Dr. JOHNSON. I shall at once obey you, madam. I cannot remain under the roof of one who would indulge herself in such an amour. Miss THRALE. Can it be that she is my mother? Mrs. THRALE. [In tears.] How can you speak to me so! I have done nothng to deserve this. My child turns against me! Fanny, do you speak to me one word of comfort. Miss BURNEY. Not I, madam. I blush to be present at such a scene. [Turning to Miss Thrale.] My dear, I think we owe it to our characters to leave this house. [They go out. Dr. JOHNSON. Oh, madam, forgive me. I spoke in haste and in passion. Whatever you have done, however I may lament it, I pray God for your forgiveness: I pray that He may grant you every blessing, that you may be happy now and hereafter. And I ask you to forgive me; I am ready to do what I can to contribute to your happiness in return for that kindness which has soothed twenty years of a life radically wretched. Mrs. THRALE. That is spoken like my old friend. Only the fear of your disapprobation has given me anxious moments. It would be a great great grief to me to quit England had we unkind feelings toward each other. Dr. JOHNSON. Quit England! Oh, my dear lady, prevail upon Mr. Piozzi to remain here; you may live here with more dignity than in Italy and with greater security. Your rank will be higher, and your fortune more under your own eye. Do not let Mr. Piozzi or anybody else put me quite out of your head. God's blessing be upon you, madam, you have always been very dear to me. [Mrs. THRALE bows low and goes out. [Dr. Johnson throws himself in a chair, overcome with emotion; presently he says:] I shall lose myself in London; in London a man is always near his burrow. [Raises his hands in prayer.] To Thy Fatherly protection, O Lord, I commend all the members of this dear family! |