquedatJohnson'striumphantremark,added,'Thisiswhatyoudon'tknow,andIdo.'Therewasthenacessationofthedispute;andsomeminutesintervened,duringwhich,dinnerandtheglasswentoncheerfully;whenJohnsonsuddenlyandabruptlyexclaimed,'Mr.Beauclerk,howcameyoutotalksopetulantlytome,as"Thisiswhatyoudon'tknow,butwhatIknow"?OnethingIknow,whichYOUdon'tseemtoknow,thatyouareveryuncivil.'BEAUCLERK.'BecauseYOUbeganbybeinguncivil,(whichyoualwaysare.)'Thewordsinparenthesiswere,Ibelieve,notheardbyDr.Johnson.Hereagaintherewasacessationofarms.Johnsontoldme,that



thereasonwhyhewaitedatfirstsometimewithouttakinganynoticeofwhatMr.Beauclerksaid,wasbecausehewasthinkingwhetherheshouldresentit.ButwhenheconsideredthattherewerepresentayoungLordandaneminenttraveller,twomenoftheworldwithwhomhehadneverdinedbefore,hewasapprehensivethattheymightthinktheyhadarighttotakesuchlibertieswithhimasBeauclerkdid,andthereforeresolvedhewouldnotletitpass;adding,that'hewouldnotappearacoward.'Alittlewhileafterthis,theconversationturnedontheviolenceofHackman'stemper.Johnsonthensaid,'ItwashisbusinesstoCOMMANDhistemper,asmyfriend,Mr.Beauclerk,shouldhavedonesometimeago.'BEAUCLERK.'IshouldlearnofYOU,Sir.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youhavegivenMEopportunitiesenoughoflearning,whenIhavebeeninYOURcompany.Nomanlovestobetreatedwithcontempt.'BEAUCLERK.(withapoliteinclinationtowardsJohnson,)'Sir,youhaveknownmetwentyyears,andhoweverImayhavetreatedothers,youmaybesureIcouldnevertreatyouwithcontempt.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youhavesaidmorethanwasnecessary.'Thusitended;andBeauclerk'scoachnothavingcomeforhimtillverylate,Dr.Johnsonandanothergentlemansatwithhimalongtimeaftertherestofthecompanyweregone;andheandIdinedatBeauclerk'sontheSaturdayse'nnightfollowing.

Afterthistempesthadsubsided,Irecollectthefollowingparticularsofhisconversation:--

'Iamalwaysforgettingaboyforwardinhislearning;forthatisasuregood.IwouldlethimatfirstreadANYEnglishbookwhichhappenstoengagehisattention;becauseyouhavedoneagreatdealwhenyouhavebroughthimtohaveentertainmentfromabook.He'llgetbetterbooksafterwards.'

'Tobecontradicted,inordertoforceyoutotalk,ismightyunpleasing.YouSHINE,indeed;butitisbybeingGROUND.'

OnSaturday,April24,IdinedwithhimatMr.Beauclerk's,withSirJoshuaReynolds,Mr.Jones,(afterwardsSirWilliam,)Mr.Langton,Mr.Steevens,Mr.Paradise,andDr.Higgins.ImentionedthatMr.WilkeshadattackedGarricktome,asamanwhohadnofriend.'Ibelieveheis

right,Sir.[Greektextomitted]--Hehadfriends,butnofriend.Garrickwassodiffused,hehadnomantowhomhewishedtounbosomhimself.Hefoundpeoplealwaysreadytoapplaudhim,andthatalwaysforthesamething:sohesawlifewithgreatuniformity.'Itookuponme,foronce,tofightwithGoliath'sweapons,andplaythesophist.--Garrickdidnotneedafriend,ashegotfromeverybodyallhewanted.Whatisafriend?Onewhosupportsyouandcomfortsyou,whileothersdonot.Friendship,youknow,Sir,isthecordialdrop,"tomakethenauseousdraughtoflifegodown:"butifthedraughtbenotnauseous,ifitbeallsweet,thereisnooccasionforthatdrop.'JOHNSON.'Manymenwouldnotbecontenttoliveso.IhopeIshouldnot.Theywouldwishtohaveanintimatefriend,withwhomtheymightcompareminds,andcherishprivatevirtues.OneofthecompanymentionedLordChesterfield,as

amanwhohadnofriend.JOHNSON.'ThereweremorematerialstomakefriendshipinGarrick,hadhenotbeensodiffused.'BOSWELL.'Garrickwaspuregold,butbeatouttothinleaf.LordChesterfieldwastinsel.'JOHNSON.'Garrickwasaverygoodman,thecheerfullestmanofhisage;adecentliverinaprofessionwhichissupposedtogiveindulgencetolicentiousness;andamanwhogaveaway,freely,moneyacquiredbyhimself.Hebegantheworldwithagreathungerformoney;thesonofahalf-payofficer,bredinafamily,whosestudywastomakefour-pencedoasmuchasothersmadefour-pencehalfpennydo.But,whenhehadgotmoney,hewasveryliberal.'Ipresumedtoanimadvertonhiseulogyon



Garrick,inhisLivesofthePoets.'Yousay,Sir,hisdeatheclipsedthegaietyofnations.'JOHNSON.'Icouldnothavesaidmorenorless.Itisthetruth;ECLIPSED,notEXTINGUISHED;andhisdeathDIDeclipse;itwaslikeastorm.'BOSWELL.'Butwhynations?Didhisgaietyextendfartherthanhisownnation?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,someexaggerationmustbeallowed.Besides,nationsmaybesaid--ifweallowtheScotchtobeanation,andtohavegaiety,--whichtheyhavenot.YOUareanexception,though.Come,gentlemen,letuscandidlyadmitthatthereisoneScotchmanwhoischeerful.'BEAUCLERK.'ButheisaveryunnaturalScotchman.'I,however,continuedtothinkthecomplimenttoGarrickhyperbolicallyuntrue.Hisactinghadceasedsometimebeforehisdeath;atanyratehehadactedinIrelandbutashorttime,atanearlyperiodofhislife,andneverinScotland.Iobjectedalsotowhatappearsananticlimaxofpraise,whencontrastedwiththeprecedingpanegyrick,--'anddiminishedthepublicstockofharmlesspleasure!'--'IsnotHARMLESSPLEASUREverytame?'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,harmlesspleasureisthehighestpraise.Pleasureisawordofdubiousimport;pleasureisingeneraldangerous,andpernicioustovirtue;tobeablethereforetofurnishpleasurethatisharmless,pleasurepureandunalloyed,isasgreatapowerasmancanpossess.'Thiswas,perhaps,asingeniousadefenceascouldbemade;still,however,Iwasnotsatisfied.

Talkingofcelebratedandsuccessfulirregularpractisersinphysick;he

said,'TaylorwasthemostignorantmanIeverknew;butsprightly.Wardthedullest.TaylorchallengedmeoncetotalkLatinwithhim;(laughing).IquotedsomeofHorace,whichhetooktobeapartofmyownspeech.Hesaidafewwordswellenough.'BEAUCLERK.'Iremember,Sir,yousaidthatTaylorwasaninstancehowfarimpudencecouldcarryignorance.'Mr.Beauclerkwasveryentertainingthisday,andtoldusanumberofshortstoriesinalivelyelegantmanner,andwiththatairofTHEWORLDwhichhasIknownotwhatimpressiveeffect,asifthereweresomethingmorethanisexpressed,orthanperhapswecouldperfectlyunderstand.AsJohnsonandIaccompaniedSirJoshuaReynoldsinhiscoach,Johnsonsaid,'ThereisinBeauclerkapredominanceoverhiscompany,thatonedoesnotlike.Butheisamanwhohaslivedsomuchintheworld,thathehasashortstoryoneveryoccasion;heisalways

readytotalk,andisneverexhausted.'

Soonafterthistimealittleincidentoccurred,whichIwillnotsuppress,becauseIamdesirousthatmyworkshouldbe,asmuchasisconsistentwiththestrictesttruth,anantidotetothefalseandinjuriousnotionsofhischaracter,whichhavebeengivenbyothers,andthereforeIinfuseeverydropofgenuinesweetnessintomybiographicalcup.

'TODR.JOHNSON.

'MYDEARSIR,--Iamingreatpainwithaninflamedfoot,andobliged

tokeepmybed,soampreventedfromhavingthepleasuretodineatMr.Ramsay'sto-day,whichisveryhard;andmyspiritsaresadlysunk.Willyoubesofriendlyastocomeandsitanhourwithmeintheevening.Iameveryourmostfaithful,andaffectionatehumbleservant,

'SouthAudley-street,Monday,April26.'

'JAMESBOSWELL.'



'TOMR.BOSWELL.

'Mr.JohnsonlamentstheabsenceofMr.Boswell,andwillcometohim.--Harley-street.'

Hecametomeintheevening,andbroughtSirJoshuaReynolds.Ineedscarcelysay,thattheirconversation,whiletheysatebymybedside,wasthemostpleasingopiatetopainthatcouldhavebeenadministered.

JohnsonbeingnowbetterdisposedtoobtaininformationconcerningPopethanhewaslastyear,sentbymetomyLordMarchmontapresentofthosevolumesofhisLivesofthePoetswhichwereatthistimepublished,witharequesttohavepermissiontowaitonhim;andhisLordship,whohadcalledonhimtwice,obliginglyappointedSaturday,thefirstofMay,forreceivingus.

OnthatmorningJohnsoncametomefromStreatham,andafterdrinkingchocolateatGeneralPaoli's,inSouth-Audley-street,weproceededtoLordMarchmont'sinCurzon-street.HisLordshipmetusatthedoorofhislibrary,andwithgreatpolitenesssaidtoJohnson,'IamnotgoingtomakeanencomiumuponMYSELF,bytellingyouthehighrespectIhaveforYOU,Sir.'Johnsonwasexceedinglycourteous;andtheinterview,whichlastedabouttwohours,duringwhichtheEarlcommunicatedhis

anecdotesofPope,wasasagreeableasIcouldhavewished.Whenwecameout,IsaidtoJohnson,thatconsideringhisLordship'scivility,Ishouldhavebeenvexedifhehadagainfailedtocome.'Sir,(saidhe,)Iwouldratherhavegiventwentypoundsthannothavecome.'IaccompaniedhimtoStreatham,wherewedined,andreturnedtotownintheevening.

Hehad,beforeIleftLondon,resumedtheconversationconcerningtheappearanceofaghostatNewcastleuponTyne,whichMr.JohnWesleybelieved,buttowhichJohnsondidnotgivecredit.Iwas,however,desiroustoexaminethequestionclosely,andatthesametimewishedtobemadeacquaintedwithMr.JohnWesley;forthoughIdifferedfromhiminsomepoints,Iadmiredhisvarioustalents,andlovedhispiouszeal.

Atmyrequest,therefore,Dr.Johnsongavemealetterofintroductiontohim.

'TOTHEREVERENDMR.JOHNWESLEY.

'SIR,--Mr.Boswell,agentlemanwhohasbeenlongknowntome,isdesirousofbeingknowntoyou,andhasaskedthisrecommendation,whichIgivehimwithgreatwillingness,becauseIthinkitverymuchtobewishedthatworthyandreligiousmenshouldbeacquaintedwitheachother.Iam,Sir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'May3,1779.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

Mr.WesleybeinginthecourseofhisministryatEdinburgh,Ipresentedthislettertohim,andwasverypolitelyreceived.Ibeggedtohaveitreturnedtome,whichwasaccordinglydone.Hisstateoftheevidenceastotheghostdidnotsatisfyme.

Myreaderswillnotbedispleasedatbeingtoldeveryslight



circumstanceofthemannerinwhichDr.Johnsoncontrivedtoamusehissolitaryhours.Hesometimesemployedhimselfinchymistry,sometimesinwateringandpruningavine,sometimesinsmallexperiments,atwhichthosewhomaysmile,shouldrecollectthattherearemomentswhichadmitofbeingsoothedonlybytrifles.*

*InoneofhismanuscriptDiaries,thereisthefollowingentry,whichmarkshiscuriousminuteattention:'July26,1768.Ishavedmynailbyaccidentinwhettingtheknife,aboutaneighthofaninchfromthebottom,andaboutafourthfromthetop.ThisImeasurethatImayknowthegrowthofnails;thewholeisaboutfiveeighthsofaninch.'

Anotherofthesamekindappears,'Aug.7,1779,Partembrachiidextricarpoproximumetcutempectoriscircamamillamdextramrasi,utnotumfieretquantotemporispilirenovarentur.'

And,'Aug.15,1773.Icutfromthevine41leaves,whichweighedfiveoz.andahalf,andeightscruples:--Ilaythemuponmybookcase,toseewhatweighttheywilllosebydrying.'--BOSWELL.

MyfriendColonelJamesStuart,secondsonoftheEarlofBute,whohaddistinguishedhimselfasagoodofficeroftheBedfordshiremilitia,hadtakenapublick-spiritedresolutiontoservehiscountryinitsdifficulties,byraisingaregularregiment,andtakingthecommandofithimself.This,intheheiroftheimmensepropertyofWortley,washighlyhonourable.HavingbeeninScotlandrecruiting,heobliginglyaskedmetoaccompanyhimtoLeeds,thenthehead-quartersofhiscorps;fromthencetoLondonforashorttime,andafterwardstootherplacestowhichtheregimentmightbeordered.Suchanoffer,atatimeoftheyearwhenIhadfullleisure,wasverypleasing;especiallyasIwastoaccompanyamanofsterlinggoodsense,information,discernment,andconviviality;andwastohaveasecondcropinoneyearofLondonandJohnson.OfthisIinformedmyillustriousfriend,incharacteristical

warmterms,inaletterdatedthe30thofSeptember,fromLeeds.

OnMonday,October4,Icalledathishousebeforehewasup.Hesentformetohisbedside,andexpressedhissatisfactionatthisincidentalmeeting,withasmuchvivacityasifhehadbeeninthegaietyofyouth.Hecalledbriskly,'Frank,goandgetcoffee,andletusbreakfastINSPLENDOUR.'

OnSunday,October10,wedinedtogetheratMr.Strahan's.TheconversationhavingturnedontheprevailingpracticeofgoingtotheEast-Indiesinquestofwealth;--JOHNSON.'AmanhadbetterhavetenthousandpoundsattheendoftenyearspassedinEngland,thantwentythousandpoundsattheendoftenyearspassedinIndia,becauseyou

mustcomputewhatyouGIVEformoney;andamanwhohaslivedtenyearsinIndia,hasgivenuptenyearsofsocialcomfortandallthoseadvantageswhicharisefromlivinginEngland.TheingeniousMr.Brown,distinguishedbythenameofCapabilityBrown,toldme,thathewasonceattheseatofLordClive,whohadreturnedfromIndiawithgreatwealth;andthatheshewedhimatthedoorofhisbed-chamberalargechest,whichhesaidhehadoncehadfullofgold;uponwhichBrownobserved,"Iamgladyoucanbearitsonearyourbed-chamber."'

WetalkedofthestateofthepoorinLondon.--JOHNSON.'SaundersWelch,



theJustice,whowasonceHigh-ConstableofHolborn,andhadthebestopportunitiesofknowingthestateofthepoor,toldme,thatIunder-ratedthenumber,whenIcomputedthattwentyaweek,thatis,aboveathousandayear,diedofhunger;notabsolutelyofimmediatehunger;butofthewastingandotherdiseaseswhicharetheconsequencesofhunger.ThishappensonlyinsolargeaplaceasLondon,wherepeoplearenotknown.Whatwearetoldaboutthegreatsumsgotbybeggingisnottrue:thetradeisoverstocked.And,youmaydependuponit,therearemanywhocannotgetwork.Aparticularkindofmanufacturefails:thosewhohavebeenusedtoworkatit,can,forsometime,workatnothingelse.Youmeetamanbegging;youchargehimwithidleness:hesays,"Iamwillingtolabour.Willyougivemework?"--"Icannot."--"Why,thenyouhavenorighttochargemewithidleness."'WeleftMr.Strahan'satseven,asJohnsonhadsaidheintendedtogotoeveningprayers.Aswewalkedalong,hecomplainedofalittlegoutinhistoe,andsaid,'Ishan'tgotoprayersto-night;Ishallgoto-morrow:WheneverImisschurchonaSunday,Iresolvetogoanotherday.ButIdonotalwaysdoit.'Thiswasafairexhibitionofthatvibrationbetweenpiousresolutionsandindolence,whichmanyofushavetoooftenexperienced.

Iwenthomewithhim,andwehadalongquietconversation.

BOSWELL.'Why,Sir,dopeopleplaythistrickwhichIobservenow,when

Ilookatyourgrate,puttingtheshovelagainstittomakethefireburn?'JOHNSON.'Theyplaythetrick,butitdoesnotmakethefireburn.THEREisabetter;(settingthepokerperpendicularlyupatrightangleswiththegrate.)Indaysofsuperstitiontheythought,asitmadeacrosswiththebars,itwoulddriveawaythewitch.'

BOSWELL.'Byassociatingwithyou,Sir,Iamalwaysgettinganaccessionofwisdom.Butperhapsaman,afterknowinghisowncharacter--thelimitedstrengthofhisownmind,shouldnotbedesirousofhavingtoomuchwisdom,considering,quidvaleanthumeri,howlittlehecancarry.'JOHNSON.'Sir,beaswiseasyoucan;letamanbealiislaetus,sapienssibi:

"Thoughpleas'dtoseethedolphinsplay,Imindmycompassandmyway."

Youmaybewiseinyourstudyinthemorning,andgayincompanyatatavernintheevening.Everymanistotakecareofhisownwisdomandhisownvirtue,withoutmindingtoomuchwhatothersthink.'

Hesaid,'DodsleyfirstmentionedtometheschemeofanEnglishDictionary;butIhadlongthoughtofit.'BOSWELL.'Youdidnotknowwhatyouwereundertaking.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir,IknewverywellwhatIwasundertaking,--andverywellhowtodoit,--andhavedoneitverywell.'BOSWELL.'Anexcellentclimax!anditHASavailedyou.InyourPrefaceyousay,"Whatwoulditavailmeinthisgloomofsolitude?"You

havebeenagreeablymistaken.'

InhisLifeofMiltonheobserves,'Icannotbutremarkakindofrespect,perhapsunconsciously,paidtothisgreatmanbyhisbiographers:everyhouseinwhichheresidedishistoricallymentioned,asifitwereaninjurytoneglectnaminganyplacethathehonouredbyhispresence.'Ihad,beforeIreadthisobservation,beendesirousofshewingthatrespecttoJohnson,byvariousinquiries.Findinghimthiseveninginaverygoodhumour,Iprevailedonhimtogivemeanexactlistofhisplacesofresidence,sinceheenteredthemetropolisasan



authour,whichIsubjoininanote.*

*1.Exeter-street,offCatherine-street,Strand.2.Greenwich.3.Woodstock-street,nearHanover-square.4.Castle-street,Cavendish-square,No.6.5.Strand.6.Boswell-Court.7.Strand,again.8.Bow-street.9.Holborn.10.Fetter-lane.11.Holborn,again.12.Gough-square.13.StapleInn.14.Gray'sInn.15.InnerTemple-lane,No.1.16.Johnson's-court,No.7.17.Bolt-court.No.8.--BOSWELL.

OnTuesday,October12,IdinedwithhimatMr.Ramsay's,withLordNewhaven,andsomeothercompany,noneofwhomIrecollect,butabeautifulMissGraham,arelationofhisLordship's,whoaskedDr.Johnsontohobornobwithher.Hewasflatteredbysuchpleasingattention,andpolitelytoldher,heneverdrankwine;butifshewoulddrinkaglassofwater,hewasmuchatherservice.Sheaccepted.'Oho,Sir!(saidLordNewhaven,)youarecaught.'JOHNSON.'Nay,IdonotseeHOWIamCAUGHT;butifIamcaught,Idon'twanttogetfreeagain.IfIamcaught,Ihopetobekept.'Thenwhenthetwoglassesofwaterwerebrought,smilingplacidlytotheyounglady,hesaid,'Madam,letusRECIPROCATE.'

LordNewhavenandJohnsoncarriedonanargumentforsometime,

concerningtheMiddlesexelection.Johnsonsaid,'Parliamentmaybeconsideredasboundbylawasamanisboundwherethereisnobodytotietheknot.AsitisclearthattheHouseofCommonsmayexpelandexpelagainandagain,whynotallowofthepowertoincapacitateforthatparliament,ratherthanhaveaperpetualcontestkeptupbetweenparliamentandthepeople.'LordNewhaventooktheoppositeside;butrespectfullysaid,'Ispeakwithgreatdeferencetoyou,Dr.Johnson;Ispeaktobeinstructed.'Thishaditsfulleffectonmyfriend.Hebowedhisheadalmostaslowasthetable,toacomplimentingnobleman;andcalledout,'MyLord,myLord,Idonotdesireallthisceremony;letustellourmindstooneanotherquietly.'Afterthedebatewasover,hesaid,'Ihavegotlightsonthesubjectto-day,whichIhadnotbefore.'Thiswasagreatdealfromhim,especiallyashehadwrittenapamphlet

uponit.

Ofhisfellow-collegian,thecelebratedMr.GeorgeWhitefield,hesaid,'Whitefieldneverdrewasmuchattentionasamountebankdoes;hedidnotdrawattentionbydoingbetterthanothers,butbydoingwhatwasstrange.WereAstleytopreachasermonstandinguponhisheadonahorse'sback,hewouldcollectamultitudetohearhim;butnowisemanwouldsayhehadmadeabettersermonforthat.InevertreatedWhitefield'sministrywithcontempt;Ibelievehedidgood.Hehaddevotedhimselftothelowerclassesofmankind,andamongthemhewasofuse.Butwhenfamiliarityandnoiseclaimthepraiseduetoknowledge,art,andelegance,wemustbeatdownsuchpretensions.'

WhatIhavepreservedofhisconversationduringtheremainderofmystayinLondonatthistime,isonlywhatfollows:ItoldhimthatwhenIobjectedtokeepingcompanywithanotoriousinfidel,acelebratedfriendofourssaidtome,'Idonotthinkthatmenwholivelaxlyintheworld,asyouandIdo,canwithproprietyassumesuchanauthority.Dr.Johnsonmay,whoisuniformlyexemplaryinhisconduct.Butitisnotveryconsistenttoshunaninfidelto-day,andgetdrunkto-morrow.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,thisissadreasoning.Becauseamancannotberightinallthings,ishetoberightinnothing?Becauseamansometimesgetsdrunk,ishethereforetosteal?Thisdoctrinewouldverysoon



bringamantothegallows.'

He,Iknownotwhy,sheweduponalloccasionsanaversiontogotoIreland,whereIproposedtohimthatweshouldmakeatour.JOHNSON.'ItisthelastplacewhereIshouldwishtotravel.'BOSWELL.'ShouldyounotliketoseeDublin,Sir?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir!Dublinisonlyaworsecapital.'BOSWELL.'IsnottheGiant's-Causewayworthseeing?'JOHNSON.'Worthseeing?yes;butnotworthgoingtosee.'

YethehadakindnessfortheIrishnation,andthusgenerouslyexpressedhimselftoagentlemanfromthatcountry,onthesubjectofanUNIONwhichartfulPoliticianshaveoftenhadinview--'Donotmakeanunionwithus,Sir.Weshouldunitewithyou,onlytorobyou.WeshouldhaverobbedtheScotch,iftheyhadhadanythingofwhichwecouldhaverobbedthem.'

Ofanacquaintanceofours,whosemannersandeverythingabouthim,thoughexpensive,werecoarse,hesaid,'Sir,youseeinhimvulgarprosperity.'

Aforeignministerofnoveryhightalents,whohadbeeninhiscompanyforaconsiderabletimequiteoverlooked,happenedluckilytomentionthathehadreadsomeofhisRamblerinItalian,andadmireditmuch.Thispleasedhimgreatly;heobservedthatthetitlehadbeen

translated,IlGenioerrante,thoughIhavebeentolditwasrenderedmoreludicrously,IlVagabondo;andfindingthatthisministergavesuchaproofofhistaste,hewasallattentiontohim,andonthefirstremarkwhichhemade,howeversimple,exclaimed,'TheAmbassadoursayswell--HisExcellencyobserves--'Andthenheexpandedandenrichedthelittlethathadbeensaid,insostrongamanner,thatitappearedsomethingofconsequence.Thiswasexceedinglyentertainingtothecompanywhowerepresent,andmanyatimeafterwardsitfurnishedapleasanttopickofmerriment:'TheAmbassadoursayswell,'becamealaughabletermofapplause,whennomightymatterhadbeenexpressed.

IleftLondononMonday,October15,andaccompaniedColonelStuarttoChester,wherehisregimentwastolyeforsometime.

1780:AETAT.71.]--In1780,theworldwaskeptinimpatienceforthecompletionofhisLivesofthePoets,uponwhichhewasemployedsofarashisindolenceallowedhimtolabour.

HisfriendDr.Lawrencehavingnowsufferedthegreatestafflictiontowhichamanisliable,andwhichJohnsonhimselfhadfeltinthemostseveremanner;Johnsonwrotetohiminanadmirablestrainofsympathyandpiousconsolation.

'TODR.LAWRENCE.

'DEARSIR,--Atatimewhenallyourfriendsoughttoshewtheirkindness,andwithacharacterwhichoughttomakeallthatknowyouyourfriends,youmaywonderthatyouhaveyetheardnothingfromme.

'Ihavebeenhinderedbyavexatiousandincessantcough,forwhichwithinthesetendaysIhavebeenbledonce,fastedfourorfivetimes,takenphysickfivetimes,andopiates,Ithink,six.Thisdayitseemstoremit.

'Theloss,dearSir,whichyouhavelatelysuffered,Ifeltmanyyears



ago,andknowthereforehowmuchhasbeentakenfromyou,andhowlittlehelpcanbehadfromconsolation.Hethatoutlivesawifewhomhehaslongloved,seeshimselfdisjoinedfromtheonlymindthathasthesamehopes,andfears,andinterest;fromtheonlycompanionwithwhomhehassharedmuchgoodorevil;andwithwhomhecouldsethismindatliberty,toretracethepastoranticipatethefuture.Thecontinuityofbeingislacerated;thesettledcourseofsentimentandactionisstopped;andlifestandssuspendedandmotionless,tillitisdrivenbyexternalcausesintoanewchannel.Butthetimeofsuspenseisdreadful.

'Ourfirstrecourseinthisdistressedsolitude,is,perhapsforwantofhabitualpiety,toagloomyacquiescenceinnecessity.Oftwomortalbeings,onemustlosetheother;butsurelythereisahigherandbettercomforttobedrawnfromtheconsiderationofthatProvidencewhichwatchesoverall,andabeliefthatthelivingandthedeadareequallyinthehandsofGod,whowillreunitethosewhomhehasseparated;orwhoseesthatitisbestnottoreunite.Iam,dearSir,yourmostaffectionate,andmosthumbleservant,

'January20,1780.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

Onthe2ndofMayIwrotetohim,andrequestedthatwemighthaveanothermeetingsomewhereintheNorthofEngland,intheautumnofthisyear.

FromMr.LangtonIreceivedsoonafterthistimealetter,ofwhichIextractapassage,relativebothtoMr.BeauclerkandDr.Johnson.

'ThemelancholyinformationyouhavereceivedconcerningMr.Beauclerk'sdeathistrue.Hadhistalentsbeendirectedinanysufficientdegreeastheyought,Ihavealwaysbeenstronglyofopinionthattheywerecalculatedtomakeanillustriousfigure;andthatopinion,asithadbeeninpartformeduponDr.Johnson'sjudgment,receivesmoreandmore

confirmationbyhearingwhat,sincehisdeath,Dr.Johnsonhassaidconcerningthem;afeweveningsago,hewasatMr.Vesey's,whereLordAlthorpe,whowasoneofanumerouscompanythere,addressedDr.JohnsononthesubjectofMr.Beauclerk'sdeath,saying,"OurCLUBhashadagreatlosssincewemetlast."Hereplied,"Aloss,thatperhapsthewholenationcouldnotrepair!"TheDoctorthenwentontospeakofhisendowments,andparticularlyextolledthewonderfuleasewithwhichheutteredwhatwashighlyexcellent.Hesaid,that"nomaneverwassofreewhenhewasgoingtosayagoodthing,fromaLOOKthatexpressedthatitwascoming;or,whenhehadsaidit,fromalookthatexpressedthatithadcome."AtMr.Thrale's,somedaysbeforewhenweweretalkingonthesamesubject,hesaid,referringtothesameideaofhiswonderfulfacility,"ThatBeauclerk'stalentswerethosewhichhe

hadfelthimselfmoredisposedtoenvy,thanthoseofanywhomhehadknown."

'OntheeveningIhavespokenofabove,atMr.Vesey's,youwouldhavebeenmuchgratified,asitexhibitedaninstanceofthehighimportanceinwhichDr.Johnson'scharacterisheld,IthinkevenbeyondanyIeverbeforewaswitnessto.Thecompanyconsistedchieflyofladies,amongwhomweretheDuchessDowagerofPortland,theDuchessofBeaufort,whomIsupposefromherrankImustnamebeforehermotherMrs.Boscawen,andhereldersisterMrs.Lewson,whowaslikewisethere;LadyLucan,Lady



Clermont,andothersofnotebothfortheirstationandunderstandings.AmongthegentlemenwereLordAlthorpe,whomIhavebeforenamed,LordMacartney,SirJoshuaReynolds,LordLucan,Mr.Wraxal,whosebookyouhaveprobablyseen,TheTourtotheNorthernPartsofEurope;averyagreeableingeniousman;Dr.Warren,Mr.Pepys,theMasterinChancery,whomIbelieveyouknow,andDr.Barnard,theProvostofEton.AssoonasDr.Johnsonwascomeinandhadtakenachair,thecompanybegantocollectroundhim,tilltheybecamenotlessthanfour,ifnotfive,deep;thosebehindstanding,andlisteningovertheheadsofthosethatweresittingnearhim.TheconversationforsometimewaschieflybetweenDr.JohnsonandtheProvostofEton,whiletheotherscontributedoccasionallytheirremarks.'

Onhisbirth-day,Johnsonhasthisnote:'Iamnowbeginningtheseventy-secondyearofmylife,withmorestrengthofbody,andgreatervigourofmind,thanIthinkiscommonatthatage.'Butstillhecomplainsofsleeplessnightsandidledays,andforgetfulness,orneglectofresolutions.Hethuspatheticallyexpresseshimself,--'SurelyIshallnotspendmywholelifewithmyowntotaldisapprobation.'

Mr.Macbean,whomIhavementionedmorethanonce,asoneofJohnson'shumblefriends,adeservingbutunfortunateman,beingnowoppressedbyageandpoverty,JohnsonsolicitedtheLordChancellorThurlow,tohavehimadmittedintotheCharterhouse.Itakethelibertytoinserthis

Lordship'sanswer,asIameagertoembraceeveryoccasionofaugmentingtherespectablenotionwhichshouldeverbeentertainedofmyillustriousfriend:--

'TODR.SAMUELJOHNSON.

'London,October24,1780.

'SIR,

'Ihavethismomentreceivedyourletter,datedthe19th,andreturnedfromBath.

'InthebeginningofthesummerIplacedoneintheChartreux,withoutthesanctionofarecommendationsodistinctandsoauthoritativeasyoursofMacbean;andIamafraid,thataccordingtotheestablishmentoftheHouse,theopportunityofmakingthecharitysogoodamendswillnotsoonrecur.Butwheneveravacancyshallhappen,ifyou'llfavourmewithnoticeofit,Iwilltrytorecommendhimtotheplace,eventhoughitshouldnotbemyturntonominate.Iam,Sir,withgreatregard,yourmostfaithfulandobedientservant,

'THURLOW.'

BeingdisappointedinmyhopesofmeetingJohnsonthisyear,sothatIcouldhearnoneofhisadmirablesayings,Ishallcompensateforthiswantbyinsertingacollectionofthem,forwhichIamindebtedtomyworthyfriendMr.Langton,whosekindcommunicationshavebeenseparatelyinterwoveninmanypartsofthiswork.Veryfewarticlesofthiscollectionwerecommittedtowritingbyhimself,henothavingthathabit;whichheregrets,andwhichthosewhoknowthenumerousopportunitieshehadofgatheringtherichfruitsofJohnsonianwitandwisdom,musteverregret.Ihoweverfound,inconversationswithhim,thatagoodstoreofJohnsonianawastreasuredinhismind;andI



comparedittoHerculaneum,orsomeoldRomanfield,whichwhendug,fullyrewardsthelabouremployed.Theauthenticityofeveryarticleisunquestionable.Fortheexpression,I,whowrotethemdowninhispresence,ampartlyanswerable.

'ThereisnothingmorelikelytobetrayamanintoabsurditythanCONDESCENSION;whenheseemstosupposehisunderstandingtoopowerfulforhiscompany.'

'HavingaskedMr.Langtonifhisfatherandmotherhadsatfortheirpictures,whichhethoughtitrightforeachgenerationofafamilytodo,andbeingtoldtheyhadopposedit,hesaid,"Sir,amongtheanfractuositiesofthehumanmind,Iknownotifitmaynotbeone,thatthereisasuperstitiousreluctancetositforapicture."'

'JohnGilbertCooperrelated,thatsoonafterthepublicationofhisDictionary,GarrickbeingaskedbyJohnsonwhatpeoplesaidofit,toldhim,thatamongotheranimadversions,itwasobjectedthathecitedauthoritieswhichwerebeneaththedignityofsuchawork,andmentionedRichardson."Nay,(saidJohnson,)Ihavedoneworsethanthat:IhavecitedTHEE,David."'

'Wheningoodhumourhewouldtalkofhisownwritingswithawonderfulfranknessandcandour,andwouldevencriticisethemwiththeclosest

severity.Oneday,havingreadoveroneofhisRamblers,Mr.Langtonaskedhim,howhelikedthatpaper;heshookhishead,andanswered,"toowordy."Atanothertime,whenonewasreadinghistragedyofIrenetoacompanyatahouseinthecountry,helefttheroom;andsomebodyhavingaskedhimthereasonofthis,hereplied,"Sir,Ithoughtithadbeenbetter."'

'Herelated,thathehadonceinadreamacontestofwitwithsomeotherperson,andthathewasverymuchmortifiedbyimaginingthathisopponenthadthebetterofhim."Now,(saidhe,)onemaymarkheretheeffectofsleepinweakeningthepowerofreflection;forhadnotmyjudgementfailedme,Ishouldhaveseen,thatthewitofthissupposedantagonist,bywhosesuperiorityIfeltmyselfdepressed,wasasmuch

furnishedbyme,asthatwhichIthoughtIhadbeenutteringinmyowncharacter."'

'OfSirJoshuaReynolds,hesaid,"Sir,IknownomanwhohaspassedthroughlifewithmoreobservationthanReynolds."'

'HerepeatedtoMr.Langton,withgreatenergy,intheGreek,ourSAVIOUR'SgraciousexpressionconcerningtheforgivenessofMaryMagdalen,'[Greektextomitted]."Thyfaithhathsavedthee;goinpeace."Hesaid,"themannerofthisdismissionisexceedinglyaffecting."'

'TalkingoftheFarceofHighLifebelowStairs,hesaid,"Hereisa

Farce,whichisreallyverydivertingwhenyouseeitacted;andyetonemayreadit,andnotknowthatonehasbeenreadinganythingatall."'

'HeusedatonetimetogooccasionallytothegreenroomofDrury-laneTheatre,wherehewasmuchregardedbytheplayers,andwasveryeasyandfacetiouswiththem.HehadaveryhighopinionofMrs.Clive'scomickpowers,andconversedmorewithherthanwithanyofthem.Hesaid,"Clive,Sir,isagoodthingtositby;shealwaysunderstandswhatyousay."Andshesaidofhim,"IlovetositbyDr.Johnson;healwaysentertainsme."Onenight,whenTheRecruitingOfficerwasacted,



hesaidtoMr.Holland,whohadbeenexpressinganapprehensionthatDr.JohnsonwoulddisdaintheworksofFarquhar;"No,Sir,IthinkFarquharamanwhosewritingshaveconsiderablemerit."'

'HisfriendGarrickwassobusyinconductingthedrama,thattheycouldnothavesomuchintercourseasMr.Garrickusedtoprofessananxiouswishthatthereshouldbe.Theremight,indeed,besomethinginthecontemptuousseverityastothemeritofacting,whichhisoldpreceptornourishedinhimself,thatwouldmortifyGarrickafterthegreatapplausewhichhereceivedfromtheaudience.ForthoughJohnsonsaidofhim,"Sir,amanwhohasanationtoadmirehimeverynight,maywellbeexpectedtobesomewhatelated;"yethewouldtreattheatricalmatterswithaludicrousslight.Hementionedoneevening,"ImetDavidcomingoffthestage,drestinawoman'sriding-hood,whenheactedinTheWonder;Icamefulluponhim,andIbelievehewasnotpleased."'

'OnceheaskedTomDavies,whomhesawdrestinafinesuitofclothes,"Andwhatartthouto-night?"Tomanswered,"TheThaneofRoss;"(whichitwillberecollectedisaveryinconsiderablecharacter.)"Obrave!"saidJohnson.

'OfMr.Longley,atRochester,agentlemanofveryconsiderablelearning,whomDr.Johnsonmetthere,hesaid,"Myheartwarmstowardshim.Iwassurprisedtofindinhimsuchaniceacquaintancewiththe

metreinthelearnedlanguages;thoughIwassomewhatmortifiedthatIhaditnotsomuchtomyself,asIshouldhavethought."'

'Talkingoftheminutenesswithwhichpeoplewillrecordthesayingsofeminentpersons,astorywastold,thatwhenPopewasonavisittoSpenceatOxford,astheylookedfromthewindowtheysawaGentlemanCommoner,whowasjustcomeinfromriding,amusinghimselfwithwhippingatapost.Popetookoccasiontosay,"Thatyounggentlemanseemstohavelittletodo."Mr.Beauclerkobserved,"Then,tobesure,Spenceturnedroundandwrotethatdown;"andwentontosaytoDr.Johnson,"Pope,Sir,wouldhavesaidthesameofyou,ifhehadseenyoudistilling."JOHNSON."Sir,ifPopehadtoldmeofmydistilling,Iwouldhavetoldhimofhisgrotto."'

