"SAM. JOHNSON." as believe, a good figure in the whole, though | proof of it in our sister kingdom, as Dr. his faults seem to be very many; some of Johnson informed me. When Akenside's natural deficience, and some of laborious" Pleasures of the Imagination" first came affectation. He has, I think, no power of out, he did not put his name to the poem. assuming either that dignity or elegance Rolt went over to Dublin, published an ediwhich some men, who have little of either tion of it, and put his own name to it. Upin common life, can exhibit on the stage. on the fame of this he lived for several His voice when strained is unpleasing, and months, being entertained at the best tables when low is not always heard. He seems "the ingenious Mr. Rolt 2." His conto think too much on the audience, and versation, indeed, did not discover much of turns his face too often to the galleries. the fire of a poet; but it was recollected "However, I wish him well; and among that both Addison and Thomson were equalother reasons, because I like his wife1. ly dull till excited by wine. Akenside hav"Make haste to write to, dear sir, your ing been informed of this imposition, vindimost affectionate servant, cated his right by publishing the poem with its real authour's name. Several instances of such literary fraud have been detected. In 1761 Johnson appears to have done The Reverend Dr. Campbell, of St. Anlittle. He was still, no doubt, proceeding drew's, wrote "An Inquiry into the origiin his edition of Shakspeare; but what ad- nal of Moral Virtue," the manuscript of vances he made in it cannot be ascertained. which he sent to Mr. Innes, a clergyman in He certainly was at this time not active; England, who was his countryman and acfor, in his scrupulous examination of him- quaintance. Innes published it with his self on Easter eve, he laments, in his too own name to it; and before the imposition rigorous mode of censuring his own conduct, was discovered, obtained considerable prothat his life, since the communion of the pre- motion, as a reward of his merit 3. The cedi Easter, had been "dissipated and celebrated Dr. Hugh Blair, and his cousin useless." He, however, contributed Mr. George Ballantine, when students in this year the Preface to "Rolt's divinity, wrote a poem, entitled "The ReDictionary of Trade and Com-surrection," copies of which were handed merce," in which he displays such a clear about in manuscript. They were at length and comprehensive knowledge of the sub- very much surprised to see a pompous edi ject, as might lead the reader to think that tion of it in folio, dedicated to the Princess its authour had devoted all his life to it. I Dowager of Wales, by a Dr. Douglas, as asked him, whether he knew much of Rolt, his own. Some years ago a little novel, enand of his work. "Sir (said he), I never titled "The Man of Feeling," was assumsaw the man, and never read the book. ed by Mr. Eccles, a young Irish clergyman, The booksellers wanted a Preface to a Dic- who was afterwards drowned near Bath'. tionary of Trade and Commerce. I knew He had been at the pains to transcribe the very well what such a Dictionary should be, and I wrote a Preface accordingly." Rolt, who wrote a great deal for the booksellers, was, as Johnson told me, a singular character. Though not in the least acquainted with him, he used to say, "I am just come from Sam. Johnson." This was a sufficient specimen of his vanity and impudence. But he gave a more eminent Pr and Med. p. 44. 1 Mrs. Sheridan was authour of " Memoirs of Miss Sydney Biddulph," a novel of great merit, and of some other pieces.-BoS WELL. [Her last work is, perhaps, her best-Nourjahad, an eastern tale: in which a pure morality is inculcated, with a great deal of fancy and considerable force. No wonder that Dr. Johnson should have liked her! Dr. Parr, in a letter to Mr. Moore, published in his Life of R. B. Sheridan (vol. i. p. 11), thus mentions her: "I once or twice met his mother-she was quite celestial! both her virtues and her genius were highly esteemed." This amiable and accomplished woman died at Blois, in September, 1766, as Mr. Moore states, and as is proved by a letter of Mr. Sheridan's, deploring that event, dated in October, 1766; though the Biog. Dict., and other authorities, placed her death in 1767.—ED.] 2 I have had inquiry made in Ireland as to this story, but do not find it recollected there. I give it on the authority of Dr. Johnson, to which may be added, that of the Biographical Dictionary," and " Biographia Dramatica;" in both of which it has stood many years. Mr. Malone observes, that the truth probably is, not that an edition was published with Rolt's name in the title-page, but, that the poem being then anonymous, Rolt acquiesced in its being attributed to him in conversation.-BOSWELL. [In the late edition of the Biographical Dictionary, the foregoing story is indeed noticed, but with an observation that it has been completely refuted. Richard Rolt died in March, 1770.