The Life of Samuel Johnson - James Boswell [117]
‘To THE REVEREND MR. THOMAS WARTON
‘DEAR SIR, – I am extremely obliged to you and to Mr. Wise, for the uncommon care which you have taken of my interest:b if you can accomplish your kind design, I shall certainly take me a little habitation among you.
The books which I promised to Mr. Wise,a I have not been able to procure: but I shall send him a Finnick Dictionary, the only copy, perhaps, in England, which was presented me by a learned Swede:115 but I keep it back, that it may make a set of my own books of the new edition, with which I shall accompany it, more welcome. You will assure him of my gratitude.
‘Poor dear Collins!b – Would a letter give him any pleasure? I have a mind to write.
‘I am glad of your hindrance in your Spenserian design,c yet I would not have it delayed. Three hours a day stolen from sleep and amusement will produce it. Let a Servitourd transcribe the quotations, and interleave them with references, to save time. This will shorten the work, and lessen the fatigue.
‘Can I do any thing to promoting the diploma? I would not be wanting to co-operate with your kindness; of which, whatever be the effect, I shall be, dear Sir, your most obliged, &c.
‘[London,] Nov. 28, 1754.’ ‘SAM. JOHNSON.’
To THE SAME
‘DEAR SIR, – I am extremely sensible of the favour done me, both by Mr. Wise and yourself. The booke cannot, think, be printed in less than six weeks, nor probably so soon; and I will keep back the title-page, for such an insertion as you seem to promise me. Be pleased to let me know what money I shall send you, for bearing the expence of the affair; and I will take care that you may have it ready at your hand.
‘I had lately the favour of a letter from your brother, with some account of poor Collins, for whom I am much concerned. I have a notion, that by very great temperance, or more properly abstinence, he may yet recover.
‘There is an old English and Latin book of poems by Barclay, called “The Ship of Fools;” at the end of which are a number of Eglogues; so he writes it, from Egloga, which are probably the first in our language. If you cannot find the book I will get Mr. Dodsley to send it you.
‘I shall be extremely glad to hear from you again, to know, if the affair proceeds.f have mentioned it to none of my ends or ear o being laughed at for my disappointment.
‘You know poor Mr. Dodsley has lost his wife; I believe he is much affected. I hope he will not suffer so much as I yet suffer for the loss of mine.
$$$$.116
I have ever since seemed to myself broken off from mankind; a kind of solitary wanderer in the wild of life, without any direction, or fixed point of view: a gloomy gazer on a world to which I have little relation. Yet I would endeavour, by the help of you and your brother, to supply the want of closer union, by friendship: and hope to have long the pleasure of being, dear Sir, most affectionately your’s,
‘[London,] Dec. 21, 1754.’ ‘Sam. Johnson.’
1755: ætat. 46.] – In 1755 we behold him to great advantage; his degree of Master of Arts conferred upon him, his Dictionary published, his correspondence animated, his benevolence exercised.
‘To THE REVEREND MR. THOMAS WARTON
‘DEAR SIR, – I wrote to you some weeks ago, but believe did not direct accurately, and therefore know not whether you had my letter. I would, likewise, write to your brother, but know not where to find him. I now begin to see land, after having wandered, according to Mr. Warburton’s phrase, in this vast sea of words. What reception I shall meet with on the shore, I know not; whether the sound of bells, and acclamations of the people, which Ariosto talks of in his last Canto, or a general murmur of dislike, I know not: whether I shall find upon the coast a Calypso that will court, or a Polypheme that will resist.117 But if Polypheme comes, have at his eyes. I hope, however, the criticks will let me be at peace; for though I do not much fear their skill and strength,