'Hewouldallownosettledindulgenceofidlenessuponprinciple,andalwaysrepelledeveryattempttourgeexcusesforit.Afriendonedaysuggested,thatitwasnotwholesometostudysoonafterdinner.JOHNSON."Ah,Sir,don'tgivewaytosuchafancy.AtonetimeofmylifeIhadtakenitintomyheadthatitwasnotwholesometostudybetweenbreakfastanddinner."'

'Dr.Goldsmith,uponoccasionofMrs.Lennox'sbringingoutaplay,saidtoDr.JohnsonatTHECLUB,thatapersonhadadvisedhimtogoandhissit,becauseshehadattackedShakspeareinherbookcalledShakspeareIllustrated.JOHNSON."Anddidnotyoutellhimhewasarascal?"GOLDSMITH."No,Sir,Ididnot.Perhapshemightnotmeanwhathesaid."

JOHNSON."Nay,Sir,ifhelied,itisadifferentthing."Colmanslilysaid,(butitisbelievedDr.Johnsondidnothearhim,)"Thentheproperexpressionshouldhavebeen,--Sir,ifyoudon'tlie,you'rearascal."'

'HisaffectionforTophamBeauclerkwassogreat,thatwhenBeauclerkwaslabouringunderthatsevereillnesswhichatlastoccasionedhisdeath,Johnsonsaid,(withavoicefaulteringwithemotion,)"Sir,IwouldwalktotheextentofthediameteroftheearthtosaveBeauclerk."'



'JohnsonwaswellacquaintedwithMr.Dossie,authourofatreatiseonAgriculture;andsaidofhim,"Sir,oftheobjectswhichtheSocietyofArtshavechieflyinview,thechymicaleffectsofbodiesoperatinguponotherbodies,heknowsmorethanalmostanyman."Johnson,inordertogiveMr.DossiehisvotetobeamemberofthisSociety,paidupanarrearwhichhadrunonfortwoyears.OnthisoccasionhementionedacircumstanceascharacteristickoftheScotch."Oneofthatnation,(saidhe,)whohadbeenacandidate,againstwhomIhadvoted,cameuptomewithacivilsalutation.Now,Sir,thisistheirway.AnEnglishmanwouldhavestomachedit,andbeensulky,andneverhavetakenfurthernoticeofyou;butaScotchman,Sir,thoughyouvotenineteentimesagainsthim,willaccostyouwithequalcomplaisanceaftereachtime,andthetwentiethtime,Sir,hewillgetyourvote."'

'Talkingonthesubjectoftoleration,onedaywhensomefriendswerewithhiminhisstudy,hemadehisusualremark,thattheStatehasarighttoregulatethereligionofthepeople,whoarethechildrenoftheState.Aclergymanhavingreadilyacquiescedinthis,Johnson,wholoveddiscussion,observed,"But,Sir,youmustgoroundtootherStatesthanyourown.YoudonotknowwhataBraminhastosayforhimself.Inshort,Sir,Ihavegotnofurtherthanthis:Everymanhasarighttoutterwhathethinkstruth,andeveryothermanhasarighttoknockhimdownforit.Martyrdomisthetest."'

'GoldsmithonedaybroughttoTHECLUBaprintedOde,whichhe,withothers,hadbeenhearingreadbyitsauthourinapublickroomattherateoffiveshillingseachforadmission.Oneofthecompanyhavingreaditaloud,Dr.Johnsonsaid,"Bolderwordsandmoretimorousmeaning,Ithinkneverwerebroughttogether."

'TalkingofGray'sOdes,hesaid,"Theyareforcedplantsraisedinahot-bed;andtheyarepoorplants;theyarebutcucumbersafterall."Agentlemanpresent,whohadbeenrunningdownOde-writingingeneral,asabadspeciesofpoetry,unluckilysaid,"Hadtheybeenliterallycucumbers,theyhadbeenbetterthingsthanOdes."--"Yes,Sir,(saidJohnson,)foraHOG."'

'Itisveryremarkable,thatheretainedinhismemoryveryslightandtrivial,aswellasimportantthings.Asaninstanceofthis,itseemsthataninferiourdomestickoftheDukeofLeedshadattemptedtocelebratehisGrace'smarriageinsuchhomelyrhimesashecouldmake;andthiscuriouscompositionhavingbeensungtoDr.Johnsonhegotitbyheart,andusedtorepeatitinaverypleasantmanner.Twoofthestanzaswerethese:--

"WhentheDukeofLeedsshallmarriedbeToafineyoungladyofhighquality,HowhappywillthatgentlewomanbeInhisGraceofLeeds'sgoodcompany.

Sheshallhaveallthat'sfineandfair,Andthebestofsilkandsatinshallwear;Andrideinacoachtotaketheair,AndhaveahouseinSt.James's-square."

Tohearaman,oftheweightanddignityofJohnson,repeatingsuchhumbleattemptsatpoetry,hadaveryamusingeffect.He,however,seriouslyobservedofthelaststanzarepeatedbyhim,thatitnearlycomprizedalltheadvantagesthatwealthcangive.



'Aneminentforeigner,whenhewasshewntheBritishMuseum,wasverytroublesomewithmanyabsurdinquiries."Nowthere,Sir,(saidhe,)isthedifferencebetweenanEnglishmanandaFrenchman.AFrenchmanmustbealwaystalking,whetherheknowsanythingofthematterornot;anEnglishmaniscontenttosaynothing,whenhehasnothingtosay."

'Hisunjustcontemptforforeignerswas,indeed,extreme.Oneevening,atoldSlaughter'scoffee-house,whenanumberofthemweretalkingloudaboutlittlematters,hesaid,"DoesnotthisconfirmoldMeynell'sobservation--ForanythingIsee,foreignersarefools."'

'Hesaid,thatonce,whenhehadaviolenttooth-ache,aFrenchmanaccostedhimthus:--"Ah,Monsieurvousetudieztrop."'

'Colman,inanoteonhistranslationofTerence,talkingofShakspeare'slearning,asks,"WhatsaysFarmertothis?WhatsaysJohnson?"Uponthisheobserved,"Sir,letFarmeranswerforhimself:Ineverengagedinthiscontroversy.Ialwayssaid,ShakspearehadLatinenoughtogrammaticisehisEnglish."'

'Aclergyman,whomhecharacterisedasonewholovedtosaylittleoddities,wasaffectingoneday,ataBishop'stable,asortofslynessandfreedomnotincharacter,andrepeated,asifpartofTheOldMan's

Wish,asongbyDr.WalterPope,averseborderingonlicentiousness.Johnsonrebukedhiminthefinestmanner,byfirstshewinghimthathedidnotknowthepassagehewasaimingat,andthushumblinghim:

"Sir,thatisnotthesong:itisthus."Andhegaveitright.Thenlookingstedfastlyonhim,"Sir,thereisapartofthatsongwhichIshouldwishtoexemplifyinmyownlife:--

"MayIgovernmypassionswithabsolutesway!"'

'Heusedfrequentlytoobserve,thatmenmightbeveryeminentina

profession,withoutourperceivinganyparticularpowerofmindintheminconversation."Itseemsstrange(saidhe,)thatamanshouldseesofartotheright,whoseessoshortawaytotheleft.Burkeistheonlymanwhosecommonconversationcorrespondswiththegeneralfamewhichhehasintheworld.Takeupwhatevertopickyouplease,heisreadytomeetyou."'

'Mr.Langton,whenaveryyoungman,readDodsley'sCleone,aTragedy,tohim,notawareofhisextremeimpatiencetobereadto.Asitwentonheturnedhisfacetothebackofhischair,andputhimselfintovariousattitudes,whichmarkedhisuneasiness.Attheendofanact,however,hesaid,"Comelet'shavesomemore,let'sgointotheslaughter-houseagain,Lanky.ButIamafraidthereismorebloodthan

brains."

'Snatchesofreading(saidhe,)willnotmakeaBentleyoraClarke.Theyare,however,inacertaindegreeadvantageous.Iwouldputachildintoalibrary(wherenounfitbooksare)andlethimreadathischoice.Achildshouldnotbediscouragedfromreadinganythingthathetakesalikingto,fromanotionthatitisabovehisreach.Ifthatbetheease,thechildwillsoonfinditoutanddesist;ifnot,heofcoursegainstheinstruction;whichissomuchthemorelikelytocome,fromtheinclinationwithwhichhetakesupthestudy.'



'AgentlemanwhointroducedhisbrothertoDr.JohnsonwasearnesttorecommendhimtotheDoctor'snotice,whichhedidbysaying,"Whenwehavesattogethersometime,you'llfindmybrothergrowveryentertaining."--"Sir,(saidJohnson,)Icanwait."'

'Inthelatterpartofhislife,inordertosatisfyhimselfwhetherhismentalfacultieswereimpaired,heresolvedthathewouldtrytolearnanewlanguage,andfixedupontheLowDutch,forthatpurpose,andthishecontinuedtillhehadreadaboutonehalfofThomasaKempis;andfindingthatthereappearednoabatementofhispowerofacquisition,hethendesisted,asthinkingtheexperimenthadbeendulytried.'

'Mr.LangtonandhehavinggonetoseeaFreemason'sfuneralprocession,whentheywereatRochester,andsomesolemnmusickbeingplayedonFrenchhorns,hesaid,"ThisisthefirsttimethatIhaveeverbeenaffectedbymusicalsounds;"adding,"thattheimpressionmadeuponhimwasofamelancholykind."Mr.Langtonsaying,thatthiseffectwasafineone,--JOHNSON."Yes,ifitsoftensthemind,soastoprepareitforthereceptionofsalutaryfeelings,itmaybegood:butinasmuchasitismelancholyperse,itisbad."'

'Goldsmithhadlongavisionaryproject,thatsometimeorotherwhenhiscircumstancesshouldbeeasier,hewouldgotoAleppo,inorderto

acquireaknowledgeasfarasmightbeofanyartspeculiartotheEast,andintroducethemintoBritain.WhenthiswastalkedofinDr.Johnson'scompany,hesaid,"OfallmenGoldsmithisthemostunfittogooutuponsuchaninquiry;forheisutterlyignorantofsuchartsaswealreadypossess,andconsequentlycouldnotknowwhatwouldbeaccessionstoourpresentstockofmechanicalknowledge.Sir,hewouldbringhomeagrindingbarrow,whichyouseeineverystreetinLondon,andthinkthathehadfurnishedawonderfulimprovement."'

'Greek,Sir,(saidhe,)islikelace;everymangetsasmuchofitashecan.'

'JohnsononedaygavehighpraisetoDr.Bentley'sversesinDodsley's

Collection,whichherecitedwithhisusualenergy.Dr.AdamSmith,whowaspresent,observedinhisdecisiveprofessorialmanner,"Verywell--Verywell."Johnsonhoweveradded,"Yes,theyAREverywell,Sir;butyoumayobserveinwhatmannertheyarewell.Theyaretheforcibleversesofamanofastrongmind,butnotaccustomedtowriteverse;forthereissomeuncouthnessintheexpression."'

'DrinkingteaonedayatGarrick'swithMr.Langton,hewasquestionedifhewasnotsomewhatofaheretickastoShakspeare;saidGarrick,"Idoubtheisalittleofaninfidel."--"Sir,(saidJohnson,)IwillstandbythelinesIhavewrittenonShakspeareinmyPrologueattheopeningofyourTheatre."Mr.Langtonsuggested,thatintheline

"AndpantingTimetoil'dafterhiminvain,"

JohnsonmighthavehadinhiseyethepassageinTheTempest,whereProsperosaysofMiranda,

"-----Shewilloutstripallpraise,Andmakeithaltbehindher."



Johnsonsaidnothing.Garrickthenventuredtoobserve,"IdonotthinkthatthehappiestlineinthepraiseofShakspeare."Johnsonexclaimed(smiling,)"Prosaicalrogues!nexttimeIwrite,I'llmakebothtimeandspacepant."'

'ItiswellknownthattherewasformerlyarudecustomforthosewhoweresailingupontheThames,toaccosteachotherastheypassed,inthemostabusivelanguagetheycouldinvent,generally,however,withasmuchsatiricalhumourastheywerecapableofproducing.Addisongivesaspecimenofthisribaldry,inNumber383ofTheSpectator,whenSirRogerdeCoverlyandhearegoingtoSpring-garden.Johnsonwasonceeminentlysuccessfulinthisspeciesofcontest;afellowhavingattackedhimwithsomecoarseraillery,Johnsonansweredhimthus,"Sir,yourwife,underpretenceofkeepingabawdy-house,isareceiverofstolengoods."OneeveningwhenheandMr.BurkeandMr.Langtonwereincompanytogether,andtheadmirablescoldingofTimonofAthenswasmentioned,thisinstanceofJohnson'swasquoted,andthoughttohaveatleastequalexcellence.'

'AsJohnsonalwaysallowedtheextraordinarytalentsofMr.Burke,soMr.BurkewasfullysensibleofthewonderfulpowersofJohnson.Mr.Langtonrecollectshavingpassedaneveningwithbothofthem,whenMr.Burkerepeatedlyenteredupontopickswhichitwasevidenthewouldhaveillustratedwithextensiveknowledgeandrichnessofexpression;but

Johnsonalwaysseizedupontheconversation,inwhich,however,heacquittedhimselfinamostmasterlymanner.AsMr.BurkeandMr.Langtonwerewalkinghome,Mr.BurkeobservedthatJohnsonhadbeenverygreatthatnight;Mr.Langtonjoinedinthis,butadded,hecouldhavewishedtohearmorefromanotherperson;(plainlyintimatingthathemeantMr.Burke.)"O,no(saidMr.Burke,)itisenoughformetohaverungthebelltohim."'

'Beauclerkhavingobservedtohimofoneoftheirfriends,thathewasaukwardatcountingmoney,"Why,Sir,(saidJohnson,)Iamlikewiseaukwardatcountingmoney.Butthen,Sir,thereasonisplain;Ihavehadverylittlemoneytocount."'

'Goldsmith,uponbeingvisitedbyJohnsononedayintheTemple,saidtohimwithalittlejealousyoftheappearanceofhisaccommodation,"Ishallsoonbeinbetterchambersthanthese."Johnsonatthesametimecheckedhimandpaidhimahandsomecompliment,implyingthatamanofhistalentsshouldbeaboveattentiontosuchdistinctions,--"Nay,Sir,nevermindthat.Niltequaesiverisextra."'

'WhenMr.VeseywasproposedasamemberofTheLITERARYCLUB,Mr.Burkebeganbysayingthathewasamanofgentlemanners."Sir,(saidJohnson,)youneedsaynomore.Whenyouhavesaidamanofgentlemanners;youhavesaidenough."'

'ThelateMr.FitzherberttoldMr.LangtonthatJohnsonsaidtohim,

"Sir,amanhasnomorerighttoSAYanuncivilthing,thantoACTone;nomorerighttosayarudethingtoanotherthantoknockhimdown"'

'Richardsonhadlittleconversation,exceptabouthisownworks,ofwhichSirJoshuaReynoldssaidhewasalwayswillingtotalk,andgladtohavethemintroduced.JohnsonwhenhecarriedMr.Langtontoseehim,professedthathecouldbringhimoutintoconversation,andusedthisallusiveexpression,"Sir,IcanmakehimREAR."Buthefailed;forinthatinterviewRichardsonsaidlittleelsethanthattherelayintheroomatranslationofhisClarissaintoGerman.'



'OncewhensomebodyproducedanewspaperinwhichtherewasaletterofstupidabuseofSirJoshuaReynolds,ofwhichJohnsonhimselfcameinforashare,--"Pray,"saidhe,"letushaveitreadaloudfrombeginningtoend;"whichbeingdone,hewithaludicrousearnestness,andnotdirectinghislooktoanyparticularperson,calledout,"Arewealiveafterallthissatire!"'

'OfDr.Goldsmithhesaid,"Nomanwasmorefoolishwhenhehadnotapeninhishand,ormorewisewhenhehad."'

'AnobservationofBathurst'smaybementioned,whichJohnsonrepeated,appearingtoacknowledgeittobewellfounded,namely,itwassomewhatremarkablehowseldom,onoccasionofcomingintothecompanyofanynewperson,onefeltanywishorinclinationtoseehimagain.'

1781:AETAT.72.]--In1781JohnsonatlastcompletedhisLivesofthePoets,ofwhichhegivesthisaccount:'SometimeinMarchIfinishedtheLivesofthePoets,whichIwroteinmyusualway,dilatorilyandhastily,unwillingtowork,andworkingwithvigourandhaste.'Inamemorandumprevioustothis,hesaysofthem:'Written,Ihope,insuchamannerasmaytendtothepromotionofpiety.'

Thebooksellers,justlysensibleofthegreatadditionalvalueofthe

copy-right,presentedhimwithanotherhundredpounds,overandabovetwohundred,forwhichhisagreementwastofurnishsuchprefacesashethoughtfit.

Ashewassogoodastomakemeapresentofthegreatestpartoftheoriginalandindeedonlymanuscriptofthisadmirablework,Ihaveanopportunityofobservingwithwonder,thecorrectnesswithwhichherapidlystruckoffsuchglowingcomposition.

TheLifeofCOWLEYhehimselfconsideredasthebestofthewhole,onaccountofthedissertationwhichitcontainsontheMetaphysicalPoets.

WhiletheworldingeneralwasfilledwithadmirationofJohnson's

LivesofthePoets,therewerenarrowcirclesinwhichprejudiceandresentmentwerefostered,andfromwhichattacksofdifferentsortsissuedagainsthim.BysomeviolentWhigshewasarraignedofinjusticetoMilton;bysomeCambridgemenofdepreciatingGray;andhisexpressingwithadignifiedfreedomwhathereallythoughtofGeorge,LordLyttelton,gaveoffencetosomeofthefriendsofthatnobleman,andparticularlyproducedadeclarationofwaragainsthimfromMrs.Montagu,theingeniousEssayistonShakspeare,betweenwhomandhisLordshipacommerceofreciprocalcomplimentshadlongbeencarriedon.Inthiswarthesmallerpowersinalliancewithhimwereofcourseledtoengage,atleastonthedefensive,andthusIforonewasexcludedfromtheenjoymentof'AFeastofReason,'suchasMr.Cumberlandhasdescribed,withakeen,yetjustanddelicatepen,inhisObserver.

TheseminuteinconveniencesgavenottheleastdisturbancetoJohnson.Henoblysaid,whenItalkedtohimofthefeeble,thoughshrilloutcrywhichhadbeenraised,'Sir,Iconsideredmyselfasentrustedwithacertainportionoftruth.Ihavegivenmyopinionsincerely;letthemshewwheretheythinkmewrong.'

IwrotetohiminFebruary,complainingofhavingbeentroubledbyarecurrenceoftheperplexingquestionofLibertyandNecessity;--andmentioningthatIhopedsoontomeethimagaininLondon.




'DEARSIR,--Ihopedyouhadgotridofallthishypocrisyofmisery.WhathaveyoutodowithLibertyandNecessity?Orwhatmorethantoholdyourtongueaboutit?DonotdoubtbutIshallbemostheartilygladtoseeyouhereagain,forIloveeverypartaboutyoubutyouraffectationofdistress.

'IhaveatlastfinishedmyLives,andhavelaidupforyoualoadofcopy,alloutoforder,sothatitwillamuseyoualongtimetosetitright.Cometome,mydearBozzy,andletusbeashappyaswecan.WewillgoagaintotheMitre,andtalkoldtimesover.Iam,dearSir,yoursaffectionately,

'March14,1781.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

OnMonday,March19,IarrivedinLondon,andonTuesday,the20th,methiminFleet-street,walking,orratherindeedmovingalong;forhispeculiarmarchisthusdescribedinaveryjustandpicturesquemanner,inashortLifeofhimpublishedverysoonafterhisdeath:--'Whenhe

walkedthestreets,whatwiththeconstantrollofhishead,andtheconcomitantmotionofhisbody,heappearedtomakehiswaybythatmotion,independentofhisfeet.'Thathewasoftenmuchstaredatwhileheadvancedinthismanner,mayeasilybebelieved;butitwasnotsafetomakesportofonesorobustashewas.Mr.Langtonsawhimoneday,inafitofabsence,byasuddenstart,drivetheloadoffaporter'sback,andwalkforwardbriskly,withoutbeingconsciousofwhathehaddone.Theporterwasveryangry,butstoodstill,andeyedthehugefigurewithmuchearnestness,tillhewassatisfiedthathiswisestcoursewastobequiet,andtakeuphisburthenagain.

Ouraccidentalmeetinginthestreetafteralongseparationwasapleasingsurprizetousboth.Hesteppedasidewithmeinto

Falcon-court,andmadekindinquiriesaboutmyfamily,andaswewereinahurrygoingdifferentways,Ipromisedtocallonhimnextday;hesaidhewasengagedtogooutinthemorning.'Early,Sir?'saidI.JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,aLondonmorningdoesnotgowiththesun.'

Iwaitedonhimnextevening,andhegavemeagreatportionofhisoriginalmanuscriptofhisLivesofthePoets,whichhehadpreservedforme.

Ifoundonvisitinghisfriend,Mr.Thrale,thathewasnowveryill,andhadremoved,IsupposebythesolicitationofMrs.Thrale,toahouseinGrosvenor-square.Iwassorrytoseehimsadlychangedinhisappearance.

HetoldmeImightnowhavethepleasuretoseeDr.Johnsondrinkwineagain,forhehadlatelyreturnedtoit.WhenImentionedthistoJohnson,hesaid,'Idrinkitnowsometimes,butnotsocially.'ThefirsteveningthatIwaswithhimatThrale's,Iobservedhepouredalargequantityofitintoaglass,andswalloweditgreedily.Everythingabouthischaracterandmannerswasforcibleandviolent;thereneverwasanymoderation;manyadaydidhefast,manyayeardidherefrainfromwine;butwhenhedideat,itwasvoraciously;whenhediddrinkwine,itwascopiously.Hecouldpractiseabstinence,butnot



temperance.

Mrs.ThraleandIhadadispute,whetherShakspeareorMiltonhaddrawnthemostadmirablepictureofaman.*IwasforShakspeare;Mrs.ThraleforMilton;andafterafairhearing,Johnsondecidedformyopinion.

*Thepassagesconsidered,accordingtoBoswell'snote,weretheportraitofHamlet'sfather(Ham.3.4.55-62),andtheportraitofAdam(P.L.4.300-303).--ED.

ItoldhimofoneofMr.Burke'splayfulsalliesuponDeanMarlay:'Idon'tliketheDeaneryofFerns,itsoundssolikeaBARRENtitle.'--'Dr.HEATHshouldhaveit;'saidI.Johnsonlaughed,andcondescendingtotrifleinthesamemodeofconceit,suggestedDr.MOSS.

Hesaid,'Mrs.Montaguhasdroptme.Now,Sir,therearepeoplewhomoneshouldlikeverywelltodrop,butwouldnotwishtobedroppedby.'Hecertainlywasvainofthesocietyofladies,andcouldmakehimselfveryagreeabletothem,whenhechoseit;SirJoshuaReynoldsagreedwithmethathecould.Mr.Gibbon,withhisusualsneer,controvertedit,perhapsinresentmentofJohnson'shavingtalkedwithsomedisgustofhisugliness,whichonewouldthinkaPHILOSOPHERwouldnotmind.DeanMarlaywittilyobserved,'Aladymaybevain,whenshecanturnawolf-dogintoalap-dog.'

HisnotionofthedutyofamemberofParliament,sittinguponanelection-committee,wasveryhigh;andwhenhewastoldofagentlemanupononeofthosecommittees,whoreadthenewspaperspartofthetime,andslepttherest,whilethemeritsofavotewereexaminedbythecounsel;andasanexcuse,whenchallengedbythechairmanforsuchbehaviour,bluntlyanswered,'Ihadmadeupmyminduponthatcase.'--Johnson,withanindignantcontempt,said,'Ifhewassucharogueastomakeuphisminduponacasewithouthearingit,heshouldnothavebeensuchafoolastotellit.''Ithink(saidMr.DudleyLong,nowNorth,)theDoctorhasprettyplainlymadehimouttobebothrogueandfool.'

Johnson'sprofoundreverencefortheHierarchymadehimexpectfrombishopsthehighestdegreeofdecorum;hewasoffendedevenattheirgoingtotaverns;'Abishop(saidhe,)hasnothingtodoatatippling-house.Itisnotindeedimmoralinhimtogotoatavern;neitherwoulditbeimmoralinhimtowhipatopinGrosvenor-square.But,ifhedid,Ihopetheboyswouldfalluponhim,andapplythewhiptoHIM.Therearegradationsinconduct;thereismorality,--decency,--propriety.Noneoftheseshouldbeviolatedbyabishop.Abishopshouldnotgotoahousewherehemaymeetayoungfellowleadingoutawench.'BOSWELL.'But,Sir,everytaverndoesnotadmitwomen.'JOHNSON.'Dependuponit,Sir,anytavernwilladmitawell-drestmanandawell-drestwoman;theywillnotperhapsadmitawomanwhomtheyseeeverynightwalkingbytheirdoor,inthestreet.

Butawell-drestmanmayleadinawell-drestwomantoanytaverninLondon.Tavernssellmeatanddrink,andwillsellthemtoanybodywhocaneatandcandrink.Youmayaswellsaythatamercerwillnotsellsilkstoawomanofthetown.'

Healsodisapprovedofbishopsgoingtorouts,atleastoftheirstayingatthemlongerthantheirpresencecommandedrespect.Hementionedaparticularbishop.'Poh!(saidMrs.Thrale,)theBishopof------isnevermindedatarout.'BOSWELL.'Whenabishopplaceshimselfinasituationwherehehasnodistinctcharacter,andisofnoconsequence,



hedegradesthedignityofhisorder.'JOHNSON.'Mr.Boswell,Madamhassaiditascorrectlyasitcouldbe.'

Johnsonandhisfriend,Beauclerk,wereoncetogetherincompanywithseveralclergymen,whothoughtthattheyshouldappeartoadvantage,byassumingthelaxjollityofmenoftheworld;which,asitmaybeobservedinsimilarcases,theycarriedtonoisyexcess.Johnson,whotheyexpectedwouldbeENTERTAINED,satgraveandsilentforsometime;atlast,turningtoBeauclerk,hesaid,bynomeansinawhisper,'Thismerrimentofparsonsismightyoffensive.'

OnFriday,March30,IdinedwithhimatSirJoshuaReynolds's,withtheEarlofCharlemont,SirAnnesleyStewart,Mr.EliotofPort-Eliot,Mr.Burke,DeanMarlay,Mr.Langton;amostagreeableday,ofwhichIregretthateverycircumstanceisnotpreserved;butitisunreasonabletorequiresuchamultiplicationoffelicity.

Mr.Eliotmentionedacuriousliquorpeculiartohiscountry,whichtheCornishfishermendrink.TheycallitMahogany;anditismadeoftwopartsgin,andoneparttreacle,wellbeatentogether.Ibeggedtohavesomeofitmade,whichwasdonewithproperskillbyMr.Eliot.Ithoughtitverygoodliquor;andsaiditwasacounterpartofwhatiscalledAtholPorridgeintheHighlandsofScotland,whichisamixtureofwhiskyandhoney.Johnsonsaid,'thatmustbeabetterliquorthan

theCornish,forbothitscomponentpartsarebetter.'Healsoobserved,'Mahoganymustbeamodernname;foritisnotlongsincethewoodcalledmahoganywasknowninthiscountry.'Imentionedhisscaleofliquors;--claretforboys,--portformen,--brandyforheroes.'Then(saidMr.Burke,)letmehaveclaret:Ilovetobeaboy;tohavethecarelessgaietyofboyishdays.'JOHNSON.'Ishoulddrinkclarettoo,ifitwouldgivemethat;butitdoesnot:itneithermakesboysmen,normenboys.You'llbedrownedbyit,beforeithasanyeffectuponyou.'

Iventuredtomentionaludicrousparagraphinthenewspapers,thatDr.JohnsonwaslearningtodanceofVestris.LordCharlemont,wishingtoexcitehimtotalk,proposedinawhisper,thatheshouldbeasked,whetheritwastrue.'ShallIaskhim?'saidhisLordship.Wewere,by

agreatmajority,clearfortheexperiment.UponwhichhisLordshipverygravely,andwithacourteousairsaid,'Pray,Sir,isittruethatyouaretakinglessonsofVestris?'Thiswasriskingagooddeal,andrequiredtheboldnessofaGeneralofIrishVolunteerstomaketheattempt.Johnsonwasatfirststartled,andinsomeheatanswered,'HowcanyourLordshipasksosimpleaquestion?'Butimmediatelyrecoveringhimself,whetherfromunwillingnesstobedeceived,ortoappeardeceived,orwhetherfromrealgoodhumour,hekeptupthejoke:'Nay,butifanybodyweretoanswertheparagraph,andcontradictit,I'dhaveareply,andwouldsay,thathewhocontradicteditwasnofriendeithertoVestrisorme.ForwhyshouldnotDr.Johnsonaddtohisotherpowersalittlecorporealagility?Socrateslearnttodanceatanadvancedage,andCatolearntGreekatanadvancedage.Thenitmight

proceedtosay,thatthisJohnson,notcontentwithdancingontheground,mightdanceontherope;andtheymightintroducetheelephantdancingontherope.'

OnSunday,April1,IdinedwithhimatMr.Thrale's,withSirPhilipJenningsClerkandMr.Perkins,whohadthesuperintendenceofMr.Thrale'sbrewery,withasalaryoffivehundredpoundsayear.SirPhiliphadtheappearanceofagentlemanofancientfamily,welladvancedinlife.Heworehisownwhitehairinabagofgoodlysize,ablackvelvetcoat,withanembroideredwaistcoat,andveryrichlaced



ruffles;whichMrs.Thralesaidwereoldfashioned,butwhich,forthatreason,Ithoughtthemorerespectable,morelikeaTory;yetSirPhilipwastheninOppositioninParliament.'Ah,Sir,(saidJohnson,)ancientrufflesandmodernprinciplesdonotagree.'SirPhilipdefendedtheOppositiontotheAmericanwarablyandwithtemper,andIjoinedhim.Hesaid,themajorityofthenationwasagainsttheministry.JOHNSON.'I,Sir,amagainsttheministry;butitisforhavingtoolittleofthat,ofwhichOppositionthinkstheyhavetoomuch.WereIminister,ifanymanwaggedhisfingeragainstme,heshouldbeturnedout;forthatwhichitisinthepowerofGovernmenttogiveatpleasuretooneortoanother,shouldbegiventothesupportersofGovernment.Ifyouwillnotopposeattheexpenceoflosingyourplace,youroppositionwillnotbehonest,youwillfeelnoseriousgrievance;andthepresentoppositionisonlyacontesttogetwhatothershave.SirRobertWalpoleactedasIwoulddo.AstotheAmericanwar,theSENSEofthenationisWITHtheministry.ThemajorityofthosewhocanUNDERSTANDiswithit;themajorityofthosewhocanonlyHEAR,isagainstit;andasthosewhocanonlyheararemorenumerousthanthosewhocanunderstand,andOppositionisalwaysloudest,amajorityoftherabblewillbeforOpposition.'

Thisboisterousvivacityentertainedus;butthetruthinmyopinionwas,thatthosewhocouldunderstandthebestwereagainsttheAmericanwar,asalmosteverymannowis,whenthequestionhasbeencoolly

considered.

Mrs.ThralegavehighpraisetoMr.DudleyLong,(nowNorth).JOHNSON.'Nay,mydearlady,don'ttalkso.Mr.Long'scharacterisverySHORT.Itisnothing.Hefillsachair.Heisamanofgenteelappearance,andthatisall.Iknownobodywhoblastsbypraiseasyoudo:forwheneverthereisexaggeratedpraise,everybodyissetagainstacharacter.Theyareprovokedtoattackit.NowthereisPepys;youpraisedthatmanwithsuchdisproportion,thatIwasincitedtolessenhim,perhapsmorethanhedeserves.Hisbloodisuponyourhead.Bythesameprinciple,yourmalicedefeatsitself;foryourcensureistooviolent.Andyet,(lookingtoherwithaleeringsmile,)sheisthefirstwomanintheworld,couldshebutrestrainthatwickedtongueofhers;--shewouldbe

theonlywoman,couldshebutcommandthatlittlewhirligig.'

UponthesubjectofexaggeratedpraiseItookthelibertytosay,thatIthoughttheremightbeveryhighpraisegiventoaknowncharacterwhichdeservedit,andthereforeitwouldnotbeexaggerated.Thus,onemightsayofMr.EdmundBurke,Heisaverywonderfulman.JOHNSON.'No,Sir,youwouldnotbesafeifanothermanhadamindperverselytocontradict.Hemightanswer,"Whereisallthewonder?Burkeis,tobesure,amanofuncommonabilities,withagreatquantityofmatterinhismind,andagreatfluencyoflanguageinhismouth.Butwearenottobestunnedandastonishedbyhim."Soyousee,Sir,evenBurkewouldsuffer,notfromanyfaultofhisown,butfromyourfolly.'

Mrs.Thralementionedagentlemanwhohadacquiredafortuneoffourthousandayearintrade,butwasabsolutelymiserable,becausehecouldnottalkincompany;somiserable,thathewasimpelledtolamenthissituationinthestreetto******,whomhehates,andwhoheknowsdespiseshim.'Iamamostunhappyman,(saidhe).Iaminvitedtoconversations.Igotoconversations;but,alas!Ihavenoconversation.'JOHNSON.'Mancommonlycannotbesuccessfulindifferentways.Thisgentlemanhasspent,ingettingfourthousandpoundsayear,thetimeinwhichhemighthavelearnttotalk;andnowhecannottalk.'Mr.Perkinsmadeashrewdanddrollremark:'Ifhehadgothisfour



thousandayearasamountebank,hemighthavelearnttotalkatthesametimethathewasgettinghisfortune.'

Someothergentlemencamein.TheconversationconcerningthepersonwhosecharacterDr.Johnsonhadtreatedsoslightingly,ashedidnotknowhismerit,wasresumed.Mrs.Thralesaid,'Youthinksoofhim,Sir,becauseheisquiet,anddoesnotexerthimselfwithforce.You'llbesayingthesamethingofMr.*****there,whositsasquiet--.'Thiswasnotwell-bred;andJohnsondidnotletitpasswithoutcorrection.'Nay,Madam,whatrighthaveyoutotalkthus?BothMr.*****andIhavereasontotakeitill.YoumaytalksoofMr.*****;butwhydoyoumakemedoit?HaveIsaidanythingagainstMr.*****?Youhavesethim,thatImightshoothim:butIhavenotshothim.'

Oneofthegentlemensaid,hehadseenthreefoliovolumesofDr.Johnson'ssayingscollectedbyme.'Imustputyouright,Sir,(saidI,)forIamveryexactinauthenticity.Youcouldnotseefoliovolumes,forIhavenone:youmighthaveseensomeinquartoandoctavo.Thisisinattentionwhichoneshouldguardagainst.'JOHNSON.'Sir,itisawantofconcernaboutveracity.Hedoesnotknowthathesawanyvolumes.Ifhehadseenthemhecouldhaverememberedtheirsize.'

Mr.Thraleappearedverylethargickto-day.IsawhimagainonMondayevening,atwhichtimehewasnotthoughttobeinimmediatedanger;but

earlyinthemorningofWednesday,the4th,heexpired.Johnsonwasinthehouse,andthusmentionstheevent:'Ifeltalmostthelastflutterofhispulse,andlookedforthelasttimeuponthefacethatforfifteenyearshadneverbeenturneduponmebutwithrespectandbenignity.'UponthatdaytherewasaCallofTheLITERARYCLUB;butJohnsonapologisedforhisabsencebythefollowingnote:--

'MR.JOHNSONknowsthatSirJoshuaReynoldsandtheothergentlemenwillexcusehisincompliancewiththecall,whentheyaretoldthatMr.Thralediedthismorning.--Wednesday.'

Mr.Thrale'sdeathwasaveryessentiallosstoJohnson,who,althoughhedidnotforeseeallthatafterwardshappened,wassufficiently

convincedthatthecomfortswhichMr.Thrale'sfamilyaffordedhim,wouldnowinagreatmeasurecease.He,however,continuedtoshewakindattentiontohiswidowandchildrenaslongasitwasacceptable;andhetookuponhim,withaveryearnestconcern,theofficeofoneofhisexecutors,theimportanceofwhichseemedgreaterthanusualtohim,fromhiscircumstanceshavingbeenalwayssuch,thathehadscarcelyanyshareintherealbusinessoflife.HisfriendsofTHECLUBwereinhopesthatMr.Thralemighthavemadealiberalprovisionforhimforhislife,which,asMr.Thraleleftnoson,andaverylargefortune,itwouldhavebeenhighlytohishonourtohavedone;and,consideringDr.Johnson'sage,couldnothavebeenoflongduration;buthebequeathedhimonlytwohundredpounds,whichwasthelegacygiventoeachofhisexecutors.IcouldnotbutbesomewhatdivertedbyhearingJohnsontalk

inapompousmannerofhisnewoffice,andparticularlyoftheconcernsofthebrewery,whichitwasatlastresolvedshouldbesold.LordLucantellsaverygoodstory,which,ifnotpreciselyexact,iscertainlycharacteristical:thatwhenthesaleofThrale'sbrewerywasgoingforward,Johnsonappearedbustlingabout,withanink-hornandpeninhisbutton-hole,likeanexcise-man;andonbeingaskedwhathereallyconsideredtobethevalueofthepropertywhichwastobedisposedof,answered,'Wearenotheretosellaparcelofboilersandvats,butthepotentialityofgrowingrich,beyondthedreamsofavarice.'



OnFriday,April6,hecarriedmetodineataclub,which,athisdesire,hadbeenlatelyformedattheQueen'sArms,inSt.Paul'sChurch-yard.HetoldMr.Hoole,thathewishedtohaveaCityClub,andaskedhimtocollectone;but,saidhe,'Don'tletthembePATRIOTS.'Thecompanywereto-dayverysensible,well-behavedmen.

OnFriday,April13,beingGood-Friday,IwenttoSt.Clement'schurchwithhimasusual.ThereIsawagainhisoldfellow-collegian,Edwards,towhomIsaid,'Ithink,Sir,Dr.JohnsonandyoumeetonlyatChurch.'--'Sir,(saidhe,)itisthebestplacewecanmeetin,exceptHeaven,andIhopeweshallmeettheretoo.'Dr.Johnsontoldme,thattherewasverylittlecommunicationbetweenEdwardsandhim,aftertheirunexpectedrenewalofacquaintance.'But,(saidhe,smiling),hemetmeonce,andsaid,"IamtoldyouhavewrittenaveryprettybookcalledTheRambler."Iwasunwillingthatheshouldleavetheworldintotaldarkness,andsenthimaset.'

