’One evening at Mrs. Montagu’s, where a splendid company was assembled, consisting of the most eminent literary characters, I thought he seemed highly pleased with the respect and attention that were shewn him, and asked him on our return home if he was not highly gratified by his visit: 

“No, Sir, (said he,) not highly gratified; yet I do not recollect to have passed many evenings with fewer objections.”

’Though of no high extraction himself, he had much respect for birth and family, especially among ladies.  He said, “adventitious accomplishments may be possessed by all ranks; but one may easily distinguish the born gentlewoman.”

’Speaking of Burke, he said, “It was commonly observed, he spoke too often in parliament; but nobody could say he did not speak well, though too frequently and too familiarly.”

’We dined tete a tete at the Mitre, as I was preparing to return to Ireland, after an absence of many years.  I regretted much leaving London, where I had formed many agreeable connexions:  “Sir, (said he,) I don’t wonder at it; no man, fond of letters, leaves London without regret.  But remember, Sir, you have seen and enjoyed a great deal;—­you have seen life in its highest decorations, and the world has nothing new to exhibit.  No man is so well qualifyed to leave publick life as he who has long tried it and known it well.  We are always hankering after untried situations and imagining greater felicity from them than they can afford.  No, Sir, knowledge and virtue may be acquired in all countries, and your local consequence will make you some amends for the intellectual gratifications you relinquish.”

’He then took a most affecting leave of me; said, he knew, it was a point of duty that called me away.  “We shall all be sorry to lose you,” said he:  “laudo tamen."’

1771, AETAT. 62.]—­

’To sir Joshua Reynolds, in Leicester-fields.

’Dear sir,—­When I came to Lichfield, I found that my portrait had been much visited, and much admired.  Every man has a lurking wish to appear considerable in his native place; and I was pleased with the dignity conferred by such a testimony of your regard.

’Be pleased, therefore, to accept the thanks of, Sir, your most obliged and most humble servant,

’Ashbourn in Derbyshire,

’Sam.  Johnson.

July 17, 1771.’

‘Compliments to Miss Reynolds.’

In his religious record of this year, we observe that he was better than usual, both in body and mind, and better satisfied with the regularity of his conduct.  But he is still ‘trying his ways’ too rigorously.  He charges himself with not rising early enough; yet he mentions what was surely a sufficient excuse for this, supposing it to be a duty seriously required, as he all his life appears to have thought it.  ’One great hindrance is want of rest; my nocturnal complaints grow less troublesome towards morning; and I am tempted to repair the deficiencies of the night.’  Alas! how hard would it be if this indulgence were to be imputed to a sick man as a crime.  In his retrospect on the following Easter-Eve, he says, ’When I review the last year, I am able to recollect so little done, that shame and sorrow, though perhaps too weakly, come upon me.’