f these missent
epistles.

Andrew Millar was the publisher who had practical charge of the
production of Johnson's dictionary. It seems that Johnson drew out his
stipulated honorarium of eight thousand dollars (to be more exact,
L1575) before the dictionary went to press; this is not surprising, for
the work of preparation consumed eight years, instead of three, as
Johnson had calculated. Johnson inquired of the messenger what Millar
said when he received the last batch of copy. The messenger answered:
"He said 'Thank God I have done with him.'" This made Johnson smile.
"I am glad," said he, quietly, "that he thanks God for anything."

I was not done with my discourse when a book was brought in from Judge
Methuen; the interruption was a pleasant one. "I was too busy last
evening," writes the judge, "to bring you this volume which I picked up
in a La Salle street stall yesterday. I know your love for the
scallawag Villon, so I am sure you will fancy the lines which,
evidently, the former owner of this book has scribbled upon the
fly-leaf." Fancy them? Indeed I do; and if you dote on the
"scallawag" as I dote on him you also will declare that our anonymous
poet has not wrought ill.

FRANCOIS VILLON

If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I,
What would it matter to me how the time might drag or fly?
HE would in sweaty anguish toil the days and nights away,
And still not keep the prowling, growling, howling wolf at bay!
But, with my valiant bottle and my frouzy brevet-bride,
And my score of loyal cut-throats standing guard for me outside,
What worry of the morrow would provoke a casual sigh
If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I?

If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I,
To yonder gloomy boulevard at midnight I would hie;
"Stop, stranger! and deliver your possessions, ere you feel
The mettle of my bludgeon or the temper of my steel!"
He should give me gold and diamonds, his snuff-box and his cane--
"Now back, my boon companions, to our bordel with our gain!"
And, back within that brothel, how the bottles they would fly,
If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I!

If I were Francois Villon and Francois Villon I,
We both would mock the gibbet which the law has lifted high;
HE in his meagre, shabby home, _I_ in my roaring den--
HE with his babes around him, _I_ with my hunted men!
His virtue be his bulwark--my geni