The Life of Samuel Johnson - James Boswell [118]
‘Mr. Baretti is about a work for which he is in great want of Crescimbeni,118 which you may have again when you please.
‘There is nothing considerable done or doing among us here. We are not, perhaps, as innocent as villagers, but most of us seem to be as idle. I hope, however, you are busy; and should be glad to know what you are doing. I am, dearest Sir, your humble servant,
‘[London,] Feb.1,1755.’ ‘SAM. JOHNSON.’
To THE SAME
‘DEAR SIR, – I received your letter this day, with great sense of the favour that has been done me;a for which I return my most sincere thanks: and entreat you to pay to Mr. Wise such returns as I ought to make for so much kindness so little deserved.
‘I sent Mr. Wise the Lexicon, and afterwards wrote to him; but know not whether he had either the book or letter. Be so good as to contrive to enquire.
‘But why does my dear Mr. Warton tell me nothing of himself? Where hangs the new volume?b Can I help? Let not the past labour be lost, for want of a little more: but snatch what time you can from the Hall, and the pupils, and the coffee-house, and the parks, and complete your design. I am, dear Sir, &c.
‘[London,] Feb. 4, 1755.’ ‘SAM. JOHNSON.’
To THE SAME
‘DEAR SIR, – I had a letter last week from Mr. Wise, but have yet heard nothing from you, nor know in what state my affair stands;a of which I beg you to inform me, if you can, to-morrow, by the return of the post.
‘Mr. Wise sends me word, that he has not had the Finnick Lexicon yet, which I sent some time ago; and if he has it not, you must enquire after it. However, do not let your letter stay for that.
‘Your brother, who is a better correspondent than you, and not much better, sends me word, that your pupils keep you in College; but do they keep you from writing too? Let them, at least, give you time to write to, dear Sir, your most affectionate, &c.
‘[London,] Feb. 13, 1755.’ ‘SAM. JOHNSON.’
To THE SAME
‘DEAR SIR, – Dr. Kingb was with me a few minutes before your letter; this, however, is the first instance in which your kind intentions to me have ever been frustrated.c have now the ull effect of your care and benevolence; and am far from thinking it a slight honour, or a small advantage; since it will put the enjoyment of your conversation more frequently in the power of, dear Sir, your most obliged and affectionate
‘SAM. JOHNSON.’
P.S. have enclosed a letter to the Vice-Chancellor,d which you will read; and, if you like it, seal and give him.
‘[London,] Feb. 1755.’
As the Publick will doubtless be pleased to see the whole progress of this well-earned academical honour, I shall insert the Chancellor of Oxford’s letter to the University,e the diploma, and Johnson’s letter of thanks to the Vice-Chancellor.
‘To the Reverend Dr. HUDDESFORD, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford; to be communicated to the Heads of Houses, and proposed in Convocation.
‘MR. VICE-CHANCELLOR, AND GENTLEMEN, – Mr. Samuel Johnson, who was formerly of Pembroke College, having very eminently distinguished himself by the publication of a series of essays, excellently calculated to form the manners of the people, and in which the cause of religion and morality is every where maintained by the strongest powers of argument and language; and who shortly intends to publish a Dictionary of the English Tongue, formed on a new plan, and executed with the greatest labour and judgement; I persuade myself that I shall act agreeably to the sentiments of the whole University, in desiring that it may be proposed in convocation to confer on him the degree of Master of Arts by diploma, to which I readily give my consent; and am, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, and Gentlemen, your affectionate friend and servant,
‘Grosvenor-street, Feb. 4, 1755.’ ‘ARRAN.’
Term. Scti
Hilarii. ‘DIPLOMA MAGISTRI JOHNSON.
1755.
‘CANCELLARIUS, Magistri et Scbolares Universitatis Oxoniensis omnibus ad quos hoc presens scriptum pervenerit, salutem in Domino sempiternam.