Samuel Johnson (Meynell & Chesterton)/Chapter 12i
To the Lord Chancellor, who had offered an
advance of five hundred pounds
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 physicians: and I was very desirous that your Lordship should be told it by Sir Joshua Reynolds as an event very uncertain; 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 refusal; yet, as I have had no long time to brood hopes, and have not rioted in imaginary opulence, this cold reception had been scarce a disappointment; and from your Lordship's kindness I have received a benefit which only men like you are able to bestow. I shall now live mihi carior, with a higher opinion of my own merit.
I am, my Lord,
Your Lordship's most obliged,
most grateful, and most humble servant,
Sept. 1784.