monument without any alteration.  At another time, when somebody endeavoured to argue in favour of its being in English, Johnson said, ’The language of the country of which a learned man was a native, is not the language fit for his epitaph, which should be in ancient and permanent language.  Consider, Sir; how you should feel, were you to find at Rotterdam an epitaph upon Erasmus in Dutch!’—­Boswell.

’I consider this Round Robin as a species of literary curiosity worth preserving, as it marks, in a certain degree, Dr. Johnson’s character.’

Sir William Forbes’s observation is very just.  The anecdote now related proves, in the strongest manner, the reverence and awe with which Johnson was regarded, by some of the most eminent men of his time, in various departments, and even by such of them as lived most with him; while it also confirms what I have again and again inculcated, that he was by no means of that ferocious and irascible character which has been ignorantly imagined.

This hasty composition is also to be remarked as one of a thousand instances which evince the extraordinary promptitude of Mr. Burke; who while he is equal to the greatest things, can adorn the least; can, with equal facility, embrace the vast and complicated speculations of politicks, or the ingenious topicks of literary investigation.

’Dr. Johnson to Mrs. Boswell.

’Madam,—­You must not think me uncivil in omitting to answer the letter with which you favoured me some time ago.  I imagined it to have been written without Mr. Boswell’s knowledge, and therefore supposed the answer to require, what I could not find, a private conveyance.

’The difference with Lord Auchinleck is now over; and since young Alexander has appeared, I hope no more difficulties will arise among you; for I sincerely wish you all happy.  Do not teach the young ones to dislike me, as you dislike me yourself; but let me at least have Veronica’s kindness, because she is my acquaintance.

’You will now have Mr. Boswell home; it is well that you have him; he has led a wild life.  I have taken him to Lichfield, and he has followed Mr. Thrale to Bath.  Pray take care of him, and tame him.  The only thing in which I have the honour to agree with you is, in loving him; and while we are so much of a mind in a matter of so much importance, our other quarrels will, I hope, produce no great bitterness.  I am, Madam, your most humble servant,

‘May 16, 1776.’

‘Sam.  Johnson.’

I select from his private register the following passage: 

’July 25, 1776.  O God, who hast ordained that whatever is to be desired should be sought by labour, and who, by thy blessing, bringest honest labour to good effect, look with mercy upon my studies and endeavours.  Grant me, O Lord, to design only what is lawful and right; and afford me calmness of mind, and steadiness of purpose, that I may so do thy will in this short life, as to obtain happiness in the world to come, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.’