'SAM. JOHNSON.'
'Feb. 11, 1784.'
'TO MRS. LUCY PORTER, IN LICHFIELD.
'MY DEAREST LOVE,
'I have been extremely ill of an asthma and dropsy, but received, by the mercy of GOD, sudden and unexpected relief last Thursday, by the discharge of twenty pints of water[812]. Whether I shall continue free, or shall fill again, cannot be told. Pray for me.
'Death, my dear, is very dreadful; let us think nothing worth our care but how to prepare for it: what we know amiss in ourselves let us make haste to amend, and put our trust in the mercy of GOD, and the intercession of our Saviour. I am, dear Madam,
'Your most humble servant,
'SAM. JOHNSON.'
'Feb. 23, 1784.'
TO JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ.