How Johnson was affected upon the occasion will appear from what he wrote to Sir Joshua Reynolds:—­

’Ashbourne, Sept. 9.  Many words I hope are not necessary between you and me, to convince you what gratitude is excited in my heart by the Chancellor’s liberality, and your kind offices. . . .

’I have enclosed a letter to the Chancellor, which, when you have read it, you will be pleased to seal with a head, or any other general seal, and convey it to him:  had I sent it directly to him, I should have seemed to overlook the favour of your intervention.’

’To the Lord high Chancellor.

’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 of it by Sir Joshua Reynolds, as an event very uncertain; for if I grew much better, I should not be willing, if much worse, not 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 hope, 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,

‘September, 1784.’

‘Sam.  Johnson.’

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

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.

’Sir,—­Perhaps you may remember, that in the year 1753, 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 will wait on you for the inscription, 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,