'SAM. JOHNSON.'
My readers will not doubt that his solicitude about me was very flattering.
'To JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ.
'DEAR SIR,
'What can possibly have happened, that keeps us two such strangers to each other? I expected to have heard from you when you came home; I expected afterwards. I went into the country and returned[1200]; and yet there is no letter from Mr. Boswell. No ill I hope has happened; and if ill should happen, why should it be concealed from him who loves you? Is it a fit of humour, that has disposed you to try who can hold out longest without writing? If it be, you have the victory. But I am afraid of something bad; set me free from my suspicions.
'My thoughts are at present employed in guessing the reason of your silence: you must not expect that I should tell you any thing, if I had any thing to tell. Write, pray write to me, and let me know what is, or what has been the cause of this long interruption.
'I am, dear Sir,
'Your most affectionate humble servant,
'SAM. JOHNSON.'
'July 13, 1779.'