Let us now contemplate Johnson thirty years after the death of his wife,
still retaining for her all the tenderness of affection.
'TO THE REVEREND MR. BAGSHAW, AT BROMLEY.
'SIR,--Perhaps you may remember, that in the year 1753, you committed
to the ground my dear wife. I now entreat your permission to lay a stone
upon her; and have sent the inscription, that, if you find it proper,
you may signify your allowance.
'You will do me a great favour by showing the place where she lies, that
the stone may protect her remains.
'Mr. Ryland will wait on you for the inscription, and procure it to
be engraved. You will easily believe that I shrink from this mournful
office. When it is done, if I have strength remaining, I will visit
Bromley once again, and pay you part of the respect to which you have a
right from, Reverend Sir, your most humble servant,
'July 12, 1784.'
'SAM. JOHNSON.'
Next day he set out on a jaunt to Staffordshire and Derbyshire,
flattering himself that he might be in some degree relieved.
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