’To thy fatherly protection, O Lord, I commend this family.  Bless, guide, and defend them, that they may so pass through this world, as finally to enjoy in thy presence everlasting happiness, for Jesus Christ’s sake.  Amen.’

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

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

He met Mr. Philip Metcalfe often at Sir Joshua Reynolds’s, and other places, and was a good deal with him at Brighthelmston 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 (3rd 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, 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.’

’To sir Joshua Reynolds.

’Dear sir,—­I heard yesterday of your late disorder, 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.

‘Brighthelmston, Nov. 14, 1782.’

‘Sam.  Johnson.’

1783:  AETAT. 74.]—­In 1783, he was more severely afflicted than ever, as will appear in the course of his correspondence; but still the same ardour for literature, the same constant piety, the same kindness for his friends, and the same vivacity both in conversation and writing, distinguished him.

On Friday, March 21, having arrived in London the night before, I was glad to find him at Mrs. Thrale’s house, in Argyll-street, appearances of friendship between them being still kept up.  I was shewn into his room, and after the first salutation he said, ’I am glad you are come.  I am very ill.’  He looked pale, and was distressed with a difficulty of breathing; but after the common inquiries he assumed his usual strong animated style of conversation.  Seeing me now for the first time as a Laird, or proprietor