be an essential duty in a
clergyman; and partly because his love of a London life was so strong,
that he would have thought himself an exile in any other place,
particularly if residing in the country. Whoever would wish to see his
thoughts upon that subject displayed in their full force, may peruse The
Adventurer, Number 126.

1757: AETAT. 48.]--MR. BURNEY having enclosed to him an extract from the
review of his Dictionary in the Bibliotheque des Savans, and a list of
subscribers to his Shakspeare, which Mr. Burney had procured in Norfolk,
he wrote the following answer:

'TO MR. BURNEY, IN LYNNE, NORFOLK.

'SIR,--That I may shew myself sensible of your favours, and not commit
the same fault a second time, I make haste to answer the letter which
I received this morning. The truth is, the other likewise was received,
and I wrote an answer; but being desirous to transmit you some proposals
and receipts, I waited till I could find a convenient conveyance, and
day was passed after day, till other things drove it from my thoughts;
yet not so, but that I remember with great pleasure your commendation
of my Dictionary. Your praise was welcome, not only because I believe
it was sincere, but because praise has been very scarce. A man of
your candour will be surprised when I tell you, that among all my
acquaintance there were only two, who upon the publication of my
book did not endeavour to depress me with threats of censure from the
publick, or with objections learned from those who had learned them
from my own Preface. Your's is the only letter of goodwill that I have
received; though, indeed, I am promised something of that sort from
Sweden.

'How my new edition will be received I know not; the subscription has
not been very successful. I shall publish about March.

'If you can direct me how to send proposals, I should wish that they
were in such hands.

'I remember, Sir, in some of the first letters with which you favoured
me, you mentioned your lady. May I enquire after her? In return for the
favours which you have shewn me, it is not much to tell you, that I wish
you and her all that can conduce to your happiness. I am, Sir, your most
obliged, and most humble servant,

SAM. JOHNSON.'

'Gough-square, Dec. 24, 1757.'

In 1758 we find him, it should seem, in as easy and pleasant a state of
existence, as constitutional unhappiness ever permitted him to enjoy.

'TO BENNET LANGTON, ESQ., AT LANGTON, LINCOLNSHI