“My lord,—­After a long, and not inattentive observation of mankind, the generosity of your lordship’s offer raises in me not less wonder than gratitude.  Bounty, so liberally bestowed, I should gladly receive, if my condition made it necessary; for to such a mind who would not be proud to own his obligations?  But it has pleased God to restore me to so great a measure of health, that, if I should now appropriate so much of a fortune destined to do good, I could not escape from myself the charge of advancing a false claim.  My journey to the continent, though I once thought it necessary, was never much encouraged by my physicians; and I was very desirous that your lordship should be told it, by sir Joshua Reynolds, as an event very uncertain; for, if I grew much better, I should not be willing; if much worse, I should not be able to migrate.  Your lordship was first solicited without my knowledge; but when I was told that you were pleased to honour me with your patronage, I did not expect to hear of a refusal; yet, as I have had no long time to brood hopes, and have not rioted in imaginary opulence, this cold reception has been scarce a disappointment; and from your lordship’s kindness I have received a benefit which only men, like you, are able to bestow.  I shall now live mihi carior, with a higher opinion of my own merit.

  I am, my lord,

  Your lordship’s most obliged,

  Most grateful, and most humble servant,

  Samuel Johnson.

  September, 1784.”

We have, in this instance, the exertion of two congenial minds; one, with a generous impulse, relieving merit in distress; and the other, by gratitude and dignity of sentiment, rising to an equal elevation.

It seems, however, that greatness of mind is not confined to greatness of rank.  Dr. Brocklesby was not content to assist with his medical art; he resolved to minister to his patient’s mind, and pluck from his memory the sorrow which the late refusal from a high quarter might occasion.  To enable him to visit the south of France, in pursuit of health, he offered, from his own funds, an annuity of one hundred pounds, payable quarterly.  This was a sweet oblivious antidote, but it was not accepted, for the reasons assigned to the chancellor.  The proposal, however, will do honour to Dr. Brocklesby, as long as liberal sentiment shall be ranked among the social virtues.

In the month of October, 1784, we find Dr. Johnson corresponding with Mr. Nichols, the intelligent compiler of the Gentleman’s Magazine, and, in the languor of sickness, still desirous to contribute all in his power to the advancement of science and useful knowledge.  He says, in a letter to that gentleman, dated Lichfield, October 20, that “he should be glad to give so skilful a lover of antiquities any information.”  He adds, “At Ashbourne, where I had very little company, I had the luck to borrow Mr. Bowyer’s