-ED.] 3 I have both the books. Innes was the clergyman who brought Psalmanazar to England, and was an accomplice in his extraordinary fiction.BOSWELL. whole book, with blottings, interlineations, and corrections, that it might be shown to several people as an original. It was, in truth, the production of Mr. Henry Mackenzie, an attorney in the Exchequer at Edinburgh, who is the authour of several other ingenious pieces; but the belief with regard to Mr. Eccles became so general, that it was thought necessary for Messieurs Strahan and Cadell to publish an advertise ment in the newspapers, contradicting the report, and mentioning that they purchased the copyright of Mr. Mackenzie. I can conceive this kind of fraud to be very easily practised with successful effrontery. The filiation of a literary performance is difficult of proof; seldom is there any witness present at its birth. A man, either in confidence or by improper means, obtains possession of a copy of it in manuscript, and boldly publishes it as his own. The true authour, in many cases, may not be able to make his title clear. Johnson, indeed, from the peculiar features of his literary offspring, might bid defiance to any attempt to appropriate them to others: "But Shakspeare's magick could not copied be; Within that circle none durst walk but he." the extent of my paper, that I design to recompense rarity by length. A short letter to a distant friend is, in my opinion, an insult like that of a slight bow or cursory salutation; a proof of unwillingness to do much, even where there is a necessity of doing something. Yet it must be remembered, that he who continues the same course of life in the same place will have little to tell. One week and one year are very like one another. The silent changes made by time are not always perceived; and if they are not perceived, cannot be recounted. I have risen and lain down, talked and mused, while you have roved over a considerable part of Europe; yet I have not envied my Baretti any of his pleasures, though, perhaps, I have envied others his company: and I am glad to have other nations made acquainted with the character of the English, by a traveller who has so nicely inspected our manners, and so successfully studied our literature. I received your kind letter from Falmouth, in which you gave me notice of your departure for Lisbon; and another from Lisbon, in which you told me, that you were to leave Portugal in a few days. To either of these how could any answer be returned? I have had a third from Turin, Complaining that I have not answered the former. Your English style still continues in its purity and vigour. With vigour your genius will supply it: but its purity must be continued by close attention. To use two languages familiarly, and without conficult; and to use more than two, is hardly taminating one by the other, is very dif to be hoped. The praises which some have received for their multiplicity of languages may be sufficient to excite industry, but can hardly generate confidence. your joice at the kind reception which you have "I know not whether I can heartily refound, or at the popularity to which you are exalted. I am willing that your merit should be distinguished; but cannot wish that affections may be gained. I would have you happy wherever you are: yet I would have you wish to return to England. If ever you visit us again you will find the kindness of your friends undiminished. To tell you how many inquiries are made after you would be tedious, or if not tedious, would be vain; because you may be told in a very few words, that all who knew you wish you well; and that all that you embraced at your departure will caress you at your return; therefore do not let Italian academicians nor Italian ladies drive us from your to Mr. Baretti, which are among the very best he ever wrote, were communicated to the proprietors of that instructive and elegant monthly miscellany, The European Magazine, in which they first appeared.-BOSWELL. thoughts. You may find among us what you will leave behind, soft smiles and easy sonnets. Yet I shall not wonder if all our invitations should be rejected: for there is a pleasure in being considerable at home, which is not easily resisted. "By conducting Mr. Southwell to Venice, you fulfilled, I know, the original contract: yet I would wish you not wholly to lose him from your notice, but to recommend him to such acquaintance as may best secure him from suffering by his own follies, and to take such general care both of his safety and his interest as may come within your power. His relations will thank you for any such gratuitous attention: at least they will not blame you for any evil that may happen, whether they thank you or not for any good. We have had many new farces, and the comedy called The Jealous Wife,' which, though not written with much genius, was yet so well adapted to the stage, and sc well exhibited by the actors, that it was crowded for near twenty nights. I am di gressing from myself to the playhouse; but a barren plan must be filled with episodes. Of myself I have nothing to say, but that I have hitherto lived without the concurrence of my own judgment; yet I continue to flatter myself, that when you return, you will find me mended. I do not wonder that where the monastick life is permitted, every order finds votaries, and every monastery inhabitants. Men will submit to any rule, by which they may be exempted from the tyranny of caprice and of chance. They are glad to supply by external authority their own want of constancy and resolution, and court the government of others, when long experience has convinced them of their own inability to govern themselves. If I were to visit Italy, my curiosity would be more attracted by