to encounter." The chancellor undertook to recommend Johnson's case; but
without success. To protract, if possible, the days of a man, whom he
respected, he offered to advance the sum of five hundred pounds. Being
informed of this at Lichfield, 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 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 has 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,