Gent Mag. FUL. 58. P. 479. ["TO MR. RICHARDSON. "Gough Square, 16th March, 1756. "SIR,-I am obliged to entreat your assistance; I am now under an arrest for five pounds eighteen shillings. Mr. Strahan, from whom I should have received the necessary help in this case, is not at home, and I am afraid of not finding Mr. Millar. If you will be so good as to send me this sum, I will very gratefully repay you, and add it to all former obligations. I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON." "Sent six guineas 1. ["DR. JOHNSON TO DR. WARTON." "15th April, 1756. "DEAR SIR,-Though, when of Dr. you and your brother were in town, Warton, you did not think my humble habitation worth a visit, yet I will not so far give way to sullenness as not to tell you that I have lately seen an octavo book 2 which I suspect to be yours, though I have not yet read above ten pages. That way of publishing, without acquainting your friends, is a wicked trick. However, I will not so far depend upon a mere conjecture as to charge you with a fraud which I cannot prove you to have committed. our, and a great deal of profit, and I doubt not but your abilities will obtain both. "For my part, I have not lately done much. I have been ill in the winter, and my eye has been inflamed; but I please myself with the hopes of doing many things with which I have long pleased and deceived myself. "What becomes of poor dear Collins 5? I wrote him a letter which he never answered. I suppose writing is very troublesome to him. That man is no common loss. The moralists all talk of the uncertainty of fortune, and the transitoriness of beauty; but it is yet more dreadful to consider that the powers of the mind are equally liable to change, that understanding may make its appearance and depart, that it may blaze and expire. "Let me not be long without a letter, and I will forgive you the omission of the visit; and if you can tell me that you are now more happy than before, you will give great pleasure to, dear sir, your most affectionate and most humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON."] His works this year were, an abstract or epitome, in octavo, of his folio Dictionary, and a few essays in a monthly publication, entitled "THE UNIVERSAL VISITER." Christopher Smart, with whose unhappy "I should be glad to hear that you are vacillation of mind he sincerely sympathised, pleased with your new situation. You was one of the stated undertakers of this have now a kind of royalty, and are to be miscellany; and it was to assist him that answerable for your conduct to posterity. Johnson sometimes employed his pen. All I suppose you care not now to answer a let-the essays marked with two asterisks have ter, except there be a lucky concurrence of a postday with a holiday. These restraints are troublesome for a time, but custom makes them easy with the help of some hon 1 [Upon this Mr. Murphy regrets, "for the honour of an admired writer, not to find a more beral entry-to his friend in distress he sent eight shillings more than was wanted! Had an rident of this kind occurred in one of his romances, Richardson would have known how to grace his hero; but in fictitious scenes generosity Costs the writer nothing."-Life, p. 87. This is very unjust. We have seen that Mr. Richardson hal, just the month before, been called upon to de Johnson a similar service; and it has been stated that about this period Richardson was his con-tant resource in difficulties of this kind. Richardson moreover had numerous calls of the same nature from other quarters, which he answered with a ready and well-regulated charity. Instead, therefore, of censuring him for not giving Or, Mr. Murphy might have praised him for eving done all that was required on the particuserasion-ED.] [ilis essay on the writings and genius of feje-ED.] . [His appointment of head-master of Winthester school.-ED. been ascribed to him; but I am confident, not explain; but with deference to those He engaged also to superintend and con [Collins died in this year.-ED.] tribute largely to another monthly publication, entitled" THE LITERARY MAGAZINE, OR UNIVERSAL REVIEW* 1;" the first number of which came out in May this year. What were his emoluments from this undertaking, and what other writers were employed in it, I have not discovered. He continued to write in it, with intermissions, till the fifteenth number; and I think that he never gave better proofs of the force, acuteness, and vivacity of his mind, than in this miscellany, whether we consider his original essays, or his reviews of the works of others. The "Preliminary Address" to the publick is a proof how this great man could embellish, with the graces of superiour composition, even so trite a thing as the plan of a magazine. His original essays are, " An introduction to the Political State of Great Britiant; " "Remarks on the Militia Bill †; "Observations on his Britannick Majesty's Treaties with the Empress of Russia and the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel t;" "Observations on the present State of Affairst; " and "Memoirs of Frederick III. King of Prussiat." In all these he displays extensive political knowledge and sagacity, expressed with uncommon energy and perspicuity, without any of those words which he sometimes took a