Mr.Berrengervisitedhimto-day,andwasverypleasing.Wetalkedofaneveningsocietyforconversationatahouseintown,ofwhichwewereallmembers,butofwhichJohnsonsaid,'Itwillneverdo,Sir.Thereisnothingservedaboutthere,neithertea,norcoffee,norlemonade,noranythingwhatever;anddependuponit,Sir,amandoesnotlovetogotoaplacefromwhencehecomesoutexactlyashewentin.'Iendeavoured,forargument'ssake,tomaintainthatmenoflearningand

talentsmighthaveverygoodintellectualsociety,withouttheaidofanylittlegratificationsofthesenses.BerrengerjoinedwithJohnson,andsaid,thatwithouttheseanymeetingwouldbedullandinsipid.Hewouldthereforehavealltheslightrefreshments;nay,itwouldnotbeamisstohavesomecoldmeat,andabottleofwineuponaside-board.'Sir,(saidJohnsontome,withanairoftriumph,)Mr.Berrengerknowstheworld.Everybodylovestohavegoodthingsfurnishedtothemwithoutanytrouble.ItoldMrs.Thraleonce,thatasshedidnotchoosetohavecardtables,sheshouldhaveaprofusionofthebestsweetmeats,andshewouldbesuretohavecompanyenoughcometoher.'

OnSunday,April15,beingEaster-day,aftersolemnworshipinSt.Paul'schurch,Ifoundhimalone;Dr.ScottoftheCommonscamein.

WetalkedofthedifferencebetweenthemodeofeducationatOxford,andthatinthoseCollegeswhereinstructionischieflyconveyedbylectures.JOHNSON.'Lectureswereonceuseful;butnow,whenallcanread,andbooksaresonumerous,lecturesareunnecessary.Ifyourattentionfails,andyoumissapartofalecture,itislost;youcannotgobackasyoudouponabook.'Dr.Scottagreedwithhim.'Butyet(saidI),Dr.Scott,youyourselfgavelecturesatOxford.'Hesmiled.'Youlaughed(thensaidI,)atthosewhocametoyou.'

Dr.Scottleftus,andsoonafterwardswewenttodinner.OurcompanyconsistedofMrs.Williams,Mrs.Desmoulins,Mr.Levett,Mr.Allen,theprinter,andMrs.Hall,sisteroftheReverendMr.JohnWesley,

andresemblinghim,asIthought,bothinfigureandmanner.Johnsonproducednow,forthefirsttime,somehandsomesilversalvers,whichhetoldmehehadboughtfourteenyearsago;soitwasagreatday.IwasnotalittleamusedbyobservingAllenperpetuallystrugglingtotalkinthemannerofJohnson,likethelittlefroginthefableblowinghimselfuptoresemblethestatelyox.

Hementionedathingasnotunfrequent,ofwhichIhadneverheardbefore,--beingCALLED,thatis,hearingone'snamepronouncedbythevoiceofaknownpersonatagreatdistance,farbeyondthepossibility



ofbeingreachedbyanysoundutteredbyhumanorgans.'Anacquaintance,onwhoseveracityIcandepend,toldme,thatwalkinghomeoneeveningtoKilmarnock,heheardhimselfcalledfromawood,bythevoiceofabrotherwhohadgonetoAmerica;andthenextpacketbroughtaccountsofthatbrother'sdeath.'MacbeanassertedthatthisinexplicableCALLINGwasathingverywellknown.Dr.Johnsonsaid,thatonedayatOxford,ashewasturningthekeyofhischamber,heheardhismotherdistinctlycallSAM.ShewasthenatLichfleld;butnothingensued.Thisphaenomenonis,Ithink,aswonderfulasanyothermysteriousfact,whichmanypeopleareveryslowtobelieve,orrather,indeed,rejectwithanobstinatecontempt.

Sometimeafterthis,uponhismakingaremarkwhichescapedmyattention,Mrs.WilliamsandMrs.Hallwerebothtogetherstrivingtoanswerhim.Hegrewangry,andcalledoutloudly,'Nay,whenyoubothspeakatonce,itisintolerable.'Butcheckinghimself,andsoftening,hesaid,'Thisonemaysay,thoughyouAREladies.'Thenhebrightenedintogayhumour,andaddressedtheminthewordsofoneofthesongsinTheBeggar'sOpera:--

'Buttwoatatimethere'snomortalcanbear.'

'What,Sir,(saidI,)areyougoingtoturnCaptainMacheath?'Therewassomethingaspleasantlyludicrousinthissceneascanbeimagined.ThecontrastbetweenMacheath,Polly,andLucy--andDr.SamuelJohnson,blind,peevishMrs.Williams,andlean,lank,preachingMrs.Hall,wasexquisite.

OnFriday,April20,IspentwithhimoneofthehappiestdaysthatIremembertohaveenjoyedinthewholecourseofmylife.Mrs.Garrick,whosegriefforthelossofherhusbandwas,Ibelieve,assincereaswoundedaffectionandadmirationcouldproduce,hadthisday,forthefirsttimesincehisdeath,aselectpartyofhisfriendstodinewithher.ThecompanywasMissHannahMore,wholivedwithher,andwhomshecalledherChaplain;Mrs.Boscawen,Mrs.ElizabethCarter,SirJoshua

Reynolds,Dr.Burney,Dr.Johnson,andmyself.WefoundourselvesveryelegantlyentertainedatherhouseintheAdelphi,whereIhavepassedmanyapleasinghourwithhim'whogladdenedlife.'Shelookedwell,talkedofherhusbandwithcomplacency,andwhileshecasthereyesonhisportrait,whichhungoverthechimney-piece,said,that'deathwasnowthemostagreeableobjecttoher.'TheverysemblanceofDavidGarrickwascheering.

Wewereallinfinespirits;andIwhisperedtoMrs.Boscawen,'Ibelievethisisasmuchascanbemadeoflife.'Inadditiontoasplendidentertainment,wewereregaledwithLichfieldale,whichhadapeculiarappropriatedvalue.SirJoshua,andDr.Burney,andI,drankcordiallyofittoDr.Johnson'shealth;andthoughhewouldnotjoin

us,heascordiallyanswered,'Gentlemen,Iwishyouallaswellasyoudome.'

Thegeneraleffectofthisdaydwellsuponmymindinfondremembrance;butIdonotfindmuchconversationrecorded.WhatIhavepreservedshallbefaithfullygiven.

OneofthecompanymentionedMr.ThomasHollis,thestrenuousWhig,whousedtosendoverEuropepresentsofdemocraticalbooks,withtheirboardsstampedwithdaggersandcapsofliberty.Mrs.Cartersaid,'He



wasabadman.Heusedtotalkuncharitably.'JOHNSON.'Poh!poh!Madam;whoistheworseforbeingtalkedofuncharitably?Besides,hewasadullpoorcreatureaseverlived:andIbelievehewouldnothavedoneharmtoamanwhomheknewtobeofveryoppositeprinciplestohisown.IrememberonceattheSocietyofArts,whenanadvertisementwastobedrawnup,hepointedmeoutasthemanwhocoulddoitbest.This,youwillobserve,waskindnesstome.Ihoweversliptaway,andescapedit.'

Mrs.Carterhavingsaidofthesameperson,'IdoubthewasanAtheist.'JOHNSON.'Idon'tknowthat.Hemightperhapshavebecomeone,ifhehadhadtimetoripen,(smiling.)HemighthaveEXUBERATEDintoanAtheist.'

SirJoshuaReynoldspraisedMudge'sSermons.JOHNSON.'Mudge'sSermonsaregood,butnotpractical.Hegraspsmoresensethanhecanhold;hetakesmorecornthanhecanmakeintomeal;heopensawideprospect,butitissodistant,itisindistinct.IloveBlair'sSermons.ThoughthedogisaScotchman,andaPresbyterian,andeverythingheshouldnotbe,Iwasthefirsttopraisethem.Suchwasmycandour,'(smiling.)MRS.BOSCAWEN.'Suchhisgreatmerittogetthebetterofallyourprejudices.'JOHNSON.'Why,Madam,letuscompoundthematter;letusascribeittomycandour,andhismerit.'

Intheeveningwehadalargecompanyinthedrawing-room,severalladies,theBishopofKillaloe,Dr.Percy,Mr.Chamberlayne,ofthe

Treasury,&c.&c.

Talkingofaveryrespectableauthour,hetoldusacuriouscircumstanceinhislife,whichwas,thathehadmarriedaprinter'sdevil.REYNOLDS.'Aprinter'sdevil,Sir!Why,Ithoughtaprinter'sdevilwasacreaturewithablackfaceandinrags.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir.ButIsuppose,hehadherfacewashed,andputcleanclothesonher.(Thenlookingveryserious,andveryearnest.)Andshedidnotdisgracehim;thewomanhadabottomofgoodsense.'Thewordbottomthusintroduced,wassoludicrouswhencontrastedwithhisgravity,thatmostofuscouldnotforbeartitteringandlaughing;thoughIrecollectthattheBishopofKillaloekepthiscountenancewithperfectsteadiness,whileMissHannahMoreslylyhidherfacebehindalady'sbackwhosatonthesamesettee

withher.Hispridecouldnotbearthatanyexpressionofhisshouldexciteridicule,whenhedidnotintendit;hethereforeresolvedtoassumeandexercisedespotickpower,glancedsternlyaround,andcalledoutinastrongtone,'Where'sthemerriment?'Thencollectinghimself,andlookingaweful,tomakeusfeelhowhecouldimposerestraint,andasitweresearchinghismindforastillmoreludicrousword,heslowlypronounced,'IsaytheWOMANwasFUNDAMENTALLYsensible;'asifhehadsaid,hearthisnow,andlaughifyoudare.Weallsatcomposedasatafuneral.

HeandIwalkedawaytogether;westoppedalittlewhilebytherailsoftheAdelphi,lookingontheThames,andIsaidtohimwithsomeemotionthatIwasnowthinkingoftwofriendswehadlost,whooncelivedin

thebuildingsbehindus,BeauclerkandGarrick.'Ay,Sir,(saidhe,tenderly,)andtwosuchfriendsascannotbesupplied.'

ForsometimeafterthisdayIdidnotseehimveryoften,andoftheconversationwhichIdidenjoy,IamsorrytofindIhavepreservedbutlittle.Iwasatthistimeengagedinavarietyofothermatters,whichrequiredexertionandassiduity,andnecessarilyoccupiedalmostallmytime.

OnTuesday,May8,IhadthepleasureofagaindiningwithhimandMr.



Wilkes,atMr.Dilly's.NoNEGOCIATIONwasnowrequiredtobringthemtogether;forJohnsonwassowellsatisfiedwiththeformerinterview,thathewasverygladtomeetWilkesagain,whowasthisdayseatedbetweenDr.BeattieandDr.Johnson;(betweenTruthandReason,asGeneralPaolisaid,whenItoldhimofit.)WILKES.'Ihavebeenthinking,Dr.Johnson,thatthereshouldbeabillbroughtintoparliamentthatthecontrovertedelectionsforScotlandshouldbetriedinthatcountry,attheirownAbbeyofHoly-RoodHouse,andnothere;fortheconsequenceoftryingthemhereis,thatwehaveaninundationofScotchmen,whocomeupandnevergobackagain.NowhereisBoswell,whoiscomeupupontheelectionforhisowncounty,whichwillnotlastafortnight.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,Iseenoreasonwhytheyshouldbetriedatall;for,youknow,oneScotchmanisasgoodasanother.'WILKES.'Pray,Boswell,howmuchmaybegotinayearbyanAdvocateattheScotchbar?'BOSWELL.'Ibelievetwothousandpounds.'WILKES.'HowcanitbepossibletospendthatmoneyinScotland?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,themoneymaybespentinEngland:butthereisaharderquestion.IfonemaninScotlandgetspossessionoftwothousandpounds,whatremainsforalltherestofthenation?'WILKES.'Youknow,inthelastwar,theimmensebootywhichThurotcarriedoffbythecompleteplunderofsevenScotchisles;here-embarkedwithTHREEANDSIX-PENCE.'HereagainJohnsonandWilkesjoinedinextravagantsportiverailleryuponthesupposedpovertyofScotland,whichDr.BeattieandIdidnotthinkitworthourwhiletodispute.

Thesubjectofquotationbeingintroduced,Mr.Wilkescensureditaspedantry.JOHNSON.'No,Sir,itisagoodthing;thereisacommunityofmindinit.Classicalquotationistheparoleofliterarymenallovertheworld.'

HegaveusanentertainingaccountofBetFlint,awomanofthetown,who,withsomeeccentricktalentsandmucheffrontery,forcedherselfuponhisacquaintance.'Bet(saidhe,)wroteherownLifeinverse,whichshebroughttome,wishingthatIwouldfurnishherwithaPrefacetoit,(laughing.)Iusedtosayofherthatshewasgenerallyslutanddrunkard;occasionally,whoreandthief.Shehad,however,genteellodgings,aspinnetonwhichsheplayed,andaboythatwalkedbefore

herchair.PoorBetwastakenuponachargeofstealingacounterpane,andtriedattheOldBailey.ChiefJustice------,wholovedawench,summedupfavourably,andshewasacquitted.AfterwhichBetsaid,withagayandsatisfiedair,"NowthatthecounterpaneisMYOWN,Ishallmakeapetticoatofit."'

Talkingoforatory,Mr.Wilkesdescribeditasaccompaniedwithallthecharmsofpoeticalexpression.JOHNSON.'No,Sir;oratoryisthepowerofbeatingdownyouradversary'sarguments,andputtingbetterintheirplace.'WILKES.'Butthisdoesnotmovethepassions.'JOHNSON.'Hemustbeaweakman,whoistobesomoved.'WILKES.(namingacelebratedorator,)'Amidstallthebrilliancyof------'simagination,andtheexuberanceofhiswit,thereisastrangewantofTASTE.Itwasobserved

ofApelles'sVenus,thatherfleshseemedasifshehadbeennourishedbyroses:hisoratorywouldsometimesmakeonesuspectthatheeatspotatoesanddrinkswhisky.'

Mr.Wilkessaidtome,loudenoughforDr.Johnsontohear,'Dr.JohnsonshouldmakemeapresentofhisLivesofthePoets,asIamapoorpatriot,whocannotaffordtobuythem.'Johnsonseemedtotakenonoticeofthishint;butinalittlewhile,hecalledtoMr.Dilly,'Pray,Sir,besogoodastosendasetofmyLivestoMr.Wilkes,withmycompliments.'Thiswasaccordinglydone;andMr.WilkespaidDr.



Johnsonavisit,wascourteouslyreceived,andsatwithhimalongtime.

Thecompanygraduallydroppedaway.Mr.Dillyhimselfwascalleddownstairsuponbusiness;Ilefttheroomforsometime;whenIreturned,IwasstruckwithobservingDr.SamuelJohnsonandJohnWilkes,Esq.,literallytete-a-tete;fortheywerereclinedupontheirchairs,withtheirheadsleaningalmostclosetoeachother,andtalkingearnestly,inakindofconfidentialwhisper,ofthepersonalquarrelbetweenGeorgetheSecondandtheKingofPrussia.Suchasceneofperfectlyeasysocialitybetweentwosuchopponentsinthewarofpoliticalcontroversy,asthatwhichInowbeheld,wouldhavebeenanexcellentsubjectforapicture.ItpresentedtomymindthehappydayswhichareforetoldinScripture,whenthelionshallliedownwiththekid.

Afterthisdaytherewasanotherprettylonginterval,duringwhichDr.JohnsonandIdidnotmeet.WhenImentionedittohimwithregret,hewaspleasedtosay,'Then,Sir,letuslivedouble.'

Aboutthistimeitwasmuchthefashionforseveralladiestohaveeveningassemblies,wherethefairsexmightparticipateinconversationwithliteraryandingeniousmen,animatedbyadesiretoplease.ThesesocietiesweredenominatedBlue-stockingClubs,theoriginofwhichtitlebeinglittleknown,itmaybeworthwhiletorelateit.Oneofthemosteminentmembersofthosesocieties,whentheyfirstcommenced,was

Mr.Stillingfleet,whosedresswasremarkablygrave,andinparticularitwasobserved,thatheworebluestockings.Suchwastheexcellenceofhisconversation,thathisabsencewasfeltassogreataloss,thatitusedtobesaid,'Wecandonothingwithoutthebluestockings;'andthusbydegreesthetitlewasestablished.MissHannahMorehasadmirablydescribedaBlue-stockingClub,inherBasBleu,apoeminwhichmanyofthepersonswhoweremostconspicuoustherearementioned.

Johnsonwasprevailedwithtocomesometimesintothesecircles,anddidnotthinkhimselftoograveevenforthelivelyMissMonckton(nowCountessofCorke),whousedtohavethefinestBITOFBLUEatthehouseofhermother,LadyGalway.HervivacityenchantedtheSage,andtheyusedtotalktogetherwithallimaginableease.Asingularinstance

happenedoneevening,whensheinsistedthatsomeofSterne'swritingswereverypathetick.Johnsonbluntlydeniedit.'Iamsure(saidshe,)theyhaveaffectedME.''Why,(saidJohnson,smiling,androllinghimselfabout,)thatis,because,dearest,you'readunce.'Whenshesometimeafterwardsmentionedthistohim,hesaidwithequaltruthandpoliteness;'Madam,ifIhadthoughtso,Icertainlyshouldnothavesaidit.'

AnothereveningJohnson'skindindulgencetowardsmehadaprettydifficulttrial.IhaddinedattheDukeofMontrose'swithaveryagreeableparty,andhisGrace,accordingtohisusualcustom,hadcirculatedthebottleveryfreely.LordGrahamandIwenttogethertoMissMonckton's,whereIcertainlywasinextraordinaryspirits,and

aboveallfearorawe.Inthemidstofagreatnumberofpersonsofthefirstrank,amongstwhomIrecollectwithconfusion,anobleladyofthemoststatelydecorum,IplacedmyselfnexttoJohnson,andthinkingmyselfnowfullyhismatch,talkedtohiminaloudandboisterousmanner,desiroustoletthecompanyknowhowIcouldcontendwithAjax.Iparticularlyrememberpressinghimuponthevalueofthepleasuresoftheimagination,andasanillustrationofmyargument,askinghim,'What,Sir,supposingIweretofancythatthe-----(namingthemostcharmingDuchessinhisMajesty'sdominions)wereinlovewithme,shouldInotbeveryhappy?'Myfriendwithmuchaddressevadedmy



interrogatories,andkeptmeasquietaspossible;butitmayeasilybeconceivedhowhemusthavefelt.However,whenafewdaysafterwardsIwaiteduponhimandmadeanapology,hebehavedwiththemostfriendlygentleness.

WhileIremainedinLondonthisyear,JohnsonandIdinedtogetheratseveralplaces.IrecollectaplaciddayatDr.Butter's,whohadnowremovedfromDerbytoLowerGrosvenor-street,London;butofhisconversationonthatandotheroccasionsduringthisperiod,Ineglectedtokeepanyregularrecord,andshallthereforeinsertheresomemiscellaneousarticleswhichIfindinmyJohnsoniannotes.

Hisdisorderlyhabits,when'makingprovisionforthedaythatwaspassingoverhim,'appearfromthefollowinganecdote,communicatedtomebyMr.JohnNichols:--'Intheyear1763,ayoungbookseller,whowasanapprenticetoMr.Whiston,waitedonhimwithasubscriptiontohisShakspeare:andobservingthattheDoctormadenoentryinanybookofthesubscriber'sname,ventureddiffidentlytoask,whetherhewouldpleasetohavethegentleman'saddress,thatitmightbeproperlyinsertedintheprintedlistofsubscribers."Ishallprintnolistofsubscribers;"saidJohnson,withgreatabruptness:butalmostimmediatelyrecollectinghimself,added,verycomplacently,"Sir,Ihavetwoverycogentreasonsfornotprintinganylistofsubscribers;--one,thatIhavelostallthenames,--theother,thatIhavespentallthe

money."

Johnsoncouldnotbrookappearingtobeworstedinargument,evenwhenhehadtakenthewrongside,toshewtheforceanddexterityofhistalents.When,therefore,heperceivedthathisopponentgainedground,hehadrecoursetosomesuddenmodeofrobustsophistry.OncewhenIwaspressinguponhimwithvisibleadvantage,hestoppedmethus:--'MydearBoswell,let'shavenomoreofthis;you'llmakenothingofit.I'dratherhaveyouwhistleaScotchtune.'

Care,however,mustbetakentodistinguishbetweenJohnsonwhenhe'talkedforvictory,'andJohnsonwhenhehadnodesirebuttoinformandillustrate.'OneofJohnsonsprincipaltalents(saysaneminent

friendofhis)wasshewninmaintainingthewrongsideofanargument,andinasplendidperversionofthetruth.Ifyoucouldcontrivetohavehisfairopiniononasubject,andwithoutanybiasfrompersonalprejudice,orfromawishtobevictoriousinargument,itwaswisdomitself,notonlyconvincing,butoverpowering.'

Hehad,however,allhislifehabituatedhimselftoconsiderconversationasatrialofintellectualvigourandskill;andtothis,Ithink,wemayventuretoascribethatunexampledrichnessandbrilliancywhichappearedinhisown.Asaproofatonceofhiseagernessforcolloquialdistinction,andhishighnotionofthiseminentfriend,heonceaddressedhimthus:--'-----,wenowhavebeenseveralhourstogether;andyouhavesaidbutonethingforwhichIenviedyou.'

Goldsmithcouldsometimestakeadventurouslibertieswithhim,andescapeunpunished.BeauclerktoldmethatwhenGoldsmithtalkedofaprojectforhavingathirdTheatreinLondon,solelyfortheexhibitionofnewplays,inordertodeliverauthoursfromthesupposedtyrannyofmanagers,Johnsontreateditslightingly;uponwhichGoldsmithsaid,'Ay,ay,thismaybenothingtoyou,whocannowshelteryourselfbehindthecornerofapension;'andthatJohnsonborethiswithgood-humour.

JohnsonhadcalledtwiceontheBishopofKillaloebeforehisLordship



setoutforIreland,havingmissedhimthefirsttime.Hesaid,'ItwouldhavehungheavyonmyheartifIhadnotseenhim.Nomaneverpaidmoreattentiontoanotherthanhehasdonetome;andIhaveneglectedhim,notwilfully,butfrombeingotherwiseoccupied.Always,Sir,setahighvalueonspontaneouskindness.Hewhoseinclinationpromptshimtocultivateyourfriendshipofhisownaccord,willloveyoumorethanonewhomyouhavebeenatpainstoattachtoyou.'

Iaskedhimifhewasnotdissatisfiedwithhavingsosmallashareofwealth,andnoneofthosedistinctionsinthestatewhicharetheobjectsofambition.Hehadonlyapensionofthreehundredayear.Whywashenotinsuchcircumstancesastokeephiscoach?Whyhadhenotsomeconsiderableoffice?JOHNSON.'Sir,Ihavenevercomplainedoftheworld;nordoIthinkthatIhavereasontocomplain.ItisrathertobewonderedatthatIhavesomuch.MypensionismoreoutoftheusualcourseofthingsthananyinstancethatIhaveknown.Here,Sir,wasamanavowedlynofriendtoGovernmentatthetime,whogotapensionwithoutaskingforit.Inevercourtedthegreat;theysentforme;butIthinktheynowgivemeup.Theyaresatisfied;theyhaveseenenoughofme.'

Strange,however,itis,toconsiderhowfewofthegreatsoughthissociety;sothatifoneweredisposedtotakeoccasionforsatireonthataccount,veryconspicuousobjectspresentthemselves.Hisnoble

friend,LordElibank,wellobserved,thatifagreatmanprocuredaninterviewwithJohnson,anddidnotwishtoseehimmore,itshewedamereidlecuriosity,andawretchedwantofrelishforextraordinarypowersofmind.Mrs.Thralejustlyandwittilyaccountedforsuchconductbysaying,thatJohnson'sconversationwasbymuchtoostrongforapersonaccustomedtoobsequiousnessandflattery;itwasmustardinayoungchild'smouth!

OnSaturday,June2,IsetoutforScotland,andhadpromisedtopayavisitinmyway,asIsometimesdid,atSouthill,inBedfordshire,atthehospitablemansionof'SquireDilly,theelderbrotherofmyworthyfriends,thebooksellers,inthePoultry.Dr.Johnsonagreedtobeofthepartythisyear,withMr.CharlesDillyandme,andtogoandsee

LordBute'sseatatLutonHoe.Hetalkedlittletousinthecarriage,beingchieflyoccupiedinreadingDr.Watson'ssecondvolumeofChemicalEssays,whichhelikedverywell,andhisownPrinceofAbyssinia,onwhichheseemedtobeintenselyfixed;havingtoldus,thathehadnotlookedatitsinceitwasfirstpublished.Ihappenedtotakeitoutofmypocketthisday,andheseizeduponitwithavidity.

WestoppedatWelwyn,whereIwishedmuchtosee,incompanywithDr.Johnson,theresidenceoftheauthourofNightThoughts,whichwasthenpossessedbyhisson,Mr.Young.Heresomeaddresswasrequisite,forIwasnotacquaintedwithMr.Young,andhadIproposedtoDr.Johnsonthatweshouldsendtohim,hewouldhavecheckedmywish,andperhapsbeenoffended.IthereforeconcertedwithMr.Dilly,thatIshouldsteal

awayfromDr.Johnsonandhim,andtrywhatreceptionIcouldprocurefromMr.Young;ifunfavourable,nothingwastobesaid;butifagreeable,Ishouldreturnandnotifyittothem.IhastenedtoMr.Young's,foundhewasathome,sentinwordthatagentlemandesiredtowaituponhim,andwasshewnintoaparlour,whereheandayounglady,hisdaughter,weresitting.Heappearedtobeaplain,civil,countrygentleman;andwhenIbeggedpardonforpresumingtotroublehim,butthatIwishedmuchtoseehisplace,ifhewouldgivemeleave;hebehavedverycourteously,andanswered,'Byallmeans,Sir;wearejustgoingtodrinktea;willyousitdown?'Ithankedhim,butsaid,that



Dr.JohnsonhadcomewithmefromLondon,andImustreturntotheinnanddrinkteawithhim;thatmynamewasBoswell,IhadtravelledwithhimintheHebrides.'Sir,(saidhe,)IshouldthinkitagreathonourtoseeDr.Johnsonhere.Willyouallowmetosendforhim?'Availingmyselfofthisopening,Isaidthat'Iwouldgomyselfandbringhim,whenhehaddrunktea;heknewnothingofmycallinghere.'Havingbeenthussuccessful,Ihastenedbacktotheinn,andinformedDr.Johnsonthat'Mr.Young,sonofDr.Young,theauthourofNightThoughts,whomIhadjustleft,desiredtohavethehonourofseeinghimatthehousewherehisfatherlived.'Dr.Johnsonluckilymadenoinquiryhowthisinvitationhadarisen,butagreedtogo,andwhenweenteredMr.Young'sparlour,headdressedhimwithaverypolitebow,'Sir,Ihadacuriositytocomeandseethisplace.Ihadthehonourtoknowthatgreatman,yourfather.'Wewentintothegarden,wherewefoundagravelwalk,oneachsideofwhichwasarowoftrees,plantedbyDr.Young,whichformedahandsomeGothickarch;Dr.Johnsoncalleditafinegrove.Ibehelditwithreverence.

Wesatsometimeinthesummer-house,ontheoutsidewallofwhichwasinscribed,'AmbulantesinhortoaudiebantvocemDei;'andinreferencetoabrookbywhichitissituated,'Vivendirectequiprorogathoram,'&c.IsaidtoMr.Young,thatIhadbeentoldhisfatherwascheerful.'Sir,(saidhe,)hewastoowell-bredamannottobecheerfulincompany;buthewasgloomywhenalone.Heneverwascheerfulaftermy

mother'sdeath,andhehadmetwithmanydisappointments.'Dr.Johnsonobservedtomeafterwards,'ThatthiswasnofavourableaccountofDr.Young;foritisnotbecominginamantohavesolittleacquiescenceinthewaysofProvidence,astobegloomybecausehehasnotobtainedasmuchprefermentasheexpected;nortocontinuegloomyforthelossofhiswife.Griefhasitstime.'Thelastpartofthiscensurewastheoreticallymade.Practically,weknowthatgriefforthelossofawifemaybecontinuedverylong,inproportionasaffectionhasbeensincere.NomanknewthisbetterthanDr.Johnson.

Upontheroadwetalkedoftheuncertaintyofprofitwithwhichauthoursandbooksellersengageinthepublicationofliteraryworks.JOHNSON.'MyjudgementIhavefoundisnocertainruleastothesaleofabook.'

BOSWELL.'Pray,Sir,haveyoubeenmuchplaguedwithauthourssendingyoutheirworkstorevise?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir;Ihavebeenthoughtasour,surlyfellow.'BOSWELL.'Veryluckyforyou,Sir,--inthatrespect.'Imusthoweverobserve,thatnotwithstandingwhathenowsaid,whichhenodoubtimaginedatthetimetobethefact,therewas,perhaps,nomanwhomorefrequentlyyieldedtothesolicitationsevenofveryobscureauthours,toreadtheirmanuscripts,ormoreliberallyassistedthemwithadviceandcorrection.

Hefoundhimselfveryhappyat'SquireDilly's,wherethereisalwaysabundanceofexcellentfare,andheartywelcome.

OnSunday,June3,weallwenttoSouthillchurch,whichisverynear

toMr.Dilly'shouse.ItbeingthefirstSundayofthemonth,theholysacramentwasadministered,andIstaidtopartakeofit.WhenIcameafterwardsintoDr.Johnson'sroom,hesaid,'Youdidrighttostayandreceivethecommunion;Ihadnotthoughtofit.'Thisseemedtoimplythathedidnotchoosetoapproachthealtarwithoutapreviouspreparation,astowhichgoodmenentertaindifferentopinions,someholdingthatitisirreverenttopartakeofthatordinancewithoutconsiderablepremeditation.

AlthoughuponmostoccasionsIneverheardamorestrenuousadvocatefor



theadvantagesofwealth,thanDr.Johnson:hethisday,Iknownotfromwhatcaprice,tooktheotherside.'Ihavenotobserved(saidhe,)thatmenofverylargefortunesenjoyanythingextraordinarythatmakeshappiness.WhathastheDukeofBedford?WhathastheDukeofDevonshire?TheonlygreatinstancethatIhaveeverknownoftheenjoymentofwealthwas,thatofJamaicaDawkins,who,goingtovisitPalmyra,andhearingthatthewaywasinfestedbyrobbers,hiredatroopofTurkishhorsetoguardhim.'

Dr.Gibbons,theDissentingminister,beingmentioned,hesaid,'ItooktoDr.Gibbons.'AndaddressinghimselftoMr.CharlesDilly,added,'Ishallbegladtoseehim.Tellhim,ifhe'llcallonme,anddawdleoveradishofteainanafternoon,Ishalltakeitkind.'

TheReverendMr.Smith,VicarofSouthill,averyrespectableman,withaveryagreeablefamily,sentaninvitationtoustodrinktea.IremarkedDr.Johnson'sveryrespectfulpoliteness.Thoughalwaysfondofchangingthescene,hesaid,'WemusthaveMr.Dilly'sleave.Wecannotgofromyourhouse,Sir,withoutyourpermission.'Weallwent,andwerewellsatisfiedwithourvisit.

WhenIobservedthatahousebreakerwasingeneralverytimorous;JOHNSON.'Nowonder,Sir;heisafraidofbeingshotgettingINTOahouse,orhangedwhenhehasgotOUTofit.'

Hetoldus,thathehadinonedaywrittensixsheetsofatranslationfromtheFrench,adding,'Ishouldbegladtoseeitnow.IwishthatIhadcopiesofallthepamphletswrittenagainstme,asitissaidPopehad.HadIknownthatIshouldmakesomuchnoiseintheworld,Ishouldhavebeenatpainstocollectthem.Ibelievethereishardlyadayinwhichthereisnotsomethingaboutmeinthenewspapers.'

OnMonday,June4,weallwenttoLuton-Hoe,toseeLordBute'smagnificentseat,forwhichIhadobtainedaticket.Asweenteredthepark,ItalkedinahighstyleofmyoldfriendshipwithLordMountstuart,andsaid,'Ishallprobablybemuchatthisplace.'TheSage,awareofhumanvicissitudes,gentlycheckedme:'Don'tyoubetoo

sureofthat.'Hemadetwoorthreepeculiarobservations;aswhenshewnthebotanicalgarden,'IsnotEVERYgardenabotanicalgarden?'Whentoldthattherewasashrubberytotheextentofseveralmiles:'Thatismakingaveryfoolishuseoftheground;alittleofitisverywell.'Whenitwasproposedthatweshouldwalkonthepleasure-ground;'Don'tletusfatigueourselves.Whyshouldwewalkthere?Here'safinetree,let'sgettothetopofit.'Butuponthewhole,hewasverymuchpleased.Hesaid,'ThisisoneoftheplacesIdonotregrethavingcometosee.Itisaverystatelyplace,indeed;inthehousemagnificenceisnotsacrificedtoconvenience,norconveniencetomagnificence.Thelibraryisverysplendid:thedignityoftheroomsisverygreat;andthequantityofpicturesisbeyondexpectation,beyondhope.'

Ithappenedwithoutanypreviousconcert,thatwevisitedtheseatofLordButeupontheKing'sbirthday;wedinedanddrankhisMajesty'shealthataninn,inthevillageofLuton.

IntheeveningIputhiminmindofhispromisetofavourmewithacopyofhiscelebratedLettertotheEarlofChesterfield,andhewasatlastpleasedtocomplywiththisearnestrequest,bydictatingittomefromhismemory;forhebelievedthathehimselfhadnocopy.Therewasananimatedglowinhiscountenancewhilehethusrecalledhishigh-mindedindignation.



OnTuesday,June5,JohnsonwastoreturntoLondon.Hewasverypleasantatbreakfast;Imentionedafriendofminehavingresolvednevertomarryaprettywoman.JOHNSON.'Siritisaveryfoolishresolutiontoresolvenottomarryaprettywoman.Beautyisofitselfveryestimable.No,Sir,Iwouldpreferaprettywoman,unlessthereareobjectionstoher.Aprettywomanmaybefoolish;aprettywomanmaybewicked;aprettywomanmaynotlikeme.Butthereisnosuchdangerinmarryingaprettywomanasisapprehended:shewillnotbepersecutedifshedoesnotinvitepersecution.Aprettywoman,ifshehasamindtobewicked,canfindareadierwaythananother;andthatisall.'

AtSheffordIhadanotheraffectionatepartingfrommyreveredfriend,whowastakenupbytheBedfordcoachandcarriedtothemetropolis.IwentwithMessieursDilly,toseesomefriendsatBedford;dinedwiththeofficersofthemilitiaofthecounty,andnextdayproceededonmyjourney.

Johnson'scharitytothepoorwasuniformandextensive,bothfrominclinationandprinciple.Henotonlybestowedliberallyoutofhisownpurse,butwhatismoredifficultaswellasrare,wouldbegfromothers,whenhehadproperobjectsinview.Thishedidjudiciouslyaswellashumanely.Mr.PhilipMetcalfetellsme,thatwhenhehasaskedhimforsomemoneyforpersonsindistress,andMr.Metcalfehasoffered

whatJohnsonthoughttoomuch,heinsistedontakingless,saying,'No,no,Sir;wemustnotPAMPERthem.'

IamindebtedtoMr.Malone,oneofSirJoshuaReynolds'sexecutors,forthefollowingnote,whichwasfoundamonghispapersafterhisdeath,andwhich,wemaypresume,hisunaffectedmodestypreventedhimfromcommunicatingtomewiththeotherlettersfromDr.Johnsonwithwhichhewaspleasedtofurnishme.Howeverslightinitself,asitdoeshonourtothatillustriouspainter,andmostamiableman,Iamhappytointroduceit.

'TOSIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS.

'DEARSIR,--ItwasnotbeforeyesterdaythatIreceivedyoursplendidbenefaction.Toahandsoliberalindistributing,Ihopenobodywillenvythepowerofacquiring.Iam,dearSir,yourobligedandmosthumbleservant,

'June23,1781.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

ThefollowingcuriousanecdoteIinsertinDr.Burney'sownwords:--

'Dr.BurneyrelatedtoDr.JohnsonthepartialitywhichhiswritingshadexcitedinafriendofDr.Burney's,thelateMr.Bewley,wellknowninNorfolkbythenameofthePhilosopherofMassingham:who,fromtheRamblersandPlanofhisDictionary,andlongbeforetheauthour'sfamewasestablishedbytheDictionaryitself,oranyotherwork,hadconceivedsuchareverenceforhim,thatheurgentlybeggedDr.Burneytogivehimthecoverofthefirstletterhehadreceivedfromhim,asarelickofsoestimableawriter.Thiswasin1755.In1760,whenDr.BurneyvisitedDr.JohnsonattheTempleinLondon,wherehehadthenchambers,hehappenedtoarrivetherebeforehewasup;andbeingshewn



intotheroomwherehewastobreakfast,findinghimselfalone,heexaminedthecontentsoftheapartment,totrywhetherhecouldundiscoveredstealanythingtosendtohisfriendBewley,asanotherrelickoftheadmirableDr.Johnson.Butfindingnothingbettertohispurpose,hecutsomebristlesoffhishearth-broom,andenclosedtheminalettertohiscountryenthusiast,whoreceivedthemwithduereverence.TheDoctorwassosensibleofthehonourdonehimbyamanofgeniusandscience,towhomhewasanutterstranger,thathesaidtoDr.Burney,"Sir,thereisnomanpossessedofthesmallestportionofmodesty,butmustbeflatteredwiththeadmirationofsuchaman.I'llgivehimasetofmyLives,ifhewilldomethehonourtoacceptofthem."Inthishekepthisword;andDr.Burneyhadnotonlythepleasureofgratifyinghisfriendwithapresentmoreworthyofhisacceptancethanthesegmentfromthehearth-broom,butsoonafterofintroducinghimtoDr.JohnsonhimselfinBolt-court,withwhomhehadthesatisfactionofconversingaconsiderabletime,notafortnightbeforehisdeath;whichhappenedinSt.Martin's-street,duringhisvisittoDr.Burney,inthehousewherethegreatSirIsaacNewtonhadlivedanddiedbefore.'

