James Boswell - THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON - All 6 Volumes in One Edition

[Page 274: Rev. Mr. Meeke. A.D. 1754]

‘I forgot to observe before, that when he left Mr. Meeke, (as I have told above) he added, “About the same time of life, Meeke was left behind at Oxford to feed on a Fellowship, and I went to London to get my living: now, Sir, see the difference of our literary characters!”’

The following letter was written by Dr. Johnson to Mr. Chambers, of

Lincoln College, afterwards Sir Robert Chambers, one of the judges in

India[804]:

‘To MR. CHAMBERS OF LINCOLN COLLEGE.

‘The commission which I delayed to trouble you with at your departure, I am now obliged to send you; and beg that you will be so kind as to carry it to Mr. Warton, of Trinity, to whom I should have written immediately, but that I know not if he be yet come back to Oxford.

‘In the Catalogue of MSS. of Gr. Brit, see vol. I. pag. 18. MSS. Bodl.

MARTYRIUM xv. martyrum sub Juliano, auctore Theophylacto .

‘It is desired that Mr. Warton will inquire, and send word, what will be the cost of transcribing this manuscript.

‘Vol. II, pag. 32. Num. 1022. 58. COLL. Nov.— Commentaria in Acta Apostol.—Comment. in Septem Epistolas Catholicas .

‘He is desired to tell what is the age of each of these manuscripts: and what it will cost to have a transcript of the two first pages of each.

‘If Mr. Warton be not in Oxford, you may try if you can get it done by any body else; or stay till he comes, according to your own convenience. It is for an Italian literato .

‘The answer is to be directed to his Excellency Mr. Zon, Venetian

Resident, Soho Square.

‘I hope, dear Sir, that you do not regret the change of London for

Oxford. Mr. Baretti is well, and Miss Williams[805]; and we shall all be

glad to hear from you, whenever you shall be so kind as to write to,

Sir,

‘Your most humble servant,

‘Nov. 21, 1754.’

[Page 275: Johnson desires the Degree of M.A. Ætat 45.]

The degree of Master of Arts, which, it has been observed[806], could not be obtained for him at an early period of his life, was now considered as an honour of considerable importance, in order to grace the title-page of his Dictionary ; and his character in the literary world being by this time deservedly high, his friends thought that, if proper exertions were made, the University of Oxford would pay him the compliment[807].

‘To THE REVEREND MR. THOMAS WARTON.

‘I am extremely obliged to you and to Mr. Wise, for the uncommon care which you have taken of my interest[808]: 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[809], 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: but I keep it back, that it may make a set of my own books[810] of the new edition, with which I shall accompany it, more welcome. You will assure him of my gratitude.

[Page 276: Collins the Poet. A.D. 1754.]

‘Poor dear Collins[811]!—Would a letter give him any pleasure? I have a mind to write.

‘I am glad of your hindrance in your Spenserian design[812], yet I would not have it delayed. Three hours a day stolen from sleep and amusement will produce it. Let a Servitour[813] 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.’

To THE SAME.

‘I am extremely sensible of the favour done me, both by Mr. Wise and yourself. The book[814] cannot, I 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.

[Page 277: The death of a Wife. Ætat 46.]

‘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[815].

‘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 [816], 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[817]. I have mentioned it to none of my friends for fear of 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.

[Greek: Oimoi. ti d oimoi; Onaeta gar peponthamen.][818].

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.’

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.

[Page 278: Land after a vast sea of words. A.D. 1755.]

‘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[819], 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. But if Polypheme comes, have at his eye. I hope, however, the criticks will let me be at peace; for though I do not much fear their skill and strength, I am a little afraid of myself, and would not willingly feel so much ill-will in my bosom as literary quarrels are apt to excite.

‘Mr. Baretti is about a work for which he is in great want of Crescimbeni , 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. 4, 1755.’

‘I received your letter this day, with great sense of the favour that has been done me[820]; 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.