In 1772 he was altogether quiescent as an authour; but it will be found from the various evidences which I shall bring together that his mind was acute, lively, and vigorous.

’To James Boswell, Esq.

’Dear sir,—­That you are coming so soon to town I am very glad; and still more glad that you are coming as an advocate.  I think nothing more likely to make your life pass happily away, than that consciousness of your own value, which eminence in your profession will certainly confer.  If I can give you any collateral help, I hope you do not suspect that it will be wanting.  My kindness for you has neither the merit of singular virtue, nor the reproach of singular prejudice.  Whether to love you be right or wrong, I have many on my side:  Mrs. Thrale loves you, and Mrs. Williams loves you, and what would have inclined me to love you, if I had been neutral before, you are a great favourite of Dr. Beattie.*

’Of Dr. Beattie I should have thought much, but that his lady puts him out of my head; she is a very lovely woman.

’The ejection which you come hither to oppose, appears very cruel, unreasonable, and oppressive.  I should think there could not be much doubt of your success.

’My health grows better, yet I am not fully recovered.  I believe it is held, that men do not recover very fast after threescore.  I hope yet to see Beattie’s College:  and have not given up the western voyage.  But however all this may be or not, let us try to make each other happy when we meet, and not refer our pleasure to distant times or distant places.

’How comes it that you tell me nothing of your lady?  I hope to see her some time, and till then shall be glad to hear of her.  I am, dear Sir, &c.

‘March 15, 1772.’

‘Sam.  Johnson.’

     * Boswell had given Beattie a letter of introduction to
     Johnson the preceding summer—­Ed.

On the 21st of March, I was happy to find myself again in my friend’s study, and was glad to see my old acquaintance, Mr. Francis Barber, who was now returned home.  Dr. Johnson received me with a hearty welcome; saying, ‘I am glad you are come.’

I thanked him for showing civilities to Beattie.  ’Sir, (said he,) I should thank you.  We all love Beattie.  Mrs. Thrale says, if ever she has another husband, she’ll have Beattie.  He sunk upon us that he was married; else we should have shewn his lady more civilities.  She is a very fine woman.  But how can you shew civilities to a nonentity?  I did not think he had been married.  Nay, I did not think about it one way or other; but he did not tell us of his lady till late.’