He now said, ’He wished much to go to Italy, and that he dreaded passing the winter in England.’  I said nothing; but enjoyed a secret satisfaction in thinking that I had taken the most effectual measures to make such a scheme practicable.

On Monday, June 28, I had the honour to receive from the Lord Chancellor the following letter:—­

’TO JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ.  SIR,

I should have answered your letter immediately, if, (being much engaged when I received it) I had not put it in my pocket, and forgot to open it till this morning.

I am much obliged to you for the suggestion; and I will adopt and press it as far as I can.  The best argument, I am sure, and I hope it is not likely to fail, is Dr. Johnson’s merit.  But it will be necessary, if I should be so unfortunate as to miss seeing you, to converse with Sir Joshua on the sum it will be proper to ask,—­it short, upon the means of setting him out.  It would be a reflection on us all, if such a man should perish for want of the means to take care of his health.

Yours, &c.  THURLOW.’

This letter gave me a very high satisfaction; I next day went and shewed it to Sir Joshua Reynolds, who was exceedingly pleased with it.  He thought that I should now communicate the negociation to Dr. Johnson, who might afterwards complain if the attention with which he had been honoured, should be too long concealed from him.  I intended to set out for Scotland next morning; but Sir Joshua cordially insisted that I should stay another day, that Johnson and I might dine with him, that we three might talk of his Italian Tour, and, as Sir Joshua expressed himself, ‘have it all out.’  I hastened to Johnson, and was told by him that he was rather better to-day.  BOSWELL.  ’I am very anxious about you, Sir, and particularly that you should go to Italy for the winter, which I believe is your own wish.’  JOHNSON.  ‘It is, Sir.’  BOSWELL.  ’You have no objection, I presume, but the money it would require.’  JOHNSON.  ’Why, no, Sir.’  Upon which I gave him a particular account of what had been done, and read to him the Lord Chancellor’s letter.  He listened with much attention; then warmly said, ’This is taking prodigious pains about a man.’  ’O!  Sir, (said I, with most sincere affection,) your friends would do every thing for you.’  He paused, grew more and more agitated, till tears started into his eyes, and he exclaimed with fervent emotion, ‘GOD bless you all.’  I was so affected that I also shed tears.  After a short silence, he renewed and extended his grateful benediction, ’GOD bless you all, for JESUS CHRIST’S sake.’  We both remained for some time unable to speak.  He rose suddenly and quitted the room, quite melted in tenderness.  He staid but a short time, till he had recovered his firmness; soon after he returned I left him, having first engaged him to dine at Sir Joshua Reynolds’s, next day.  I never was again under that roof which I had so long reverenced.