Miss Lucy[a] is more kind and civil than I expected, and has raised my esteem by many excellencies, very noble and resplendent, though a little discoloured by hoary virginity.  Every thing else recalls to my remembrance years, in which I proposed what, I am afraid, I have not done, and promised myself pleasure which I have not found.  But complaint can be of no use; and why then should I depress your hopes by my lamentations?  I suppose it is the condition of humanity to design what never will be done, and to hope what never will be obtained.  But, among the vain hopes, let me not number the hope which I have, of being long, dear madam, your, &c.

[a] Miss Lucy Porter, daughter to Dr. Johnson’s wife, by a former husband.

IV.—­TO THE SAME.

Lichfield, August 14, 1769.

MADAM,—­I set out on Thursday morning, and found my companion, to whom I was very much a stranger, more agreeable than I expected.  We went cheerfully forward, and passed the night at Coventry.  We came in late, and went out early; and, therefore, I did not send for my cousin Tom:  but I design to make him some amends for the omission.

Next day we came early to Lucy, who was, I believe, glad to see us.  She had saved her best gooseberries upon the tree for me; and, as Steele says, “I was neither too proud nor too wise” to gather them.  I have rambled a very little “inter fontes et flumina nota,” but I am not yet well.  They have cut down the trees in George lane.  Evelyn, in his book of Forest Trees, tells us of wicked men that cut down trees, and never prospered afterwards; yet nothing has deterred these audacious aldermen from violating the Hamadryads of George lane.  As an impartial traveller, I must however tell, that, in Stow street, where I left a draw-well, I have found a pump; but the lading-well, in this ill fated George lane, lies shamefully neglected.

I am going to-day, or to-morrow, to Ashbourne; but I am at a loss how I shall get back in time to London.  Here are only chance coaches, so that there is no certainty of a place.  If I do not come, let it not hinder your journey.  I can be but a few days behind you; and I will follow in the Brighthelmstone coach.  But I hope to come.

I took care to tell Miss Porter, that I have got another Lucy.  I hope she is well.  Tell Mrs. Salusbury that I beg her stay at Streatham, for little Lucy’s sake.  I am, &c.

V.—­To MRS. THRALE.

Lichfield, July 11, 1770.

MADAM,—­Since my last letter, nothing extraordinary has happened.  Rheumatism, which has been very troublesome, is grown better.  I have not yet seen Dr. Taylor, and July runs fast away.  I shall not have much time for him, if he delays much longer to come or send.  Mr. Green, the apothecary, has found a book, which tells who paid levies in our parish, and how much they paid, above a hundred years ago.