convents than by palaces; though I am afraid that I should find ex "You know that we have a new king and a new parliament. Of the new parliament Fitzherbert? is a member. We were so weary of our old king, that we are much pleased with his successor; of whom we are so much inclined to hope great things, that most of us begin already to believe them. The young man is hitherto blame-pectation in both places equally disappointed, less; but it would be unreasonable to expect much from the immaturity of juvenile years, and the ignorance of princely education. He has been long in the hands of the Scots, and has already favoured them more than the English will contentedly endure. But, perhaps, he scarcely knows whom he has distinguished, or whom he has disgusted. "The artists have instituted a yearly exhibition of pictures and statues, in imitation, as I am told, of foreign academies. This year was the second exhibition. They please themselves much with the multitude of spectators, and imagine that the English school will rise in reputation. Reynolds is without a rival, and continues to add thousands to thousands, which he deserves, among other excellencies, by retaining his kindness for Baretti. This exhibition has filled the heads of the artists and lovers of art. Sure ly life, it be not long, is tedious, since we are forced to call in the assistance of so many trifles to rid us of our time, of that time which never can return. "I know my Baretti will not be satisfied with a letter in which I give him no account of myself: yet what account shall I give him? I have not, since the day of of our separation, suffered or done any thing considerable. The only change in my way of life is, that I have frequented the theatre more than in former seasons. But I have gone thither only to escape from myself. [Probably, the Hon. Thomas Arthur Southwell, afterwards second Viscount Southwell, who was born in 1742, and succeeded his father in 1780.-ED.] For Derby. See ante, p. 29. and life in both places supported with impatience and quitted with reluctance. That it must be so soon quitted, is a powerful remedy against impatience; but what shall free us from reluctance? Those who have endeavoured to teach us to die well, have taught few to die willingly: yet I cannot but hope that a good life might end at last in a contented death. "You see to what a train of thought I am drawn by the mention of myself. Let me now turn my attention upon you. I hope you take care to keep an exact journal, and to register all occurrences and observations; for your friends here expect such a book of travels as has not been often seen. You have given us good specimens in your letters from Lisbon. I wish you had staid longer in Spain, for no country is less known to the rest of Europe; but the quickness of your discernment must make amends for the celerity of your motions. He that knows which way to direct his views, sees much in a little time. "Write to me very often, and I will not neglect to write to you; and I may perhaps, in time, get something to write: at least you will know by my letters, whatever else they may have or want, that I continue to be your most affectionate friend, p. 318. Hawk. painting, notwithstanding the many eulogiums on that art which, after the commencement of his friendship with Sir Joshua Reynolds, he inserted in his writings, he had not the least conception; and the notice of this defect led Sir J. Hawkins to mention the following fact. One evening, at the club, Hawkins came in with a small roll of prints, which, in the afternoon, he had picked up: they were landscapes of Perelle, and laying it down with his hat, Johnson's curiosity prompted him to take it up and unroll it: he viewed the prints severally with great attention, and asked Hawkins what sort of pleasure such things could afford him: he replied that, as representations of nature, containing an assemblage of such particulars as render rural scenes delightful, they presented to his mind the objects themselves, and that his imagination realised the prospect before him. Johnson said, that was more than his would do, for that in his whole life he was never capable of discerning the least resemblance of any kind between a picture and the subject it was intended to represent.. To the delights of musick, he was equally insensible: neither voice nor instrument, nor the harmony of concordant sounds, had power over his affections, or even to engage his attention. Of music in general, he has been heard to say, "it excites in my mind no ideas, and hinders me from contemplating my own ;" and of a fine singer, or instrumental performer, that "he had the merit of a Canary-bird." Not that his hearing was so defective as to account for this insensibility, but he laboured under the misfortune which he has noted in the life of Barretier, and is common to more persons than in this musical age are willing to confess it, of wanting that additional sense or faculty which renders music grateful to the human ear.] tures." [George Leonard Staunton was born in Galway, in Ireland, in 1737, and having adopted the profession of medicine, which he studied in France, he came to London in 1760, where he wrote for the periodical publications of the day, and formed an acquaintance with Dr. Johnson. In 1762 he went to the West Indies, where he practised as a physician for a short time, and