442 Essay on
afraid, but that would not be true, for I never was afraid of any man ; but I never knew that I was to meet Thurlow, but I knew I had something to encounter V The Chancellor undertook to recommend Johnson's case, but without success 2 . To protract if possible the days of a man, whom he respected, he offered to advance the sum of five hundred pounds 3 . Being informed of this at Lichfield 4 , Johnson wrote the following letter.
' My Lord,
' After a long and not inattentive observation of mankind, the generosity of your Lordship's offer raises in me not less wonder than gratitude. Bounty, so liberally bestowed, I should gladly receive if my condition 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 my phy sicians ; and I was very desirous that your Lordship should be told of it by Sir Joshua Reynolds as an event very uncertain ; for, if I grew much better, I should not be willing ; if much worse, not 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 refusal ; yet, as I have had no long time to brood hopes, and have not rioted in imaginary opulence, this cold re ception has been scarce a disappointment ; and from your Lord ship's kindness I have received a benefit which only men like
��1 ' Depend upon it, Sir, it is when 2 Ib. iv. 350, n. i.
you come close to a man in conver- 3 Ib. iv. 348. Horace Wai pole says
sation that you discover what his that in 1770 ' the Seals were valued
real abilities are; to make a speech at ,13,000 a year.' Memoirs of
in a publick assembly is a knack. George Iff, iv. 45. On March 5,
Now I honour Thurlow, Sir ; Thurlow 1783, an annuity of ,2,680 was
is a fine fellow; he fairly puts his granted to Thurlow. Annual Register,
mind to yours.' Life, iv. 179; see 1783, i. 198.
also Ib. iv. 327. 4 Ashbourne. Life, iv. 348.
you
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