Inoneofhislittlememorandum-booksisthefollowingminute:--

'August9,3P.M.,aetat.72,inthesummer-houseatStreatham.

'Afterinnumerableresolutionsformedandneglected,Ihaveretiredhither,toplanalifeofgreaterdiligence,inhopethatImayyetbeuseful,andbedailybetterpreparedtoappearbeforemyCreatorandmyJudge,fromwhoseinfinitemercyIhumblycallforassistanceandsupport.

'Mypurposeis,

'Topasseighthourseverydayinsomeseriousemployment.

'Havingprayed,IpurposetoemploythenextsixweeksupontheItalianlanguage,formysettledstudy.'

InautumnhewenttoOxford,Birmingham,Lichfield,andAshbourne,forwhichverygoodreasonsmightbegivenintheconjecturalyetpositivemannerofwriters,whoareproudtoaccountforeveryeventwhichtheyrelate.Hehimself,however,says,'ThemotivesofmyjourneyIhardlyknow;Iomitteditlastyear,andamnotwillingtomissitagain.'

Butsomegoodconsiderationsarise,amongstwhichisthekindlyrecollectionofMr.Hector,surgeonatBirmingham:'Hectorislikewiseanoldfriend,theonlycompanionofmychildhoodthatpassedthroughtheschoolwithme.Wehavealwayslovedoneanother;perhapswemaybemadebetterbysomeseriousconversation,ofwhichhoweverIhavenodistincthope.'Hesaystoo,'AtLichfield,mynativeplace,Ihopeto

shewagoodexamplebyfrequentattendanceonpublickworship.'

1782:AETAT.73.]--In1782,hiscomplaintsincreased,andthehistoryofhislifethisyear,islittlemorethanamournfulrecitalofthevariationsofhisillness,inthemidstofwhich,however,itwillappearfromhisletters,thatthepowersofhismindwereinnodegreeimpaired.

Atatimewhenhewaslessablethanhehadoncebeentosustainashock,hewassuddenlydeprivedofMr.Levett,whicheventhethus



communicatedtoDr.Lawrence:--

'SIR,--Ouroldfriend,Mr.Levett,whowaslastnighteminentlycheerful,diedthismorning.Themanwholayinthesameroom,hearinganuncommonnoise,gotupandtriedtomakehimspeak,butwithouteffect,hethencalledMr.Holder,theapothecary,who,thoughwhenhecamehethoughthimdead,openedavein,butcoulddrawnoblood.Sohasendedthelonglifeofaveryusefulandveryblamelessman.Iam,Sir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'Jan.17,1782.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

Inoneofhismemorandum-booksinmypossession,isthefollowingentry:--'January20,Sunday.RobertLevettwasburiedinthechurch-yardofBridewell,betweenoneandtwointheafternoon.HediedonThursday17,aboutseveninthemorning,byaninstantaneousdeath.Hewasanoldandfaithfulfriend;Ihaveknownhimfromabout46.Commendavi.MayGODhavemercyonhim.Mayhehavemercyonme.'

Onthe30thofAugust,Iinformedhimthatmyhonouredfatherhad

diedthatmorning;acomplaintunderwhichhehadlonglabouredhavingsuddenlycometoacrisis,whileIwasuponavisitattheseatofSirCharlesPreston,fromwhenceIhadhastenedthedaybefore,uponreceivingaletterbyexpress.

Inanswertomynextletter,Ireceivedonefromhim,dissuadingmefromhasteningtohimasIhadproposed;whatisproperforpublicationisthefollowingparagraph,equallyjustandtender:--'Oneexpence,however,Iwouldnothaveyoutospare:letnothingbeomittedthatcanpreserveMrs.Boswell,thoughitshouldbenecessarytotransplantherforatimeintoasofterclimate.Sheisthepropandstayofyourlife.Howmuchmustyourchildrensufferbylosingher.'

Mywifewasnowsomuchconvincedofhissincerefriendshipforme,andregardforher,that,withoutanysuggestiononmypart,shewrotehimaverypoliteandgratefulletter:--


'DEARLADY,--IhavenotoftenreceivedsomuchpleasureasfromyourinvitationtoAuchinleck.Thejourneythitherandbackis,indeed,toogreatforthelatterpartoftheyear;butifmyhealthwerefullyrecovered,Iwouldsuffernolittleheatandcold,norawetoraroughroadtokeepmefromyou.Iam,indeed,notwithouthopeofseeingAuchinleekagain;buttomakeitapleasantplaceImustseeitslady

well,andbrisk,andairy.Formysake,therefore,amongmanygreaterreasons,takecare,dearMadam,ofyourhealth,sparenoexpence,andwantnoattendancethatcanprocureease,orpreserveit.Beverycarefultokeepyourmindquiet;anddonotthinkittoomuchtogiveanaccountofyourrecoveryto,Madam,yours,&c.

'London,Sept.7,1782.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'



ThedeathofMr.ThralehadmadeaverymaterialalterationwithrespecttoJohnson'sreceptioninthatfamily.Themanlyauthorityofthehusbandnolongercurbedthelivelyexuberanceofthelady;andashervanityhadbeenfullygratified,byhavingtheColossusofLiteratureattachedtoherformanyyears,shegraduallybecamelessassiduoustopleasehim.Whetherherattachmenttohimwasalreadydividedbyanotherobject,Iamunabletoascertain;butitisplainthatJohnson'spenetrationwasalivetoherneglectorforcedattention;foronthe6thofOctoberthisyear,wefindhimmakinga'partinguseofthelibrary'atStreatham,andpronouncingaprayer,whichhecomposedonleavingMr.Thrale'sfamily:--

'AlmightyGod,Fatherofallmercy,helpmebythygrace,thatImay,withhumbleandsincerethankfulness,rememberthecomfortsandconvenienceswhichIhaveenjoyedatthisplace;andthatImayresignthemwithholysubmission,equallytrustinginthyprotectionwhenthougivest,andwhenthoutakestaway.Havemercyuponme,OLord,havemercyuponme.

'Tothyfatherlyprotection,OLord,Icommendthisfamily.Bless,guide,anddefendthem,thattheymaysopassthroughthisworld,asfinallytoenjoyinthypresenceeverlastinghappiness,forJesusChrist'ssake.Amen.'

Onecannotreadthisprayer,withoutsomeemotionsnotveryfavourabletotheladywhoseconductoccasionedit.

Inoneofhismemorandum-booksIfind,'Sunday,wenttochurchatStreatham.Templovaledixicamosculo.'

HemetMr.PhilipMetcalfeoftenatSirJoshuaReynolds's,andotherplaces,andwasagooddealwithhimatBrighthelmstonthisautumn,beingpleasedatoncewithhisexcellenttableandanimatedconversation.Mr.Metcalfeshewedhimgreatrespect,andsenthimanotethathemighthavetheuseofhiscarriagewheneverhepleased.Johnson(3rdOctober,1782)returnedthispoliteanswer:--'Mr.Johnsonisvery

muchobligedbythekindofferofthecarriage,buthehasnodesireofusingMr.Metcalfe'scarriage,exceptwhenhecanhavethepleasureofMr.Metcalfe'scompany.'Mr.MetcalfecouldnotbutbehighlypleasedthathiscompanywasthusvaluedbyJohnson,andhefrequentlyattendedhiminairings.TheyalsowenttogethertoChichester,andtheyvisitedPetworth,andCowdry,thevenerableseatoftheLordsMontacute.'Sir,(saidJohnson,)Ishouldliketostayherefour-and-twentyhours.Weseeherehowourancestorslived.'


'DEARSIR,--Iheardyesterdayofyourlatedisorder,andshouldthink

illofmyselfifIhadheardofitwithoutalarm.Iheardlikewiseofyourrecovery,whichIsincerelywishtobecompleteandpermanent.Yourcountryhasbeenindangeroflosingoneofitsbrightestornaments,andIoflosingoneofmyoldestandkindestfriends:butIhopeyouwillstilllivelong,forthehonourofthenation:andthatmoreenjoymentofyourelegance,yourintelligence,andyourbenevolence,isstillreservedfor,dearSir,yourmostaffectionate,&c.

'Brighthelmston,Nov.14,1782.'



'SAM.JOHNSON.'

1783:AETAT.74.]--In1783,hewasmoreseverelyafflictedthanever,aswillappearinthecourseofhiscorrespondence;butstillthesameardourforliterature,thesameconstantpiety,thesamekindnessforhisfriends,andthesamevivacitybothinconversationandwriting,distinguishedhim.

OnFriday,March21,havingarrivedinLondonthenightbefore,IwasgladtofindhimatMrs.Thrale'shouse,inArgyll-street,appearancesoffriendshipbetweenthembeingstillkeptup.Iwasshewnintohisroom,andafterthefirstsalutationhesaid,'Iamgladyouarecome.Iamveryill.'Helookedpale,andwasdistressedwithadifficultyofbreathing;butafterthecommoninquiriesheassumedhisusualstronganimatedstyleofconversation.SeeingmenowforthefirsttimeasaLaird,orproprietorofland,hebeganthus:'Sir,thesuperiorityofacountry-gentlemanoverthepeopleuponhisestateisveryagreeable;andhewhosayshedoesnotfeelittobeagreeable,lies;foritmustbeagreeabletohaveacasualsuperiorityoverthosewhoarebynatureequalwithus.'BOSWELL.'Yet,Sir,weseegreatproprietorsoflandwhopreferlivinginLondon.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,thepleasureoflivinginLondon,theintellectualsuperioritythatisenjoyedthere,maycounterbalancetheother.Besides,Sir,amanmaypreferthestate

ofthecountry-gentlemanuponthewhole,andyettheremayneverbeamomentwhenheiswillingtomakethechangetoquitLondonforit.'

HetalkedwithregretandindignationofthefactiousoppositiontoGovernmentatthistime,andimputeditinagreatmeasuretotheRevolution.'Sir,(saidhe,inalowvoice,havingcomenearertome,whilehisoldprejudicesseemedtobefermentinginhismind,)thisHanoverianfamilyisisoleehere.Theyhavenofriends.NowtheStuartshadfriendswhostuckbythemsolateas1745.WhentherightoftheKingisnotreverenced,therewillnotbereverenceforthoseappointedbytheKing.'

HerepeatedtomehisversesonMr.Levett,withanemotionwhichgave

themfulleffect;andthenhewaspleasedtosay,'Youmustbeasmuchwithmeasyoucan.Youhavedonemegood.YoucannotthinkhowmuchbetterIamsinceyoucamein.

HesentamessagetoacquaintMrs.ThralethatIwasarrived.Ihadnotseenhersinceherhusband'sdeath.Shesoonappeared,andfavouredmewithaninvitationtostaytodinner,whichIaccepted.Therewasnoothercompanybutherselfandthreeofherdaughters,Dr.Johnson,andI.Shetoosaid,shewasverygladIwascome,forshewasgoingtoBath,andshouldhavebeensorrytoleaveDr.JohnsonbeforeIcame.Thisseemedtobeattentiveandkind;andIwhohadnotbeeninformedofanychange,imaginedalltobeaswellasformerly.Hewaslittleinclinedtotalkatdinner,andwenttosleepafterit;butwhenhe

joinedusinthedrawing-room,heseemedrevived,andwasagainhimself.

Talkingofconversation,hesaid,'Theremust,inthefirstplace,beknowledge,theremustbematerials;inthesecondplace,theremustbeacommandofwords;inthethirdplace,theremustbeimagination,toplacethingsinsuchviewsastheyarenotcommonlyseenin;andinthefourthplace,theremustbepresenceofmind,andaresolutionthatisnottobeovercomebyfailures:thislastisanessentialrequisite;forwantofitmanypeopledonotexcelinconversation.NowIwantit:Ithrowupthegameuponlosingatrick.'Iwonderedtohearhimtalkthus



ofhimself,andsaid,'Idon'tknow,Sir,howthismaybe;butIamsureyoubeatotherpeople'scardsoutoftheirhands.'Idoubtwhetherheheardthisremark.Whilehewentontalkingtriumphantly,Iwasfixedinadmiration,andsaidtoMrs.Thrale,'O,forshort-handtotakethisdown!''You'llcarryitallinyourhead,(saidshe;)alongheadisasgoodasshort-hand.'

Ithasbeenobservedandwonderedat,thatMr.CharlesFoxnevertalkedwithanyfreedominthepresenceofDr.Johnson,thoughitiswellknown,andImyselfcanwitness,thathisconversationisvarious,fluent,andexceedinglyagreeable.Johnson'sownexperience,however,ofthatgentleman'sreservewasasufficientreasonforhisgoingonthus:'Foxnevertalksinprivatecompany;notfromanydeterminationnottotalk,butbecausehehasnotthefirstmotion.AmanwhoisusedtotheapplauseoftheHouseofCommons,hasnowishforthatofaprivatecompany.Amanaccustomedtothrowforathousandpounds,ifsetdowntothrowforsixpence,wouldnotbeatthepainstocounthisdice.Burke'stalkistheebullitionofhismind;hedoesnottalkfromadesireofdistinction,butbecausehismindisfull.'

Aftermusingforsometime,hesaid,'IwonderhowIshouldhaveanyenemies;forIdoharmtonobody.'BOSWELL.'Inthefirstplace,Sir,youwillbepleasedtorecollect,thatyousetoutwithattackingtheScotch;soyougotawholenationforyourenemies.'JOHNSON.'Why,I

own,thatbymydefinitionofOATSImeanttovexthem.'BOSWELL.'Pray,Sir,canyoutracethecauseofyourantipathytotheScotch?'JOHNSON.'Icannot,Sir.'BOSWELL.'OldMr.Sheridansays,itwasbecausetheysoldCharlestheFirst.'JOHNSON.'Then,Sir,oldMr.Sheridanhasfoundoutaverygoodreason.'

IhadpaidavisittoGeneralOglethorpeinthemorning,*andwastoldbyhimthatDr.JohnsonsawcompanyonSaturdayevenings,andhewouldmeetmeatJohnson'sthatnight.WhenImentionedthistoJohnson,notdoubtingthatitwouldpleasehim,ashehadagreatvalueforOglethorpe,thefretfulnessofhisdiseaseunexpectedlysheweditself;hisangersuddenlykindled,andhesaid,withvehemence,'Didnotyoutellhimnottocome?AmItobeHUNTEDinthismanner?'Isatisfiedhim

thatIcouldnotdivinethatthevisitwouldnotbeconvenient,andthatIcertainlycouldnottakeituponmeofmyownaccordtoforbidtheGeneral.

*March22.--Ed.

IfoundDr.JohnsonintheeveninginMrs.Williams'sroom,atteaandcoffeewithherandMrs.Desmoulins,whowerealsobothill;itwasasadscene,andhewasnotinverygoodhumour.Hesaidofaperformancethathadlatelycomeout,'Sir,ifyoushouldsearchallthemadhousesinEngland,youwouldnotfindtenmenwhowouldwriteso,andthinkitsense.'

IwasgladwhenGeneralOglethorpe'sarrivalwasannounced,andwelefttheladies.Dr.Johnsonattendedhimintheparlour,andwasascourteousasever.

OnSunday,March23,IbreakfastedwithDr.Johnson,whoseemedmuchrelieved,havingtakenopiumthenightbefore.Hehoweverprotestedagainstit,asaremedythatshouldbegivenwiththeutmostreluctance,andonlyinextremenecessity.ImentionedhowcommonlyitwasusedinTurkey,andthatthereforeitcouldnotbesoperniciousasheapprehended.Hegrewwarmandsaid,'Turkstakeopium,andChristians



takeopium;butRussel,inhisAccountofAleppo,tellsus,thatitisasdisgracefulinTurkeytotaketoomuchopium,asitiswithustogetdrunk.Sir,itisamazinghowthingsareexaggerated.AgentlemanwaslatelytellinginacompanywhereIwaspresent,thatinFranceassoonasamanoffashionmarries,hetakesanoperagirlintokeeping;andthishementionedasageneralcustom."Pray,Sir,(saidI,)howmanyoperagirlsmaytherebe?"Heanswered,"Aboutfourscore.""Wellthen,Sir,(saidI,)youseetherecanbenomorethanfourscoremenoffashionwhocandothis."'

Mrs.Desmoulinsmadetea;andsheandItalkedbeforehimuponatopickwhichhehadoncebornepatientlyfrommewhenwewerebyourselves,--hisnotcomplainingoftheworld,becausehewasnotcalledtosomegreatoffice,norhadattainedtogreatwealth.Heflewintoaviolentpassion,Iconfesswithsomejustice,andcommandedustohavedone.'Nobody,(saidhe,)hasarighttotalkinthismanner,tobringbeforeamanhisowncharacter,andtheeventsofhislife,whenhedoesnotchooseitshouldbedone.Ineverhavesoughttheworld;theworldwasnottoseekme.Itisratherwonderfulthatsomuchhasbeendoneforme.Allthecomplaintswhicharemadeoftheworldareunjust.Ineverknewamanofmeritneglected:itwasgenerallybyhisownfaultthathefailedofsuccess.Amanmayhidehisheadinahole:hemaygointothecountry,andpublishabooknowandthen,whichnobodyreads,andthencomplainheisneglected.Thereisnoreasonwhyanyperson

shouldexerthimselfforamanwhohaswrittenagoodbook:hehasnotwrittenitforanyindividual.Imayaswellmakeapresenttothepostmanwhobringsmealetter.Whenpatronagewaslimited,anauthourexpectedtofindaMaecenas,andcomplainedifhedidnotfindone.Whyshouldhecomplain?ThisMaecenashasothersasgoodashe,orotherswhohavegotthestartofhim.'

Onthesubjectoftherightemploymentofwealth,Johnsonobserved,'Amancannotmakeabaduseofhismoney,sofarasregardsSociety,ifhedoesnothoardit;forifheeitherspendsitorlendsitout,Societyhasthebenefit.Itisingeneralbettertospendmoneythantogiveitaway;forindustryismorepromotedbyspendingmoneythanbygivingitaway.Amanwhospendshismoneyissureheisdoinggoodwithit:heis

notsosurewhenhegivesitaway.Amanwhospendstenthousandayearwilldomoregoodthanamanwhospendstwothousandandgivesawayeight.'

IntheeveningIcametohimagain.Hewassomewhatfretfulfromhisillness.Agentlemanaskedhim,whetherhehadbeenabroadto-day.'Don'ttalksochildishly,(saidhe.)YoumayaswellaskifIhangedmyselfto-day.'Imentionedpoliticks.JOHNSON.'Sir,I'dassoonhaveamantobreakmybonesastalktomeofpublickaffairs,internalorexternal.Ihavelivedtoseethingsallasbadastheycanbe.'

Hesaid,'Goldsmith'sblunderingspeechtoLordShelburne,whichhasbeensooftenmentioned,andwhichhereallydidmaketohim,wasonlya

blunderinemphasis:"IwondertheyshouldcallyourLordshipMalagrida,forMalagridawasaverygoodman;"meant,IwondertheyshoulduseMalagridaasatermofreproach.'

SoonafterthistimeIhadanopportunityofseeing,bymeansofoneofhisfriends,aproofthathistalents,aswellashisobligingservicetoauthours,werereadyasever.HehadrevisedTheVillage,anadmirablepoem,bytheReverendMr.Crabbe.Itssentimentsastothefalsenotionsofrustickhappinessandrustickvirtuewerequitecongenialwithhisown;andhehadtakenthetroublenotonlytosuggest



slightcorrectionsandvariations,buttofurnishsomelines,whenhethoughthecouldgivethewriter'smeaningbetterthaninthewordsofthemanuscript.

OnSunday,March30,Ifoundhimathomeintheevening,andhadthepleasuretomeetwithDr.Brocklesby,whosereading,andknowledgeoflife,andgoodspirits,supplyhimwithanever-failingsourceofconversation.

IshallhereinsertafewofJohnson'ssayings,withouttheformalityofdates,astheyhavenoreferencetoanyparticulartimeorplace.

'Themoreamanextendsandvarieshisacquaintancethebetter.'This,however,wasmeantwithajustrestriction;for,heonanotheroccasionsaidtome,'Sir,amanmaybesomuchofeverything,thatheisnothingofanything.'

'Itisaverygoodcustomtokeepajournalforaman'sownuse;hemaywriteuponacardadayallthatisnecessarytobewritten,afterhehashadexperienceoflife.Atfirstthereisagreatdealtobewritten,becausethereisagreatdealofnovelty;butwhenonceamanhassettledhisopinions,thereisseldommuchtobesetdown.'

Talkingofanacquaintanceofours,whosenarratives,whichabounded

incuriousandinterestingtopicks,wereunhappilyfoundtobeveryfabulous;ImentionedLordMansfield'shavingsaidtome,'SupposewebelieveoneHALFofwhathetells.'JOHNSON.'Ay;butwedon'tknowWHICHhalftobelieve.Byhislyingwelosenotonlyourreverenceforhim,butallcomfortinhisconversation.'BOSWELL.'Maywenottakeitasamusingfiction?'JOHNSON.'Sir,themisfortuneis,thatyouwillinsensiblybelieveasmuchofitasyouinclinetobelieve.'

Itisremarkable,thatnotwithstandingtheircongenialityinpoliticks,heneverwasacquaintedwithalateeminentnoblejudge,whomIhaveheardspeakofhimasawriter,withgreatrespect.Johnson,Iknownotuponwhatdegreeofinvestigation,entertainednoexaltedopinionofhisLordship'sintellectualcharacter.Talkingofhimtomeoneday,he

said,'Itiswonderful,Sir,withhowlittlerealsuperiorityofmindmencanmakeaneminentfigureinpublicklife.'Heexpressedhimselftothesamepurposeconcerninganotherlaw-Lord,who,itseems,oncetookafancytoassociatewiththewitsofLondon;butwithsolittlesuccess,thatFootesaid,'Whatcanhemeanbycomingamongus?Heisnotonlydullhimself,butthecauseofdullnessinothers.'Tryinghimbythetestofhiscolloquialpowers,Johnsonhadfoundhimverydefective.HeoncesaidtoSirJoshuaReynolds,'Thismannowhasbeentenyearsabouttown,andhasmadenothingofit;'meaningasacompanion.Hesaidtome,'Ineverheardanythingfromhimincompanythatwasatallstriking;anddependuponit,Sir,itiswhenyoucomeclosetoamaninconversation,thatyoudiscoverwhathisrealabilitiesare;tomakeaspeechinapublickassemblyisaknack.NowIhonourThurlow,Sir;

Thurlowisafinefellow;hefairlyputshismindtoyours.'

Afterrepeatingtohimsomeofhispointed,livelysayings,Isaid,'Itisapity,Sir,youdon'talwaysrememberyourowngoodthings,thatyoumayhavealaughwhenyouwill.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,itisbetterthatIforgetthem,thatImayberemindedofthem,andhavealaughontheirbeingbroughttomyrecollection.'

WhenIrecalledtohimhishavingsaidaswesailedupLoch-lomond,'Thatifheworeanythingfine,itshouldbeVERYfine;'Iobserved



thatallhisthoughtswereuponagreatscale.JOHNSON.'Dependuponit,Sir,everymanwillhaveasfineathingashecanget;asalargediamondforhisring.'BOSWELL.'Pardonme,Sir:amanofanarrowmindwillnotthinkofit,aslighttrinketwillsatisfyhim:

"Necsufferrequeatmajorisponderagemmae."'

ItoldhimIshouldsendhimsomeEssayswhichIhadwritten,whichIhopedhewouldbesogoodastoread,andpickoutthegoodones.JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,sendmeonlythegoodones;don'tmakeMEpickthem.'

Asasmallproofofhiskindlinessanddelicacyoffeeling,thefollowingcircumstancemaybementioned:Oneeveningwhenwewereinthestreettogether,andItoldhimIwasgoingtosupatMr.Beauclerk's,hesaid,'I'llgowithyou.'Afterhavingwalkedpartoftheway,seemingtorecollectsomething,hesuddenlystoppedandsaid,'Icannotgo,--butIdonotloveBeauclerktheless.'

Ontheframeofhisportrait,Mr.Beauclerkhadinscribed,--

'--------Ingeniumingens

Incultolatethocsubcorpore.'

AfterMr.Beauclerk'sdeath,whenitbecameMr.Langton'sproperty,hemadetheinscriptionbedefaced.Johnsonsaidcomplacently,'Itwaskindinyoutotakeitoff;'andthenafterashortpause,added,'andnotunkindinhimtoputiton.'

Hesaid,'Howfewofhisfriends'houseswouldamanchoosetobeatwhenheissick.'Hementionedoneortwo.IrecollectonlyThrale's.

Heobserved,'Thereisawickedinclinationinmostpeopletosupposeanoldmandecayedinhisintellects.Ifayoungormiddle-agedman,whenleavingacompany,doesnotrecollectwherehelaidhishat,itis

nothing;butifthesameinattentionisdiscoveredinanoldman,peoplewillshruguptheirshoulders,andsay,"Hismemoryisgoing."'

SirJoshuaReynoldscommunicatedtomethefollowingparticulars:--

JohnsonthoughtthepoemspublishedastranslationsfromOssianhadsolittlemerit,thathesaid,'Sir,amanmightwritesuchstuffforever,ifhewouldABANDONhismindtoit.'

Hesaid,'AmanshouldpassapartofhistimewithTHELAUGHERS,bywhichmeansanythingridiculousorparticularabouthimmightbepresentedtohisview,andcorrected.'Iobserved,hemusthavebeenaboldlaugherwhowouldhaveventuredtotellDr.Johnsonofanyofhis

particularities.*

*Iamhappy,however,tomentionapleasinginstanceofhisenduringwithgreatgentlenesstohearoneofhismoststrikingparticularitiespointedout:--MissHunter,anieceofhisfriendChristopherSmart,whenaveryyounggirl,struckbyhisextraordinarymotions,saidtohim,Pray,Dr.Johnson,whydoyoumakesuchstrangegestures?'Frombadhabit,hereplied.'Doyou,mydear,takecaretoguardagainstbadhabits.'ThisIwastoldbytheyounglady's



brotheratMargate.--Boswell.

Dr.GoldsmithsaidoncetoDr.Johnson,thathewishedforsomeadditionalmemberstoTHELITERARYCLUB,togiveitanagreeablevariety;for(saidhe,)therecannowbenothingnewamongus:wehavetravelledoveroneanother'sminds.Johnsonseemedalittleangry,andsaid,'Sir,youhavenottravelledoverMYmind,Ipromiseyou.'SirJoshua,however,thoughtGoldsmithright;observing,that'whenpeoplehavelivedagreatdealtogether,theyknowwhateachofthemwillsayoneverysubject.Anewunderstanding,therefore,isdesirable;becausethoughitmayonlyfurnishthesamesenseuponaquestionwhichwouldhavebeenfurnishedbythosewithwhomweareaccustomedtolive,yetthissensewillhaveadifferentcolouring;andcolouringisofmucheffectineverythingelseaswellasinpainting.'

Johnsonusedtosaythathemadeitaconstantruletotalkaswellashecouldbothastosentimentandexpression,bywhichmeans,whathadbeenoriginallyeffortbecamefamiliarandeasy.Theconsequenceofthis,SirJoshuaobserved,was,thathiscommonconversationinallcompanieswassuchastosecurehimuniversalattention,assomethingabovetheusualcolloquialstylewasexpected.

Yet,thoughJohnsonhadthishabitincompany,whenanothermodewasnecessary,inordertoinvestigatetruth,hecoulddescendtoalanguage

intelligibletothemeanestcapacity.AninstanceofthiswaswitnessedbySirJoshuaReynolds,whentheywerepresentatanexaminationofalittleblackguardboy,byMr.SaundersWelch,thelateWestminsterJustice.Welch,whoimaginedthathewasexaltinghimselfinDr.Johnson'seyesbyusingbigwords,spokeinamannerthatwasutterlyunintelligibletotheboy;Dr.Johnsonperceivingit,addressedhimselftotheboy,andchangedthepompousphraseologyintocolloquiallanguage.SirJoshuaReynolds,whowasmuchamusedbythisprocedure,whichseemedakindofreversingofwhatmighthavebeenexpectedfromthetwomen,tooknoticeofittoDr.Johnson,astheywalkedawaybythemselves.Johnsonsaid,thatitwascontinuallythecase;andthathewasalwaysobligedtoTRANSLATEtheJustice'sswellingdiction,(smiling,)soasthathismeaningmightbeunderstoodbythevulgar,

fromwhominformationwastobeobtained.

SirJoshuaonceobservedtohim,thathehadtalkedabovethecapacityofsomepeoplewithwhomtheyhadbeenincompanytogether.'Nomatter,Sir,(saidJohnson;)theyconsideritasacomplimenttobetalkedto,asiftheywerewiserthantheyare.Sotrueisthis,Sir,thatBaxtermadeitaruleineverysermonthathepreached,tosaysomethingthatwasabovethecapacityofhisaudience.'

Johnson'sdexterityinretort,whenheseemedtobedriventoanextremitybyhisadversary,wasveryremarkable.Ofhispowerinthisrespect,ourcommonfriend,Mr.WindhamofNorfolk,hasbeenpleasedtofurnishmewithaneminentinstance.HoweverunfavourabletoScotland,

heuniformlygaveliberalpraisetoGeorgeBuchanan,asawriter.Inaconversationconcerningtheliterarymeritsofthetwocountries,inwhichBuchananwasintroduced,aScotchman,imaginingthatonthisgroundheshouldhaveanundoubtedtriumphoverhim,exclaimed,'Ah,Dr.Johnson,whatwouldyouhavesaidofBuchanan,hadhebeenanEnglishman?''Why,Sir,(saidJohnson,afteralittlepause,)IshouldNOThavesaidofBuchanan,hadhebeenanENGLISHMAN,whatIwillnowsayofhimasaSCOTCHMAN,--thathewastheonlymanofgeniushiscountryeverproduced.'



ThoughhisusualphraseforconversationwasTALK,yethemadeadistinction;forwhenheoncetoldmethathedinedthedaybeforeatafriend'shouse,with'averyprettycompany;'andIaskedhimiftherewasgoodconversation,heanswered,'No,Sir;wehadTALKenough,butnoCONVERSATION;therewasnothingDISCUSSED.'

Suchwashissensibility,andsomuchwasheaffectedbypathetickpoetry,that,whenhewasreadingDr.Beattie'sHermitinmypresence,itbroughttearsintohiseyes.

Mr.Hooletoldhim,hewasborninMoorfields,andhadreceivedpartofhisearlyinstructioninGrub-street.'Sir,(saidJohnson,smiling,)youhavebeenREGULARLYeducated.'Havingaskedwhowashisinstructor,andMr.Hoolehavinganswered,'Myuncle,Sir,whowasataylor;'Johnson,recollectinghimself,said,'Sir,Iknewhim;wecalledhimthemetaphysicaltaylor.HewasofaclubinOld-street,withmeandGeorgePsalmanazar,andsomeothers:butpray,Sir,washeagoodtaylor?'Mr.Hoolehavingansweredthathebelievedhewastoomathematical,andusedtodrawsquaresandtrianglesonhisshop-board,sothathedidnotexcelinthecutofacoat;--'Iamsorryforit(saidJohnson,)forIwouldhaveeverymantobemasterofhisownbusiness.'

InpleasantreferencetohimselfandMr.Hoole,asbrotherauthours,heoftensaid,'LetyouandI,Sir,gotogether,andeatabeef-steakin

Grub-street.'

HesaidtoSirWilliamScott,'Theageisrunningmadafterinnovation;allthebusinessoftheworldistobedoneinanewway;menaretobehangedinanewway;Tyburnitselfisnotsafefromthefuryofinnovation.'Ithavingbeenarguedthatthiswasanimprovement,--'No,Sir,(saidhe,eagerly,)itisNOTanimprovement:theyobjectthattheoldmethoddrewtogetheranumberofspectators.Sir,executionsareintendedtodrawspectators.Iftheydonotdrawspectatorstheydon'tanswertheirpurpose.Theoldmethodwasmostsatisfactorytoallparties;thepublickwasgratifiedbyaprocession;thecriminalwassupportedbyit.Whyisallthistobesweptaway?'IperfectlyagreewithDr.Johnsonuponthishead,andampersuadedthatexecutionsnow,

thesolemnprocessionbeingdiscontinued,havenotnearlytheeffectwhichtheyformerlyhad.MagistratesbothinLondon,andelsewhere,have,Iamafraid,inthishadtoomuchregardtotheirowncase.

Johnson'sattentiontoprecisionandclearnessinexpressionwasveryremarkable.Hedisapprovedofparentheses;andIbelieveinallhisvoluminouswritings,nothalfadozenofthemwillbefound.Heneverusedthephrasestheformerandthelatter,havingobserved,thattheyoftenoccasionedobscurity;hethereforecontrivedtoconstructhissentencessoasnottohaveoccasionforthem,andwouldevenratherrepeatthesamewords,inordertoavoidthem.Nothingismorecommonthantomistakesurnameswhenwehearthemcarelesslyutteredforthefirsttime.Topreventthis,heusednotonlytopronouncethemslowly

anddistinctly,buttotakethetroubleofspellingthem;apracticewhichIhaveoftenfollowed;andwhichIwishweregeneral.

Suchwastheheatandirritabilityofhisblood,thatnotonlydidheparehisnailstothequick;butscrapedthejointsofhisfingerswithapen-knife,tilltheyseemedquiteredandraw.

TheheterogeneouscompositionofhumannaturewasremarkablyexemplifiedinJohnson.Hisliberalityingivinghismoneytopersonsindistresswasextraordinary.Yettherelurkedabouthimapropensitytopaultry



saving.OnedayIownedtohimthat'IwasoccasionallytroubledwithafitofNARROWNESS.''Why,Sir,(saidhe,)soamI.BUTIDONOTTELLIT.'Hehasnowandthenborrowedashillingofme;andwhenIaskedforitagain,seemedtoberatheroutofhumour.Adrolllittlecircumstanceonceoccurred:asifhemeanttoreprimandmyminuteexactnessasacreditor,hethusaddressedme;--'Boswell,LENDmesixpence--NOTTOBEREPAID.'

Thisgreatman'sattentiontosmallthingswasveryremarkable.Asaninstanceofit,heonedaysaidtome,'Sir,whenyougetsilverinchangeforaguinea,lookcarefullyatit;youmayfindsomecuriouspieceofcoin.'

ThoughasternTRUE-BORNENGLISHMAN,andfullyprejudicedagainstallothernations,hehaddiscernmentenoughtosee,andcandourenoughtocensure,thecoldreservetoocommonamongEnglishmentowardsstrangers:'Sir,(saidhe,)twomenofanyothernationwhoareshewnintoaroomtogether,atahousewheretheyarebothvisitors,willimmediatelyfindsomeconversation.ButtwoEnglishmenwillprobablygoeachtoadifferentwindow,andremaininobstinatesilence.Sir,weasyetdonotenoughunderstandthecommonrightsofhumanity.'

Johnson,forsportperhaps,orfromthespiritofcontradiction,eagerlymaintainedthatDerrickhadmeritasawriter.Mr.Morgann*arguedwith

himdirectly,invain.Atlengthhehadrecoursetothisdevice.'Pray,Sir,(saidhe,)whetherdoyoureckonDerrickorSmartthebestpoet?'Johnsonatoncefelthimselfroused;andanswered,'Sir,thereisnosettlingthepointofprecedencybetweenalouseandaflea.'

*AuthoroftheEssayontheCharacterofFalstaff.--ED.

Hewaspleasedtosaytomeonemorningwhenwewereleftaloneinhisstudy,'Boswell,IthinkIameasierwithyouthanwithalmostanybody.'

HewouldnotallowMr.DavidHumeanycreditforhispoliticalprinciples,thoughsimilartohisown;sayingofhim,'Sir,hewasa

Torybychance.'

Hisacuteobservationofhumanlifemadehimremark,'Sir,thereisnothingbywhichamanexasperatesmostpeoplemore,thanbydisplayingasuperiourabilityorbrilliancyinconversation.Theyseempleasedatthetime;buttheirenvymakesthemcursehimintheirhearts.'

Johnson'sloveoflittlechildren,whichhediscovereduponalloccasions,callingthem'prettydears,'andgivingthemsweetmeats,wasanundoubtedproofoftherealhumanityandgentlenessofhisdisposition.

Hisuncommonkindnesstohisservants,andseriousconcern,notonly

fortheircomfortinthisworld,buttheirhappinessinthenext,wasanotherunquestionableevidenceofwhatall,whowereintimatelyacquaintedwithhim,knewtobetrue.

Norwoulditbejust,underthishead,toomitthefondnesswhichheshewedforanimalswhichhehadtakenunderhisprotection.InevershallforgettheindulgencewithwhichhetreatedHodge,hiscat:forwhomhehimselfusedtogooutandbuyoysters,lesttheservantshavingthattroubleshouldtakeadisliketothepoorcreature.Iam,unluckily,oneofthosewhohaveanantipathytoacat,sothatIam



uneasywhenintheroomwithone;andIown,IfrequentlysufferedagooddealfromthepresenceofthissameHodge.IrecollecthimonedayscramblingupDr.Johnson'sbreast,apparentlywithmuchsatisfaction,whilemyfriendsmilingandhalf-whistling,rubbeddownhisback,andpulledhimbythetail;andwhenIobservedhewasafinecat,saying,'Whyyes,Sir,butIhavehadcatswhomIlikedbetterthanthis;'andthenasifperceivingHodgetobeoutofcountenance,adding,'butheisaveryfinecat,averyfinecatindeed.'

ThisremindsmeoftheludicrousaccountwhichhegaveMr.Langton,ofthedespicablestateofayoungGentlemanofgoodfamily.'Sir,whenIheardofhimlast,hewasrunningabouttownshootingcats.'Andtheninasortofkindlyreverie,hebethoughthimselfofhisownfavouritecat,andsaid,'ButHodgeshan'tbeshot;no,no,Hodgeshallnotbeshot.'

OnThursday,April10,Iintroducedtohim,athishouseinBolt-court,theHonourableandReverendWilliamStuart,sonoftheEarlofBute;agentlemantrulyworthyofbeingknowntoJohnson;being,withalltheadvantagesofhighbirth,learning,travel,andelegantmanners,anexemplaryparishpriestineveryrespect.

