THE

LIFE

OF

SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL. D.

COMPREHENDING

AN ACCOUNT OF HIS STUDIES,

AND

NUMEROUS WORKS, IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER;

A SERIES OF HIS

EPISTOLARY CORRESPONDENCE

AND

CONVERSATIONS WITH MANY EMINENT PERSONS;

AND VARIOUS ORIGINAL PIECES OF HIS COMPOSITION,

NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED:

THE WHOLE EXHIBITING A VIEW OF LITERATURE AND
LITERARY MEN IN GREAT-BRITAIN, FOR NEAR HALF A
CENTURY DURING WHICH HE FLOURISHED.

THE

LIFE

OF

SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL. D.

IN 1772 Dr. Johnson was altogether quiescent as an authour; but it will be found, from the various evidences which I shall bring together, that his mind was acute, lively and vigorous.

"BE pleased to send to Mr. Banks, whose place of residence I do not know, this note, which I have sent open, that, if you please, you may read it.

"When you send it, do not use your own seal.

"Feb. 27, 1772.

" I am, Sir,

" Your most humble servant,

"SAM. JOHNSON."

"TO JOSEPH BANKS, ESQ.

"Perpetua ambita bis terrå præmia lactis

" Hæc habet altrici Capra secunda Jovis."

"SIR,

" I RETURN thanks to you and to Dr. Solander for the pleasure which I received in yesterday's conversation. I could not recollect a motto for your Goat, but

+ Thus translated by a friend :

" In fame scarce second to the nurse of Jove,

"This Goat, who twice the world had traversed round,

" Deserving both her master's care and love,
"Ease and perpetual pasture now has found."