’I trust, (said I,) that you will be liberal enough to make allowance for my differing from you on two points, (the Middlesex Election, and the American War[806]) when my general principles of government are according to your own heart, and when, at a crisis of doubtful event, I stand forth with honest zeal as an ancient and faithful Briton.  My reason for introducing those two points was, that as my opinions with regard to them had been declared at the periods when they were least favourable, I might have the credit of a man who is not a worshipper of ministerial power.’

’To JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ.

’DEAR SIR,

’I hear of many enquiries which your kindness has disposed you to make after me[807].  I have long intended you a long letter, which perhaps the imagination of its length hindered me from beginning.  I will, therefore, content myself with a shorter.

’Having promoted the institution of a new Club in the neighbourhood, at the house of an old servant of Thrale’s, I went thither to meet the company, and was seized with a spasmodick asthma so violent, that with difficulty I got to my own house, in which I have been confined eight or nine weeks, and from which I know not when I shall be able to go even to church.  The asthma, however, is not the worst.  A dropsy gains ground upon me; my legs and thighs are very much swollen with water, which I should be content if I could keep there, but I am afraid that it will soon be higher.  My nights are very sleepless and very tedious.  And yet I am extremely afraid of dying.

’My physicians try to make me hope, that much of my malady is the effect of cold, and that some degree at least of recovery is to be expected from vernal breezes and summer suns[808].  If my life is prolonged to autumn, I should be glad to try a warmer climate; though how to travel with a diseased body, without a companion to conduct me, and with very little money, I do not well see.  Ramsay has recovered his limbs in Italy[809]; and Fielding was sent to Lisbon, where, indeed, he died; but he was, I believe, past hope when he went.  Think for me what I can do.

’I received your pamphlet, and when I write again may perhaps tell you some opinion about it; but you will forgive a man struggling with disease his neglect of disputes, politicks, and pamphlets[810].  Let me have your prayers.  My compliments to your lady, and young ones.  Ask your physicians about my case:  and desire Sir Alexander Dick[811] to write me his opinion.

’I am, dear Sir, &c.

‘SAM.  JOHNSON.’

‘Feb. 11, 1784.’

’TO MRS. LUCY PORTER, IN LICHFIELD.

’MY DEAREST LOVE,

’I have been extremely ill of an asthma and dropsy, but received, by the mercy of GOD, sudden and unexpected relief last Thursday, by the discharge of twenty pints of water[812].  Whether I shall continue free, or shall fill again, cannot be told.  Pray for me.