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In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employedwith his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for anyother literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, forwhich it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends,and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatlyimproving their Dedications. In that courtly species of composition noman excelled Dr. Johnson. Though the loftiness of his mind prevented himfrom ever dedicating in his own person[2], he wrote a very great numberof Dedications for others. Some of these, the persons who were favouredwith them are unwilling should be mentioned, from a too anxiousapprehension, as I think, that they might be suspected of havingreceived larger assistance[3]; and some, after all the diligence I havebestowed, have escaped my enquiries. He told me, a great many years ago,'he believed he had dedicated to all the Royal Family round[4];' and itwas indifferent to him what was the subject of the work dedicated,provided it were innocent. He once dedicated some Musick for the GermanFlute to Edward, Duke of York. In writing Dedications for others, heconsidered himself as by no means speaking his own sentiments.
Notwithstanding his long silence, I never omitted to write to him when Ihad any thing worthy of communicating. I generally kept copies of myletters to him, that I might have a full view of our correspondence, andnever be at a loss to understand any reference in his letters[5]. Hekept the greater part of mine very carefully; and a short time beforehis death was attentive enough to seal them up in bundles, and orderthem to be delivered to me, which was accordingly done. Amongst them Ifound one, of which I had not made a copy, and which I own I read withpleasure at the distance of almost twenty years. It is dated November,1765, at the palace of Pascal Paoli, in Corte, the capital of Corsica,and is full of generous enthusiasm[6]. After giving a sketch of what Ihad seen and heard in that island, it proceeded thus: 'I dare to callthis a spirited tour. I dare, to challenge your approbation.'
This letter produced the following answer, which I found on my arrivalat Paris.
A Mr. Mr. BOSWELL, chez Mr. WATERS, Banquier, Ã Paris.
'Apologies are seldom of any use. We will delay till your arrival thereasons, good or bad, which have made me such a sparing and ungratefulcorrespondent. Be assured, for the present, that nothing has lessenedeither the esteem or love with which I dismissed you at Harwich. Bo