pleasure in adopting, in imitation of Sir Thomas Browne; of whose "Christian Morals" he this year gave an edition, with his "Life" prefixed to it, which is one of Johnson's best biographical performances. In one instance only in these essays has he indulged his Brownism. Dr. Robertson, the historian, mentioned it to me, as having at once convinced him that Johnson was the authour of the "Memoirs of the King of Prussia." Speaking of the pride which the old king, the father of his hero, took in being master of the tallest regiment in Europe, he says, "To review this towering regiment was his daily pleasure; and to perpetuate it was so much his care, that when he met a tall woman he immediately commanded one of his Titanian retinue to marry her, that they might propagate procerity." For this Anglo-Latian word procerity, Johnson had, however, the authority of Addison. 66 .996 H "Borlase's History of the Isles of Scill It is worthy of remark, in justice to J son's political character, which has misrepresented 2 as abjectly submissiv power, that his "Observation on the p ent State of Affairs" glow with as ani ed a spirit of constitutional liberty as be found any where. Thus he begins: "The time is now come, in which e Englishman expects to be informed of national affairs; and in which he has a to have that expectation gratified. whatever may be urged by ministers 2 [Dr. Johnson's political bias is now that the editor knows, represented as ha been, at this date, " abjectly submissive to er. On the contrary, he was supposed, His reviews are of the following books: "Birch's History of the Royal Society;" "Murphy's Gray's-Inn Journalf;" "War-with some justice, to be adverse to the rei ton's Essay on the Writings and Genius of Pope, vol. I.t;" "Hampton's Translation of Polybiust;""Blackwell's Memoirs of the Court of Augustust;" ;" "Russel's Natural History of Aleppot;" "Sir Isaac New-Johnson was always a friend to discipline in ton's Arguments in Proof of a Deity;" house and its successive ministers. The c (which Mr. Boswell thus ingeniously answer shifting it) was, that after the grant o but the truth is, that in spite of his party pension he became too "submissive to pow political, as in the social world; and althoug joined in the clamour against Walpole, and George the Second, his general disposition always to support the monarchical part of constitution.-ED.] are very short accounts of the pieces noticed, and I mention them only that Dr. Johnson's opinion of the works may be known; but many of them are examples of elaborate criticism, in the most masterly style. In his review of the "Memoirs of the Court of Augustus," he has the resolution to think and speak from his own mind, regardless of the cant transmitted from age to age, in praise of the ancient Romans. Thus: "I know not why any one but a schoolboy in his declamation should whine over the commonwealth of Rome which grew great only by the misery of the rest of mankind. The Romans, like others, as soon as they grew rich, grew corrupt; and in their corruption sold the lives and freedoms of themselves, and of one another." Again, those whom vanity or interest make the followers of ministers, concerning the necessity of confidence in our governours, and the presumption of prying with profane eyes into the recesses of policy, it is evident that this reverence can be claimed only by counsels yet unexecuted, and projects suspended in deliberation. But when a design has ended in miscarriage or success, when every eye and every ear is witness to general discontent, or general satisfaction, it is then a proper time to disentangle confusion and illustrate obscurity; to show by what causes every event was produced, and in what effects it was likely to terminate; to lay down with distinct particularity what rumour always huddles in general exclamation, or perplexes by indigested nartatives; to show whence happiness or calamity is derived, and whence it may be expected; and honestly to lay before the people what inquiry can gather of the past, and conjecture can estimate of the future." Here we have it assumed as an incontrovertible principle, that in this country the people are the superintendents of the conduct and measures of those by whom government is administered; of the beneficial effect of which the present reign afforded an il- "The authours of the essays in prose lustrious example, when addresses from all seem generally to have imitated, or tried to parts of the kingdom controlled an auda-imitate, the copiousness and luxuriance of cious attempt to introduce a new power subversive of the crown1. A still stronger proof of his patriotick spirit appears in his review of an "Essay on Waters, by Dr. Lucas 2," of whom, after describing him as a man well known to the world for his daring defiance to power, when he thought it exerted on the side of wrong, he thus speaks: "The Irish ministers drove him from his native country by a proclamation, in which they charge him with crimes of which they never intended to be called to the proof, and oppressed him by methods equally irresistible by guilt and innocence. "A people, who while they were poor robbed mankind; and as soon as they became rich robbed one another." In his review of the Miscellanies in prose and verse, published by Elizabeth