'I can only send my respectful wishes, that all your deliberations may tend to the happiness of the kingdom, and the peace of the borough.
'I am, Gentlemen,
'Your most faithful
'And obedient servant,
'HENRY THRALE.'
'Southwark, Sept. 5, 1780.'
On his birth-day, Johnson has this note:—
'I am now beginning the seventy-second year of my life, with more strength of body, and greater vigour of mind, than I think is common at that age[1364].'
But still he complains of sleepless nights and idle days, and forgetfulness, or neglect of resolutions. He thus pathetically expresses himself,—
'Surely I shall not spend my whole life with my own total disapprobation[1365].'