* At Colchester.—­Ed.

While we were left by ourselves, after the Dutchman had gone to bed, Dr. Johnson talked of that studied behaviour which many have recommended and practised.  He disapproved of it; and said, ’I never considered whether I should be a grave man, or a merry man, but just let inclination, for the time, have its course.’

I teized him with fanciful apprehensions of unhappiness.  A moth having fluttered round the candle, and burnt itself, he laid hold of this little incident to admonish me; saying, with a sly look, and in a solemn but quiet tone, ’That creature was its own tormentor, and I believe its name was Boswell.’

Next day we got to Harwich to dinner; and my passage in the packet-boat to Helvoetsluys being secured, and my baggage put on board, we dined at our inn by ourselves.  I happened to say it would be terrible if he should not find a speedy opportunity of returning to London, and be confined to so dull a place.  Johnson.  ’Don’t Sir, accustom yourself to use big words for little matters.  It would not be terrible, though I were to be detained some time here.’

We went and looked at the church, and having gone into it and walked up to the altar, Johnson, whose piety was constant and fervent, sent me to my knees, saying, ’Now that you are going to leave your native country, recommend yourself to the protection of your creator and redeemer.’

After we came out of the church, we stood talking for some time together of Bishop Berkeley’s ingenious sophistry to prove the non-existence of matter, and that every thing in the universe is merely ideal.  I observed, that though we are satisfied his doctrine is not true, it is impossible to refute it.  I never shall forget the alacrity with which Johnson answered, striking his foot with mighty force against a large stone, till he rebounded from it, ‘I refute it thus.’

My revered friend walked down with me to the beach, where we embraced and parted with tenderness, and engaged to correspond by letters.  I said, ‘I hope, Sir, you will not forget me in my ahsence.’  Johnson.  ’Nay, Sir, it is more likely you should forget me, than that I should forget you.’  As the vessel put out to sea, I kept my eyes upon him for a considerable time, while he remained rolling his majestick frame in his usual manner:  and at last I perceived him walk hack into the town, and he disappeared.

1764:  AETAT. 55.]—­Early in 1764 Johnson paid a visit to the Langton family, at their seat of Langton, in Lincolnshire, where he passed some time, much to his satisfaction.  His friend Bennet Langton, it will not he doubted, did every thing in his power to make the place agreeable to so illustrious a guest; and the elder Mr. Langton and his lady, being fully capable of understanding his value, were not wanting in attention.

Johnson, during his stay at Langton, had the advantage of a good library, and saw several gentlemen of the neighbourhood.  I have obtained from Mr. Langton the following particulars of this period.