Harrison, but written by many hands, he gives an eminent proof at once of his orthodoxy and candour. Mrs. Rowe. This, however, is not all their praise; they have laboured to add to her brightness of imagery, her purity of sentiments. The poets have had Dr. Watts before their eyes; a writer who, if he stood not in the first class of genius, compensated that defect by a ready application of his powers to the promotion of piety. The attempt to employ the ornaments of romance in the decoration of religion was, I think, first made by Mr. Boyle's Martyrdom of Theodora; but Boyle's philosophical studies did not allow him time for the cultivation of style: and the completion of the great design was reserved for Mrs. Rowe. Watts was one of the first who taught the dissenters to write and speak like other men, by showing them that elegance might consist with piety. They would have both done honour to a better society, for they had that charity which might well make their failings forgotten, and with which the whole Christian world might wish for com[Mr. Boswell means Mr. Fox's celebrated munion. They were pure from all the hia Bill, as an adversary of which he distin-heresies of an age, to which every opinion good himself as much as a man in a private to could do.-ED.] "Let the man thus driven into exile, for having been the friend of his country, be received in every other place as a confessor of liberty; and let the tools of power be taught in time, that they may rob, but canat impoverish." 1 Some of his reviews in this magazine [Dr. Lucas was an apothecary in Dublin, who brought himself into public notice and a high degee of popularity by his writings and speeches against the government. He was elected representative of the city of Dublin in 1761; and a marble statue to his honor is erected in the Royat Exchange of that city. He died in Nov. 1771. --ED.] Dr. is become a favourite that the universal church has hitherto detested!" "This praise the general interest of mankind requires to be given to writers who please and do not corrupt, who instruct and do not weary. But to them all human eulogies are vain, whom I believe applauded by angels, and numbered with the just." His defence of tea against Mr. Jonas Hanway's violent attack upon that elegant | epitaph upon his monument, which II and popular beverage, shows how very well transcribed: a man of genius can write upon the slightest subject, when he writes, as the Italians say, con amore: I suppose no person ever enjoyed with more relish the infusion of The that fragrant leaf than Johnson. quantities which he drank of it at all hours were so great, that his nerves must have been uncommonly strong, not to have been extremely relaxed by such an intemperate use of it. He assured me that he never felt the least inconvenience from it; which is a proof that the fault of his constitution was rather a too great tension of fibres, than the contrary. Mr. Hanway wrote an angry answer to Johnson's review of his Essay on Tea, and Johnson, after a full and deliberate pause, made a reply to it; the only instance, I believe, in the whole course of his life, when he condescended to oppose any thing that was written against him. I suppose when he thought of any of his little antagonists, he was ever justly aware of the high sentiment of Ajax in Ovid: "Iste tulit pretium jam nunc certaminis hujus, Qui, cùm victus erit, mecum certasse feretur." But, indeed, the good Mr. Hanway laid himself so open to ridicule, that Johnson's animadversions upon his attack were chiefly to make sport. The generosity with which he pleads the cause of Admiral Byng is highly to the honour of his heart and spirit. Though Voltaire affects to be witty upon the fate of that unfortunate officer, observing that he was shot "pour encourager les autres," the nation has long been satisfied that his life was sacrificed to the political fervour of the times 2. In the vault belonging to the Torrington family, in the church of Southhill, in Bedfordshire, there is the following [Sir John Hawkins calls his addiction to it unmanly, and almost gives it the colour of a crime. The Rev. Mr. Parker, of Henley, is in possession of a teapot which belonged to Dr. Johnson, and which contains above two quarts. -ED.] [Nothing can be more unfounded than the assertion that Byng fell a martyr to political party. It is impossible to read the trial without being convinced that he had misconducted himself ; and the extraordinary proceedings in both houses of parliament subsequent to his trial prove at once the zeal of his friends to invalidate the finding of the Court-Martial, and the absence of all reason for doing so. By a strange coincidence of circumstances, it happened that there was a total change of ministry between his condemnation and his death; so that one party presided at his trial and another at his execution :-there can be no stronger proof that he was not a political martyr. See this subject treated at large in the Quarterly Review, for March, 1822, article Lord Oxford's Memoirs.