Aftersomecomplimentsonbothsides,thetourwhichJohnsonandIhadmadetotheHebrideswasmentioned.JOHNSON.'IgotanacquisitionofmoreideasbyitthanbyanythingthatIremember.Isawquitea

differentsystemoflife.'BOSWELL.'Youwouldnotliketomakethesamejourneyagain?'JOHNSON.'Whyno,Sir;notthesame:itisataletold.Gravina,anItaliancritick,observes,thateverymandesirestoseethatofwhichhehasread;butnomandesirestoreadanaccountofwhathehasseen:somuchdoesdescriptionfallshortofreality.Descriptiononlyexcitescuriosity:seeingsatisfiesit.OtherpeoplemaygoandseetheHebrides.'BOSWELL.'IshouldwishtogoandseesomecountrytotallydifferentfromwhatIhavebeenusedto;suchasTurkey,wherereligionandeverythingelsearedifferent.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;therearetwoobjectsofcuriosity,--theChristianworld,andtheMahometanworld.Alltherestmaybeconsideredasbarbarous.'BOSWELL.'Pray,Sir,istheTurkishSpyagenuinebook?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir.Mrs.Manley,inherLife,saysthatherfatherwrotethefirsttwovolumes:and

inanotherbook,Dunton'sLifeandErrours,wefindthattherestwaswrittenbyoneSault,attwoguineasasheet,underthedirectionofDr.Midgeley.'

AboutthistimehewrotetoMrs.LucyPorter,mentioninghisbadhealth,andthatheintendedavisittoLichfield.'Itis,(sayshe,)withnogreatexpectationofamendmentthatImakeeveryyearajourneyintothecountry;butitispleasanttovisitthosewhosekindnesshasbeenoftenexperienced.'

OnApril18,(beingGood-Friday,)Ifoundhimatbreakfast,inhisusualmanneruponthatday,drinkingteawithoutmilk,andeatingacross-buntopreventfaintness;wewenttoSt.Clement'schurch,asformerly.When

wecamehomefromchurch,heplacedhimselfononeofthestone-seatsathisgarden-door,andItooktheother,andthusintheopenairandinaplacidframeofmind,hetalkedawayveryeasily.JOHNSON.'WereIacountrygentleman,Ishouldnotbeveryhospitable,Ishouldnothavecrowdsinmyhouse.'BOSWELL.'SirAlexanderDicktellsme,thatheremembershavingathousandpeopleinayeartodineathishouse:thatis,reckoningeachpersonasone,eachtimethathedinedthere.'JOHNSON.'That,Sir,isaboutthreeaday.'BOSWELL.'Howyourstatementlessenstheidea.'JOHNSON.'That,Sir,isthegoodofcounting.Itbringseverythingtoacertainty,whichbeforefloatedinthemind



indefinitely.'

BOSWELL.'Iwishtohaveagoodwalledgarden.'JOHNSON.'Idon'tthinkitwouldbeworththeexpencetoyou.WecomputeinEngland,aparkwallatathousandpoundsamile;nowagarden-wallmustcostatleastasmuch.Youintendyourtreesshouldgrowhigherthanadeerwillleap.Nowletussee;forahundredpoundsyoucouldonlyhaveforty-foursquareyards,whichisverylittle;fortwohundredpounds,youmayhaveeighty-foursquareyards,whichisverywell.Butwhenwillyougetthevalueoftwohundredpoundsofwalls,infruit,inyourclimate?No,Sir,suchcontentionwithNatureisnotworthwhile.Iwouldplantanorchard,andhaveplentyofsuchfruitasripenwellinyourcountry.Myfriend,Dr.Madden,ofIreland,said,that"inanorchardthereshouldbeenoughtoeat,enoughtolayup,enoughtobestolen,andenoughtorotupontheground."Cherriesareanearlyfruit,youmayhavethem;andyoumayhavetheearlyapplesandpears.'BOSWELL.'Wecannothavenonpareils.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youcannomorehavenonpareilsthanyoucanhavegrapes.'BOSWELL.'Wehavethem,Sir;buttheyareverybad.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,nevertrytohaveathingmerelytoshewthatyouCANNOThaveit.Fromgroundthatwouldletforfortyshillingsyoumayhavealargeorchard;andyouseeitcostsyouonlyfortyshillings.Nay,youmaygrazethegroundwhenthetreesaregrownup;youcannotwhiletheyareyoung.'BOSWELL.'IsnotagoodgardenaverycommonthinginEngland,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Notsocommon,Sir,asyouimagine.

InLincolnshirethereishardlyanorchard;inStaffordshireverylittlefruit.'BOSWELL.'HasLangtonnoorchard?'JOHNSON.'No,Sir.'BOSWELL.'Howso,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,fromthegeneralnegligenceofthecounty.Hehasitnot,becausenobodyelsehasit.'BOSWELL.'Ahot-houseisacertainthing;Imayhavethat.'JOHNSON.'Ahot-houseisprettycertain;butyoumustfirstbuildit,thenyoumustkeepfiresinit,andyoumusthaveagardenertotakecareofit.'BOSWELL.'ButifIhaveagardeneratanyrate?--'JOHNSON.'Why,yes.'BOSWELL.'I'dhaveitnearmyhouse;thereisnoneedtohaveitintheorchard.'JOHNSON.'Yes,I'dhaveitnearmyhouse.Iwouldplantagreatmanycurrants;thefruitisgood,andtheymakeaprettysweetmeat.'

Irecordthisminutedetail,whichsomemaythinktrifling,inorderto

shewclearlyhowthisgreatman,whosemindcouldgraspsuchlargeandextensivesubjects,ashehasshewninhisliterarylabours,wasyetwell-informedinthecommonaffairsoflife,andlovedtoillustratethem.

Talkingoftheoriginoflanguage;JOHNSON.'Itmusthavecomebyinspiration.Athousand,nay,amillionofchildrencouldnotinventalanguage.Whiletheorgansarepliable,thereisnotunderstandingenoughtoformalanguage;bythetimethatthereisunderstandingenough,theorgansarebecomestiff.Weknowthatafteracertainagewecannotlearntopronounceanewlanguage.Noforeigner,whocomestoEnglandwhenadvancedinlife,everpronouncesEnglishtolerablywell;atleastsuchinstancesareveryrare.WhenImaintainthatlanguage

musthavecomebyinspiration,Idonotmeanthatinspirationisrequiredforrhetorick,andallthebeautiesoflanguage;forwhenoncemanhaslanguage,wecanconceivethathemaygraduallyformmodificationsofit.Imeanonlythatinspirationseemstometobenecessarytogivemanthefacultyofspeech;toinformhimthathemayhavespeech;whichIthinkhecouldnomorefindoutwithoutinspiration,thancowsorhogswouldthinkofsuchafaculty.'WALKER.'Doyouthink,Sir,thatthereareanyperfectsynonimesinanylanguage?'JOHNSON.'Originallytherewerenot;butbyusingwordsnegligently,orinpoetry,onewordcomestobeconfoundedwith



another.'

HetalkedofDr.Dodd.'Afriendofmine,(saidhe,)cametomeandtoldme,thataladywishedtohaveDr.Dodd'spictureinabracelet,andaskedmeforamotto.Isaid,IcouldthinkofnobetterthanCurratLex.Iwasverywillingtohavehimpardoned,thatis,tohavethesentencechangedtotransportation:but,whenhewasoncehanged,Ididnotwishheshouldbemadeasaint.'

Mrs.Burney,wifeofhisfriendDr.Burney,camein,andheseemedtobeentertainedwithherconversation.

Garrick'sfuneralwastalkedofasextravagantlyexpensive.Johnson,fromhisdisliketoexaggeration,wouldnotallowthatitwasdistinguishedbyanyextraordinarypomp.'Weretherenotsixhorsestoeachcoach?'saidMrs.Burney.JOHNSON.'Madam,therewerenomoresixhorsesthansixphoenixes.'

Timepassedoninconversationtillitwastoolatefortheserviceofthechurchatthreeo'clock.Itookawalk,andlefthimaloneforsometime;thenreturned,andwehadcoffeeandconversationagainbyourselves.

WewenttoeveningprayersatSt.Clement's,atseven,andthenparted.

OnSunday,April20,beingEaster-day,afterattendingsolemnserviceatSt.Paul's,IcametoDr.Johnson,andfoundMr.Lowe,thepainter,sittingwithhim.Mr.LowementionedthegreatnumberofnewbuildingsoflateinLondon,yetthatDr.Johnsonhadobserved,thatthenumberofinhabitantswasnotincreased.JOHNSON.Why,Sir,thebillsofmortalityprovethatnomorepeopledienowthanformerly;soitisplainnomorelive.Theregisterofbirthsprovesnothing,fornotonetenthofthepeopleofLondonarebornthere.'BOSWELL.'Ibelieve,Sir,agreatmanyofthechildrenborninLondondieearly.'JOHNSON.'Why,yes,Sir.'BOSWELL.'Butthosewhodolive,areasstoutandstrongpeopleasany:Dr.Pricesays,theymustbenaturallystrongertogetthrough.'JOHNSON.'Thatissystem,Sir.Agreattravellerobserves,thatitis

saidtherearenoweakordeformedpeopleamongtheIndians;buthewithmuchsagacityassignsthereasonofthis,whichis,thatthehardshipoftheirlifeashuntersandfishersdoesnotallowweakordiseasedchildrentogrowup.NowhadIbeenanIndian,Imusthavediedearly;myeyeswouldnothaveservedmetogetfood.Iindeednowcouldfish,givemeEnglishtackle;buthadIbeenanIndianImusthavestarved,ortheywouldhaveknockedmeonthehead,whentheysawIcoulddonothing.'BOSWELL.'Perhapstheywouldhavetakencareofyou:wearetoldtheyarefondoforatory,youwouldhavetalkedtothem.'JOHNSON.Nay,Sir,Ishouldnothavelivedlongenoughtobefittotalk;IshouldhavebeendeadbeforeIwastenyearsold.Dependuponit,Sir,asavage,whenheishungry,willnotcarryaboutwithhimaloobyofnineyearsold,whocannothelphimself.Theyhavenoaffection,Sir.'

BOSWELL.'Ibelievenaturalaffection,ofwhichwehearsomuch,isverysmall.'JOHNSON.'Sir,naturalaffectionisnothing:butaffectionfromprincipleandestablisheddutyissometimeswonderfullystrong.'LOWE.'Ahen,Sir,willfeedherchickensinpreferencetoherself.'JOHNSON.'Butwedon'tknowthatthehenishungry;letthehenbefairlyhungry,andI'llwarrantshe'llpeckthecornherself.Acock,Ibelieve,willfeedhensinsteadofhimself;butwedon'tknowthatthecockishungry.'BOSWELL.'Andthat,Sir,isnotfromaffectionbutgallantry.ButsomeoftheIndianshaveaffection.'JOHNSON.'Sir,thattheyhelpsomeoftheirchildrenisplain;forsomeofthemlive,whichtheycould



notdowithoutbeinghelped.'

Idinedwithhim;thecompanywere,Mrs.Williams,Mrs.Desmoulins,andMr.Lowe.Heseemednottobewell,talkedlittle,grewdrowsysoonafterdinner,andretired,uponwhichIwentaway.

HavingnextdaygonetoMr.Burke'sseatinthecountry,fromwhenceIwasrecalledbyanexpress,thatanearrelationofminehadkilledhisantagonistinaduel,andwashimselfdangerouslywounded,IsawlittleofDr.JohnsontillMonday,April28,whenIspentaconsiderablepartofthedaywithhim,andintroducedthesubject,whichthenchieflyoccupiedmymind.JOHNSON.'Idonotsee,Sir,thatfightingisabsolutelyforbiddeninScripture;Iseerevengeforbidden,butnotself-defence.'BOSWELL.'TheQuakerssayitis;"Untohimthatsmiteththeeononecheek,offerhimalsotheother."'JOHNSON.'Butstay,Sir;thetextismeantonlytohavetheeffectofmoderatingpassion;itisplainthatwearenottotakeitinaliteralsense.Weseethisfromthecontext,wherethereareotherrecommendations,whichIwarrantyoutheQuakerwillnottakeliterally;as,forinstance,"Fromhimthatwouldborrowofthee,turnthounotaway."Letamanwhosecreditisbad,cometoaQuaker,andsay,"Well,Sir,lendmeahundredpounds;"he'llfindhimasunwillingasanyotherman.No,Sir,amanmayshootthemanwhoinvadeshischaracter,ashemayshoothimwhoattemptstobreakintohishouse.*Soin1745,myfriend,TomGumming,theQuaker,

said,hewouldnotfight,buthewoulddriveanammunitioncart;andweknowthattheQuakershavesentflannelwaistcoatstooursoldiers,toenablethemtofightbetter.'BOSWELL.'Whenamanistheaggressor,andbyill-usageforcesonaduelinwhichheiskilled,havewenotlittlegroundtohopethatheisgoneintoastateofhappiness?'JOHNSON.'Sir,wearenottojudgedeterminatelyofthestateinwhichamanleavesthislife.Hemayinamomenthaverepentedeffectually,anditispossiblemayhavebeenacceptedbyGOD.'

*IthinkitnecessarytocautionmyreadersagainstconcludingthatinthisoranyotherconversationofDr.Johnson,theyhavehisseriousanddeliberateopiniononthesubjectofduelling.InmyJournalofaTourtothe

Hebrides,3rdedit.p.386[p.366,Oct.24],itappearsthathemadethisfrankconfession:--'Nobodyattimes,talksmorelaxlythanIdo;'and,ib.,p.231[Sept.19,1773],'Hefairlyownedhecouldnotexplaintherationalityofduelling.'Wemay,therefore,infer,thathecouldnotthinkthatjustifiable,whichseemssoinconsistentwiththespiritoftheGospel.--BOSWELL.

UponbeingtoldthatoldMr.Sheridan,indignantattheneglectofhisoratoricalplans,hadthreatenedtogotoAmerica;JOHNSON.'IhopehewillgotoAmerica.'BOSWELL.'TheAmericansdon'twantoratory.'JOHNSON.'ButwecanwantSheridan.'

OnMonday,April29,Ifoundhimathomeintheforenoon,andMr.Sewardwithhim.Horacehavingbeenmentioned;BOSWELL.'Thereisagreatdealofthinkinginhisworks.Onefindstherealmosteverythingbutreligion.'SEWARD.'Hespeaksofhisreturningtoit,inhisOdeParcusDeorumcultoretinfrequens.'JOHNSON.'Sir,hewasnotinearnest:thiswasmerelypoetical.'BOSWELL.'Thereare,Iamafraid,manypeoplewhohavenoreligionatall.'SEWARD.'Andsensiblepeopletoo.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,notsensibleinthatrespect.Theremustbeeitheranaturaloramoralstupidity,ifonelivesinatotalneglectofsoveryimportantaconcern.SEWARD.'Iwonderthatthereshouldbepeople



withoutreligion.'JOHNSON.'Sir,youneednotwonderatthis,whenyouconsiderhowlargeaproportionofalmosteveryman'slifeispassedwithoutthinkingofit.Imyselfwasforsomeyearstotallyregardlessofreligion.Ithaddroppedoutofmymind.Itwasatanearlypartofmylife.Sicknessbroughtitback,andIhopeIhaveneverlostitsince.'BOSWELL.'MydearSir,whatamanmustyouhavebeenwithoutreligion!Whyyoumusthavegoneondrinking,andswearing,and--'JOHNSON(withasmile,)'Idrankenoughandsworeenough,tobesure.'SEWARD.'Oneshouldthinkthatsicknessandtheviewofdeathwouldmakemoremenreligious.'JOHNSON.'Sir,theydonotknowhowtogoaboutit:theyhavenotthefirstnotion.Amanwhohasneverhadreligionbefore,nomoregrowsreligiouswhenheissick,thanamanwhohasneverlearntfigurescancountwhenhehasneedofcalculation.'

ImentionedDr.Johnson'sexcellentdistinctionbetweenlibertyofconscienceandlibertyofteaching.JOHNSON.'Consider,Sir;ifyouhavechildrenwhomyouwishtoeducateintheprinciplesoftheChurchofEngland,andtherecomesaQuakerwhotriestopervertthemtohisprinciples,youwoulddriveawaytheQuaker.Youwouldnottrusttothepredominationofright,whichyoubelieveisinyouropinions;youwouldkeepwrongoutoftheirheads.NowthevulgararethechildrenoftheState.IfanyoneattemptstoteachthemdoctrinescontrarytowhattheStateapproves,themagistratemayandoughttorestrainhim.'SEWARD.'Wouldyourestrainprivateconversation,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,

itisdifficulttosaywhereprivateconversationbegins,andwhereitends.IfwethreeshoulddiscusseventhegreatquestionconcerningtheexistenceofaSupremeBeingbyourselves,weshouldnotberestrained;forthatwouldbetoputanendtoallimprovement.Butifweshoulddiscussitinthepresenceoftenboarding-schoolgirls,andasmanyboys,Ithinkthemagistratewoulddowelltoputusinthestocks,tofinishthedebatethere.'

'Howfalse(saidhe,)isallthis,tosaythatinancienttimeslearningwasnotadisgracetoaPeerasitisnow.InancienttimesaPeerwasasignorantasanyoneelse.Hewouldhavebeenangrytohaveitthoughthecouldwritehisname.Meninancienttimesdaredtostandforthwithadegreeofignorancewithwhichnobodywoulddarenowtostandforth.

IamalwaysangrywhenIhearancienttimespraisedattheexpenceofmoderntimes.Thereisnowagreatdealmorelearningintheworldthantherewasformerly;foritisuniversallydiffused.Youhave,perhaps,nomanwhoknowsasmuchGreekandLatinasBentley;nomanwhoknowsasmuchmathematicksasNewton:butyouhavemanymoremenwhoknowGreekandLatin,andwhoknowmathematicks.'

OnThursday,May1,IvisitedhimintheeveningalongwithyoungMr.Burke.Hesaid,'Itisstrangethatthereshouldbesolittlereadingintheworld,andsomuchwriting.Peopleingeneraldonotwillinglyread,iftheycanhaveanythingelsetoamusethem.Theremustbeanexternalimpulse;emulation,orvanity,oravarice.Theprogresswhichtheunderstandingmakesthroughabook,hasmorepainthanpleasureinit.

Languageisscanty,andinadequatetoexpressthenicegradationsandmixturesofourfeelings.Nomanreadsabookofsciencefrompureinclination.Thebooksthatwedoreadwithpleasurearelightcompositions,whichcontainaquicksuccessionofevents.However,IhavethisyearreadallVirgilthrough.IreadabookoftheAeneideverynight,soitwasdoneintwelvenights,andIhadgreatdelightinit.TheGeorgicksdidnotgivemesomuchpleasure,exceptthefourthbook.TheEcloguesIhavealmostallbyheart.IdonotthinkthestoryoftheAeneidinteresting.IlikethestoryoftheOdysseymuchbetter;andthisnotonaccountofthewonderfulthingswhichitcontains;



fortherearewonderfulthingsenoughintheAeneid;--theshipsoftheTrojansturnedtosea-nymphs,--thetreeatPolydorus'stombdroppingblood.ThestoryoftheOdysseyisinteresting,asagreatpartofitisdomestick.Ithasbeensaid,thereispleasureinwriting,particularlyinwritingverses.Iallowyoumayhavepleasurefromwriting,afteritisover,ifyouhavewrittenwell;butyoudon'tgowillinglytoitagain.IknowwhenIhavebeenwritingverses,Ihaverunmyfingerdownthemargin,toseehowmanyIhadmade,andhowfewIhadtomake.'

Heseemedtobeinaveryplacidhumour,andalthoughIhavenonoteoftheparticularsofyoungMr.Burke'sconversation,itisbutjusticetomentioningeneral,thatitwassuchthatDr.Johnsonsaidtomeafterwards,'Hedidverywellindeed;Ihaveamindtotellhisfather.'

IhavenominuteofanyinterviewwithJohnsontillThursday,May15,whenIfindwhatfollows:--BOSWELL.'IwishmuchtobeinParliament,Sir.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,unlessyoucomeresolvedtosupportanyadministration,youwouldbetheworseforbeinginParliament,becauseyouwouldbeobligedtolivemoreexpensively.'BOSWELL.'Perhaps,Sir,IshouldbethelesshappyforbeinginParliament.Ineverwouldsellmyvote,andIshouldbevexedifthingswentwrong.'JOHNSON.'That'scant,Sir.Itwouldnotvexyoumoreinthehouse,thaninthegallery:publickaffairsvexnoman.'BOSWELL.'Havenottheyvexedyourselfalittle,Sir?Havenotyoubeenvexedbyalltheturbulenceofthis

reign,andbythatabsurdvoteofthehouseofCommons,"ThattheinfluenceoftheCrownhasincreased,isincreasing,andoughttobediminished?"'Johnson.'Sir,Ihaveneversleptanhourless,noreatanouncelessmeat.Iwouldhaveknockedthefactiousdogsonthehead,tobesure;butIwasnotVEXED.'BOSWELL.'Ideclare,Sir,uponmyhonour,IdidimagineIwasvexed,andtookaprideinit;butitWAS,perhaps,cant;forIownIneitherateless,norsleptless.'JOHNSON.'Mydearfriend,clearyourMINDofcant.YoumayTALKasotherpeopledo:youmaysaytoaman,"Sir,Iamyourmosthumbleservant."Youarenothismosthumbleservant.Youmaysay,"Thesearebadtimes;itisamelancholythingtobereservedtosuchtimes."Youdon'tmindthetimes.Youtellaman,"Iamsorryyouhadsuchbadweatherthelastdayofyourjourney,andweresomuchwet."Youdon'tcaresix-pencewhether

heiswetordry.YoumayTALKinthismanner;itisamodeoftalkinginSociety:butdon'tTHINKfoolishly.'

Herehediscoveredanotioncommonenoughinpersonsnotmuchaccustomedtoentertaincompany,thattheremustbeadegreeofelaborateattention,otherwisecompanywillthinkthemselvesneglected;andsuchattentionisnodoubtveryfatiguing.Heproceeded:'Iwouldnot,however,beastrangerinmyowncounty;Iwouldvisitmyneighbours,andreceivetheirvisits;butIwouldnotbeinhastetoreturnvisits.Ifagentlemancomestoseeme,Itellhimhedoesmeagreatdealofhonour.Idonotgotoseehimperhapsfortenweeks;thenweareverycomplaisanttoeachother.No,Sir,youwillhavemuchmoreinfluencebygivingorlendingmoneywhereitiswanted,thanbyhospitality.'

OnSaturday,May17,Isawhimforashorttime.HavingmentionedthatIhadthatmorningbeenwitholdMr.Sheridan,herememberedtheirformerintimacywithacordialwarmth,andsaidtome,'TellMr.Sheridan,Ishallbegladtoseehim,andshakehandswithhim.'BOSWELL.'Itistomeverywonderfulthatresentmentshouldbekeptupsolong.'JOHNSON.'Why,Sir,itisnotaltogetherresentmentthathedoesnotvisitme;itispartlyfallingoutofthehabit,--partlydisgust,asonehasatadrugthathasmadehimsick.Besides,heknowsthatIlaughathisoratory.'



'DEARSIR,--IthaspleasedGOD,thismorning,todeprivemeofthepowersofspeech;andasIdonotknowbutthatitmaybehisfurthergoodpleasuretodeprivemesoonofmysenses,Irequestyouwillonthereceiptofthisnote,cometome,andactforme,astheexigenciesofmycasemayrequire.Iam,sincerelyyours,

'June17,1783.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

TwodaysafterhewrotethustoMrs.Thrale:--

'OnMonday,the16th,Isatformypicture,andwalkedaconsiderablewaywithlittleinconvenience.IntheafternoonandeveningIfeltmyselflightandeasy,andbegantoplanschemesoflife.ThusIwenttobed,andinashorttimewakedandsatup,ashasbeenlongmycustom,whenIfeltaconfusionandindistinctnessinmyhead,whichlasted,Isuppose,abouthalfaminute.Iwasalarmed,andprayedGod,thathoweverhemightafflictmybody,hewouldsparemyunderstanding.Thisprayer,thatImighttrytheintegrityofmyfaculties,ImadeinLatinverse.Thelineswerenotverygood,butIknewthemnottobeverygood:Imadethemeasily,andconcludedmyselftobeunimpairedinmy

faculties.

'SoonafterIperceivedthatIhadsufferedaparalytickstroke,andthatmyspeechwastakenfromme.Ihadnopain,andsolittledejectioninthisdreadfulstate,thatIwonderedatmyownapathy,andconsideredthatperhapsdeathitself,whenitshouldcome,wouldexcitelesshorrourthanseemsnowtoattendit.

'Inordertorousethevocalorgans,Itooktwodrams.Winehasbeencelebratedfortheproductionofeloquence.Iputmyselfintoviolentmotion,andIthinkrepeatedit;butallwasvain.Ithenwenttobed,andstrangeasitmayseem,Ithinkslept.WhenIsawlight,itwastimetocontrivewhatIshoulddo.ThoughGodstoppedmyspeech,heleft

memyhand;IenjoyedamercywhichwasnotgrantedtomydearfriendLawrence,whonowperhapsoverlooksmeasIamwriting,andrejoicesthatIhavewhathewanted.Myfirstnotewasnecessarilytomyservant,whocameintalking,andcouldnotimmediatelycomprehendwhyheshouldreadwhatIputintohishands.

'IthenwroteacardtoMr.Allen,thatImighthaveadiscreetfriendathand,toactasoccasionshouldrequire.Inpenningthisnote,Ihadsomedifficulty;myhand,Iknewnothownorwhy,madewrongletters.IthenwrotetoDr.Taylortocometome,andbringDr.Heberden;andIsenttoDr.Brocklesby,whoismyneighbour.Myphysiciansareveryfriendly,andgivemegreathopes;butyoumayimaginemysituation.Ihavesofarrecoveredmyvocalpowers,astorepeattheLord'sPrayer

withnoveryimperfectarticulation.Mymemory,Ihope,yetremainsasitwas;butsuchanattackproducessolicitudeforthesafetyofeveryfaculty.'

'TOMR.THOMASDAVIES.

'DEARSIR,--Ihavehad,indeed,averyheavyblow;butGOD,whoyetsparesmylife,Ihumblyhopewillsparemyunderstanding,andrestoremyspeech.AsIamnotatallhelpless,Iwantnoparticularassistance,



butamstronglyaffectedbyMrs.Davies'stenderness;andwhenIthinkshecandomegood,shallbeverygladtocalluponher.Ihadorderedfriendstobeshutout;butoneortwohavefoundthewayin;andifyoucomeyoushallbeadmitted:forIknownotwhomIcansee,thatwillbringmoreamusementonhistongue,ormorekindnessinhisheart.Iam,&c.

'June18,1783.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

ItgivesmegreatpleasuretopreservesuchamemorialofJohnson'sregardforMr.Davies,towhomIwasindebtedformyintroductiontohim.HeindeedlovedDaviescordially,ofwhichIshallgivethefollowinglittleevidence.Onedaywhenhehadtreatedhimwithtoomuchasperity,Tom,whowasnotwithoutprideandspirit,wentoffinapassion;buthehadhardlyreachedhomewhenFrank,whohadbeensentafterhim,deliveredthisnote:--'Come,come,dearDavies,Iamalwayssorrywhenwequarrel;sendmewordthatwearefriends.'

Suchwasthegeneralvigourofhisconstitution,thatherecoveredfromthisalarmingandsevereattackwithwonderfulquickness;sothatinJulyhewasabletomakeavisittoMr.LangtonatRochester,wherehe

passedaboutafortnight,andmadelittleexcursionsaseasilyasatanytimeofhislife.InAugusthewentasfarastheneighbourhoodofSalisbury,toHeale,theseatofWilliamBowles,Esq.,agentlemanwhomIhaveheardhimpraiseforexemplaryreligiousorderinhisfamily.InhisdiaryIfindashortbuthonourablementionofthisvisit:--'August28,IcametoHealewithoutfatigue.30,Iamentertainedquitetomymind.'

WhilehewasherehehadaletterfromDr.Brocklesby,acquaintinghimofthedeathofMrs.Williams,whichaffectedhimagooddeal.Thoughforseveralyearshertemperhadnotbeencomplacent,shehadvaluablequalities,andherdepartureleftablankinhishouse.Uponthisoccasionhe,accordingtohishabitualcourseofpiety,composeda

prayer.

Ishallhereinsertafewparticularsconcerninghim,withwhichIhavebeenfavouredbyoneofhisfriends.

'HespokeofteninpraiseofFrenchliterature."TheFrenchareexcellentinthis,(hewouldsay,)theyhaveabookoneverysubject."Fromwhathehadseenofthemhedeniedthemthepraiseofsuperiourpoliteness,andmentioned,withveryvisibledisgust,thecustomtheyhaveofspittingonthefloorsoftheirapartments."This,(saidtheDoctor),isasgrossathingascanwellbedone;andonewondershowanyman,orsetofmen,canpersistinsooffensiveapracticeforawholedaytogether;oneshouldexpectthatthefirstefforttowards

civilizationwouldremoveitevenamongsavages."

'ChymistrywasalwaysaninterestingpursuitwithDr.Johnson.WhilsthewasinWiltshire,heattendedsomeexperimentsthatweremadebyaphysicianatSalisbury,onthenewkindsofair.InthecourseoftheexperimentsfrequentmentionbeingmadeofDr.Priestley,Dr.Johnsonknithisbrows,andinasternmannerinquired,"WhydowehearsomuchofDr.Priestley?"Hewasveryproperlyanswered,"Sir,becauseweareindebtedtohimfortheseimportantdiscoveries."OnthisDr.Johnsonappearedwellcontent;andreplied,"Well,well,Ibelieveweare;and



leteverymanhavethehonourhehasmerited."'

'Afriendwasoneday,abouttwoyearsbeforehisdeath,struckwithsomeinstanceofDr.Johnson'sgreatcandour."Well,Sir,(saidhe,)Iwillalwayssaythatyouareaverycandidman.""Willyou,(repliedtheDoctor,)Idoubtthenyouwillbeverysingular.But,indeed,Sir,(continuedhe,)Ilookuponmyselftobeamanverymuchmisunderstood.Iamnotanuncandid,noramIasevereman.IsometimessaymorethanImean,injest;andpeopleareapttobelievemeserious:however,IammorecandidthanIwaswhenIwasyounger.AsIknowmoreofmankindIexpectlessofthem,andamreadynowtocallamanAGOODMAN,uponeasiertermsthanIwasformerly."'

OnhisreturnfromHealehewrotetoDr.Burney:--

'Icamehomeonthe18thatnoontoaverydisconsolatehouse.YouandIhavelostourfriends;butyouhavemorefriendsathome.Mydomestickcompanionistakenfromme.Sheismuchmissed,forheracquisitionsweremany,andhercuriosityuniversal;sothatshepartookofeveryconversation.Iamnotwellenoughtogomuchout;andtosit,andeat,orfastalone,isverywearisome.Ialwaysmeantosendmycomplimentstoalltheladies.'

Hisfortitudeandpatiencemetwithseveretrialsduringthisyear.The

strokeofthepalsyhasbeenrelatedcircumstantially;buthewasalsoafflictedwiththegout,andwasbesidestroubledwithacomplaintwhichnotonlywasattendedwithimmediateinconvenience,butthreatenedhimwithachirurgicaloperation,fromwhichmostmenwouldshrink.Thecomplaintwasasarcocele,whichJohnsonborewithuncommonfirmness,andwasnotatallfrightenedwhilehelookedforwardtoamputation.HewasattendedbyMr.PottandMr.Cruikshank.

Happilythecomplaintabatedwithouthisbeingputtothetortureofamputation.Butwemustsurelyadmirethemanlyresolutionwhichhediscoveredwhileithungoverhim.

HethisautumnreceivedavisitfromthecelebratedMrs.Siddons.He

givesthisaccountofitinoneofhisletterstoMrs.Thrale:--

'Mrs.Siddons,inhervisittome,behavedwithgreatmodestyandpropriety,andleftnothingbehindhertobecensuredordespised.Neitherpraisenormoney,thetwopowerfulcorruptersofmankind,seemtohavedepravedher.Ishallbegladtoseeheragain.HerbrotherKemblecallsonme,andpleasesmeverywell.Mrs.SiddonsandItalkedofplays;andshetoldmeherintentionofexhibitingthiswinterthecharactersofConstance,Catharine,andIsabella,inShakspeare.'

Mr.Kemblehasfavouredmewiththefollowingminuteofwhatpassedatthisvisit:--

'WhenMrs.Siddonscameintotheroom,therehappenedtobenochairreadyforher,whichheobserving,saidwithasmile,"Madam,youwhosooftenoccasionawantofseatstootherpeople,willthemoreeasilyexcusethewantofoneyourself."

'Havingplacedhimselfbyher,hewithgreatgood-humourentereduponaconsiderationoftheEnglishdrama;and,amongotherinquiries,particularlyaskedherwhichofShakspeare'scharactersshewasmostpleasedwith.UponheransweringthatshethoughtthecharacterofQueenCatharine,inHenrytheEighth,themostnatural:--"Ithinksotoo,



Madam,(saidhe;)andwheneveryouperformit,Iwilloncemorehobbleouttothetheatremyself."Mrs.Siddonspromisedshewoulddoherselfthehonourofactinghisfavouritepartforhim;butmanycircumstanceshappenedtopreventtherepresentationofKingHenrytheEighthduringtheDoctor'slife.

'Inthecourseoftheeveninghethusgavehisopinionuponthemeritsofsomeoftheprincipalperformerswhomherememberedtohaveseenuponthestage."Mrs.Porterinthevehemenceofrage,andMrs.Cliveinthesprightlinessofhumour,Ihaveneverseenequalled.WhatClivedidbest,shedidbetterthanGarrick;butcouldnotdohalfsomanythingswell;shewasabetterrompthananyIeversawinnature.Pritchard,incommonlife,wasavulgarideot;shewouldtalkofherGOWND:but,whensheappeareduponthestage,seemedtobeinspiredbygentilityandunderstanding.IoncetalkedwithColleyCibber,andthoughthimignorantoftheprinciplesofhisart.Garrick,Madam;wasnodeclaimer;therewasnotoneofhisownscene-shifterswhocouldnothavespokenTobe,ornottobe,betterthanhedid;yethewastheonlyactorIeversaw,whomIcouldcallamasterbothintragedyandcomedy;thoughIlikedhimbestincomedy.Atrueconceptionofcharacter,andnaturalexpressionofit,werehisdistinguishedexcellencies."Havingexpatiated,withhisusualforceandeloquence,onMr.Garrick'sextraordinaryeminenceasanactor,heconcludedwiththiscomplimenttohissocialtalents:"Andafterall,Madam,Ithoughthimlesstobe

enviedonthestagethanattheheadofatable."'

Johnson,indeed,hadthoughtmoreuponthesubjectofactingthanmightbegenerallysupposed.TalkingofitonedaytoMr.Kemble,hesaid,'Areyou,Sir,oneofthoseenthusiastswhobelieveyourselftransformedintotheverycharacteryourepresent?'UponMr.Kemble'sansweringthathehadneverfeltsostrongapersuasionhimself;'Tobesurenot,Sir,(saidJohnson;)thethingisimpossible.AndifGarrickreallybelievedhimselftobethatmonster,RichardtheThird,hedeservedtobehangedeverytimeheperformedit.'

Ifindinthis,asinformeryears,noticesofhiskindattentiontoMrs.Gardiner,who,thoughinthehumblestationofatallow-chandler

uponSnow-hill,wasawomanofexcellentgoodsense,pious,andcharitable.Shetoldme,shehadbeenintroducedtohimbyMrs.Masters,thepoetess,whosevolumesherevised,and,itissaid,illuminatedhereandtherewitharayofhisowngenius.Mrs.GardinerwasveryzealousforthesupportoftheLadies'charity-school,intheparishofSt.Sepulchre.Itisconfinedtofemales;and,Iamtold,itaffordedahintforthestoryofBettyBroominTheIdler.

ThelateingeniousMr.Mickle,sometimebeforehisdeath,wrotemealetterconcerningDr.Johnson,inwhichhementions,--'Iwasupwardsoftwelveyearsacquaintedwithhim,wasfrequentlyinhiscompany,alwaystalkedwitheasetohim,andcantrulysay,thatIneverreceivedfromhimoneroughword.'

Mr.Mickleremindsmeinthisletterofaconversation,atdinneronedayatMr.Hoole'swithDr.Johnson,whenMr.NicoltheKing'sbooksellerandIattemptedtocontrovertthemaxim,'betterthattenguiltyshouldescape,thanoneinnocentpersonsuffer;'andwereansweredbyDr.Johnsonwithgreatpowerofreasoningandeloquence.IamverysorrythatIhavenorecordofthatday:butIwellrecollectmyillustriousfriend'shavingablyshewn,thatunlesscivilinstitutionsinsureprotectiontotheinnocent,alltheconfidencewhichmankindshouldhaveinthemwouldbelost.



NotwithstandingthecomplicationofdisordersunderwhichJohnsonnowlaboured,hedidnotresignhimselftodespondencyanddiscontent,butwithwisdomandspiritendeavouredtoconsoleandamusehismindwithasmanyinnocentenjoymentsashecouldprocure.SirJohnHawkinshasmentionedthecordialitywithwhichheinsistedthatsuchofthemembersoftheoldclubinIvy-laneassurvived,shouldmeetagainanddinetogether,whichtheydid,twiceatatavernandonceathishouse:andinordertoinsurehimselfsocietyintheeveningforthreedaysintheweek,heinstitutedaclubattheEssexHead,inEssex-street,thenkeptbySamuelGreaves,anoldservantofMr.Thrale's.


'DEARSIR,--Itisinconvenienttometocomeout,IshouldelsehavewaitedonyouwithanaccountofalittleeveningClubwhichweareestablishinginEssex-street,intheStrand,andofwhichyouaredesiredtobeone.ItwillbeheldattheEssexHead,nowkeptbyanoldservantofThrale's.Thecompanyisnumerous,and,asyouwillseebythelist,miscellaneous.Thetermsarelax,andtheexpenceslight.Mr.BarrywasadoptedbyDr.Brocklesby,whojoinedwithmeinformingtheplan.Wemeetthriceaweek,andhewhomissesforfeitstwo-pence.

'Ifyouarewillingtobecomeamember,drawalineunderyourname.Returnthelist.WemeetforthefirsttimeonMondayateight.Iam,&c.

