2i8 SAMUEL JOHNSON

your folly do no further mischief. If the last act is yet to do, I, who have loved you, es- teemed you, reverenced you, and served you, I, who long thought you the first of woman- kind, entreat that, before your fate is irrevoc- able, I may once more see you.

I was, I once was, Madam, most truly yours,

SAM. JOHNSON.

July 2, 1784.

1 Mrs. Thrale's reply is so honourable an example of a diction and a dignity almost worthy of Johnson him- self, that it may be allowed in this place to follow his letter once more :

"July tfh.

" SIR,

" I have this morning received from you so rough a letter in reply to one which was both tenderly and respectfully written, that I am forced to desire the con- clusion of a correspondence which I can bear to con- tinue no longer. The birth of my second husband is not meaner than that of my first; his sentiments are not meaner ; his profession is not meaner ; and his superiority in what he professes acknowledged by all mankind. It is want of fortune, then, that is ignominious ; the character of the man I have chosen has no other claim to such an epithet. The religion to which he has been always a zealous adherent will, I hope, teach him to forgive in- sults he has not deserved; mine will, I hope, enable me to bear them at once with dignity and patience. To hear that I have forfeited my fame is indeed the greatest in- sult I ever yet received. My fame is as unsullied as snow,

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