by that and some civil offices, accumulated a compe tent fortune, which he invested in estates in the In 1762 he wrote for the Reverend Dr. island of Granada. He returned to England in Kennedy, Rector of Bradley in Derbyshire, 1770; but, in 1772, again went to Granada, in a strain of very courtly elegance, a Ded- where he was appointed attorney-general, and ication to the King of that gentleman's made the valuable acquaintance of Lord Macartwork, entitled "A complete System of As-ney, who became governor of that island in 1774. tronomical Chronology, unfolding the ScripHe had certainly looked at this work before it was printed; for the concluding paragraph is undoubtedly of his composition, of which let my readers judge: "Thus have I endeavoured to free religion and history from the darkness of a disputed and uncertain chronology; from difficulties which have hitherto appeared insuperable, and darkness which no luminary of learning has hitherto been able to dissipate. I have established the truth of the Mosaical account, by evidence which no transcription can corrupt, no negligence can lose, and no interest can pervert. I have shown that the universe bears witness to the inspira By the capture of Granada by the French He spent upon the care of living, and that we can seldom obtain ease in one respect but by resigning it in another: yet I suppose we are by this dispensation not less happy in the whole, than if the spontaneous bounty of Nature poured all that we want into our hands. A few, if they were left thus to themselves, would, perhaps, spend their time in laudable pursuits; but the greater part would prey upon the quiet of each other, or, in the want of other objects, would prey upon themselves. "This, however, is our condition, which we must improve and solace as we can and though we cannot choose always our place of residence, we may in every place find rational amusements, and possess in every place the comforts of piety and a pure conscience. "In America there is little to be observed except natural curiosities. The new world must have many vegetables and animals with which philosophers are but little acquainted. I hope you will furnish yourself with some books of natural history, and some glasses and other instruments of observation. Trust as little as you can to report; examine all you can by your own senses. I do not doubt but you will be able to add much to knowledge, and, perhaps, to medicine. Wild nations trust to simples; and, perhaps the Peruvian bark is not the only specific which those extensive regions may afford us. "Wherever you are, and whatever be your fortune, be certain, dear sir, that you carry with you my kind wishes; and that whether you return hither or stay in the other hemisphere, to hear that you are happy will give pleasure to sir, your most affectionate humble servant, be expiated by pain; and expectations improperly indulged, must end in disappointment. If it be asked, what is the improper expectation which it is dangerous to indulge, experience will quickly answer, that it is such expectation as is dictated not by reason, but by desire; expectation raised, not by the common occurrences of life, but by the wants of the expectant; an expectation that requires the common course of things to be changed, and the general rules of action to be broken. "When you made your request to me, you should have considered, madam, what you were asking. You ask me to solicit a great man to whom I never spoke, for a young person whom I had never seen, upon a supposition which I had no means of knowing to be true. There is no reason why, amongst all the great, I should choose to supplicate the archbishop, nor why, among all the possible objects of his bounty, the archbishop should choose your son. I know, madam, how unwillingly conviction is admitted, when interest opposes it; but surely, madam, you must allow, that there is no reason why that should be done by me, which every other man may do with equal reason, and which, indeed, no man can do properly, without some very particular relation both to the archbishop and to you. If I could help you in this exigence by any proper means, it would give me pleasure; but this proposal is so very remote from usual methods, that I cannot comply with it, but at the risk of such answer and suspicions as I believe you do not wish me to undergo. "I have seen your son this morning; he ssems a pretty youth, and will, perhaps, find some better friend than I can procure him; but though he should at last miss the University, he may still be wise, useful, and happy. I am, madam, your most humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON." TO MR. JOSEPH BARETTI, AT MILAN. "London, 20th July, 1762. "SIR,-However justly you may accuse me for want of punctuality in correspondence, I am not so far lost in negligence as to omit the opportunity of writing to you, which Mr. Beauclerk's passage through Milan affords me. "I suppose you received the Idlers, and I intend that you shall soon receive Shakspeare, that you may explain his works to the ladies of Italy, and tell them the story of the editor, among the other strange narratives with which your long residence in this unknown region has supplied you. "As you have now been long away, I suppose your curiosity may pant for some news of your old friends. Miss Williams and I live much as we did. Miss Cot |