He embraced me, and gave me his blessing, as usual when I was leaving him for any length of time.  I walked from his door to-day, with a fearful apprehension of what might happen before I returned.

’To THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM WINDHAM.

Sir, The bringer of this letter is the father of Miss Philips[703], a singer, who comes to try her voice on the stage at Dublin.

Mr. Philips is one of my old friends; and as I am of opinion that neither he nor his daughter will do any thing that can disgrace their benefactors, I take the liberty of entreating you to countenance and protect them so far as may be suitable to your station[704] and character; and shall consider myself as obliged by any favourable notice which they shall have the honour of receiving from you.

I am, Sir, Your most humble servant,

SAM JOHNSON.  London, May 31, 1783.’

The following is another instance of his active benevolence:—­

’To SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS.

DEAR SIR, I have sent you some of my god-son’s[705] performances, of which I do not pretend to form any opinion.  When I took the liberty of mentioning him to you, I did not know what I have since been told, that Mr. Moser[706] had admitted him among the Students of the Academy.  What more can be done for him I earnestly entreat you to consider; for I am very desirous that he should derive some advantage from my connection with him.  If you are inclined to see him, I will bring him to wait on you, at any time that you shall be pleased to appoint.

I am, Sir, Your most humble servant,

SAM.  JOHNSON.  June 2, 1783.’

My anxious apprehensions at parting with him this year proved to be but too well founded; for not long afterwards he had a dreadful stroke of the palsy, of which there are very full and accurate accounts in letters written by himself, to shew with what composure of mind, and resignation to the Divine Will, his steady piety enabled him to behave.

’TO MR. EDMUND ALLEN[707].

DEAR SIR, It has pleased GOD, this morning, to deprive me of the powers of speech; and as I do not know but that it may be his further good pleasure to deprive me soon of my senses, I request you will on the receipt of this note, come to me, and act for me, as the exigencies of my case may require.

I am, Sincerely yours,

SAM.  JOHNSON.  June 17, 1783.’

’TO THE REVEREND DR. JOHN TAYLOR.

’DEAR SIR, It has pleased GOD, by a Paralytick stroke in the night, to deprive me of speech.

I am very desirous of Dr. Heberden’s[708] assistance, as I think my case is not past remedy.  Let me see you as soon as it is possible.  Bring Dr. Heberden with you, if you can; but come yourself at all events.  I am glad you are so well, when I am so dreadfully attacked.

I think that by a speedy application of stimulants much may be done.  I question if a vomit, vigorous and rough, would not rouse the organs of speech to action.  As it is too early to send, I will try to recollect what I can, that can be suspected to have brought on this dreadful distress.