"benefit which only men like you are able "Your Lordship's most obliged, " and most humble servant, 66 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 66 "than gratitude. Bounty, so liberally be"stowed, I should gladly receive if my con"dition 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 66 66 my physicians and I was very desirous "that your Lordship should be told it by "Sir Joshua Reynolds as an event very un"certain; 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 re"fusal; yet, as I have had no long time to "brood hopes, and have not rioted in imagi 66 66 66 nary opulence, this cold reception has "been scarce a disappointment; and from 66 your Lordship's kindness I have received a "benefit which only men like you are able "Your Lordship's most obliged, " and most humble servant, September, 1784.” "SAMUEL JOHNSON. 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 so cial 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 "Ashburne, where I had very little com(6 pany, I had the luck to borrow Mr. Bowyer's Life, a book so full of contemporary 66 history, that a literary man must find some "of his old friends. I thought that I could "now and then have told you some hints "worth notice: We, perhaps, may talk "a life over. I hope we shall be much together. You must now be to me what 66 66 your you were before, and what dear Mr. Allen was besides. He was taken unexpectedly away, but I think he was a very good man. "I have made very little progress in recovery. "I am very weak, and very sleepless; but I "live on and hope." In that languid condition he arrived, on the 16th of November, at his house in Bolt-court, there to end his days. He laboured with the dropsy and an asthma. He was attended by Dr. Heberden, Dr. Warren, Dr. Brocklesby, Dr. Butter, and Mr. Cruikshank, the eminent surgeon. Eternity presented to his mind an aweful prospect, and, with as much virtue as perhaps ever is the lot of man, he shuddered at the thought of his dissolution. His friends awakened the comfortable reflection of a well-spent life; and, as his end drew near, they had the satisfaction of seeing him composed, and even chearful, insomuch that he was able, in the course of his restless nights, to make translations of Greek epigrams from the Anthologia; and to compose a Latin epitaph for his father, his mother, and his brother Nathaniel. He meditated, at the same time, a Latin inscription to the memory of Garrick; but his vigour was exhausted. |