hments
may be possessed by all ranks; but one may easily distinguish the born
gentlewoman."

'Speaking of Burke, he said, "It was commonly observed, he spoke too
often in parliament; but nobody could say he did not speak well, though
too frequently and too familiarly."

'We dined tete a tete at the Mitre, as I was preparing to return to
Ireland, after an absence of many years. I regretted much leaving
London, where I had formed many agreeable connexions: "Sir, (said he,)
I don't wonder at it; no man, fond of letters, leaves London without
regret. But remember, Sir, you have seen and enjoyed a great deal;--you
have seen life in its highest decorations, and the world has nothing new
to exhibit. No man is so well qualifyed to leave publick life as he
who has long tried it and known it well. We are always hankering after
untried situations and imagining greater felicity from them than
they can afford. No, Sir, knowledge and virtue may be acquired in all
countries, and your local consequence will make you some amends for the
intellectual gratifications you relinquish."

'He then took a most affecting leave of me; said, he knew, it was a
point of DUTY that called me away. "We shall all be sorry to lose you,"
said he: "laudo tamen."'

1771, AETAT. 62.]--

'To SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS, IN LEICESTER-FIELDS.

'DEAR SIR,--When I came to Lichfield, I found that my portrait had been
much visited, and much admired. Every man has a lurking wish to appear
considerable in his native place; and I was pleased with the dignity
conferred by such a testimony of your regard.

'Be pleased, therefore, to accept the thanks of, Sir, your most obliged
and most humble servant,

'Ashbourn in Derbyshire,

'SAM. JOHNSON.

July 17, 1771.'

'Compliments to Miss Reynolds.'

In his religious record of this year, we observe that he was better than
usual, both in body and mind, and better satisfied with the regularity
of his conduct. But he is still 'trying his ways' too rigorously. He
charges himself with not rising early enough; yet he mentions what was
surely a sufficient excuse for this, supposing it to be a duty seriously
required, as he all his life appears to have thought it. 'One great
hindrance is want of rest; my nocturnal complaints grow less troublesome
towards morning; and I am tempted to repair the deficiencies of the
night.' Alas! how hard would it be if this indulgence were to be imputed
to a sick man as a crime. In his ret