'I am much obliged to you for the suggestion; and I will adopt and press
it as far as I can. The best argument, I am sure, and I hope it is not
likely to fail, is Dr. Johnson's merit. But it will be necessary, if
I should be so unfortunate as to miss seeing you, to converse with Sir
Joshua on the sum it will be proper to ask,--in short, upon the means
of setting him out. It would be a reflection on us all, if such a man
should perish for want of the means to take care of his health. Yours,
&c.
'THURLOW.'
This letter gave me a very high satisfaction; I next day went and shewed
it to Sir Joshua Reynolds, who was exceedingly pleased with it. He
thought that I should now communicate the negociation to Dr. Johnson,
who might afterwards complain if the attention with which he had been
honoured, should be too long concealed from him. I intended to set out
for Scotland next morning; but Sir Joshua cordially insisted that I
should stay another day, that Johnson and I might dine with him, that
we three might talk of his Italian Tour, and, as Sir Joshua expressed
himself, 'have it all out.
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