‘September, 1784.’

Upon this unexpected failure I abstain from presuming to make any remarks, or to offer any conjectures.[1082]

Having after repeated reasonings[1083], brought Dr. Johnson to agree to my removing to London, and even to furnish me with arguments in favour of what he had opposed; I wrote to him requesting he would write them for me; he was so good as to comply, and I shall extract that part of his letter to me of June 11[1084], as a proof how well he could exhibit a cautious yet encouraging view of it:—­

’I remember, and intreat you to remember, that virtus est vitium fugere[1085]; the first approach to riches is security from poverty.  The condition on which you have my consent to settle in London is, that your expence never exceeds your annual income.  Fixing this basis of security, you cannot be hurt, and you may be very much advanced.  The loss of your Scottish business, which is all that you can lose, is not to be reckoned as any equivalent to the hopes and possibilities that open here upon you.  If you succeed, the question of prudence is at an end; every body will think that done right which ends happily; and though your expectations, of which I would not advise you to talk too much, should not be totally answered, you can hardly fail to get friends who will do for you all that your present situation allows you to hope; and if, after a few years, you should return to Scotland, you will return with a mind supplied by various conversation, and many opportunities of enquiry, with much knowledge, and materials for reflection and instruction.’

Let us now contemplate Johnson thirty years after the death of his wife, still retaining for her all the tenderness of affection.

’TO THE REVEREND MR. BAGSHAW, AT BROMLEY[1086].

’SIR,

’Perhaps you may remember, that in the year 1753[1087], you committed to the ground my dear wife.  I now entreat your permission to lay a stone upon her; and have sent the inscription, that, if you find it proper, you may signify your allowance.

’You will do me a great favour by showing the place where she lies, that the stone may protect her remains.

’Mr. Ryland[1088] will wait on you for the inscription[1089], and procure it to be engraved.  You will easily believe that I shrink from this mournful office.  When it is done, if I have strength remaining, I will visit Bromley once again, and pay you part of the respect to which you have a right from, Reverend Sir,

’Your most humble servant,

‘SAM.  JOHNSON[1090].’

‘July 12, 1784.’

On the same day he wrote to Mr. Langton:—­