t
effect, he then called Mr. Holder, the apothecary, who, though when he
came he thought him dead, opened a vein, but could draw no blood. So has
ended the long life of a very useful and very blameless man. I am, Sir,
your most humble servant,

'Jan. 17, 1782.'

'SAM. JOHNSON.'

In one of his memorandum-books in my possession, is the following
entry:--'January 20, Sunday. Robert Levett was buried in the church-yard
of Bridewell, between one and two in the afternoon. He died on Thursday
17, about seven in the morning, by an instantaneous death. He was an old
and faithful friend; I have known him from about 46. Commendavi. May GOD
have mercy on him. May he have mercy on me.'

On the 30th of August, I informed him that my honoured father had
died that morning; a complaint under which he had long laboured having
suddenly come to a crisis, while I was upon a visit at the seat of
Sir Charles Preston, from whence I had hastened the day before, upon
receiving a letter by express.

In answer to my next letter, I received one from him, dissuading me from
hastening to him as I had proposed; what is proper for publication
is the following paragraph, equally just and tender:--'One expence,
however, I would not have you to spare: let nothing be omitted that can
preserve Mrs. Boswell, though it should be necessary to transplant her
for a time into a softer climate. She is the prop and stay of your life.
How much must your children suffer by losing her.'

My wife was now so much convinced of his sincere friendship for me, and
regard for her, that, without any suggestion on my part, she wrote him a
very polite and grateful letter:--

'DR. JOHNSON TO MRS. BOSWELL.

'DEAR LADY,--I have not often received so much pleasure as from your
invitation to Auchinleck. The journey thither and back is, indeed,
too great for the latter part of the year; but if my health were fully
recovered, I would suffer no little heat and cold, nor a wet or a rough
road to keep me from you. I am, indeed, not without hope of seeing
Auchinleek again; but to make it a pleasant place I must see its lady
well, and brisk, and airy. For my sake, therefore, among many greater
reasons, take care, dear Madam, of your health, spare no expence,
and want no attendance that can procure ease, or preserve it. Be very
careful to keep your mind quiet; and do not think it too much to give an
account of your recovery to, Madam, yours, &c.

'London, Sept. 7, 1782.'