r communications from Mr. Hector, in the
course of this Work. I have both visited and corresponded with him since
Dr. Johnson's death, and by my inquiries concerning a great variety of
particulars have obtained additional information. I followed the same
mode with the Reverend Dr. Taylor, in whose presence I wrote down a good
deal of what he could tell; and he, at my request, signed his name, to
give it authenticity. It is very rare to find any person who is able
to give a distinct account of the life even of one whom he has known
intimately, without questions being put to them. My friend Dr. Kippis
has told me, that on this account it is a practice with him to draw out
a biographical catechism.

Johnson then proceeded to Oxford, where he was again kindly received by
Dr. Adams.

He arrived in London on the 16th of November, and next day sent to
Dr. Burney the following note, which I insert as the last token of his
remembrance of that ingenious and amiable man, and as another of the
many proofs of the tenderness and benignity of his heart:--

'MR. JOHNSON, who came home last night, sends his respects to dear Dr.
Burney, and all the dear Burneys, little and great.'

Having written to him, in bad spirits, a letter filled with dejection
and fretfulness, and at the same time expressing anxious apprehensions
concerning him, on account of a dream which had disturbed me; his answer
was chiefly in terms of reproach, for a supposed charge of 'affecting
discontent, and indulging the vanity of complaint.' It, however,
proceeded,--

'Write to me often, and write like a man. I consider your fidelity and
tenderness as a great part of the comforts which are yet left me, and
sincerely wish we could be nearer to each other. . . . My dear friend,
life is very short and very uncertain; let us spend it as well as we
can. My worthy neighbour, Allen, is dead. Love me as well as you can.
Pay my respects to dear Mrs. Boswell. Nothing ailed me at that time; let
your superstition at last have an end.'

Feeling very soon, that the manner in which he had written might hurt
me, he two days afterwards, July 28, wrote to me again, giving me an
account of his sufferings; after which, he thus proceeds:--

'Before this letter, you will have had one which I hope you will not
take amiss; for it contains only truth, and that truth kindly intended.
. . . Spartam quam nactus es orna; make the most and best of your lot,
and compare yourself not with th