rance of
health, Johnson went into Derbyshire, and thence to Lichfield. While he
was in that part of the world, his friends, in town, were labouring for
his benefit. The air of a more southern climate, they thought, might
prolong a valuable life. But a pension of three hundred pounds a year
was a slender fund for a travelling valetudinarian, and it was not then
known that he had saved a moderate sum of money. Mr. Boswell and sir
Joshua Reynolds undertook to solicit the patronage of the chancellor.
With lord Thurlow, while he was at the bar, Johnson was well acquainted.
He was often heard to say, "Thurlow is a man of such vigour of mind,
that I never knew I was to meet him, but--I was going to say, I was
afraid, but that would not be true, for I never was afraid of any man;
but I never knew that I was to meet Thurlow, but I knew I had something
to encounter." The chancellor undertook to recommend Johnson's case; but
without success. To protract, if possible, the days of a man, whom he
respected, he offered to advance the sum of five hundred pounds. Being
informed of this at Lichfield, Johnson wrote the following letter:

"MY LORD,--After a long, and not inattentive observation of mankind,
the generosity of your lordship's offer raises in me not less wonder
than gratitude. Bounty, so liberally bestowed, I should gladly
receive, if my condition made it necessary; for to such a mind who
would not be proud to own his obligations? But it has pleased God to
restore me to so great a measure of health, that, if I should now
appropriate so much of a fortune destined to do good, I could not
escape from myself the charge of advancing a false claim. My journey
to the continent, though I once thought it necessary, was never much
encouraged by my physicians; and I was very desirous that your
lordship should be told it, by sir Joshua Reynolds, as an event very
uncertain; for, if I grew much better, I should not be willing; if
much worse, I should not be able to migrate. Your lordship was first
solicited without my knowledge; but when I was told that you were
pleased to honour me with your patronage, I did not expect to hear of
a refusal; yet, as I have had no long time to brood hopes, and have
not rioted in imaginary opulence, this cold reception has been scarce
a disappointment; and from your lordship's kindness I have received a
benefit which only men, like you, are able to bestow. I shall now liv