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"TO DR. SAMUEL JOHNSON. "Auchinleck, 6th Nov. 1766. "MUCH ESTEEMED AND DEAR SIR,plead not guilty to 1

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"Having thus, I hope, cleared myself of the charge brought against me, I presume you will not be displeased if I escape the punishment which you have decreed for me unheard. If you have discharged the arrows of criticism against an innocent man, you must rejoice to find they have missed him, or have not been pointed so as to wound him.

"To talk no longer in allegory, I am, with all deference, going to offer a few observations in defence of my Latin, which you have found fault with.

"You think I should have used spei primæ, instead of spei altera. Spes is, indeed, often used to express something on which we have a future dependence, as in Virg. Eclog. i. 1, 14.

-modo namque gemellos Spem gregis ah! silice in nuda connixa reliquit: ' and in Georg. iii. 1. 473.

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ing mentioned Pater Æneas, who was the present spes, the reigning spes, as my German friends would say, the spes prima, the poet adds,

Et juxta Ascanius, magnæ spes altera Romæ ?,'

"You think altera ungrammatical, and you tell me it should have been alteri. You must recollect, that in old times alter was declined regularly; and when the ancient fragments preserved in the Juris Civilis Fontes were written, it was certainly declined in the way that I use it. This, I should think, may protect a lawyer who writes altera in a dissertation upon part of his own science. But as I could hardly venture to quote fragments of old law to so classical a man as Mr. Johnson, I have not made an accurate search into these re

mains, to find examples of what I am able to produce in poetical composition. We find in Plaut. Rudens, act iii. scene 4, Nam huic alteræ patria quæ sit profecto nescio.'

Plautus is, to be sure, an old comick writer; but in the days of Scipio and Lelius, we find Terent. Heautontim. act ii. scene 3.

-hoc ipsa in itinere altera

Dum narrat, forte audivi.'

"You doubt my having authority for using genus absolutely, for what we call family, that is, for illustrious extraction. Now I take genus in Latin to have much the same signification with birth in English; both in their primary meaning expressing simply descent, but both made to stand

ox for noble descent. Genus is thus used in Hor. lib. ii. Sat. v. 1. 8.

Et genus et virtus, nisi cum re, vilior alga est.' And in lib. i. Epist. vi. 1. 37.

'Et genus et formamRegina pecunia donat.' And in the celebrated contest between Ajax and Ulysses, Ovid's Metamorph. lib. xiii. 1. 140.

Nam genus et proavos, et quæ non fecimus ipsi, Vix ea nostra voco.'

"Homines nullius originis. for nullis orti majoribus, or hullo loco nati, is, you are afraid, barbarous.'

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"Origo is used to signify extraction, as He had then 2 contracted a great intimacy in Virg. Æneid i. 286.

'Nascetur pulchrâ Trojanus origine Cæsar: ' and in Æneid x. 1. 618,

'Ille tamen nostrâ deducit origine nomen.' And as nullus is used for obscure, it is not in the genius of the Latin language to write nullius originis, for obscure extraction? "I have defended myself as well as I could.

"Might I venture to differ from you with regard to the utility of vows? I am sensible that it would be very dangerous to make vows rashly, and without a due consideration. But I cannot help thinking that they may often be of great advantage to one of a variable judgment and irregular inclinations. I always remember a passage in one of your letters to our Italian friend Baretti, where, talking of the monastick life, you say you do not wonder that serious men should put themselves under the protection of a religious order, when they have found how unable they are to take care of themselves. For my own part, without affecting to be a Socrates, I am sure I have a more than ordinary struggle to maintain with the Evil Principle; and all the methods I can devise are little enough to keep me tolerably steady in the paths of rectitude.

"I am ever, with the highest veneration, your affectionate humble servant,

Piozzi, p. 173, 174.

"JAMES BOSWELL."