'Dec.4,1783.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

ItdidnotsuitSirJoshuatobeoneofthisClub.ButwhenImentiononlyMr.DainesBarrington,Dr.Brocklesby,Mr.Murphy,Mr.JohnNichols,Mr.Cooke,Mr.Joddrel,Mr.Paradise,Dr.Horsley,Mr.Windham,*Ishallsufficientlyobviatethemisrepresentationofitby

SirJohnHawkins,asifithadbeenalowale-houseassociation,bywhichJohnsonwasdegraded.Johnsonhimself,likehisnamesakeOldBen,composedtheRulesofhisClub.

*IwasinScotlandwhenthisClubwasfounded,andduringallthewinter.Johnson,however,declaredIshouldbeamember,andinventedawordupontheoccasion:Boswell(saidhe,)isaveryCLUBABLEman.'WhenIcametotownIwasproposedbyMr.Barrington,andchosen.Ibelievetherearefewsocietieswherethereisbetterconversationormoredecorum,severalofusresolvedtocontinueitafterourgreatfounderwasremovedbydeath.Othermemberswereadded;andnow,aboveeightyearssincethatloss,wegoon

happily.--BOSWELL.

Intheendofthisyearhewasseizedwithaspasmodickasthmaofsuchviolence,thathewasconfinedtothehouseingreatpain,beingsometimesobligedtositallnightinhischair,arecumbentposturebeingsohurtfultohisrespiration,thathecouldnotendurelyinginbed;andtherecameuponhimatthesametimethatoppressiveandfataldisease,adropsy.Itwasaveryseverewinter,whichprobablyaggravatedhiscomplaints;andthesolitudeinwhichMr.LevettandMrs.Williamshadlefthim,renderedhislifeverygloomy.Mrs.Desmoulins,



whostilllived,washerselfsoveryill,thatshecouldcontributeverylittletohisrelief.He,however,hadnoneofthatunsocialshynesswhichwecommonlyseeinpeopleafflictedwithsickness.Hedidnothidehisheadfromtheworld,insolitaryabstraction;hedidnotdenyhimselftothevisitsofhisfriendsandacquaintances;butatalltimes,whenhewasnotovercomebysleep,wasreadyforconversationasinhisbestdays.

'TOMRS.LUCYPORTER,INLICHFIELD.

'DEARMADAM,--YoumayperhapsthinkmenegligentthatIhavenotwrittentoyouagainuponthelossofyourbrother;butcondolencesandconsolationsaresuchcommonandsuchuselessthings,thattheomissionofthemisnogreatcrime:andmyowndiseasesoccupymymind,andengagemycare.Mynightsaremiserablyrestless,andmydays,therefore,areheavy.Itry,however,toholdupmyheadashighasIcan.

'Iamsorrythatyourhealthisimpaired;perhapsthespringandthesummermay,insomedegree,restoreit:butifnot,wemustsubmittotheinconveniencesoftime,astotheotherdispensationsofEternalGoodness.Prayforme,andwritetome,orletMr.Pearsonwriteforyou.Iam,&c.

'London,Nov.29,1783.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

1784:AETAT.75.]--AndnowIamarrivedatthelastyearofthelifeofSAMUELJOHNSON,ayearinwhich,althoughpassedinsevereindisposition,heneverthelessgavemanyevidencesofthecontinuanceofthosewondrouspowersofmind,whichraisedhimsohighintheintellectualworld.Hisconversationandhislettersofthisyearwereinnorespectinferiourtothoseofformeryears.

InconsequenceofJohnson'srequestthatIshouldaskourphysiciansabouthiscase,anddesireSirAlexanderDicktosendhisopinion,ItransmittedhimaletterfromthatveryamiableBaronet,theninhiseighty-firstyear,withhisfacultiesasentireasever;andmentionedhisexpressionstomeinthenoteaccompanyingit:'WithmymostaffectionatewishesforDr.Johnson'srecovery,inwhichhisfriends,hiscountry,andallmankindhavesodeepastake:'andatthesametimeafullopinionuponhiscasebyDr.Gillespie,who,likeDr.Cullen,hadtheadvantageofhavingpassedthroughthegradationsofsurgeryandpharmacy,andbystudyandpracticehadattainedtosuchskill,thatmyfathersettledonhimtwohundredpoundsayearforfiveyears,andfiftypoundsayearduringhislife,asanhonorariumtosecurehisparticularattendance.

IalsoappliedtothreeoftheeminentphysicianswhohadchairsinourcelebratedschoolofmedicineatEdinburgh,DoctorsCullen,Hope,andMonro.

Allofthempaidthemostpoliteattentiontomyletter,anditsvenerableobject.Dr.Cullen'swordsconcerninghimwere,'Itwouldgivemethegreatestpleasuretobeofanyservicetoamanwhomthepublickproperlyesteem,andwhomIesteemandrespectasmuchasIdoDr.Johnson.'Dr.Hope's,'Fewpeoplehaveabetterclaimonmethanyour



friend,ashardlyadaypassesthatIdonotaskhisopinionaboutthisorthatword.'Dr.Monro's,'Imostsincerelyjoinyouinsympathizingwiththatveryworthyandingeniouscharacter,fromwhomhiscountryhasderivedmuchinstructionandentertainment.'

'TOTHEREVERENDDR.TAYLOR,ASHBOURNE,DERBYSHIRE.

'DEARSIR,--WhatcanbethereasonthatIhearnothingfromyou?Ihopenothingdisablesyoufromwriting.WhatIhaveseen,andwhatIhavefelt,givesmereasontofeareverything.Donotomitgivingmethecomfortofknowing,thatafterallmylossesIhaveyetafriendleft.

'Iwanteverycomfort.Mylifeisverysolitaryandverycheerless.ThoughithaspleasedGODwonderfullytodelivermefromthedropsy,Iamyetveryweak,andhavenotpassedthedoorsincethe13thofDecember.Ihopeforsomehelpfromwarmweather,whichwillsurelycomeintime.

'Icouldnothavetheconsentofthephysicianstogotochurchyesterday;Ithereforereceivedtheholysacramentathome,intheroomwhereIcommunicatedwithdearMrs.Williams,alittlebeforeherdeath.O!myfriend,theapproachofdeathisverydreadful.IamafraidtothinkonthatwhichIknowIcannotavoid.Itisvaintolookroundand

roundforthathelpwhichcannotbehad.Yetwehopeandhope,andfancythathewhohaslivedto-daymayliveto-morrow.ButletuslearntoderiveourhopeonlyfromGOD.

'Inthemeantime,letusbekindtooneanother.IhavenofriendnowlivingbutyouandMr.Hector,thatwasthefriendofmyyouth.Donotneglect,dearSir,yoursaffectionately,

'London,Easter-Monday,April12,1784.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

Whatfollowsisabeautifulspecimenofhisgentlenessandcomplacencytoayoungladyhisgod-child,oneofthedaughtersofhisfriendMr.Langton,thenIthinkinherseventhyear.Hetookthetroubletowriteitinalargeroundhand,nearlyresemblingprintedcharacters,thatshemighthavethesatisfactionofreadingitherself.Theoriginalliesbeforeme,butshallbefaithfullyrestoredtoher;andIdaresaywillbepreservedbyherasajewelaslongasshelives.

'TOMISSJANELANGTON,INROCHESTER,KENT.

'MYDEARESTMISSJENNY,--Iamsorrythatyourprettyletterhasbeensolongwithoutbeinganswered;but,whenIamnotprettywell,Idonot

alwayswriteplainenoughforyoungladies.Iamglad,mydear,toseethatyouwritesowell,andhopethatyoumindyourpen,yourbook,andyourneedle,fortheyareallnecessary.Yourbookswillgiveyouknowledge,andmakeyourespected;andyourneedlewillfindyouusefulemploymentwhenyoudonotcaretoread.Whenyouarealittleolder,Ihopeyouwillbeverydiligentinlearningarithmetick,and,aboveall,thatthroughyourwholelifeyouwillcarefullysayyourprayers,andreadyourBible.Iam,mydear,yourmosthumbleservant,

'May10,1784.'



'SAM.JOHNSON.'

OnWednesday,May5,IarrivedinLondon,andnextmorninghadthepleasuretofindDr.Johnsongreatlyrecovered.Ibutjustsawhim;foracoachwaswaitingtocarryhimtoIslington,tothehouseofhisfriendtheReverendMr.Strahan,wherehewentsometimesforthebenefitofgoodair,which,notwithstandinghishavingformerlylaughedatthegeneralopinionuponthesubject,henowacknowledgedwasconducivetohealth.

Onemorningafterwards,whenIfoundhimalone,hecommunicatedtome,withsolemnearnestness,averyremarkablecircumstancewhichhadhappenedinthecourseofhisillness,whenhewasmuchdistressedbythedropsy.Hehadshuthimselfup,andemployedadayinparticularexercisesofreligion--fasting,humiliation,andprayer.Onasuddenheobtainedextraordinaryrelief,forwhichhelookeduptoHeavenwithgratefuldevotion.Hemadenodirectinferencefromthisfact;butfromhismanneroftellingit,Icouldperceivethatitappearedtohimassomethingmorethananincidentinthecommoncourseofevents.Formyownpart,Ihavenodifficultytoavowthatcastofthinking,whichbymanymodernpretenderstowisdomiscalledSUPERSTITIOUS.ButhereIthinkevenmenofdryrationalitymaybelieve,thattherewasan

intermediateinterpositionofDivineProvidence,andthat'theferventprayerofthisrighteousman'availed.

OnSaturday,May15,IdinedwithhimatDr.Brocklesby's,wherewereColonelVallancy,Mr.Murphy,andthatever-cheerfulcompanionMr.Devaynes,apothecarytohisMajesty.Ofthesedays,andothersonwhichIsawhim,Ihavenomemorials,exceptthegeneralrecollectionofhisbeingableandanimatedinconversation,andappearingtorelishsocietyasmuchastheyoungestman.Ifindonlythesethreesmallparticulars:--Whenapersonwasmentioned,whosaid,'Ihavelivedfifty-oneyearsinthisworldwithouthavinghadtenminutesofuneasiness;'heexclaimed,'Themanwhosaysso,lies:heattemptstoimposeonhumancredulity.'TheBishopofExeterinvainobserved,that

menwereverydifferent.HisLordship'smannerwasnotimpressive,andIlearntafterwardsthatJohnsondidnotfindoutthatthepersonwhotalkedtohimwasaPrelate;ifhehad,Idoubtnotthathewouldhavetreatedhimwithmorerespect;foroncetalkingofGeorgePsalmanazar,whomhereverencedforhispiety,hesaid,'IshouldassoonthinkofcontradictingaBISHOP.'Oneofthecompany*provokedhimgreatlybydoingwhathecouldleastofallbear,whichwasquotingsomethingofhisownwriting,againstwhathethenmaintained.'What,Sir,(criedthegentleman,)doyousayto

"Thebusyday,thepeacefulnight,Unfelt,uncounted,glidedby?"'--

Johnsonfindinghimselfthuspresentedasgivinganinstanceofamanwhohadlivedwithoutuneasiness,wasmuchoffended,forhelookeduponsuchaquotationasunfair.Hisangerburstoutinanunjustifiableretort,insinuatingthatthegentleman'sremarkwasasallyofebriety;'Sir,thereisonepassionIwouldadviseyoutocommand:whenyouhavedrunkoutthatglass,don'tdrinkanother.'HerewasexemplifiedwhatGoldsmithsaidofhim,withtheaidofaverywittyimagefromoneofCibber'sComedies:'ThereisnoarguingwithJohnson;forifhispistolmissesfire,heknocksyoudownwiththebuttendofit.'Anotherwasthis:whenagentlemanofeminenceintheliteraryworldwasviolently



censuredforattackingpeoplebyanonymousparagraphsinnews-papers;he,fromthespiritofcontradictionasIthought,tookuphisdefence,andsaid,'Come,come,thisisnotsoterribleacrime;hemeansonlytovexthemalittle.IdonotsaythatIshoulddoit;butthereisagreatdifferencebetweenhimandme;whatisfitforHephaestionisnotfitforAlexander.'Another,whenItoldhimthatayoungandhandsomeCountesshadsaidtome,'IshouldthinkthattobepraisedbyDr.Johnsonwouldmakeoneafoolallone'slife;'andthatIanswered,'Madam,Ishallmakehimafoolto-day,byrepeatingthistohim,'hesaid,'Iamtoooldtobemadeafool;butifyousayIammadeafool,Ishallnotdenyit.Iammuchpleasedwithacompliment,especiallyfromaprettywoman.'

*Boswellhimself,likelyenough.--HILL.

OntheeveningofSaturday,May15,hewasinfinespirits,atourEssex-HeadClub.Hetoldus,'IdinedyesterdayatMrs.Garrick's,withMrs.Carter,MissHannahMore,andMissFannyBurney.Threesuchwomenarenottobefound:IknownotwhereIcouldfindafourth,exceptMrs.Lennox,whoissuperiourtothemall.'BOSWELL.'What!hadyouthemalltoyourself,Sir?'JOHNSON.'Ihadthemallasmuchastheywerehad;butitmighthavebeenbetterhadtherebeenmorecompanythere.'BOSWELL.'MightnotMrs.Montaguhavebeenafourth?'JOHNSON.'Sir,Mrs.Montagudoesnotmakeatradeofherwit;butMrs.Montaguisa

veryextraordinarywoman;shehasaconstantstreamofconversation,anditisalwaysimpregnated;ithasalwaysmeaning.'BOSWELL.'Mr.Burkehasaconstantstreamofconversation.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;ifamanweretogobychanceatthesametimewithBurkeunderashed,toshunashower,hewouldsay--"thisisanextraordinaryman."IfBurkeshouldgointoastabletoseehishorsedrest,theostlerwouldsay--"wehavehadanextraordinarymanhere."'BOSWELL.'Footewasamanwhoneverfailedinconversation.Ifhehadgoneintoastable--'JOHNSON.'Sir,ifhehadgoneintoastable,theostlerwouldhavesaid,"herehasbeenacomicalfellow";buthewouldnothaverespectedhim.'BOSWELL.'And,Sir,theostlerwouldhaveansweredhim,wouldhavegivenhimasgoodashebrought,asthecommonsayingis.'JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;andFootewouldhaveansweredtheostler.--WhenBurkedoesnotdescendtobe

merry,hisconversationisverysuperiourindeed.Thereisnoproportionbetweenthepowerswhichheshewsinserioustalkandinjocularity.Whenheletshimselfdowntothat,heisinthekennel.'Ihaveinanotherplaceopposed,andIhopewithsuccess,Dr.Johnson'sverysingularanderroneousnotionastoMr.Burke'spleasantry.Mr.Windhamnowsaidlowtome,thathedifferedfromourgreatfriendinthisobservation;forthatMr.Burkewasoftenveryhappyinhismerriment.ItwouldnothavebeenrightforeitherofustohavecontradictedJohnsonatthistime,inaSocietyallofwhomdidnotknowandvalueMr.Burkeasmuchaswedid.Itmighthaveoccasionedsomethingmorerough,andatanyratewouldprobablyhavecheckedtheflowofJohnson'sgood-humour.Hecalledtouswithasuddenairofexultation,asthethoughtstartedintohismind,'O!Gentlemen,Imusttellyouavery

greatthing.TheEmpressofRussiahasorderedtheRamblertobetranslatedintotheRussianlanguage:soIshallbereadonthebanksoftheWolga.HoraceboaststhathisfamewouldextendasfarasthebanksoftheRhone;nowtheWolgaisfartherfrommethantheRhonewasfromHorace.'BOSWELL.'Youmustcertainlybepleasedwiththis,Sir.'JOHNSON.'Iampleased,Sir,tobesure.Amanispleasedtofindhehassucceededinthatwhichhehasendeavouredtodo.'

Oneofthecompanymentionedhishavingseenanoblepersondrivinginhiscarriage,andlookingexceedinglywell,notwithstandinghisgreat



age.JOHNSON.'Ah,Sir;thatisnothing.Baconobserves,thatastouthealthyoldmanislikeatowerundermined.'

OnSunday,May16,Ifoundhimalone;hetalkedofMrs.Thralewithmuchconcern,saying,'Sir,shehasdoneeverythingwrong,sinceThrale'sbridlewasoffherneck;'andwasproceedingtomentionsomecircumstanceswhichhavesincebeenthesubjectofpublickdiscussion,whenhewasinterruptedbythearrivalofDr.Douglas,nowBishopofSalisbury.

Inoneofhislittlemanuscriptdiaries,aboutthistime,Ifindashortnotice,whichmarkshisamiabledispositionmorecertainlythanathousandstudieddeclarations.--'Afternoonspentcheerfullyandelegantly,IhopewithoutoffencetoGODorman;thoughinnoholyduty,yetinthegeneralexerciseandcultivationofbenevolence.'

OnMonday,May17,IdinedwithhimatMr.Dilly's,wherewereColonelVallancy,theReverendDr.Gibbons,andMr.CapelLofft,who,thoughamostzealousWhig,hasamindsofulloflearningandknowledge,andsomuchexercisedinvariousdepartments,andwithalsomuchliberality,thatthestupendouspowersoftheliteraryGoliath,thoughtheydidnotfrightenthislittleDavidofpopularspirit,couldnotbutexcitehisadmiration.TherewasalsoMr.BraithwaiteofthePost-office,thatamiableandfriendlyman,who,withmodestandunassumingmanners,has

associatedwithmanyofthewitsoftheage.Johnsonwasveryquiescentto-day.PerhapstooIwasindolent.Ifindnothingmoreofhiminmynotes,butthatwhenImentionedthatIhadseenintheKing'slibrarysixty-threeeditionsofmyfavouriteThomasaKempis,amongstwhichitwasineightlanguages,Latin,German,French,Italian,Spanish,English,Arabick,andArmenian,hesaid,hethoughtitunnecessarytocollectmanyeditionsofabook,whichwereallthesame,exceptastothepaperandprint;hewouldhavetheoriginal,andallthetranslations,andalltheeditionswhichhadanyvariationsinthetext.HeapprovedofthefamouscollectionofeditionsofHoracebyDouglas,mentionedbyPope,whoissaidtohavehadaclosetfilledwiththem;andheadded,everymanshouldtrytocollectonebookinthatmanner,andpresentittoapublicklibrary.'

OnWednesday,May19,Isatapartoftheeveningwithhim,byourselves.Iobserved,thatthedeathofourfriendsmightbeaconsolationagainstthefearofourowndissolution,becausewemighthavemorefriendsintheotherworldthaninthis.Heperhapsfeltthisasareflectionuponhisapprehensionastodeath;andsaid,withheat,'HowcanamanknowWHEREhisdepartedfriendsare,orwhethertheywillbehisfriendsintheotherworld?Howmanyfriendshipshaveyouknownformeduponprinciplesofvirtue?Mostfriendshipsareformedbycapriceorbychance,mereconfederaciesinviceorleaguesinfolly.'

WetalkedofourworthyfriendMr.Langton.Hesaid,'IknownotwhowillgotoHeavenifLangtondoesnot.Sir,Icouldalmostsay,Sit

animameacumLangtono.'Imentionedaveryeminentfriendasavirtuousman.JOHNSON.'Yes,Sir;but------hasnottheevangelicalvirtueofLangton.------,Iamafraid,wouldnotscrupletopickupawench.'

HehoweverchargedMr.Langtonwithwhathethoughtwantofjudgmentuponaninterestingoccasion.'WhenIwasill,(saidhe,)Idesiredhewouldtellmesincerelyinwhathethoughtmylifewasfaulty.Sir,hebroughtmeasheetofpaper,onwhichhehadwrittendownseveraltextsofScripture,recommendingchristiancharity.AndwhenIquestionedhimwhatoccasionIhadgivenforsuchananimadversion,allthathe



couldsayamountedtothis,--thatIsometimescontradictedpeopleinconversation.Nowwhatharmdoesitdotoanymantobecontradicted?'BOSWELL.'IsupposehemeanttheMANNERofdoingit;roughly,--andharshly.'JOHNSON.'Andwhoistheworseforthat?'BOSWELL.'Ithurtspeopleofweaknerves.'JOHNSON.'Iknownosuchweak-nervedpeople.'Mr.Burke,towhomIrelatedthisconference,said,'Itiswell,ifwhenamancomestodie,hehasnothingheavieruponhisconsciencethanhavingbeenalittleroughinconversation.'

Johnson,atthetimewhenthepaperwaspresentedtohim,thoughatfirstpleasedwiththeattentionofhisfriend,whomhethankedinanearnestmanner,soonexclaimed,inaloudandangrytone,'Whatisyourdrift,Sir?'SirJoshuaReynoldspleasantlyobserved,thatitwasasceneforacomedy,toseeapenitentgetintoaviolentpassionandbelabourhisconfessor.

HehaddinedthatdayatMr.Hoole's,andMissHelenMariaWilliamsbeingexpectedintheevening,Mr.HooleputintohishandsherbeautifulOdeonthePeace:Johnsonreaditover,andwhenthiselegantandaccomplishedyoungladywaspresentedtohim,hetookherbythehandinthemostcourteousmanner,andrepeatedthefineststanzaofherpoem;thiswasthemostdelicateandpleasingcomplimenthecouldpay.Herrespectablefriend,Dr.Kippis,fromwhomIhadthisanecdote,wasstandingby,andwasnotalittlegratified.

MissWilliamstoldme,thattheonlyothertimeshewasfortunateenoughtobeinDr.Johnson'scompany,heaskedhertositdownbyhim,whichshedid,anduponherinquiringhowhewas,heanswered,'Iamveryillindeed,Madam.Iamveryillevenwhenyouarenearme;whatshouldIbewereyouatadistance?'

HehadnowagreatdesiretogotoOxford,ashisfirstjauntafterhisillness;wetalkedofitforsomedays,andIhadpromisedtoaccompanyhim.Hewasimpatientandfretfulto-night,becauseIdidnotatonceagreetogowithhimonThursday.WhenIconsideredhowillhehadbeen,andwhatallowanceshouldbemadefortheinfluenceofsicknessuponhistemper,Iresolvedtoindulgehim,thoughwithsomeinconvenienceto

myself,asIwishedtoattendthemusicalmeetinginhonourofHandel,inWestminster-Abbey,onthefollowingSaturday.

Inthemidstofhisowndiseasesandpains,hewasevercompassionatetothedistressesofothers,andactivelyearnestinprocuringthemaid,asappearsfromanotetoSirJoshuaReynolds,ofJune,inthesewords:--'Iamashamedtoaskforsomereliefforapoorman,towhom,Ihope,IhavegivenwhatIcanbeexpectedtospare.Themanimportunesme,andtheblowgoesround.IamgoingtotryanotheraironThursday.'

OnThursday,June3,theOxfordpost-coachtookusupinthemorningatBolt-court.TheothertwopassengerswereMrs.Beresfordandherdaughter,twoveryagreeableladiesfromAmerica;theyweregoingto

Worcestershire,wheretheythenresided.Frankhadbeensentbyhismasterthedaybeforetotakeplacesforus;andIfound,fromthewaybill,thatDr.Johnsonhadmadeournamesbeputdown.Mrs.Beresford,whohadreadit,whisperedme,'IsthisthegreatDr.Johnson?'Itoldheritwas;soshewasthenpreparedtolisten.AsshesoonhappenedtomentioninavoicesolowthatJohnsondidnothearit,thatherhusbandhadbeenamemberoftheAmericanCongress,Icautionedhertobewareofintroducingthatsubject,asshemustknowhowveryviolentJohnsonwasagainstthepeopleofthatcountry.Hetalkedagreatdeal,butIamsorryIhavepreservedlittleoftheconversation.



MissBeresfordwassomuchcharmed,thatshesaidtomeaside,'Howhedoestalk!Everysentenceisanessay.'Sheamusedherselfinthecoachwithknotting;hewouldscarcelyallowthisspeciesofemploymentanymerit.'Nexttomereidleness(saidhe,)Ithinkknottingistobereckonedinthescaleofinsignificance;thoughIonceattemptedtolearnknotting.Dempster'ssister(lookingtome,)endeavouredtoteachmeit;butImadenoprogress.'

Iwassurprisedathistalkingwithoutreserveinthepublickpost-coachofthestateofhisaffairs;'Ihave(saidhe,)abouttheworldIthinkaboveathousandpounds,whichIintendshallaffordFrankanannuityofseventypoundsayear.'Indeedhisopennesswithpeopleatafirstinterviewwasremarkable.HesaidoncetoMr.Langton,'IthinkIamlikeSquireRichardinTheJourneytoLondon,"I'mneverstrangeinastrangeplace."'HewastrulySOCIAL.HestronglycensuredwhatismuchtoocommoninEnglandamongpersonsofcondition,--maintaininganabsolutesilence,whenunknowntoeachother;asforinstance,whenoccasionallybroughttogetherinaroombeforethemasterormistressofthehousehasappeared.'Sir,thatisbeingsouncivilisedasnottounderstandthecommonrightsofhumanity.'

Attheinnwherewestoppedhewasexceedinglydissatisfiedwithsomeroastmuttonwhichwehadfordinner.TheladiesIsawwonderedtoseethegreatphilosopher,whosewisdomandwittheyhadbeenadmiringall

theway,getintoill-humourfromsuchacause.Hescoldedthewaiter,saying,'Itisasbadasbadcanbe:itisill-fed,ill-killed,ill-kept,andill-drest.'

Heborethejourneyverywell,andseemedtofeelhimselfelevatedasheapproachedOxford,thatmagnificentandvenerableseatoflearning,Orthodoxy,andToryism.Frankcameintheheavycoach,inreadinesstoattendhim;andwewerereceivedwiththemostpolitehospitalityatthehouseofhisoldfriendDr.Adams,MasterofPembrokeCollege,whohadgivenusakindinvitation.Beforeweweresetdown,IcommunicatedtoJohnson,myhavingengagedtoreturntoLondondirectly,forthereasonIhavementioned,butthatIwouldhastenbacktohimagain.HewaspleasedthatIhadmadethisjourneymerelytokeephimcompany.Hewas

easyandplacidwithDr.Adams,Mrs.andMissAdams,andMrs.Kennicot,widowofthelearnedHebraean,whowashereonavisit.Hesoondispatchedtheinquirieswhichweremadeabouthisillnessandrecovery,byashortanddistinctnarrative;andthenassumingagayair,repeatedfromSwift,--

'Northinkonourapproachingills,Andtalkofspectaclesandpills.'

IfulfilledmyintentionbygoingtoLondon,andreturnedtoOxfordonWednesdaythe9thofJune,whenIwashappytofindmyselfagaininthesameagreeablecircleatPembrokeCollege,withthecomfortableprospectofmakingsomestay.Johnsonwelcomedmyreturnwithmorethanordinary

glee.

Nextmorningatbreakfast,hepointedoutapassageinSavage'sWanderer,saying,'Thesearefineverses.''If(saidhe,)IhadwrittenwithhostilityofWarburtoninmyShakspeare,Ishouldhavequotedthiscouplet:--

"HereLearning,blindedfirstandthenbeguil'd,LooksdarkasIgnorance,asFancywild."



Youseethey'dhavefittedhimtoaT,'(smiling.)Dr.ADAMS.'ButyoudidnotwriteagainstWarburton.'JOHNSON.No,Sir,ItreatedhimwithgreatrespectbothinmyPrefaceandinmyNotes.'

Afterdinner,whenoneofustalkedoftherebeingagreatenmitybetweenWhigandTory;--Johnson.'Whynotsomuch,Ithink,unlesswhentheycomeintocompetitionwitheachother.Thereisnonewhentheyareonlycommonacquaintance,nonewhentheyareofdifferentsexes.ATorywillmarryintoaWhigfamily,andaWhigintoaToryfamily,withoutanyreluctance.Butindeed,inamatterofmuchmoreconcernthanpoliticaltenets,andthatisreligion,menandwomendonotconcernthemselvesmuchaboutdifferenceofopinion;andladiessetnovalueonthemoralcharacterofmenwhopaytheiraddressestothem;thegreatestprofligatewillbeaswellreceivedasthemanofthegreatestvirtue,andthisbyaverygoodwoman,byawomanwhosaysherprayersthreetimesaday.'Ourladiesendeavouredtodefendtheirsexfromthischarge;butheroaredthemdown!'No,no,aladywilltakeJonathanWildasreadilyasSt.Austin,ifhehasthreepencemore;and,whatisworse,herparentswillgivehertohim.Womenhaveaperpetualenvyofourvices;theyarelessviciousthanwe,notfromchoice,butbecausewerestrictthem;theyaretheslavesoforderandfashion;theirvirtueisofmoreconsequencetousthanourown,sofarasconcernsthisworld.'

MissAdamsmentionedagentlemanoflicentiouscharacter,andsaid,

'SupposeIhadamindtomarrythatgentleman,wouldmyparentsconsent?'JOHNSON.'Yes,they'dconsent,andyou'dgo.You'dgothoughtheydidnotconsent.'MissADAMS.'Perhapstheiropposingmightmakemego.'JOHNSON.'O,verywell;you'dtakeonewhomyouthinkabadman,tohavethepleasureofvexingyourparents.YouputmeinmindofDr.Barrowby,thephysician,whowasveryfondofswine'sflesh.Oneday,whenhewaseatingit,hesaid,"IwishIwasaJew.""Whyso?(saidsomebody;)theJewsarenotallowedtoeatyourfavouritemeat.""Because,(saidhe,)Ishouldthenhavethegustofeatingit,withthepleasureofsinning."'Johnsonthenproceededinhisdeclamation.

MissAdamssoonafterwardsmadeanobservationthatIdonotrecollect,whichpleasedhimmuch:hesaidwithagood-humouredsmile,'Thatthere

shouldbesomuchexcellenceunitedwithsomuchDEPRAVITY,isstrange.'

Indeed,thislady'sgoodqualities,merit,andaccomplishments,andherconstantattentiontoDr.Johnson,werenotlostuponhim.Shehappenedtotellhimthatalittlecoffeepot,inwhichshehadmadehiscoffee,wastheonlythingshecouldcallherown.Heturnedtoherwithacomplacentgallantry,'Don'tsayso,mydear;Ihopeyoudon'treckonmyheartasnothing.'

OnFriday,June11,wetalkedatbreakfast,offormsofprayer.JOHNSON.'IknowofnogoodprayersbutthoseintheBookofCommonPrayer.'DR.ADAMS.(inaveryearnestmanner:)'Iwish,Sir,youwouldcomposesomefamilyprayers.'JOHNSON.'Iwillnotcomposeprayersforyou,Sir,

becauseyoucandoitforyourself.ButIhavethoughtofgettingtogetherallthebooksofprayerswhichIcould,selectingthosewhichshouldappeartomethebest,puttingoutsome,insertingothers,addingsomeprayersofmyown,andprefixingadiscourseonprayer.'Weallnowgatheredabouthim,andtwoorthreeofusatatimejoinedinpressinghimtoexecutethisplan.Heseemedtobealittledispleasedatthemannerofourimportunity,andingreatagitationcalledout,'Donottalkthusofwhatissoaweful.IknownotwhattimeGODwillallowmeinthisworld.TherearemanythingswhichIwishtodo.'Someofuspersisted,andDr.Adamssaid,'Ineverwasmoreseriousaboutanything



inmylife.'JOHNSON.'Letmealone,letmealone;Iamoverpowered.'Andthenheputhishandsbeforehisface,andreclinedforsometimeuponthetable.

Dr.JohnsonandIwentinDr.Adams'scoachtodinewithDr.Nowell,PrincipalofSt.MaryHall,athisbeautifulvillaatIffley,onthebanksoftheIsis,abouttwomilesfromOxford.Whilewewereupontheroad,IhadtheresolutiontoaskJohnsonwhetherhethoughtthattheroughnessofhismannerhadbeenanadvantageornot,andifhewouldnothavedonemoregoodifhehadbeenmoregentle.Iproceededtoanswermyselfthus:'Perhapsithasbeenofadvantage,asithasgivenweighttowhatyousaid:youcouldnot,perhaps,havetalkedwithsuchauthoritywithoutit.'JOHNSON.'No,Sir;IhavedonemoregoodasIam.ObscenityandImpietyhavealwaysbeenrepressedinmycompany.'BOSWELL.'True,Sir;andthatismorethancanbesaidofeveryBishop.GreaterlibertieshavebeentakeninthepresenceofaBishop,thoughaverygoodman,fromhisbeingmilder,andthereforenotcommandingsuchawe.Yet,Sir,manypeoplewhomighthavebeenbenefitedbyyourconversation,havebeenfrightenedaway.Aworthyfriendofourshastoldme,thathehasoftenbeenafraidtotalktoyou.'JOHNSON.'Sir,heneednothavebeenafraid,ifhehadanythingrationaltosay.Ifhehadnot,itwasbetterhedidnottalk.'

Wetalkedofacertainclergymanofextraordinarycharacter,whoby

exertinghistalentsinwritingontemporarytopicks,anddisplayinguncommonintrepidity,hadraisedhimselftoaffluence.Imaintainedthatweoughtnottobeindignantathissuccess;formeritofeverysortwasentitledtoreward.JOHNSON.'Sir,Iwillnotallowthismantohavemerit.No,Sir;whathehasisratherthecontrary;Iwill,indeed,allowhimcourage,andonthisaccountwesofargivehimcredit.Wehavemorerespectforamanwhorobsboldlyonthehighway,thanforafellowwhojumpsoutofaditch,andknocksyoudownbehindyourback.Courageisaqualitysonecessaryformaintainingvirtue,thatitisalwaysrespected,evenwhenitisassociatedwithvice.'

Mr.Henderson,withwhomIhadsaunteredinthevenerablewalksofMertonCollege,andfoundhimaverylearnedandpiousman,suppedwith

us.Dr.Johnsonsurprisedhimnotalittle,byacknowledgingwithalookofhorrour,thathewasmuchoppressedbythefearofdeath.TheamiableDr.AdamssuggestedthatGODwasinfinitelygood.JOHNSON.'Thatheisinfinitelygood,asfarastheperfectionofhisnaturewillallow,Icertainlybelieve;butitisnecessaryforgooduponthewhole,thatindividualsshouldbepunished.AstoanINDIVIDUAL,therefore,heisnotinfinitelygood;andasIcannotbeSUREthatIhavefulfilledtheconditionsonwhichsalvationisgranted,IamafraidImaybeoneofthosewhoshallbedamned.'(lookingdismally).DR.ADAMS.'Whatdoyoumeanbydamned?'JOHNSON.(passionatelyandloudly,)'SenttoHell,Sir,andpunishedeverlastingly!'DR.ADAMS.'Idon'tbelievethatdoctrine.'JOHNSON.'Hold,Sir,doyoubelievethatsomewillbepunishedatall?'DR.ADAMS.'BeingexcludedfromHeavenwillbeapunishment;yetthere

maybenogreatpositivesuffering.'JOHNSON.Well,Sir;but,ifyouadmitanydegreeofpunishment,thereisanendofyourargumentforinfinitegoodnesssimplyconsidered;for,infinitegoodnesswouldinflictnopunishmentwhatever.Thereisnotinfinitegoodnessphysicallyconsidered;morallythereis.'BOSWELL.'Butmaynotamanattaintosuchadegreeofhopeasnottobeuneasyfromthefearofdeath?'JOHNSON.'Amanmayhavesuchadegreeofhopeastokeephimquiet.YouseeIamnotquiet,fromthevehemencewithwhichItalk;butIdonotdespair.'MRS.ADAMS.'Youseem,Sir,toforgetthemeritsofourRedeemer.'JOHNSON.'Madam,Idonotforgetthemeritsofmy



Redeemer;butmyRedeemerhassaidthathewillsetsomeonhisrighthandandsomeonhisleft.'Hewasingloomyagitation,andsaid,'I'llhavenomoreon't.'IfwhathasnowbeenstatedshouldbeurgedbytheenemiesofChristianity,asifitsinfluenceonthemindwerenotbenignant,letitberemembered,thatJohnson'stemperamentwasmelancholy,ofwhichsuchdirefulapprehensionsoffuturityareoftenacommoneffect.Weshallpresentlyseethatwhenheapproachednearertohisawefulchange,hismindbecametranquil,andheexhibitedasmuchfortitudeasbecomesathinkingmaninthatsituation.

Fromthesubjectofdeathwepassedtodiscourseoflife,whetheritwasuponthewholemorehappyormiserable.Johnsonwasdecidedlyforthebalanceofmisery:inconfirmationofwhichImaintained,thatnomanwouldchoosetoleadoveragainthelifewhichhehadexperienced.Johnsonaccededtothatopinioninthestrongestterms.

OnSunday,June13,ourphilosopherwascalmatbreakfast.TherewassomethingexceedinglypleasinginourleadingaCollegelife,withoutrestraint,andwithsuperiourelegance,inconsequenceofourlivingintheMaster'shouse,andhavingthecompanyofladies.Mrs.Kennicotrelated,inhispresence,alivelysayingofDr.JohnsontoMissHannahMore,whohadexpressedawonderthatthepoetwhohadwrittenParadiseLostshouldwritesuchpoorSonnets:--'Milton,Madam,wasageniusthatcouldcutaColossusfromarock;butcouldnotcarveheadsupon

cherry-stones.'

OnMonday,June14,andTuesday,15,Dr.JohnsonandIdined,ononeofthem,Iforgetwhich,withMr.Mickle,translatoroftheLusiad,atWheatley,averyprettycountryplaceafewmilesfromOxford;andontheotherwithDr.Wetherell,MasterofUniversityCollege.FromDr.Wetherell'shewenttovisitMr.SackvilleParker,thebookseller;andwhenhereturnedtous,gavethefollowingaccountofhisvisit,saying,'Ihavebeentoseemyoldfriend,SackParker;Ifindhehasmarriedhismaid;hehasdoneright.Shehadlivedwithhimmanyyearsingreatconfidence,andtheyhadmingledminds;Idonotthinkhecouldhavefoundanywifethatwouldhavemadehimsohappy.Thewomanwasveryattentiveandciviltome;shepressedmetofixadayfordiningwith

them,andtosaywhatIliked,andshewouldbesuretogetitforme.PoorSack!Heisveryill,indeed.Wepartedasnevertomeetagain.Ithasquitebrokemedown.'Thispatheticnarrativewasstrangelydiversifiedwiththegraveandearnestdefenceofaman'shavingmarriedhismaid.Icouldnotbutfeelitasinsomedegreeludicrous.

