However slight in itself, as it does
honour to that illustrious painter, and most amiable man, I am happy to
introduce it.
'To SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS. 'DEAR SIR,
'It was not before yesterday that I received your splendid benefaction.
To a hand so liberal in distributing, I hope nobody will envy the power
of acquiring.
'I am, dear Sir,
Your obliged and most humble servant, SAM, JOHNSON. June 23, 1781.'
'To THOMAS ASTLE, Esq.[423]
'SIR,
'I am ashamed that you have been forced to call so often for your books,
but it has been by no fault on either side. They have never been out of
my hands, nor have I ever been at home without seeing you; for to see a
man so skilful in the antiquities of my country, is an opportunity of
improvement not willingly to be missed.
'Your notes on Alfred[424] appear to me very judicious and accurate, but
they are too few. Many things familiar to you, are unknown to me, and to
most others; and you must not think too favourably of your readers: by
supposing them knowing, you will leave them ignorant. Measure of land,
and value of money, it is of great importance to state with care.
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