[Much of Johnson's eloquence and much of his logick were occasionally used to prevent men from making vows on trivial occasions; and when he saw a person oddly perplexed about a slight difficulty, "Let the man alone (he would say), and torment him no more about it; there is a vow in the case, I am convinced; but is it not very strange that people should be neither afraid nor ashamed of bringing in God Almighty thus at every turn between themselves and their dinner?" When once asked what ground he had for such imaginations, he replied, "That a young lady once told him in confidence, that she could never persuade herself to be dressed against the bell rung for dinner,

till she made a vow to heaven that she would never more be absent from the family meals."]

It appears from Johnson's diary 1, that he was this year at Mr. Thrale's, from before Midsummer till after Michaelmas, and that he afterwards passed a month at Oxford.

["I returned from Streatham, Oct. 1, having lived there more than three months."-Prayers and Meditations, p. 70.-ED.]

with Mr. Chambers of that university, afterwards Sir Robert Chambers, one of the judges in India.

He published nothing this year in his own name; but the noble dedication to the king of Gwyn's "London and Westminster Improved," was written by him; and he furnished the Preface t, and several of the pieces, which compose a volume of Miscellanies by Mrs. Anna Williams, the blind lady who had an asylum in his house 4. Of these, there are his " Epitaph on Phillips *;" "Translation of a Latin Epitaph on Sir Thomas Hanmert;" "Friendship, an ode*;" and "The Ant," a paraphrase from the Proverbs, of which I have a copy in his own handwriting; and, from internal evidence, I ascribe to him, "To Miss

2 [He had known him at least twelve years before this. See ante, p. 118.—Ed.]

3 [In this work Mr. Gwyn proposed the principle, and in many instances the details, of the most important improvements which have been made in the metropolis in our day. A bridge near Somerset House-a great street from the neighbourhood of the Haymarket to the New Road-the improvement of the interior of St. James's Park-quays along the Thames-new approaches to London Bridge-the removal of Smithfield market, and several other suggestions on which we pride ourselves as original designs of our own times, are all to be found in Mr. Gwyn's very able and very curious work. It is singular, that he denounced a row of houses, then building in Pimlico, as intolerable nuisances to Buckingham Palace, and of these very houses the public voice now calls for the destruction. Gwyn had, as Mr. D'Israeli very happily quotes, "the prophetic eye of taste."ED.]

4 In a paper already mentioned (see p. 97. 100.) the following account of this publication is given by a lady [Lady Knight] well acquainted with Mrs. Williams:

"As to her poems, she many years attempted to publish them: the halfcrowns she had got towards the publication, she confessed to me, went for necessaries, and that the greatest pain she ever felt was from the appearance of defrauding her subscribers: but what can I do? the Doctor (Johnson) always puts me off with, Well, we'll think about it; and Goldsmith says, Leave it to me.' However, two of her friends, under her directions, made a new subscription at a crown, the whole price of the work, and in a very little time raised sixty pounds. Mrs. Carter was applied to by Mrs. Williams's desire, and sne, with the utmost activity and kindness, procured a long list of names. At length the work was published, in which is a fine written but gloomy tale of Dr. Johnson. The money Mrs. Williams had various uses for, and a part was funded."

By this publication Mrs. Williams got 1501. Ibid.-MALONE.

Edward, Duke of York. In writing dedications for others, he considered himself as by no means speaking his own sentiments.

He wrote this year a letter, not intended for publication, which has, perhaps, as strong marks of his sentiment and style, as any of his compositions. The original is in my possession. It is addressed to the late Mr. William Drummond, bookseller in Edinburgh, a gentleman of good family, but small estate, who took arms for the house of Stuart in 1775; and during his concealment in London till the act of general pardon came out, obtained the acquaintance of Dr. Johnson, who justly esteemed him as a very worthy man. It seems, some of the mem

