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.'
'SAM. JOHNSON.'
The death of Mr. Thrale had made a very material alteration with respect
to Johnson's reception in that family. The manly authority of the
husband no longer curbed the lively exuberance of the lady; and as her
vanity had been fully gratified, by having the Colossus of Literature
attached to her for many years, she gradually became less assiduous to
please him. Whether her attachment to him was already divided by
another object, I am unable to ascertain; but it is plain that Johnson's
penetration was alive to her neglect or forced attention; for on the 6th
of October this year, we find him making a 'parting use of the library'
at Streatham, and pronouncing a prayer, which he composed on leaving Mr.
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