InthemorningofTuesday,June15,whilewesatatDr.Adams's,wetalkedofaprintedletterfromtheReverendHerbertCroft,toayounggentlemanwhohadbeenhispupil,inwhichheadvisedhimtoreadtotheendofwhateverbooksheshouldbegintoread.JOHNSON.'Thisissurelyastrangeadvice;youmayaswellresolvethatwhatevermenyouhappentogetacquaintedwith,youaretokeeptothemforlife.Abookmaybegoodfornothing;ortheremaybeonlyonethinginitworthknowing;

arewetoreaditallthrough?TheseVoyages,(pointingtothethreelargevolumesofVoyagestotheSouthSea,whichwerejustcomeout)WHOwillreadthemthrough?Amanhadbetterworkhiswaybeforethemast,thanreadthemthrough;theywillbeeatenbyratsandmice,beforetheyarereadthrough.Therecanbelittleentertainmentinsuchbooks;onesetofSavagesislikeanother.'BOSWELL.'IdonotthinkthepeopleofOtaheitecanbereckonedSavages.'JOHNSON.'Don'tcantindefenceofSavages.'BOSWELL.'Theyhavetheartofnavigation.'JOHNSON.'Adogoracatcanswim.'BOSWELL.'Theycarveveryingeniously.'JOHNSON.'Acatcanscratch,andachildwithanailcanscratch.'Iperceivedthiswas



noneofthemolliatemporafandi;sodesisted.

UponhismentioningthatwhenhecametoCollegehewrotehisfirstexercisetwiceover;butneverdidsoafterwards;MISSADAMS.'Isuppose,Sir,youcouldnotmakethembetter?'JOHNSON.'Yes,Madam,tobesure,Icouldmakethembetter.Thoughtisbetterthannothought.'MISSADAMS.'Doyouthink,Sir,youcouldmakeyourRamblersbetter?'JOHNSON.'CertainlyIcould.'BOSWELL.'I'lllayabet,Sir,youcannot.'JOHNSON.'ButIwill,Sir,ifIchoose.Ishallmakethebestofthemyoushallpickout,better.'BOSWELL.'Butyoumayaddtothem.Iwillnotallowofthat.'JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir,therearethreewaysofmakingthembetter;--puttingout,--adding,--orcorrecting.'

DuringourvisitatOxford,thefollowingconversationpassedbetweenhimandmeonthesubjectofmytryingmyfortuneattheEnglishbar:HavingaskedwhetheraveryextensiveacquaintanceinLondon,whichwasveryvaluable,andofgreatadvantagetoamanatlarge,mightnotbeprejudicialtoalawyer,bypreventinghimfromgivingsufficientattentiontohisbusiness;--JOHNSON.'Sir,youwillattendtobusiness,asbusinesslaysholdofyou.Whennotactuallyemployed,youmayseeyourfriendsasmuchasyoudonow.YoumaydineataClubeveryday,andsupwithoneofthememberseverynight;andyoumaybeasmuchatpublickplacesasonewhohasseenthemallwouldwishtobe.ButyoumusttakecaretoattendconstantlyinWestminster-Hall;bothtomind

yourbusiness,asitisalmostalllearntthere,(fornobodyreadsnow;)andtoshewthatyouwanttohavebusiness.Andyoumustnotbetoooftenseenatpublickplaces,thatcompetitorsmaynothaveittosay,"HeisalwaysatthePlayhouseoratRanelagh,andnevertobefoundathischambers."And,Sir,theremustbeakindofsolemnityinthemannerofaprofessionalman.Ihavenothingparticulartosaytoyouonthesubject.AllthisIshouldsaytoanyone;IshouldhavesaidittoLordThurlowtwentyyearsago.'

OnWednesday,June19,Dr.JohnsonandIreturnedtoLondon;hewasnotwellto-day,andsaidverylittle,employinghimselfchieflyinreadingEuripides.Heexpressedsomedispleasureatme,fornotobservingsufficientlythevariousobjectsupontheroad.'IfIhadyoureyes,

Sir,(saidhe,)Ishouldcountthepassengers.'Itwaswonderfulhowaccuratehisobservationofvisualobjectswas,notwithstandinghisimperfecteyesight,owingtoahabitofattention.ThathewasmuchsatisfiedwiththerespectpaidtohimatDr.Adams'sisthusattestedbyhimself:'IreturnedlastnightfromOxford,afterafortnight'sabodewithDr.Adams,whotreatedmeaswellasIcouldexpectorwish;andhethatcontentsasickman,amanwhomitisimpossibletoplease,hassurelydonehispartwell.'

AfterhisreturntoLondonfromthisexcursion,Isawhimfrequently,buthavefewmemorandums:IshallthereforehereinsertsomeparticularswhichIcollectedatvarioustimes.

IthavingbeenmentionedtoDr.Johnsonthatagentlemanwhohadasonwhomheimaginedtohaveanextremedegreeoftimidity,resolvedtosendhimtoapublickschool,thathemightacquireconfidence;--'Sir,(saidJohnson,)thisisapreposterousexpedientforremovinghisinfirmity;suchadispositionshouldbecultivatedintheshade.Placinghimatapublickschoolisforcinganowluponday.'

Speakingofagentlemanwhosehousewasmuchfrequentedbylowcompany;'Rags,Sir,(saidhe,)willalwaysmaketheirappearancewheretheyhavearighttodoit.'



Ofthesamegentleman'smodeofliving,hesaid,'Sir,theservants,insteadofdoingwhattheyarebid,standroundthetableinidleclusters,gapingupontheguests;andseemasunfittoattendacompany,astosteeramanofwar.'

AdullcountrymagistrategaveJohnsonalongtediousaccountofhisexercisinghiscriminaljurisdiction,theresultofwhichwashishavingsentencedfourconvictstotransportation.Johnson,inanagonyofimpatiencetogetridofsuchacompanion,exclaimed,'Iheartilywish,Sir,thatIwereafifth.'

Johnsonwaspresentwhenatragedywasread,inwhichthereoccurredthisline:--

'Whoruleso'erfreemenshouldhimselfbefree.'

Thecompanyhavingadmireditmuch,'Icannotagreewithyou(saidJohnson).Itmightaswellbesaid,--

'Whodrivesfatoxenshouldhimselfbefat.'

Johnsonhavingarguedforsometimewithapertinaciousgentleman;hisopponent,whohadtalkedinaverypuzzlingmanner,happenedtosay,'Idon'tunderstandyou,Sir:'uponwhichJohnsonobserved,'Sir,Ihavefoundyouanargument;butIamnotobligedtofindyouanunderstanding.'

TalkingtomeofHorryWalpole,(asHoracelateEarlofOrfordwasoftencalled,)Johnsonallowedthathegottogetheragreatmanycuriouslittlethings,andtoldtheminanelegantmanner.Mr.WalpolethoughtJohnsonamoreamiablecharacterafterreadinghisLetterstoMrs.Thrale:butneverwasoneofthetrueadmirersofthatgreatman.Wemay

supposeaprejudiceconceived,ifheeverheardJohnson'saccounttoSirGeorgeStaunton,thatwhenhemadethespeechesinparliamentfortheGentleman'sMagazine,'healwaystookcaretoputSirRobertWalpoleinthewrong,andtosayeverythinghecouldagainsttheelectorateofHanover.'ThecelebratedHeroickEpistle,inwhichJohnsonissatyricallyintroduced,hasbeenascribedbothtoMr.WalpoleandMr.Mason.OnedayatMr.Courtenay's,whenagentlemanexpressedhisopinionthattherewasmoreenergyinthatpoemthancouldbeexpectedfromMr.Walpole;Mr.Warton,thelateLaureat,observed,'ItmayhavebeenwrittenbyWalpole,andBUCKRAM'DbyMason.'

SirJoshuaReynoldshavingsaidthathetookthealtitudeofaman'stastebyhisstoriesandhiswit,andofhisunderstandingbythe

remarkswhichherepeated;beingalwayssurethathemustbeaweakmanwhoquotescommonthingswithanemphasisasiftheywereoracles;Johnsonagreedwithhim;andSirJoshuahavingalsoobservedthattherealcharacterofamanwasfoundoutbyhisamusements,--Johnsonadded,'Yes,Sir;nomanisahypocriteinhispleasures.'

IhavementionedJohnson'sgeneralaversiontoapun.Heonce,however,enduredoneofmine.Whenweweretalkingofanumerouscompanyinwhichhehaddistinguishedhimselfhighly,Isaid,'Sir,youwereaCODsurroundedbysmelts.Isnotthisenoughforyou?atatimetoowhenyou



werenotFISHINGforacompliment?'Helaughedatthiswithacomplacentapprobation.OldMr.Sheridanobserved,uponmymentioningittohim,'Helikedyourcomplimentsowell,hewaswillingtotakeitwithPUNSAUCE.'Formyownpart,Ithinknoinnocentspeciesofwitorpleasantryshouldbesuppressed;andthatagoodpunmaybeadmittedamongthesmallerexcellenciesoflivelyconversation.

Mr.BurkeuniformlyshewedJohnsonthegreatestrespect;andwhenMr.Townshend,nowLordSydney,ataperiodwhenhewasconspicuousinopposition,threwoutsomereflectioninparliamentuponthegrantofapensiontoamanofsuchpoliticalprinciplesasJohnson;Mr.Burke,thoughthenofthesamepartywithMr.Townshend,stoodwarmlyforthindefenceofhisfriend,towhom,hejustlyobserved,thepensionwasgrantedsolelyonaccountofhiseminentliterarymerit.Iamwellassured,thatMr.Townshend'sattackuponJohnsonwastheoccasionofhis'hitchinginarhyme;'for,thatintheoriginalcopyofGoldsmith'scharacterofMr.Burke,inhisRetaliation,anotherperson'snamestoodinthecoupletwhereMr.Townshendisnowintroduced:--

'Thoughfraughtwithalllearningkeptstraininghisthroat,TopersuadeTommyTownshendtolendhimavote.'

Itmaybeworthremarking,amongtheminutiaeofmycollection,thatJohnsonwasoncedrawntoserveinthemilitia,theTrainedBandsofthe

CityofLondon,andthatMr.Rackstrow,oftheMuseuminFleet-street,washisColonel.Itmaybebelievedhedidnotserveinperson;buttheidea,withallitscircumstances,iscertainlylaughable.Heuponthatoccasionprovidedhimselfwithamusket,andwithaswordandbelt,whichIhaveseenhanginginhiscloset.

Anauthourofmostanxiousandrestlessvanitybeingmentioned,'Sir,(saidhe,)thereisnotayoungsaplinguponParnassusmoreseverelyblownaboutbyeverywindofcriticismthanthatpoorfellow.'

Thedifference,heobserved,betweenawell-bredandanill-bredmanisthis:'Oneimmediatelyattractsyourliking,theotheryouraversion.Youlovetheonetillyoufindreasontohatehim;youhatetheother

tillyoufindreasontolovehim.'

AfoppishphysicianonceremindedJohnsonofhishavingbeenincompanywithhimonaformeroccasion;'Idonotrememberit,Sir.'Thephysicianstillinsisted;addingthathethatdayworesofineacoatthatitmusthaveattractedhisnotice.'Sir,(saidJohnson,)hadyoubeendiptinPactolusIshouldnothavenoticedyou.'

Heseemedtotakeapleasureinspeakinginhisownstyle;forwhenhehadcarelesslymissedit,hewouldrepeatthethoughttranslatedintoit.TalkingoftheComedyofTheRehearsal,hesaid,'Ithasnotwitenoughtokeepitsweet.'Thiswaseasy;hethereforecaughthimself,andpronouncedamoreroundsentence;'Ithasnotvitalityenoughto

preserveitfromputrefaction.'

Thoughhehadnotasteforpainting,headmiredmuchthemannerinwhichSirJoshuaReynoldstreatedofhisart,inhisDiscoursestotheRoyalAcademy.Heobservedonedayofapassageinthem,'IthinkImightaswellhavesaidthismyself:'andoncewhenMr.Langtonwassittingbyhim,hereadoneofthemveryeagerly,andexpressedhimselfthus:--'Verywell,MasterReynolds;verywell,indeed.Butitwillnotbeunderstood.'



WhenIobservedtohimthatPaintingwassofarinferiourtoPoetry,thatthestoryorevenemblemwhichitcommunicatesmustbepreviouslyknown,andmentionedasanaturalandlaughableinstanceofthis,thatalittleMissonseeingapictureofJusticewiththescales,hadexclaimedtome,'See,there'sawomansellingsweetmeats;'hesaid,'Painting,Sir,canillustrate,butcannotinform.'

Nomanwasmorereadytomakeanapologywhenhehadcensuredunjustly,thanJohnson.Whenaproof-sheetofoneofhisworkswasbroughttohim,hefoundfaultwiththemodeinwhichapartofitwasarranged,refusedtoreadit,andinapassiondesiredthatthecompositormightbesenttohim.ThecompositorwasMr.Manning,adecentsensibleman,whohadcomposedaboutonehalfofhisDictionary,wheninMr.Strahan'sprinting-house;andagreatpartofhisLivesofthePoets,wheninthatofMr.Nichols;andwho(inhisseventy-seventhyear),wheninMr.Baldwin'sprinting-house,composedapartofthefirsteditionofthisworkconcerninghim.Byproducingthemanuscript,heatoncesatisfiedDr.Johnsonthathewasnottoblame.UponwhichJohnsoncandidlyandearnestlysaidtohim,'Mr.Compositor,Iaskyourpardon.Mr.Compositor,Iaskyourpardon,againandagain.'

Hisgeneroushumanitytothemiserablewasalmostbeyondexample.Thefollowinginstanceiswellattested:--Cominghomelateonenight,hefoundapoorwomanlyinginthestreet,somuchexhaustedthatshecould

notwalk;hetookheruponhisback,andcarriedhertohishouse,wherehediscoveredthatshewasoneofthosewretchedfemaleswhohadfallenintotheloweststateofvice,poverty,anddisease.Insteadofharshlyupbraidingher,hehadhertakencareofwithalltendernessforalongtime,atconsiderableexpence,tillshewasrestoredtohealth,andendeavouredtoputherintoavirtuouswayofliving.

HeonceinhislifewasknowntohaveutteredwhatiscalledaBULL:SirJoshuaReynolds,whentheywereridingtogetherinDevonshire,complainedthathehadaverybadhorse,forthatevenwhengoingdownhillhemovedslowlystepbystep.'Ay(saidJohnson,)andwhenhegoesuphill,heSTANDSSTILL.'

Hehadagreataversiontogesticulatingincompany.Hecalledoncetoagentlemanwhooffendedhiminthatpoint,'Don'tATTITUDENISE.'Andwhenanothergentlemanthoughthewasgivingadditionalforcetowhatheuttered,byexpressivemovementsofhishands,Johnsonfairlyseizedthem,andheldthemdown.

Mr.Steevens,whopassedmanyasocialhourwithhimduringtheirlongacquaintance,whichcommencedwhentheybothlivedintheTemple,haspreservedagoodnumberofparticularsconcerninghim,mostofwhicharetobefoundinthedepartmentofApothegms,&c.intheCollectionofJohnson'sWorks.Buthehasbeenpleasedtofavourmewiththefollowing,whichareoriginal:--

'Dr.JohnsononceassumedacharacterinwhichperhapsevenMr.Boswellneversawhim.HiscuriosityhavingbeenexcitedbythepraisesbestowedonthecelebratedTorre'sfireworksatMarybone-Gardens,hedesiredMr.Steevenstoaccompanyhimthither.Theeveninghadprovedshowery;andsoonafterthefewpeoplepresentwereassembled,publicknoticewasgiven,thattheconductorstothewheels,suns,stars,&c.,weresothoroughlywater-soaked,thatitwasimpossibleanypartoftheexhibitionshouldbemade."Thisisamereexcuse,(saystheDoctor,)tosavetheircrackersforamoreprofitablecompany.Letusbutholdupoursticks,andthreatentobreakthosecolouredlampsthatsurroundthe



Orchestra,andweshallsoonhaveourwishesgratified.Thecoreofthefireworkscannotbeinjured;letthedifferentpiecesbetouchedintheirrespectivecenters,andtheywilldotheirofficesaswellasever."Someyoungmenwhooverheardhim,immediatelybegantheviolencehehadrecommended,andanattemptwasspeedilymadetofiresomeofthewheelswhichappearedtohavereceivedthesmallestdamage;buttolittlepurposeweretheylighted,formostofthemcompletelyfailed.TheauthourofTheRambler,however,maybeconsidered,onthisoccasion,astheringleaderofasuccessfulriot,thoughnotasaskilfulpyrotechnist.'

'IthasbeensupposedthatDr.Johnson,sofarasfashionwasconcerned,wascarelessofhisappearanceinpublick.Butthisisnotaltogethertrue,asthefollowingslightinstancemayshow:--Goldsmith'slastComedywastoberepresentedduringsomecourt-mourning:andMr.SteevensappointedtocallonDr.Johnson,andcarryhimtothetavernwherehewastodinewithothersofthePoet'sfriends.TheDoctorwasreadydressed,butincolouredcloaths;yetbeingtoldthathewouldfindeveryoneelseinblack,receivedtheintelligencewithaprofusionofthanks,hastenedtochangehisattire,allthewhilerepeatinghisgratitudefortheinformationthathadsavedhimfromanappearancesoimproperinthefrontrowofafrontbox."Iwouldnot(addedhe,)fortenpounds,haveseemedsoretrogradetoanygeneralobservance."

'Hewouldsometimesfoundhisdislikesonveryslendercircumstances.HappeningonedaytomentionMr.Flexman,aDissentingMinister,withsomecomplimenttohisexactmemoryinchronologicalmatters;theDoctorreplied,"Letmehearnomoreofhim,Sir.ThatisthefellowwhomadetheIndextomyRamblers,andsetdownthenameofMiltonthus:Milton,MR.John."'

Inthecourseofthisworkanumerousvarietyofnameshasbeenmentioned,towhichmanymightbeadded.IcannotomitLordandLadyLucan,atwhosehouseheoftenenjoyedallthataneleganttableandthebestcompanycancontributetohappiness;hefoundhospitalityunitedwithextraordinaryaccomplishments,andembellishedwithcharmsofwhichnomancouldbeinsensible.

OnTuesday,June22,IdinedwithhimatTHELITERARYCLUB,thelasttimeofhisbeinginthatrespectablesociety.TheothermemberspresentweretheBishopofSt.Asaph,LordEliot,LordPalmerston,Dr.Fordyce,andMr.Malone.Helookedill;buthadsuchamanlyfortitude,thathedidnottroublethecompanywithmelancholycomplaints.Theyallshewedevidentmarksofkindconcernabouthim,withwhichhewasmuchpleased,andheexertedhimselftobeasentertainingashisindispositionallowedhim.

Theanxietyofhisfriendstopreservesoestimablealife,aslongashumanmeansmightbesupposedtohaveinfluence,madethemplanforhimaretreatfromtheseverityofaBritishwinter,tothemildclimate

ofItaly.ThisschemewasatlastbroughttoaseriousresolutionatGeneralPaoli's,whereIhadoftentalkedofit.Oneessentialmatter,however,Iunderstoodwasnecessarytobepreviouslysettled,whichwasobtainingsuchanadditiontohisincome,aswouldbesufficienttoenablehimtodefraytheexpenceinamannerbecomingthefirstliterarycharacterofagreatnation,andindependentofallhisothermerits,theAuthourofTHEDICTIONARYOFTHEENGLISHLANGUAGE.ThepersontowhomIaboveallothersthoughtIshouldapplytonegociatethisbusiness,wastheLordChancellor,becauseIknewthathehighlyvaluedJohnson,andthatJohnsonhighlyvaluedhisLordship;sothatitwasno



degradationofmyillustriousfriendtosolicitforhimthefavourofsuchaman.IhavementionedwhatJohnsonsaidofhimtomewhenhewasatthebar;andafterhisLordshipwasadvancedtotheseals,hesaidofhim,'IwouldpreparemyselffornomaninEnglandbutLordThurlow.WhenIamtomeetwithhimIshouldwishtoknowadaybefore.'HowhewouldhavepreparedhimselfIcannotconjecture.Wouldhehaveselectedcertaintopicks,andconsideredthemineveryviewsoastobeinreadinesstoarguethematallpoints?andwhatmaywesupposethosetopickstohavebeen?Ioncestartedthecuriousinquirytothegreatmanwhowasthesubjectofthiscompliment:hesmiled,butdidnotpursueit.

IfirstconsultedwithSirJoshuaReynolds,whoperfectlycoincidedinopinionwithme;andItherefore,thoughpersonallyverylittleknowntohisLordship,wrotetohim,statingthecase,andrequestinghisgoodofficesforDr.Johnson.ImentionedthatIwasobligedtosetoutforScotlandearlyinthefollowingweek,sothatifhisLordshipshouldhaveanycommandsformeastothispiousnegociation,hewouldbepleasedtosendthembeforethattime;otherwiseSirJoshuaReynoldswouldgiveallattentiontoit.

ThisapplicationwasmadenotonlywithoutanysuggestiononthepartofJohnsonhimself,butwasutterlyunknowntohim,norhadhethesmallestsuspicionofit.Anyinsinuations,therefore,whichsincehisdeathhave

beenthrownout,asifhehadstoopedtoaskwhatwassuperfluous,arewithoutanyfoundation.But,hadheaskedit,itwouldnothavebeensuperfluous;forthoughthemoneyhehadsavedprovedtobemorethanhisfriendsimagined,orthanIbelievehehimself,inhiscarelessnessconcerningworldlymatters,knewittobe,hadhetravelledupontheContinent,anaugmentationofhisincomewouldbynomeanshavebeenunnecessary.

OnThursday,June24,IdinedwithhimatMr.Dilly's,whereweretheRev.Mr.(nowDr.)Knox,masterofTunbridge-school,Mr.Smith,VicarofSouthill,Dr.Beattie,Mr.Pinkerton,authourofvariousliteraryperformances,andtheRev.Dr.Mayo.AtmydesireoldMr.Sheridanwasinvited,asIwasearnesttohaveJohnsonandhimbroughttogether

againbychance,thatareconciliationmightbeeffected.Mr.Sheridanhappenedtocomeearly,andhavinglearnedthatDr.Johnsonwastobethere,wentaway;soIfound,withsincereregret,thatmyfriendlyintentionswerehopeless.Irecollectnothingthatpassedthisday,exceptJohnson'squickness,who,whenDr.Beattieobserved,assomethingremarkablewhichhadhappenedtohim,thathehadchancedtoseebothNo.1,andNo.1000,ofthehackney-coaches,thefirstandthelast;'Why,Sir,(saidJohnson,)thereisanequalchanceforone'sseeingthosetwonumbersasanyothertwo.'

OnFriday,June25,IdinedwithhimatGeneralPaoli's,where,hesaysinoneofhisletterstoMrs.Thrale,'Ilovetodine.'Therewasavarietyofdishesmuchtohistaste,ofallwhichheseemedtometoeat

somuch,thatIwasafraidhemightbehurtbyit;andIwhisperedtotheGeneralmyfear,andbeggedhemightnotpresshim.'Alas!(saidtheGeneral,)seehowveryillhelooks;hecanlivebutaveryshorttime.Wouldyourefuseanyslightgratificationstoamanundersentenceofdeath?ThereisahumanecustominItaly,bywhichpersonsinthatmelancholysituationareindulgedwithhavingwhatevertheylikebesttoeatanddrink,evenwithexpensivedelicacies.'

OnSunday,June27,Ifoundhimratherbetter.ImentionedtohimayoungmanwhowasgoingtoJamaicawithhiswifeandchildren,in



expectationofbeingprovidedforbytwoofherbrotherssettledinthatisland,oneaclergyman,andtheotheraphysician.JOHNSON.'Itisawildscheme,Sir,unlesshehasapositiveanddeliberateinvitation.Therewasapoorgirl,whousedtocomeaboutme,whohadacousininBarbadoes,that,inalettertoher,expressedawishsheshouldcomeouttothatIsland,andexpatiatedonthecomfortsandhappinessofhersituation.Thepoorgirlwentout:hercousinwasmuchsurprised,andaskedherhowshecouldthinkofcoming."Because,(saidshe,)youinvitedme.""NotI,"answeredthecousin.Theletterwasthenproduced."Iseeitistrue,(saidshe,)thatIdidinviteyou:butIdidnotthinkyouwouldcome."Theylodgedherinanout-house,whereshepassedhertimemiserably;andassoonasshehadanopportunityshereturnedtoEngland.Alwaystellthis,whenyouhearofpeoplegoingabroadtorelations,uponanotionofbeingwellreceived.Inthecasewhichyoumention,itisprobabletheclergymanspendsallhegets,andthephysiciandoesnotknowhowmuchheistoget.'

WethisdaydinedatSirJoshuaReynolds's,withGeneralPaoli,LordEliot,(formerlyMr.Eliot,ofPortEliot,)Dr.Beattie,andsomeothercompany.TalkingofLordChesterfield;--JOHNSON.'Hismannerwasexquisitelyelegant,andhehadmoreknowledgethanIexpected.'BOSWELL.'Didyoufind,Sir,hisconversationtobeofasuperiourstyle?'JOHNSON.'Sir,intheconversationwhichIhadwithhimIhadthebestrighttosuperiority,foritwasuponphilologyand

literature.'LordEliot,whohadtravelledatthesametimewithMr.Stanhope,LordChesterfield'snaturalson,justlyobserved,thatitwasstrangethatamanwhoshewedhehadsomuchaffectionforhissonasLordChesterfielddid,bywritingsomanylongandanxiousletterstohim,almostallofthemwhenhewasSecretaryofState,whichcertainlywasaproofofgreatgoodnessofdisposition,shouldendeavourtomakehissonarascal.HisLordshiptoldus,thatFootehadintendedtobringonthestageafatherwhohadthustutoredhisson,andtoshewthesonanhonestmantoeveryoneelse,butpractisinghisfather'smaximsuponhim,andcheatinghim.JOHNSON.'Iammuchpleasedwiththisdesign;butIthinktherewasnooccasiontomakethesonhonestatall.No;heshouldbeaconsummaterogue:thecontrastbetweenhonestyandknaverywouldbethestronger.Itshouldbecontrivedsothatthefathershould

betheonlysuffererbytheson'svillainy,andthustherewouldbepoeticaljustice.'

Ayounggentlemanpresenttookuptheargumentagainsthim,andmaintainedthatnomaneverthinksoftheNOSEOFTHEMIND,notadvertingthatthoughthatfigurativesenseseemsstrangetous,asveryunusual,itistrulynotmoreforcedthanHamlet's'InmyMIND'SEYE,Horatio.'Hepersistedmuchtoolong,andappearedtoJohnsonasputtinghimselfforwardashisantagonistwithtoomuchpresumption;uponwhichhecalledtohiminaloudtone,'Whatisityouarecontendingfor,ifyouBEcontending?'Andafterwardsimaginingthatthegentlemanretorteduponhimwithakindofsmartdrollery,hesaid,'Mr.*****itdoesnotbecomeyoutotalksotome.Besides,ridiculeisnotyourtalent;you

haveTHEREneitherintuitionnorsagacity.'Thegentlemanprotestedthathehadintendednoimproperfreedom,buthadthegreatestrespectforDr.Johnson.Afterashortpause,duringwhichweweresomewhatuneasy,--JOHNSON.'Givemeyourhand,Sir.Youweretootedious,andIwastooshort.'Mr.*****.'Sir,Iamhonouredbyyourattentioninanyway.'JOHNSON.'Come,Sir,let'shavenomoreofit.Weoffendedoneanotherbyourcontention;letusnotoffendthecompanybyourcompliments.'

Henowsaid,'HewishedmuchtogotoItaly,andthathedreaded



passingthewinterinEngland.'Isaidnothing;butenjoyedasecretsatisfactioninthinkingthatIhadtakenthemosteffectualmeasurestomakesuchaschemepracticable.

OnMonday,June28,IhadthehonourtoreceivefromtheLordChancellorthefollowingletter:--


'SIR,--Ishouldhaveansweredyourletterimmediately,if(beingmuchengagedwhenIreceivedit)Ihadnotputitinmypocket,andforgottoopenittillthismorning.

'Iammuchobligedtoyouforthesuggestion;andIwilladoptandpressitasfarasIcan.Thebestargument,Iamsure,andIhopeitisnotlikelytofail,isDr.Johnson'smerit.Butitwillbenecessary,ifIshouldbesounfortunateastomissseeingyou,toconversewithSirJoshuaonthesumitwillbepropertoask,--inshort,uponthemeansofsettinghimout.Itwouldbeareflectiononusall,ifsuchamanshouldperishforwantofthemeanstotakecareofhishealth.Yours,&c.

'THURLOW.'

Thislettergavemeaveryhighsatisfaction;InextdaywentandshewedittoSirJoshuaReynolds,whowasexceedinglypleasedwithit.HethoughtthatIshouldnowcommunicatethenegociationtoDr.Johnson,whomightafterwardscomplainiftheattentionwithwhichhehadbeenhonoured,shouldbetoolongconcealedfromhim.IintendedtosetoutforScotlandnextmorning;butSirJoshuacordiallyinsistedthatIshouldstayanotherday,thatJohnsonandImightdinewithhim,thatwethreemighttalkofhisItalianTour,and,asSirJoshuaexpressedhimself,'haveitallout.'IhastenedtoJohnson,andwastoldbyhimthathewasratherbetterto-day.BOSWELL.'Iamveryanxiousaboutyou,Sir,andparticularlythatyoushouldgotoItalyforthewinter,which

Ibelieveisyourownwish.'JOHNSON.'Itis,Sir.'BOSWELL.'Youhavenoobjection,Ipresume,butthemoneyitwouldrequire.'JOHNSON.'Why,no,Sir.'UponwhichIgavehimaparticularaccountofwhathadbeendone,andreadtohimtheLordChancellor'sletter.Helistenedwithmuchattention;thenwarmlysaid,'Thisistakingprodigiouspainsaboutaman.''O!Sir,(saidI,withmostsincereaffection,)yourfriendswoulddoeverythingforyou.'Hepaused,grewmoreandmoreagitated,tilltearsstartedintohiseyes,andheexclaimedwithferventemotion,'GODblessyouall.'IwassoaffectedthatIalsoshedtears.Afterashortsilence,herenewedandextendedhisgratefulbenediction,'GODblessyouall,forJESUSCHRIST'Ssake.'Webothremainedforsometimeunabletospeak.Herosesuddenlyandquittedtheroom,quitemeltedintenderness.Hestaidbutashorttime,tillhehadrecoveredhis

firmness;soonafterhereturnedIlefthim,havingfirstengagedhimtodineatSirJoshuaReynolds's,nextday.IneverwasagainunderthatroofwhichIhadsolongreverenced.

OnWednesday,June30,thefriendlyconfidentialdinnerwithSirJoshuaReynoldstookplace,noothercompanybeingpresent.HadIknownthatthiswasthelasttimethatIshouldenjoyinthisworld,theconversationofafriendwhomIsomuchrespected,andfromwhomIderivedsomuchinstructionandentertainment,Ishouldhavebeendeeplyaffected.WhenInowlookbacktoit,Iamvexedthatasingleword



shouldhavebeenforgotten.

BothSirJoshuaandIweresosanguineinourexpectations,thatweexpatiatedwithconfidenceontheliberalprovisionwhichweweresurewouldbemadeforhim,conjecturingwhethermunificencewouldbedisplayedinonelargedonation,orinanampleincreaseofhispension.Hehimselfcatchedsomuchofourenthusiasm,astoallowhimselftosupposeitnotimpossiblethatourhopesmightinonewayorotherberealised.Hesaidthathewouldratherhavehispensiondoubledthanagrantofathousandpounds;'For,(saidhe,)thoughprobablyImaynotlivetoreceiveasmuchasathousandpounds,amanwouldhavetheconsciousnessthatheshouldpasstheremainderofhislifeinsplendour,howlongsoeveritmightbe.'Consideringwhatamoderateproportionanincomeofsixhundredpoundsayearbearstoinnumerablefortunesinthiscountry,itisworthyofremark,thatamansotrulygreatshouldthinkitsplendour.

Asaninstanceofextraordinaryliberalityoffriendship,hetoldus,thatDr.Brocklesbyhaduponthisoccasionofferedhimahundredayearforhislife.Agratefultearstartedintohiseye,ashespokethisinafaulteringtone.

SirJoshuaandIendeavouredtoflatterhisimaginationwithagreeableprospectsofhappinessinItaly.'Nay,(saidhe,)Imustnotexpectmuch

ofthat;whenamangoestoItalymerelytofeelhowhebreathestheair,hecanenjoyverylittle.'

Ourconversationturneduponlivinginthecountry,whichJohnson,whosemelancholymindrequiredthedissipationofquicksuccessivevariety,hadhabituatedhimselftoconsiderasakindofmentalimprisonment.'Yet,Sir,(saidI,)therearemanypeoplewhoarecontenttoliveinthecountry.'JOHNSON.'Sir,itisintheintellectualworldasinthephysicalworld;wearetoldbynaturalphilosophersthatabodyisatrestintheplacethatisfitforit;theywhoarecontenttoliveinthecountry,areFITforthecountry.'

Talkingofvariousenjoyments,Iarguedthatarefinementoftastewas

adisadvantage,astheywhohaveattainedtoitmustbeseldomerpleasedthanthosewhohavenonicediscrimination,andarethereforesatisfiedwitheverythingthatcomesintheirway.JOHNSON.'Nay,Sir;thatisapaltrynotion.Endeavourtobeasperfectasyoucanineveryrespect.'

IaccompaniedhiminSirJoshuaReynolds'scoach,totheentryofBolt-court.HeaskedmewhetherIwouldnotgowithhimtohishouse;Ideclinedit,fromanapprehensionthatmyspiritswouldsink.Webadeadieutoeachotheraffectionatelyinthecarriage.Whenhehadgotdownuponthefoot-pavement,hecalledout,'Fareyouwell;'andwithoutlookingback,sprungawaywithakindofpathetickbriskness,ifImayusethatexpression,whichseemedtoindicateastruggletoconcealuneasiness,andimpressedmewithaforebodingofourlong,long

separation.

Iremainedonedaymoreintown,tohavethechanceoftalkingovermynegociationwiththeLordChancellor;butthemultiplicityofhisLordship'simportantengagementsdidnotallowofit;soIleftthemanagementofthebusinessinthehandsofSirJoshuaReynolds.

SoonafterthistimeDr.JohnsonhadthemortificationofbeinginformedbyMrs.Thrale,that,'whatshesupposedheneverbelieved,'wastrue;namely,thatshewasactuallygoingtomarrySignorPiozzi,anItalian



musick-master.Heendeavouredtopreventit;butinvain.IfshewouldpublishthewholeofthecorrespondencethatpassedbetweenDr.Johnsonandheronthesubject,weshouldhaveafullviewofhisrealsentiments.Asitis,ourjudgementmustbebiassedbythatcharacteristickspecimenwhichSirJohnHawkinshasgivenus:'PoorThrale!Ithoughtthateitherhervirtueorhervicewouldhaverestrainedherfromsuchamarriage.Sheisnowbecomeasubjectforherenemiestoexultover;andforherfriends,ifshehasanyleft,toforget,orpity.'

ItmustbeadmittedthatJohnsonderivedaconsiderableportionofhappinessfromthecomfortsandelegancieswhichheenjoyedinMr.Thrale'sfamily;butMrs.Thraleassuresushewasindebtedforthesetoherhusbandalone,whocertainlyrespectedhimsincerely.

HavingleftthePIOUSNEGOCIATION,asIcalledit,inthebesthands,Ishallhereinsertwhatrelatestoit.JohnsonwrotetoSirJoshuaReynoldsonJuly6,asfollows:--

'Iamgoing,Ihope,inafewdays,totrytheairofDerbyshire,buthopetoseeyoubeforeIgo.Letme,however,mentiontoyouwhatIhavemuchatheart.IftheChancellorshouldcontinuehisattentiontoMr.Boswell'srequest,andconferwithyouonthemeansofrelievingmylanguidstate,Iamverydesiroustoavoidtheappearanceofasking

moneyuponfalsepretences.IdesireyoutorepresenttohisLordship,what,assoonasitissuggested,hewillperceivetobereasonable,--That,ifIgrowmuchworse,Ishallbeafraidtoleavemyphysicians,tosuffertheinconveniencesoftravel,andpineinthesolitudeofaforeigncountry;That,ifIgrowmuchbetter,ofwhichindeedthereisnowlittleappearance,Ishallnotwishtoleavemyfriendsandmydomestickcomforts;forIdonottravel,forpleasureorcuriosity;yetifIshouldrecover,curiositywouldrevive.Inmypresentstate,Iamdesiroustomakeastruggleforalittlelongerlife,andhopetoobtainsomehelpfromasofterclimate.Doformewhatyoucan.'

ByaletterfromSirJoshuaReynoldsIwasinformed,thattheLord

Chancellorhadcalledonhim,andacquaintedhimthattheapplicationhadnotbeensuccessful;butthathisLordship,afterspeakinghighlyinpraiseofJohnson,asamanwhowasanhonourtohiscountry,desiredSirJoshuatolethimknow,thatongrantingamortgageofhispension,heshoulddrawonhisLordshiptotheamountoffiveorsixhundredpounds;andthathisLordshipexplainedthemeaningofthemortgagetobe,thathewishedthebusinesstobeconductedinsuchamanner,thatDr.Johnsonshouldappeartobeundertheleastpossibleobligation.SirJoshuamentioned,thathehadbythesamepostcommunicatedallthistoDr.Johnson.

HowJohnsonwasaffectedupontheoccasionwillappearfromwhathewrotetoSirJoshuaReynolds:--

'Ashbourne,Sept.9.ManywordsIhopearenotnecessarybetweenyouandme,toconvinceyouwhatgratitudeisexcitedinmyheartbytheChancellor'sliberality,andyourkindoffices....

'IhaveenclosedalettertotheChancellor,which,whenyouhavereadit,youwillbepleasedtosealwithahead,oranyothergeneralseal,andconveyittohim:hadIsentitdirectlytohim,Ishouldhaveseemedtooverlookthefavourofyourintervention.'



'TOTHELORDHIGHCHANCELLOR.

