One cannot read this prayer, without some emotions not very favourable to the lady whose conduct occasioned it[495].

In one of his memorandum-books I find, ’Sunday, went to church at Streatham. Templo valedixi cum osculo[496].’

He met Mr. Philip Metcalfe[497] often at Sir Joshua Reynolds’s, and other places, and was a good deal with him at Brighthelmston[498] this autumn, being pleased at once with his excellent table and animated conversation.  Mr. Metcalfe shewed him great respect, and sent him a note that he might have the use of his carriage whenever he pleased.  Johnson (3d October, 1782) returned this polite answer:—­’Mr. Johnson is very much obliged by the kind offer of the carriage, but he has no desire of using Mr. Metcalfe’s carriage, except when he can have the pleasure of Mr. Metcalfe’s company.’  Mr. Metcalfe could not but be highly pleased that his company was thus valued by Johnson, and he frequently attended him in airings.  They also went together to Chichester[499], and they visited Petworth, and Cowdry, the venerable seat of the Lords Montacute.  ’Sir, (said Johnson,) I should like to stay here four-and-twenty hours.  We see here how our ancestors lived.’

That his curiosity was still unabated, appears from two letters to Mr. John Nichols, of the 10th and 20th[500] of October this year.  In one he says, ’I have looked into your Anecdotes, and you will hardly thank a lover of literary history for telling you, that he has been much informed and gratified.  I wish you would add your own discoveries and intelligence to those of Dr. Rawlinson, and undertake the Supplement to Wood[501]’.  Think of it.’  In the other, ’I wish, Sir, you could obtain some fuller information of Jortin[502], Markland[503], and Thirlby[504].  They were three contemporaries of great eminence.’

’TO SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS.

’DEAR SIR,

’I heard yesterday of your late disorder[505], and should think ill of myself if I had heard of it without alarm.  I heard likewise Of your recovery, which I sincerely wish to be complete and permanent.  Your country has been in danger of losing one of its brightest ornaments, and I of losing one of my oldest and kindest friends:  but I hope you will still live long, for the honour of the nation:  and that more enjoyment of your elegance, your intelligence, and your benevolence, is still reserved for, dear Sir, your most affectionate, &c.

‘SAM.  JOHNSON.’

’Brighthelmston,

Nov. 14, 1782.’

The Reverend Mr. Wilson having dedicated to him his Archaeological Dictionary[506], that mark of respect was thus acknowledged:—­

’TO THE REVEREND MR. WILSON, CLITHEROE, LANCASHIRE.

’REVEREND SIR,