of them[427].”  In this he kept his word; and Dr. Burney had not only the pleasure of gratifying his friend with a present more worthy of his acceptance than the segment from the hearth-broom, but soon after of introducing him to Dr. Johnson himself in Bolt-court, with whom he had the satisfaction of conversing a considerable time, not a fortnight before his death; which happened in St. Martin’s-street, during his visit to Dr. Burney, in the house where the great Sir Isaac Newton had lived and died before.’

In one of his little memorandum-books is the following minute:—­

’August 9, 3 P.M., aetat. 72, in the summer-house at Streatham.  After innumerable resolutions formed and neglected, I have retired hither, to plan a life of greater diligence, in hope that I may yet be useful, and be daily better prepared to appear before my Creator and my Judge, from whose infinite mercy I humbly call for assistance and support.

’My purpose is,

’To pass eight hours every day in some serious employment.

’Having prayed, I purpose to employ the next six weeks upon the Italian language, for my settled study.’

How venerably pious does he appear in these moments of solitude, and how spirited are his resolutions for the improvement of his mind, even in elegant literature, at a very advanced period of life, and when afflicted with many complaints[428].

In autumn he went to Oxford, Birmingham, Lichfield, and Ashbourne, for which very good reasons might be given in the conjectural yet positive manner of writers, who are proud to account for every event which they relate[429].  He himself, however, says,

’The motives of my journey I hardly know; I omitted it last year, and am not willing to miss it again[430].’

But some good considerations arise, amongst which is the kindly recollection of Mr. Hector, surgeon at Birmingham: 

’Hector is likewise an old friend, the only companion of my childhood that passed through the school with me.  We have always loved one another; perhaps we may be made better by some serious conversation, of which however I have no distinct hope.’

He says too,

’At Lichfield, my native place, I hope to shew a good example by frequent attendance on publick worship.’

My correspondence with him during the rest of this year was I know not why very scanty, and all on my side.  I wrote him one letter to introduce Mr. Sinclair (now Sir John), the member for Caithness, to his acquaintance; and informed him in another that my wife had again been affected with alarming symptoms of illness.

1782:  AETAT. 73.—­In 1782, his complaints increased, and the history of his life this year, is little more than a mournful recital of the variations of his illness, in the midst of which, however, it will appear from his letters, that the powers of his mind were in no degree impaired.

’TO JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ.