'Brighthelmston, Nov. 14, 1782.'
'SAM. JOHNSON.'
1783: AETAT. 74.]--In 1783, he was more severely afflicted than ever,
as will appear in the course of his correspondence; but still the same
ardour for literature, the same constant piety, the same kindness for
his friends, and the same vivacity both in conversation and writing,
distinguished him.
On Friday, March 21, having arrived in London the night before, I was
glad to find him at Mrs. Thrale's house, in Argyll-street, appearances
of friendship between them being still kept up. I was shewn into his
room, and after the first salutation he said, 'I am glad you are come.
I am very ill.' He looked pale, and was distressed with a difficulty of
breathing; but after the common inquiries he assumed his usual strong
animated style of conversation. Seeing me now for the first time as a
Laird, or proprietor of land, he began thus: 'Sir, the superiority of a
country-gentleman over the people upon his estate is very agreeable; and
he who says he does not feel it to be agreeable, lies; for it must be
agreeable to have a casual superiority over those who are by nature
equal with us.
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