exasperation, ended in a fever that put an end to his life, August
27, 1748. He was buried in the church of Richmond, without an
inscription; but a monument has been erected to his memory in
Westminster Abbey.

Thomson was of stature above the middle size, and "more fat than
bard beseems," of a dull countenance and a gross, unanimated,
uninviting appearance; silent in mingled company, but cheerful among
select friends, and by his friends very tenderly and warmly beloved.
He left behind him the tragedy of Coriolanus, which was, by the zeal
of his patron, Sir George Lyttelton, brought upon the stage for the
benefit of his family, and recommended by a prologue, which Quin,
who had long lived with Thomson in fond intimacy, spoke in such a
manner as showed him "to be," on that occasion, "no actor." The
commencement of this benevolence is very honourable to Quin, who is
reported to have delivered Thomson, then known to him only for his
genius, from an arrest by a very considerable present; and its
continuance is honourable to both, for friendship is not always the
sequel of obligation. By this tragedy a considerable sum was
raised, of which part discharged his debts, and the rest was
remitted to his sisters, whom, however removed from them by place or
condition, he regarded with great tenderness, as will appear by the
following letter, which I communicate with much pleasure, as it
gives me at once an opportunity of recording the fraternal kindness
of Thomson, and reflecting on the friendly assistance of Mr.
Boswell, from whom I received it:--

"Hagley in Worcestershire, October the 4th, 1747.

"My Dear Sister,--I thought you had known me better than to