on her giving the Authour a gold and silver | ily round;" and it was indifferent to him net-work purse of her own weaving † 1;" what was the subject of the work dedicated, and "The happy Lifet." Most of the provided it were innocent. He once dedipieces in this volume have evidently receiv-cated some musick for the German Flute to ed additions from his superiour pen, particularly "Verses to Mr. Richardson, on his Sir Charles Grandison; ""The Excursion;" ""Reflections on a Grave digging in Westminster Abbey." There is in this collection a poem, "On the death of Stephen Grey, the Electrician *;" which, on reading it, appeared to me to be undoubtedly Johnson's. I asked Mrs. Williams whether it was not his. "Sir," said she, with some warmth, "I wrote that poem before I had the honour of Dr. Johnson's acquaintance." I, however, was so much impressed with my first notion, that I mentioned it to Johnson, repeating, at the same time, what Mrs. Williams had said. His answer was, "It is true, sir, that she wrote it before she was ac-bers of the society in Scotland for propagaquainted with me; but she has not told you ting Christian knowledge had opposed the that I wrote it all over again, except two scheme of translating the holy scriptures lines." "The Fountains t," a beautiful into the Erse or Gaelic language, from polittle fairy tale in prose, written with exqui-litical considerations of the disadvantage of site simplicity, is one of Johnson's productions; and I cannot withhold 2 from Mrs. Thrale the praise of being the authour of that admirable poem, "The Three Warnings."

He was, indeed, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving, their Dedications. In that courtly species of composition no man excelled Dr. Johnson. Though the loftiness of his mind 3 prevented him from ever dedicating in his own person, he wrote a very great number of dedications for others. Some of these the persons who were favoured with them are unwilling should be mentioned, from a too anxious apprehension, as I think, that they might be suspected of having received larger assistance; and some, after all the diligence I have bestowed, have escaped my inquiries. He told me, a great many years ago, "he believed he had dedicated to all the royal fam

1 [See ante, p. 71. n. where it is shown that the translation of the Epitaph on Hanmer and the Verses on the Purse are by Hawkesworth.

-ED.

2 [This is almost a confession that he would if he could, and shows clearly the kind of feeling he had towards that lady.-ED.]

3 [This is surely not the occasion on which one would have expected to hear of "loftiness of nind:" a dedicator in his own person may be sincere, but he who writes a dedication for another cannot be so, and is moreover accessary to a public deception: and when this imposition is practised for hire (however it may be excused), it ought not, surely, to be accompanied by any extravagant eulogy on loftiness of mind.ED.]

keeping up the distinction between the Highlanders and the other inhabitants of North Britain. Dr. Johnson being informed of this, I suppose by Mr. Drummond, wrote with a generous indignation as follows

"TO MR. WILLIAM DRUMMOND. "Johnson's-court, Fleet-street, 13th August, 1766. "SIR,-I did not expect to hear that it could be, in an assembly convened for the propagation of Christian knowledge, a question whether any nation uninstructed in religion should receive instruction; or whether that instruction should be imparted to them by a translation of the holy books into their own language. If obedience to the will of God be necessary to happiness, and knowledge of his will be necessary to obedience, I know not how he that withholds this knowledge, or delays it, can be said to love his neighbour as himself. He tha voluntarily continues in ignorance is guilty of all the crimes which ignorance produces; as to him that should extinguish the tapers of a light-house, might justly be imputed the calamities of shipwrecks. Christianity is the highest perfection of humanity; and as no man is good but as he wishes the good of others, no man can be good in the highest degree, who wishes not to others the largest measures of the greatest good. To omit for a year, or for a day, the most efficacious method of advancing Christianity, in compliance with any purposes that terminate on this side of the grave, is a crime of which I know not that the world has yet had an example, except in the practice of the planters of America, a race of mortals whom, I suppose, no other man wishes to resemble,

"The papists have, indeed, denied to the laity the use of the Bible; but this prohibition, in few places now very rigorously enforced, is defended by arguments, which have for their foundation the care of souls. To obscure, upon motives merely political, the light of revelation, is a practice reserved for the reformed; and, surely, the blackest midnight of popery is meridian sunshine to such a reformation. I am not very willing that any language should be totally extinguished. The similitude and derivation of languages afford the most indubitable proof of the traduction of nations, and the genealogy of mankind. They add often physical certainty to historical evidence; and often supply the only evidence of ancient migrations, and of the revolutions of ages which left no written monuments behind them.

translation 1, that he has my wishes for his success; and if here or at Oxford I can be of any use, that I shall think it more than honour to promote his undertaking.