-ED.] "TO THE PERPETUAL DISGRACE PERSECUTION, MARCH 14, IN THE YEAR 1757; Johnson's most exquisite critical e in the Literary Magazine, and indeed where, is his review of Soame Jeny "Inquiry into the Origin of Evil." Je was possessed of lively talents, and as eminently pure and easy, and could happily play with a light subject, eithe prose or verse; but when he speculated that most difficult and excruciating q tion, the Origin of Evil, he "ventured beyond his depth," and accordingly, exposed by Johnson, both with acute a ment and brilliant wit. I remember w the late Mr. Bicknell's humourous perf ance, entitled "The Musical Travels Joel Collyer," in which a slight attem made to ridicule Johnson, was ascribed Soame Jenyns, "Ha! (said Johnsor thought I had given him enough of it.' His triumph over Jenyns is thus desc ed by my friend Mr. Courtenay in "Poetical Review of the literary and m Character of Dr. Johnson; " a perform: of such merit, that had I not been hono with a very kind and partial notice in should echo the sentiments of men of first taste loudly in its praise: The source of evil hidden still from man; "When specious sophists with presumption Revive Arabian tales, and vainly hope To rival St. John, and his scholar Pope : Though metaphysicks spread the gloom of n By reason's star he guides our aching sight; The bounds of knowledge marks, and points way To pathless wastes, where wilder'd sages s 3 Some time after Dr. Johnson's death, appeared in the newspapers and magazines following] illiberal and petulant attack upon in the form of an Epitaph, under the nam Mr. Soame Jenyns, very unworthy of that tleman, who had quietly submitted to the cr lash while Johnson lived. It assumed, as acteristicks of him, all the vulgar circumsta of abuse which had circulated amongst the rant. [EPITAPH. By Soame Jenyns, Esq "Here lies poor JOHNSON. Reader, have a car Tread lightly, lest you rouse a sleeping bear; t me that Mr. pun upon his favourite liquor he heard with of Chris- a smile. Though his time seemed to be aint- bespoke, and quite engrossed, his house was always open to all his acquaintance, new vain: ite. and his folly, melancholy, - of his wit, and old. His amanuensis has given up his the printer's devil has waited on the for a proof sheet, and the press has od still, while his visitors were de d instructed. No subject ever him. He could transfer his one thing to another with lating facility. He had Locke was famous, of on their favourite subthey knew best. By this great deal of information. neard he rarely forgot. They eir best conversation, and he made them pleased with themor endeavouring to please him. smart used to relate, "that his first ersation with Johnson was of such variand length, that it began with poetry and ended at fluxions." He always talked as if he was talking upon oath. He was the wisest person, and had the most knowledge rn-in ready cash, that Tyers ever knew. JohnThis son's advice was consulted on all occasions. , and talked, and cough'd, He was known to be a good casuist, and therefore had many cases submitted for his judgment. His conversation, in the judgment of several, was thought to be equal to his correct writings. Perhaps the tongue will throw out more animated expressions than the pen. He said the most common things in the newest manner. He always commanded attention and regard. His person, though unadorned with dress, and even deformed by neglect, made you expect something, and you was hardly ever disappointed. His manner was interesting: the tone of his voice, and the sincerity of his expressions, even when they did not captivate Gent. Mag. 178€, p. 428.] oming indulgence of puny e when he himself was at a , and had a near prospect of the grave. I was truly sorry for it; become an avowed and (as my of London, who had a serious conwith him on the subject, assures me) a Christian. He could not expect that John-your affections, or carry conviction, prevented contempt. If the line, by Pope, numerous friends would patiently bear to hate the memory of their master stigmatized by on his father, can be applied to Johnson, it 2) mean pen, but that, at least, one would be is characteristick of him, who never swore, hand to retort. Accordingly, this unjust and nor told a lie. If the first part is not consarcastick Epitaph, was met in the same publick fined to the oath of allegiance 1, it will be field by an answer, in terms by no means soft, useful to insert it. and such as wanton provocation only could justify: EPITAPH, Prepared for a creature not quite dead yet. Who judging only from his wretched self, A mighty genius at this elf displeas'd, With a strong critick grasp the urchin squeez'd. For thirty years its coward spleen it kept, Till in the dust the mighty Genius slept: Then stunk and fretted in expiring snuff, And bunk'd at JOHNSON with its last poor puff." [The answer was no doubt by Mr. Boswell barself, and does more credit to his zeal than ks poetical talents.—ED.] "Nor dared an oath, nor hazarded a lie.” It must be owned, his countenance, on some occasions, resembled too much the medallic likeness of Magliabechi2, as exhibited before the printed account of him by Mr. Spence. No man dared to take liberties [Mr. Tyers seems to mean that the oath of allegiance is the only justifiable oath; and in allusion, perhaps, to Johnson's political principles, he insinuates, that even that oath he would not have willingly taken.-ED.] 2 [Librarian to the Grand Dukes of Florence, and celebrated for vast erudition and extreme slovenliness. He died in 1714, aged 80.-ED.] |