The conversation for some time was
chiefly between Dr. Johnson and the Provost of Eton, while the others
contributed occasionally their remarks.'
On his birth-day, Johnson has this note: 'I am now beginning the
seventy-second year of my life, with more strength of body, and greater
vigour of mind, than I think is common at that age.' But still he
complains of sleepless nights and idle days, and forgetfulness, or
neglect of resolutions. He thus pathetically expresses himself,--'Surely
I shall not spend my whole life with my own total disapprobation.'
Mr. Macbean, whom I have mentioned more than once, as one of Johnson's
humble friends, a deserving but unfortunate man, being now oppressed by
age and poverty, Johnson solicited the Lord Chancellor Thurlow, to have
him admitted into the Charterhouse. I take the liberty to insert his
Lordship's answer, as I am eager to embrace every occasion of
augmenting the respectable notion which should ever be entertained of my
illustrious friend:--
'TO DR.
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