"I am sorry that I delayed so long to write.-I am, sir, your most humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON."

The opponents of this pious scheme being made ashamed of their conduct, the benevolent undertaking was allowed to go on.

The following letters, though not written till the year after, being chiefly upon the same subject, are here inserted:

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TO MR. WILLIAM DRUMMOND. "Johnson's-court, Fleet-street, 21st April, 1767. "DEAR SIR,-That my letter should have had such effects as you mention gives me great pleasure. I hope you do not flatter me by imputing to me more good than I have really done. Those whom my arguments have persuaded to change their opinion, show such modesty and candour as deserve great praise.

"I hope the worthy translator goes diligently forward. He has a higher reward in prospect than any honours which this world can bestow. I wish I could be useful to him.

are nothing, I should not prohibit. But first, I would have you to consider whether the publication will really do any good; next whether by printing and distributing a very small number, you may not attain all that you propose; and, what perhaps I should have said first, whether the letter, which I do not now perfectly remember, be fit to be printed.

"Every man's opinions, at least his desires, are a little influenced by his favourite studies. My zeal for languages may seem, perhaps, rather over-heated, even to those by whom I desire to be well esteemed. To those who have nothing in their thoughts but trade or policy, present power, or present money, I should not think it necessary to defend my opinions; but with men of letters I would not unwillingly compound, by wishing the continuance of every language, however narrow in its extent, or however incommo- "The publication of my letter, if it could dious for common purposes, till it is reposit-be of use in a cause to which all other causes ed in some version of a known book, that it may be always hereafter examined and compared with other languages, and then permitting its disuse. For this purpose, the translation of the Bible is most to be desired. It is not certain that the same method will not preserve the Highland language, for the purposes of learning, and abolish it from daily use. When the highlanders read the Bible, they will naturally wish to have its obscurities cleared, and to know the history, collateral or appendant. Knowledge always desires increase; it is like fire, which must be kindled by some external agent, but which will afterwards propagate itself. When they once desire to learn they will naturally have recourse to the nearest language by which that desire can be gratified; and one will tell another that if he would attain knowledge, he must learn English. "This speculation may, perhaps, be thought more subtle than the grossness of real life will easily admit. Let it, however, be remembered, that the efficacy of ignorance has long been tried, and has not produced the consequence expected. Let knowledge, therefore, take its turn; and let the patrons of privation stand awhile aside, and admit the operation of positive principles.

"You will be pleased, sir, to assure the worthy man who is employed in the new

"If you can consult Dr. Robertson, to whom I am a little known, I shall be satisfied about the propriety of whatever he shall direct. If he thinks that it should be

The Rev. Mr. John Campbell, minister of the parish of Kippen, near Stirling, who has lately favoured me with a long, intelligent, and very obliging letter upon this work, makes the following remark: "Dr. Johnson has alluded to the worthy man employed in the translation of the New Testament. Might not this have afford

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you an opportunity of paying a proper tribute of respect to the memory of the Rev. Mr. James his eminent piety, learning and taste? The amiaStuart, late minister of Killin, distinguished by ble simplicity of his life, his warm benevolence, his indefatigable and successful exertions for civilizing and improving the parish of which he was minister for upwards of fifty years, entitle him to the gratitude of his country, and the veneration of all good men. It certainly would be a pity, if such a character should be permitted to sink into oblivion.”— "-BOSWELL,

printed, I entreat him to revise it; there may, perhaps, be some negligent lines written, and whatever is amiss, he knows very well how to rectify 1.

"Be pleased to let me know, from time to time, how this excellent design goes forward.

"Make my compliments to young Mr. Drummond, whom I hope you will live to see such as you desire him.

"I have not lately seen Mr. Elphinston, but believe him to be prosperous. I shall be glad to hear the same of you, for I am, sir, your affectionate humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON,"

"TO MR. WILLIAM DRUMMOND. London, Johnson's-court, Fleet-street, 24th Oct. 1767. 66 SIR, I returned this week from the country, after an absence of near six months, and found your letter with many others, which I should have answered sooner, if I had sooner seen them.

