Читать книгу The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. - James Boswell - Страница 246

‘If you are now able to comprehend that I might neglect to write without diminution of affection, you have taught me, likewise, how that neglect may be uneasily felt without resentment. I wished for your letter a long time, and when it came, it amply recompensed the delay. I never was so much pleased as now with your account of yourself; and sincerely hope, that between publick business, improving studies, and domestick pleasures, neither melancholy nor caprice will find any place for entrance. Whatever philosophy may determine of material nature, it is certainly true of intellectual nature, that it abhors a vacuum: our minds cannot be empty; and evil will break in upon them, if they are not pre-occupied by good. My dear Sir, mind your studies, mind your business, make your lady happy, and be a good Christian. After this,

‘tristitiam et metus Trades protervis in mare Creticum Portare ventis[414].’

‘If we perform our duty, we shall be safe and steady, “Sive per[415],” &c., whether we climb the Highlands, or are tost among the Hebrides; and I hope the time will come when we may try our powers both with cliffs and water. I see but little of Lord Elibank[416], I know not why; perhaps by my own fault. I am this day going into Staffordshire and Derbyshire for six weeks[417].

‘I am, dear Sir,

‘Your most affectionate,

‘And most humble servant,

‘SAM. JOHNSON.’

‘London, June 20, 1771.’

‘To SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS, IN LEICESTER-FIELDS.