'MYLORD,--Afteralongandnotinattentiveobservationofmankind,thegenerosityofyourLordship'sofferraisesinmenotlesswonderthangratitude.Bounty,soliberallybestowed,Ishouldgladlyreceive,ifmyconditionmadeitnecessary;for,tosuchamind,whowouldnotbeproudtoownhisobligations?ButithaspleasedGODtorestoremetosogreatameasureofhealth,thatifIshouldnowappropriatesomuchofafortunedestinedtodogood,Icouldnotescapefrommyselfthechargeofadvancingafalseclaim.Myjourneytothecontinent,thoughIoncethoughtitnecessary,wasnevermuchencouragedbymyphysicians;andIwasverydesirousthatyourLordshipshouldbetoldofitbySirJoshuaReynolds,asaneventveryuncertain;forifIgrewmuchbetter,Ishouldnotbewilling,ifmuchworse,notable,tomigrate.YourLordshipwasfirstsolicitedwithoutmyknowledge;but,whenIwastoldthatyouwerepleasedtohonourmewithyourpatronage,Ididnotexpecttohearofarefusal;yet,asIhavehadnolongtimetobroodhope,andhavenotriotedinimaginaryopulence,thiscoldreceptionhasbeenscarceadisappointment;and,fromyourLordship'skindness,Ihavereceivedabenefit,whichonlymenlikeyouareabletobestow.Ishallnowlivemihicarior,withahigheropinionofmyownmerit.Iam,myLord,yourLordship'smostobliged,mostgrateful,andmosthumbleservant,

'September,1784.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

UponthisunexpectedfailureIabstainfrompresumingtomakeanyremarks,ortoofferanyconjectures.

LetusnowcontemplateJohnsonthirtyyearsafterthedeathofhiswife,stillretainingforherallthetendernessofaffection.

'TOTHEREVERENDMR.BAGSHAW,ATBROMLEY.

'SIR,--Perhapsyoumayremember,thatintheyear1753,youcommittedtothegroundmydearwife.Inowentreatyourpermissiontolayastoneuponher;andhavesenttheinscription,that,ifyoufinditproper,youmaysignifyyourallowance.

'Youwilldomeagreatfavourbyshowingtheplacewhereshelies,thatthestonemayprotectherremains.

'Mr.Rylandwillwaitonyoufortheinscription,andprocureittobeengraved.YouwilleasilybelievethatIshrinkfromthismournfuloffice.Whenitisdone,ifIhavestrengthremaining,Iwillvisit

Bromleyonceagain,andpayyoupartoftherespecttowhichyouhavearightfrom,ReverendSir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'July12,1784.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

NextdayhesetoutonajaunttoStaffordshireandDerbyshire,flatteringhimselfthathemightbeinsomedegreerelieved.



DuringhisabsencefromLondonhekeptupacorrespondencewithseveralofhisfriends,fromwhichIshallselectwhatappearstomeproperforpublication,withoutattendingnicelytochronologicalorder.

TODR.BROCKLESBY,hewrites,Ashbourne,Sept.9:--

'DoyouknowtheDukeandDuchessofDevonshire?AndhaveyoueverseenChatsworth?IwasatChatsworthonMonday:Ihadindeedseenitbefore,butneverwhenitsownerswereathome;Iwasverykindlyreceived,andhonestlypressedtostay:butItoldthemthatasickmanisnotafitinmateofagreathouse.ButIhopetogoagainsometime.'

Sept.11.'Ithinknothinggrowsworse,butallratherbetter,exceptsleep,andthatoflatehasbeenatitsoldpranks.Lastevening,IfeltwhatIhadnotknownforalongtime,aninclinationtowalkforamusement;Itookashortwalk,andcamebackagainneitherbreathlessnorfatigued.Thishasbeenagloomy,frigid,ungenialsummer,butoflateitseemstomend;Iheartheheatsometimesmentioned,butIdonotfeelit:

"PraetereaminimusgelidojamincorporesanguisFebrecaletsola.--"

Ihope,however,withgoodhelp,tofindmeansofsupportingawinterathome,andtohearandtellattheClubwhatisdoing,andwhatoughttobedoingintheworld.Ihavenocompanyhere,andshallnaturallycomehomehungryforconversation.Towishyou,dearSir,moreleisure,wouldnotbekind;butwhatleisureyouhave,youmustbestowuponme.'

Lichfield,Sept.29.'OnonedayIhadthreelettersabouttheair-balloon:yourswasfarthebest,andhasenabledmetoimparttomyfriendsinthecountryanideaofthisspeciesofamusement.Inamusement,mereamusement,Iamafraiditmustend,forIdonotfindthatitscoursecanbedirectedsoasthatitshouldserveanypurposesofcommunication;anditcangivenonewintelligenceofthestateof

theairatdifferentheights,tilltheyhaveascendedabovetheheightofmountains,whichtheyseemneverlikelytodo.Icamehitheronthe27th.HowlongIshallstayIhavenotdetermined.Mydropsyisgone,andmyasthmamuchremitted,butIhavefeltmyselfalittledecliningthesetwodays,oratleastto-day;butsuchvicissitudesmustbeexpected.Onedaymaybeworsethananother;butthislastmonthisfarbetterthantheformer;ifthenextshouldbeasmuchbetterthanthis,Ishallrunaboutthetownonmyownlegs.'

October25.'Youwritetomewithazealthatanimates,andatendernessthatmeltsme.IamnotafraideitherofajourneytoLondon,oraresidenceinit.Icamedownwithlittlefatigue,andamnownotweaker.InthesmokyatmosphereIwasdeliveredfromthedropsy,which

Iconsiderastheoriginalandradicaldisease.Thetownismyelement*;therearemyfriends,therearemybooks,towhichIhavenotyetbidfarewell,andtherearemyamusements.SirJoshuatoldmelongagothatmyvocationwastopublicklife,andIhopestilltokeepmystation,tillGodshallbidmeGoinpeace.'

*HisloveofLondoncontinuallyappears.InaletterfromhimtoMrs.Smart,wifeofhisfriendthePoet,whichispublishedinawell-writtenlifeofhim,prefixedtoaneditionofhisPoems,in1791,thereisthefollowing



sentence:--'ToonethathaspassedsomanyyearsinthepleasuresandopulenceofLondon,therearefewplacesthatcangivemuchdelight.'

Once,uponreadingthatlineinthecuriousepitaphquotedinTheSpectator,

'BorninNew-England,didinLondondie;'

helaughedandsaid,'Idonotwonderatthis.Itwouldhavebeenstrange,ifborninLondon,hehaddiedinNew-England.'--BOSWELL.

TOSIRJOSHUAREYNOLDS:--

Ashbourne,Sept.2.'...IstillcontinuebyGod'smercytomend.Mybreathiseasier,mynightsarequieter,andmylegsarelessinbulk,andstrongerinuse.Ihave,however,yetagreatdealtoovercome,beforeIcanyetattainevenanoldman'shealth.Write,dowritetomenowandthen;wearenowoldacquaintance,andperhapsfewpeoplehavelivedsomuchandsolongtogether,withlesscauseofcomplaintoneitherside.Theretrospectionofthisisverypleasant,andIhopeweshallneverthinkoneachotherwithlesskindness.'

Sept.9.'Icouldnotansweryourletterbeforethisday,becauseIwentonthesixthtoChatsworth,anddidnotcomebacktillthepostwasgone.Manywords,Ihope,arenotnecessarybetweenyouandme,toconvinceyouwhatgratitudeisexcitedinmyheart,bytheChancellor'sliberalityandyourkindoffices.IdidnotindeedexpectthatwhatwasaskedbytheChancellorwouldhavebeenrefused,butsinceithas,wewillnottellthatanythinghasbeenasked.IhaveenclosedalettertotheChancellorwhich,whenyouhavereadit,youwillbepleasedtosealwithahead,orothergeneralseal,andconveyittohim;hadIsentitdirectlytohim,Ishouldhaveseemedtooverlookthefavourofyourintervention.IdonotdespairofsupportinganEnglishwinter.AtChatsworth,ImetyoungMr.Burke,wholedmeverycommodiouslyintoconversationwiththeDukeandDuchess.Wehadaverygoodmorning.The

dinnerwaspublick.'

Sept.18.'Ihavethreelettersthisday,allabouttheballoon,Icouldhavebeencontentwithone.Donotwriteabouttheballoon,whateverelseyoumaythinkpropertosay.'

Itmaybeobserved,thathiswritingineveryway,whetherforthepublick,orprivatelytohisfriends,wasbyfitsandstarts;forweseefrequently,thatmanylettersarewrittenonthesameday.Whenhehadonceovercomehisaversiontobegin,hewas,Isuppose,desiroustogoon,inordertorelievehismindfromtheuneasyreflectionofdelayingwhatheoughttodo.

WenowbeholdJohnsonforthelasttime,inhisnativecity,forwhichheeverretainedawarmaffection,andwhich,byasuddenapostrophe,underthewordLich,heintroduceswithreverence,intohisimmortalWork,THEENGLISHDICTIONARY:--Salve,magnaparens!Whilehere,hefeltarevivalofallthetendernessoffilialaffection,aninstanceofwhichappearedinhisorderingthegrave-stoneandinscriptionoverElizabethBlaney*tobesubstantiallyandcarefullyrenewed.

*Hismother.--ED.



ToMr.HenryWhite,ayoungclergyman,withwhomhenowformedanintimacy,soastotalktohimwithgreatfreedom,hementionedthathecouldnotingeneralaccusehimselfofhavingbeenanundutifulson.'Once,indeed,(saidhe,)Iwasdisobedient;IrefusedtoattendmyfathertoUttoxeter-market.Pridewasthesourceofthatrefusal,andtheremembranceofitwaspainful.Afewyearsago,Idesiredtoatoneforthisfault;IwenttoUttoxeterinverybadweather,andstoodforaconsiderabletimebareheadedintherain,onthespotwheremyfather'sstallusedtostand.IncontritionIstood,andIhopethepenancewasexpiatory.'

'Itoldhim(saysMissSeward)inoneofmylatestvisitstohim,ofawonderfullearnedpig,whichIhadseenatNottingham;andwhichdidallthatwehaveobservedexhibitedbydogsandhorses.Thesubjectamusedhim."Then,(saidhe,)thepigsarearaceunjustlycalumniated.PIGhas,itseems,notbeenwantingtoMAN,butMANtoPIG.WedonotallowTIMEforhiseducation,wekillhimatayearold."Mr.HenryWhite,whowaspresent,observedthatifthisinstancehadhappenedinorbeforePope'stime,hewouldnothavebeenjustifiedininstancingtheswineasthelowestdegreeofgrovelinginstinct.Dr.Johnsonseemedpleasedwiththeobservation,whilethepersonwhomadeitproceededtoremark,thatgreattorturemusthavebeenemployed,eretheindocilityoftheanimalcouldhavebeensubdued."Certainly,(saidtheDoctor;)but,(turningtome,)howoldisyourpig?"Itoldhim,threeyearsold."Then,(said

he,)thepighasnocausetocomplain;hewouldhavebeenkilledthefirstyearifhehadnotbeenEDUCATED,andprotractedexistenceisagoodrecompenceforveryconsiderabledegreesoftorture."'

AsJohnsonhadnowveryfainthopesofrecovery,andasMrs.Thralewasnolongerdevotedtohim,itmighthavebeensupposedthathewouldnaturallyhavechosentoremaininthecomfortablehouseofhisbelovedwife'sdaughter,andendhislifewherehebeganit.Buttherewasinhimananimatedandloftyspirit,andhowevercomplicateddiseasesmightdepressordinarymortals,allwhosawhim,beheldandacknowledgedtheinvictumanimumCatonis.Suchwashisintellectualardourevenatthistime,thathesaidtoonefriend,'Sir,Ilookuponeverydaytobelost,inwhichIdonotmakeanewacquaintance;'andtoanother,when

talkingofhisillness,'Iwillbeconquered;Iwillnotcapitulate.'AndsuchwashisloveofLondon,sohigharelishhadheofitsmagnificentextent,andvarietyofintellectualentertainment,thathelanguishedwhenabsentfromit,hismindhavingbecomequiteluxuriousfromthelonghabitofenjoyingthemetropolis;and,therefore,althoughatLichfield,surroundedwithfriends,wholovedandreveredhim,andforwhomhehadaverysincereaffection,hestillfoundthatsuchconversationasLondonaffords,couldbefoundnowhereelse.Thesefeelings,joined,probably,tosomeflatteringhopesofaidfromtheeminentphysiciansandsurgeonsinLondon,whokindlyandgenerouslyattendedhimwithoutacceptingfees,madehimresolvetoreturntothecapital.

FromLichfieldhecametoBirmingham,wherehepassedafewdayswithhisworthyoldschoolfellow,Mr.Hector,whothuswritestome:--'Hewasverysolicitouswithmetorecollectsomeofourmostearlytransactions,andtransmitthemtohim,forIperceivenothinggavehimgreaterpleasurethancallingtomindthosedaysofourinnocence.Icompliedwithhisrequest,andheonlyreceivedthemafewdaysbeforehisdeath.Ihavetranscribedforyourinspection,exactlytheminutesIwrotetohim.'Thispaperhavingbeenfoundinhisrepositoriesafterhisdeath,SirJohnHawkinshasinserteditentire,andIhavemadeoccasionaluseofitandothercommunicationsfromMr.Hector,inthe



courseofthisWork.IhavebothvisitedandcorrespondedwithhimsinceDr.Johnson'sdeath,andbymyinquiriesconcerningagreatvarietyofparticularshaveobtainedadditionalinformation.IfollowedthesamemodewiththeReverendDr.Taylor,inwhosepresenceIwrotedownagooddealofwhathecouldtell;andhe,atmyrequest,signedhisname,togiveitauthenticity.Itisveryraretofindanypersonwhoisabletogiveadistinctaccountofthelifeevenofonewhomhehasknownintimately,withoutquestionsbeingputtothem.MyfriendDr.Kippishastoldme,thatonthisaccountitisapracticewithhimtodrawoutabiographicalcatechism.

JohnsonthenproceededtoOxford,wherehewasagainkindlyreceivedbyDr.Adams.

HearrivedinLondononthe16thofNovember,andnextdaysenttoDr.Burneythefollowingnote,whichIinsertasthelasttokenofhisremembranceofthatingeniousandamiableman,andasanotherofthemanyproofsofthetendernessandbenignityofhisheart:--

'MR.JOHNSON,whocamehomelastnight,sendshisrespectstodearDr.Burney,andallthedearBurneys,littleandgreat.'

Havingwrittentohim,inbadspirits,aletterfilledwithdejectionandfretfulness,andatthesametimeexpressinganxiousapprehensions

concerninghim,onaccountofadreamwhichhaddisturbedme;hisanswerwaschieflyintermsofreproach,forasupposedchargeof'affectingdiscontent,andindulgingthevanityofcomplaint.'It,however,proceeded,--

'Writetomeoften,andwritelikeaman.Iconsideryourfidelityandtendernessasagreatpartofthecomfortswhichareyetleftme,andsincerelywishwecouldbenearertoeachother....Mydearfriend,lifeisveryshortandveryuncertain;letusspenditaswellaswecan.Myworthyneighbour,Allen,isdead.Lovemeaswellasyoucan.PaymyrespectstodearMrs.Boswell.Nothingailedmeatthattime;letyoursuperstitionatlasthaveanend.'

Feelingverysoon,thatthemannerinwhichhehadwrittenmighthurtme,hetwodaysafterwards,July28,wrotetomeagain,givingmeanaccountofhissufferings;afterwhich,hethusproceeds:--

'Beforethisletter,youwillhavehadonewhichIhopeyouwillnottakeamiss;foritcontainsonlytruth,andthattruthkindlyintended....Spartamquamnactusesorna;makethemostandbestofyourlot,andcompareyourselfnotwiththefewthatareaboveyou,butwiththemultitudeswhicharebelowyou.'

Yetitwasnotalittlepainfultometofind,that...hestillperseveredinarraigningmeasbefore,whichwasstrangeinhimwhohadsomuchexperienceofwhatIsuffered.I,however,wrotetohimtwoas

kindlettersasIcould;thelastofwhichcametoolatetobereadbyhim,forhisillnessencreasedmorerapidlyuponhimthanIhadapprehended;butIhadtheconsolationofbeinginformedthathespokeofmeonhisdeath-bed,withaffection,andIlookforwardwithhumblehopeofrenewingourfriendshipinabetterworld.

SoonafterJohnson'sreturntothemetropolis,boththeasthmaanddropsybecamemoreviolentanddistressful.



DuringhissleeplessnightsheamusedhimselfbytranslatingintoLatinverse,fromtheGreek,manyoftheepigramsintheAnthologia.Thesetranslations,withsomeotherpoemsbyhiminLatin,hegavetohisfriendMr.Langton,who,havingaddedafewnotes,soldthemtothebooksellersforasmallsum,tobegiventosomeofJohnson'srelations,whichwasaccordinglydone;andtheyareprintedinthecollectionofhisworks.

AveryerroneousnotionhascirculatedastoJohnson'sdeficiencyintheknowledgeoftheGreeklanguage,partlyowingtothemodestywithwhich,fromknowinghowmuchtherewastobelearnt,heusedtomentionhisowncomparativeacquisitions.WhenMr.CumberlandtalkedtohimoftheGreekfragmentswhicharesowellillustratedinTheObserver,andoftheGreekdramatistsingeneral,hecandidlyacknowledgedhisinsufficiencyinthatparticularbranchofGreekliterature.Yetitmaybesaid,thatthoughnotagreat,hewasagoodGreekscholar.Dr.CharlesBurney,theyounger,whoisuniversallyacknowledgedbythebestjudgestobeoneofthefewmenofthisagewhoareveryeminentfortheirskillinthatnoblelanguage,hasassuredme,thatJohnsoncouldgiveaGreekwordforalmosteveryEnglishone;andthatalthoughnotsufficientlyconversantinthenicetiesofthelanguage,heuponsomeoccasionsdiscovered,eveninthese,aconsiderabledegreeofcriticalacumen.Mr.Dalzel,ProfessorofGreekatEdinburgh,whoseskillinitisunquestionable,mentionedtome,inveryliberalterms,theimpressionwhichwas

madeuponhimbyJohnson,inaconversationwhichtheyhadinLondonconcerningthatlanguage.AsJohnson,therefore,wasundoubtedlyoneofthefirstLatinscholarsinmoderntimes,letusnotdenytohisfamesomeadditionalsplendourfromGreek.

TheludicrousimitatorsofJohnson'sstyleareinnumerable.Theirgeneralmethodistoaccumulatehardwords,withoutconsidering,that,althoughhewasfondofintroducingthemoccasionally,thereisnotasinglesentenceinallhiswritingswheretheyarecrowdedtogether,asinthefirstverseofthefollowingimaginaryOdebyhimtoMrs.Thrale,whichappearedinthenewspapers:--

'Cervisialcoctor'sviduatedame,

Opin'stthouthisgigantickframe,Procumbingatthyshrine:Shall,catenatedbythycharms,Acaptiveinthyambientarms,Perenniallybethine?'

This,andathousandothersuchattempts,aretotallyunliketheoriginal,whichthewritersimaginedtheywereturningintoridicule.Thereisnotsimilarityenoughforburlesque,orevenforcaricature.

'TOMR.GREEN,APOTHECARY,ATLICHFIELD.

'DEARSIR,--IhaveenclosedtheEpitaphformyFather,Mother,andBrother,tobeallengravedonthelargesize,andlaidinthemiddleaisleinSt.Michael'schurch,whichIrequesttheclergymanandchurchwardenstopermit.

'Thefirstcaremustbetofindtheexactplaceofinterment,thatthestonemayprotectthebodies.Thenletthestonebedeep,massy,andhard;anddonotletthedifferenceoftenpounds,ormore,defeatourpurpose.



'Ihaveenclosedtenpounds,andMrs.Porterwillpayyoutenmore,whichIgaveherforthesamepurpose.Whatmoreiswantedshallbesent;andIbegthatallpossiblehastemaybemade,forIwishtohaveitdonewhileIamyetalive.Letmeknow,dearSir,thatyoureceivethis.Iam,Sir,yourmosthumbleservant,

'Dec.2,1784.'

'SAM.JOHNSON.'

Deathhadalwaysbeentohimanobjectofterrour;sothat,thoughbynomeanshappy,hestillclungtolifewithaneagernessatwhichmanyhavewondered.Atanytimewhenhewasill,hewasverymuchpleasedtobetoldthathelookedbetter.AningeniousmemberoftheEumelianClub,informsme,thatupononeoccasionwhenhesaidtohimthathesawhealthreturningtohischeek,Johnsonseizedhimbythehandandexclaimed,'Sir,youareoneofthekindestfriendsIeverhad.'

Dr.Heberden,Dr.Brocklesby,Dr.Warren,andDr.Butter,physicians,generouslyattendedhim,withoutacceptinganyfees,asdidMr.Cruikshank,surgeon;andallthatcouldbedonefromprofessionalskillandability,wastried,toprolongalifesotrulyvaluable.Hehimself,indeed,having,onaccountofhisverybadconstitution,

beenperpetuallyapplyinghimselftomedicalinquiries,unitedhisowneffortswiththoseofthegentlemenwhoattendedhim;andimaginingthatthedropsicalcollectionofwaterwhichoppressedhimmightbedrawnoffbymakingincisionsinhisbody,he,withhisusualresolutedefianceofpain,cutdeep,whenhethoughtthathissurgeonhaddoneittootenderly.*

*Thisboldexperiment,SirJohnHawkinshasrelatedinsuchamannerastosuggestachargeagainstJohnsonofintentionallyhasteninghisend;achargesoveryinconsistentwithhischaracterineveryrespect,thatitisinjuriouseventorefuteit,asSirJohnhasthoughtitnecessarytodo.Itisevident,thatwhatJohnsondidin

hopesofrelief,indicatedanextraordinaryeagernesstoretardhisdissolution.--BOSWELL.

Abouteightortendaysbeforehisdeath,whenDr.Brocklesbypaidhimhismorningvisit,heseemedverylowanddesponding,andsaid,'Ihavebeenasadyingmanallnight.'HethenemphaticallybrokeoutinthewordsofShakspeare:--

'Can'stthounotministertoaminddiseas'd;Pluckfromthememoryarootedsorrow;Razeoutthewrittentroublesofthebrain;And,withsomesweetobliviousantidote,Cleansethestuff'dbosomofthatperilousstuff,

Whichweighsupontheheart?'

TowhichDr.Brocklesbyreadilyanswered,fromthesamegreatpoet:--

'--thereinthepatientMustministertohimself.'

Johnsonexpressedhimselfmuchsatisfiedwiththeapplication.

Onanotherdayafterthis,whentalkingonthesubjectofprayer,Dr.



BrocklesbyrepeatedfromJuvenal,--

'Orandumest,utsitmenssanaincorporesano,'

andsoontotheendofthetenthsatire;butinrunningitquicklyover,hehappened,intheline,

'Quispatiumvitaeextremumintermuneraponat,'

topronouncesupremumforextremum;atwhichJohnson'scriticalearinstantlytookoffence,anddiscoursingvehementlyontheunmetricaleffectofsuchalapse,heshewedhimselfasfullaseverofthespiritofthegrammarian.

Havingnonearrelations,ithadbeenforsometimeJohnson'sintentiontomakealiberalprovisionforhisfaithfulservant,Mr.FrancisBarber,whomhelookeduponasparticularlyunderhisprotection,andwhomhehadallalongtreatedtrulyasanhumblefriend.HavingaskedDr.Brocklesbywhatwouldbeaproperannuitytoafavouriteservant,andbeingansweredthatitmustdependonthecircumstancesofthe

master;and,thatinthecaseofanobleman,fiftypoundsayearwasconsideredasanadequaterewardformanyyears'faithfulservice;'Then,(saidJohnson,)shallIbenobilissimus,forImeantoleaveFrankseventypoundsayear,andIdesireyoutotellhimso.'Itisstrange,however,tothink,thatJohnsonwasnotfreefromthatgeneralweaknessofbeingaversetoexecuteawill,sothathedelayeditfromtimetotime;andhaditnotbeenforSirJohnHawkins'srepeatedlyurgingit,Ithinkitisprobablethathiskindresolutionwouldnothavebeenfulfilled.Aftermakingone,which,asSirJohnHawkinsinformsus,extendednofurtherthanthepromisedannuity,Johnson'sfinaldispositionofhispropertywasestablishedbyaWillandCodicil.

Theconsiderationofnumerouspapersofwhichhewaspossessed,seemstohavestruckJohnson'smind,withasuddenanxiety,andastheywereingreatconfusion,itismuchtobelamentedthathehadnotentrustedsomefaithfulanddiscreetpersonwiththecareandselectionofthem;insteadofwhich,heinaprecipitatemanner,burntlargemassesofthem,withlittleregard,asIapprehend,todiscrimination.NotthatIsupposewehavethusbeendeprivedofanycompositionswhichhehadeverintendedforthepublickeye;but,fromwhatescapedtheflames,Ijudgethatmanycuriouscircumstancesrelatingbothtohimselfandotherliterarycharactershaveperished.

Twoveryvaluablearticles,Iamsure,wehavelost,whichweretwoquartovolumes,containingafull,fair,andmostparticularaccount

ofhisownlife,fromhisearliestrecollection.Iownedtohim,thathavingaccidentallyseenthem,Ihadreadagreatdealinthem;andapologizingforthelibertyIhadtaken,askedhimifIcouldhelpit.Heplacidlyanswered,'Why,Sir,Idonotthinkyoucouldhavehelpedit.'IsaidthatIhad,foronceinmylife,felthalfaninclinationtocommittheft.Ithadcomeintomymindtocarryoffthosetwovolumes,andneverseehimmore.Uponmyinquiringhowthiswouldhaveaffectedhim,'Sir,(saidhe,)IbelieveIshouldhavegonemad.'

Duringhislastillness,Johnsonexperiencedthesteadyandkind



attachmentofhisnumerousfriends.Mr.Hoolehasdrawnupanarrativeofwhatpassedinthevisitswhichhepaidhimduringthattime,fromthe10thofNovembertothe13thofDecember,thedayofhisdeath,inclusive,andhasfavouredmewithaperusalofit,withpermissiontomakeextracts,whichIhavedone.NobodywasmoreattentivetohimthanMr.Langton,towhomhetenderlysaid,Teteneammoriensdeficientemanu.AndIthinkithighlytothehonourofMr.Windham,thathisimportantoccupationsasanactivestatesmandidnotpreventhimfrompayingassiduousrespecttothedyingSagewhomherevered,Mr.Langtoninformsme,that,'onedayhefoundMr.BurkeandfourorfivemorefriendssittingwithJohnson.Mr.Burkesaidtohim,"Iamafraid,Sir,suchanumberofusmaybeoppressivetoyou.""No,Sir,(saidJohnson,)itisnotso;andImustbeinawretchedstate,indeed,whenyourcompanywouldnotbeadelighttome."Mr.Burke,inatremulousvoice,expressiveofbeingverytenderlyaffected,replied,"MydearSir,youhavealwaysbeentoogoodtome."Immediatelyafterwardshewentaway.Thiswasthelastcircumstanceintheacquaintanceofthesetwoeminentmen.'

Thefollowingparticularsofhisconversationwithinafewdaysofhisdeath,IgiveontheauthorityofMr.JohnNichols:--

'Hesaid,thattheParliamentaryDebatesweretheonlypartofhis

writingswhichthengavehimanycompunction:butthatatthetimehewrotethem,hehadnoconceptionhewasimposingupontheworld,thoughtheywerefrequentlywrittenfromveryslendermaterials,andoftenfromnoneatall,--themerecoinageofhisownimagination.Heneverwroteanypartofhisworkswithequalvelocity.ThreecolumnsoftheMagazine,inanhour,wasnouncommoneffort,whichwasfasterthanmostpersonscouldhavetranscribedthatquantity.

'OfhisfriendCave,healwaysspokewithgreataffection."Yet(saidhe,)Cave,(whoneverlookedoutofhiswindow,butwithaviewtotheGentleman'sMagazine,)wasapenuriouspay-master;hewouldcontractforlinesbythehundred,andexpectthelonghundred;buthewasagoodman,andalwaysdelightedtohavehisfriendsathistable."

'Hesaidatanothertime,threeorfourdaysonlybeforehisdeath,speakingofthelittlefearhehadofundergoingachirurgicaloperation,"Iwouldgiveoneoftheselegsforayearmoreoflife,Imeanofcomfortablelife,notsuchasthatwhichInowsuffer;"--andlamentedmuchhisinabilitytoreadduringhishoursofrestlessness;"Iusedformerly,(headded,)whensleeplessinbed,toreadlikeaTurk."

'Whilstconfinedbyhislastillness,itwashisregularpracticetohavethechurch-servicereadtohim,bysomeattentiveandfriendlyDivine.TheRev.Mr.Hooleperformedthiskindofficeinmypresenceforthelasttime,when,byhisowndesire,nomorethantheLitanywasread;inwhichhisresponseswereinthedeepandsonorousvoice

whichMr.Boswellhasoccasionallynoticed,andwiththemostprofounddevotionthatcanbeimagined.Hishearingnotbeingquiteperfect,hemorethanonceinterruptedMr.Hoole,with"Louder,mydearSir,louder,Ientreatyou,oryouprayinvain!"--and,whentheservicewasended,he,withgreatearnestness,turnedroundtoanexcellentladywhowaspresent,saying,"Ithankyou,Madam,veryheartily,foryourkindnessinjoiningmeinthissolemnexercise.Livewell,Iconjureyou;andyouwillnotfeelthecompunctionatthelast,whichInowfeel."Sotrulyhumblewerethethoughtswhichthisgreatandgoodmanentertainedofhisownapproachestoreligiousperfection.'



AmidstthemelancholycloudswhichhungoverthedyingJohnson,hischaracteristicalmannersheweditselfondifferentoccasions.

WhenDr.Warren,intheusualstyle,hopedthathewasbetter;hisanswerwas,'No,Sir;youcannotconceivewithwhataccelerationIadvancetowardsdeath.'

Amanwhomhehadneverseenbeforewasemployedonenighttositupwithhim.Beingaskednextmorninghowhelikedhisattendant,hisanswerwas,'Notatall,Sir:thefellow'sanideot;heisasaukwardasaturn-spitwhenfirstputintothewheel,andassleepyasadormouse.'

Mr.Windhamhavingplacedapillowconvenientlytosupporthim,hethankedhimforhiskindness,andsaid,'Thatwilldo,--allthatapillowcando.'

HerequestedthreethingsofSirJoshuaReynolds:--Toforgivehimthirtypoundswhichhehadborrowedofhim;toreadtheBible;andnevertousehispencilonaSunday.SirJoshuareadilyacquiesced.

Johnson,withthatnativefortitude,which,amidstallhisbodilydistressandmentalsufferings,neverforsookhim,askedDr.Brocklesby,asamaninwhomhehadconfidence,totellhimplainlywhetherhecould

recover.'Giveme(saidhe,)adirectanswer.'TheDoctorhavingfirstaskedhimifhecouldhearthewholetruth,whichwaysoeveritmightlead,andbeingansweredthathecould,declaredthat,inhisopinion,hecouldnotrecoverwithoutamiracle.'Then,(saidJohnson,)Iwilltakenomorephysick,notevenmyopiates;forIhaveprayedthatImayrenderupmysoultoGODunclouded.'Inthisresolutionhepersevered,and,atthesametime,usedonlytheweakestkindsofsustenance.BeingpressedbyMr.Windhamtotakesomewhatmoregenerousnourishment,lesttoolowadietshouldhavetheveryeffectwhichhedreaded,bydebilitatinghismind,hesaid,'Iwilltakeanythingbutinebriatingsustenance.'

TheReverendMr.Strahan,whowasthesonofhisfriend,andhadbeen

alwaysoneofhisgreatfavourites,had,duringhislastillness,thesatisfactionofcontributingtosootheandcomforthim.Thatgentleman'shouse,atIslington,ofwhichheisVicar,affordedJohnson,occasionallyandeasily,anagreeablechangeofplaceandfreshair;andheattendedalsouponhimintowninthedischargeofthesacredofficesofhisprofession.

Mr.Strahanhasgivenmetheagreeableassurance,that,afterbeinginmuchagitation,Johnsonbecamequitecomposed,andcontinuedsotillhisdeath.

Dr.Brocklesby,whowillnotbesuspectedoffanaticism,obligedmewiththefollowingaccount:--

'Forsometimebeforehisdeath,allhisfearswerecalmedandabsorbedbytheprevalenceofhisfaith,andhistrustinthemeritsandpropitiationofJESUSCHRIST.'

JohnsonhavingthusinhismindthetrueChristianscheme,atoncerationalandconsolatory,unitingjusticeandmercyintheDivinity,withtheimprovementofhumannature,previoustohisreceivingtheHolySacramentinhisapartment,composedandferventlyutteredthisprayer:--



'AlmightyandmostmercifulFather,Iamnowastohumaneyes,itseems,abouttocommemorate,forthelasttime,thedeathofthySonJESUSCHRIST,ourSaviourandRedeemer.Grant,OLORD,thatmywholehopeandconfidencemaybeinhismerits,andthymercy;enforceandacceptmyimperfectrepentance;makethiscommemorationavailabletotheconfirmationofmyfaith,theestablishmentofmyhope,andtheenlargementofmycharity;andmakethedeathofthySonJESUSCHRISTeffectualtomyredemption.Havemercyuponme,andpardonthemultitudeofmyoffences.Blessmyfriends;havemercyuponallmen.Supportme,bythyHolySpirit,inthedaysofweakness,andatthehourofdeath;andreceiveme,atmydeath,toeverlastinghappiness,forthesakeofJESUSCHRIST.Amen.'

Having,ashasbeenalreadymentioned,madehiswillonthe8thand9thofDecember,andsettledallhisworldlyaffairs,helanguishedtillMonday,the13thofthatmonth,whenheexpired,aboutseveno'clockintheevening,withsolittleapparentpainthathisattendantshardlyperceivedwhenhisdissolutiontookplace.

Ofhislastmoments,mybrother,ThomasDavid,hasfurnishedmewiththefollowingparticulars:--

'TheDoctor,fromthetimethathewascertainhisdeathwasnear,

appearedtobeperfectlyresigned,wasseldomorneverfretfuloroutoftemper,andoftensaidtohisfaithfulservant,whogavemethisaccount,"Attend,Francis,tothesalvationofyoursoul,whichistheobjectofgreatestimportance:"healsoexplainedtohimpassagesintheScripture,andseemedtohavepleasureintalkinguponreligioussubjects.

'OnMonday,the13thofDecember,thedayonwhichhedied,aMissMorris,daughtertoaparticularfriendofhis,called,andsaidtoFrancis,thatshebeggedtobepermittedtoseetheDoctor,thatshemightearnestlyrequesthimtogiveherhisblessing.Franciswentintohisroom,followedbytheyounglady,anddeliveredthemessage.TheDoctorturnedhimselfinthebed,andsaid,"GODblessyou,mydear!"

Thesewerethelastwordshespoke.Hisdifficultyofbreathingincreasedtillaboutseveno'clockintheevening,whenMr.BarberandMrs.Desmoulins,whoweresittingintheroom,observingthatthenoisehemadeinbreathinghadceased,wenttothebed,andfoundhewasdead.'

Abouttwodaysafterhisdeath,thefollowingveryagreeableaccountwascommunicatedtoMr.Malone,inaletterbytheHonourableJohnByng,towhomIammuchobligedforgrantingmepermissiontointroduceitinmywork.

'DEARSIR,--SinceIsawyou,Ihavehadalongconversationwith

Cawston,whosatupwithDr.Johnson,fromnineo'clock,onSundayevening,tillteno'clock,onMondaymorning.And,fromwhatIcangatherfromhim,itshouldseem,thatDr.Johnsonwasperfectlycomposed,steadyinhope,andresignedtodeath.Attheintervalofeachhour,theyassistedhimtositupinhisbed,andmovehislegs,whichwereinmuchpain;whenheregularlyaddressedhimselftoferventprayer;andthough,sometimes,hisvoicefailedhim,hissensesneverdid,duringthattime.Theonlysustenancehereceived,wascyderandwater.Hesaidhismindwasprepared,andthetimetohisdissolutionseemedlong.Atsixinthemorning,heinquiredthehour,and,onbeing



informed,saidthatallwentonregularly,andhefelthehadbutafewhourstolive.

'Atteno'clockinthemorning,hepartedfromCawston,saying,"YoushouldnotdetainMr.Windham'sservant:--Ithankyou;bearmyremembrancetoyourmaster."Cawstonsays,thatnomancouldappearmorecollected,moredevout,orlessterrifiedatthethoughtsoftheapproachingminute.

'Thisaccount,whichissomuchmoreagreeablethan,andsomewhatdifferentfrom,yours,hasgivenusthesatisfactionofthinkingthatthatgreatmandiedashelived,fullofresignation,strengthenedinfaith,andjoyfulinhope.'

Afewdaysbeforehisdeath,hehadaskedSirJohnHawkins,asoneofhisexecutors,whereheshouldbeburied;andonbeinganswered,'Doubtless,inWestminster-Abbey,'seemedtofeelasatisfaction,verynaturaltoaPoet;andindeedinmyopinionverynaturaltoeverymanofanyimagination,whohasnofamilysepulchreinwhichhecanbelaidwithhisfathers.Accordingly,uponMonday,December20,hisremainsweredepositedinthatnobleandrenownededifice;andoverhisgravewasplacedalargeblueflag-stone,withthisinscription:--

'SAMUELJOHNSON,LL.D.

ObiitXIIIdieDecembris,AnnoDominiM.DCC.LXXXIV.AetatissuaeLXXV.'

Hisfuneralwasattendedbyarespectablenumberofhisfriends,particularlysuchofthemembersoftheLITERARYCLUBaswerethenintown;andwasalsohonouredwiththepresenceofseveraloftheReverendChapterofWestminster.Mr.Burke,SirJosephBanks,Mr.Windham,Mr.Langton,SirCharlesBunbury,andMr.Colman,borehispall.Hisschool-fellow,Dr.Taylor,performedthemournfulofficeofreadingtheburialservice.

Itrust,Ishallnotbeaccusedofaffectation,whenIdeclare,thatIfindmyselfunabletoexpressallthatIfeltuponthelossofsucha'Guide,Philosopher,andFriend.'Ishall,therefore,notsayonewordofmyown,butadoptthoseofaneminentfriend,whichheutteredwithanabruptfelicity,superiortoallstudiedcompositions:--'Hehasmadeachasm,whichnotonlynothingcanfillup,butwhichnothinghasatendencytofillup.Johnsonisdead.Letusgotothenextbest:--thereisnobody;nomancanbesaidtoputyouinmindofJohnson.'

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