"Dr. Robertson's opinion was surely right. Men should not be told of the faults which they have mended. I am glad the old language is taught, and honour the translator, as a man whom God has distinguished by the high office of propagating

his word.

"I must take the liberty of engaging you in an office of charity. Mrs. Heely, the wife of Mr. Heely, who had lately some office in your theatre, is my near relation, and now in great distress. They wrote me word of their situation some time ago, to which I returned them an answer which raised hopes of more than it is proper for me to give them. Their representation of their affairs I have discovered to be such as cannot be trusted: and at this distance, though their case requires haste, I know not how to act. She, or her daughters, may be heard of at Canongate-head. I must beg, sir, that you will inquire after them, and let me know what is to be done. I am willing to go to ten pounds, and will transmit you such a sum, if upon examination you find it likely to be of use. If they are in immediate want, advance them what you think proper. What I could do I would do for the woman, having no great reason to pay much regard to Heely himself 2.

This paragraph shows Johnson's real estimation of the character and abilities of the celebrated Scottish historian, however lightly, in a moment of caprice, he may have spoken of his works.-BoswELL. [He seems never to have spoken otherwise than slightingly of Dr. Robertson's works, however he may have respected his judgment on this particular subject. See p. 247, 313, and 299.-ED.]

2 This is the person concerning whom Sir John Hawkins has thrown out very unwarrantable reflections both against Dr. Johnson and Mr.

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"I believe you may receive some intelligence from Mrs. Baker of the theatre, whose letter I received at the same time with yours; and to whom, if you see her, you will make my excuse for the seeming neglect of answering her.

"Whatever you advance within ten pounds shall be immediately returned to you, or paid as you shall order. I trust wholly to your judgment.-I am, sir, &c. "SAM. JOHNSON."

Mr. Cuthbert Shaw 3, alike distinguished by his genius, misfortunes, and misconduct, published this year a poem, called "The Race, by Mercurius Spur, Esq." in which he whimsically made the living poets of England contend for pre-eminence of fame by running:

"Prove by their heels the prowess of the head.” trait of Johnson: In this poem there was the following por

"Here Johnson comes,-unblest with outward

grace,

His rigid morals stamp'd upon his face; (For even wit is brought to bed with pain:) While strong conceptions struggle in his brain; To view him, porters with their loads would rest, And babes cling frighted to the nurses' breast. With looks convulsed he roars in pompous strain, And, like an angry lion, shakes his mane. The nine, with terrour struck, who ne'er had seen Aught human with so terrible a mien, Debating whether they should stay or run, Virtue steps forth and claims him for her son. With gentle speech she warns him now to yield, Nor stain his glories in the doubtful field; But wrapt in conscious worth, content sit down, Since Fame, resolved his various pleas to crown, Though forced his present claim to disavow, Had long reserved a chaplet for his brow, He bows, obeys; for time shall first expire, Ere Johnson stay, when Virtue bids retire. Frances Barber.-BoSWELL. [Hawkins wished to persuade the world that Dr. Johnson acted unjustifiably in preferring (in the disposal of his property,) Barber to this man, whom Sir John and his daughter, in her Memoirs, call, with a most surprising disregard of truth, Johnson's relation, but who, in fact, had only married his relation. She was dead and Heely had married another woman at the time when Hawkins affected to think that he had claims to be Dr. Johnson's heir, and we find that, so early as this year, Johnson expressed his disregard for Heely himself. Some scenes took place in the last days of Johnson's life which, as we shall see, do little credit to Sir John Hawkins, and it seems probable that Barber detected and reported them, as was his duty, to his master; whence, perhaps, Hawkins's malevolence both to Johnson and Barber, and his endeavour to set up a rival to the latter. See post, 12th August, and sub November, 1784.—ED.]

3 See an account of him in the European Magazine, Jan. 1786.-BoswELL.

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