Changes

Johnson remained with his close friend Harry Porter during a terminal illness,<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=144}}</ref> which culminated when Porter died on 3 September 1734, leaving his wife Elizabeth Jervis Porter (otherwise known as "Tetty") widowed at the age of 45, with three children.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=143}}</ref> Some months later, Johnson began to court her. The Reverend William Shaw claims that "the first advances probably proceeded from her, as her attachment to Johnson was in opposition to the advice and desire of all her relations".<ref>{{Harvnb|Boswell|1969|p=88}}</ref> Johnson was inexperienced in such relationships, but the well-to-do widow encouraged him and promised to provide for him with her substantial savings.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=145}}</ref> They married on 9 July 1735, at St Werburgh's Church, Derby|St Werburgh's Church in Derby .<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=147}}</ref> The Porter family did not approve of the match, partly because Johnson was 25 and Elizabeth was 21 years his elder, and Elizabeth's marriage to Johnson so disgusted her son Jervis that he severed relations with her.<ref name="Wain p. 65">{{Harvnb|Wain|1974|p=65}}</ref> However, her daughter Lucy had accepted Johnson from the start, and her other son, Joseph, accepted the marriage later.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=146}}</ref>

Johnson remained with his close friend Harry Porter during a terminal illness,<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=144}}</ref> which culminated when Porter died on 3 September 1734, leaving his wife Elizabeth Jervis Porter (otherwise known as "Tetty") widowed at the age of 45, with three children.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=143}}</ref> Some months later, Johnson began to court her. The Reverend William Shaw claims that "the first advances probably proceeded from her, as her attachment to Johnson was in opposition to the advice and desire of all her relations".<ref>{{Harvnb|Boswell|1969|p=88}}</ref> Johnson was inexperienced in such relationships, but the well-to-do widow encouraged him and promised to provide for him with her substantial savings.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=145}}</ref> They married on 9 July 1735, at St Werburgh's Church, Derby|St Werburgh's Church in Derby .<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=147}}</ref> The Porter family did not approve of the match, partly because Johnson was 25 and Elizabeth was 21 years his elder, and Elizabeth's marriage to Johnson so disgusted her son Jervis that he severed relations with her.<ref name="Wain p. 65">{{Harvnb|Wain|1974|p=65}}</ref> However, her daughter Lucy had accepted Johnson from the start, and her other son, Joseph, accepted the marriage later.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=146}}</ref>

In June 1735, while working as a tutor for Thomas Whitby's children, Johnson had applied for the position of headmaster at Solihull School .<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=153–154}}</ref> Although Walmesley{{clarify|pre-text=who?|date=November 2010}} gave his support, Johnson was passed over because the school's directors thought he was "a very haughty, ill-natured gent., and that he has such a way of distorting his face (which though he can't help) the gent[s] think it may affect some lads".<ref name="Bate p. 154">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=154}}</ref> With Walmesley's encouragement, Johnson decided that he could be a successful teacher if he ran his own school.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=153}}</ref> In the autumn of 1735, Johnson opened Edial Hall School as a private academy at Edial, near Lichfield. He had only three pupils: Lawrence Offley, George Garrick, and the 18-year-old David Garrick, who later became one of the most famous actors of his day.<ref name="Bate p. 154"/> The venture was unsuccessful and cost Tetty a substantial portion of her fortune. Instead of trying to keep the failing school going, Johnson began to write his first major work, the historical tragedy '' Irene (play)|Irene ''.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=156}}</ref> Biographer Robert DeMaria believed that Tourette syndrome likely made public occupations like schoolmaster or tutor almost impossible for Johnson to hold; this may have led Johnson to "the invisible occupation of authorship".<ref name="Demaria pp. 5-6"/>

In June 1735, while working as a tutor for Thomas Whitby's children, Johnson had applied for the position of headmaster at Solihull School .<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=153–154}}</ref> Although Walmesley gave his support, Johnson was passed over because the school's directors thought he was "a very haughty, ill-natured gent., and that he has such a way of distorting his face (which though he can't help) the gent[s] think it may affect some lads".<ref name="Bate p. 154">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=154}}</ref> With Walmesley's encouragement, Johnson decided that he could be a successful teacher if he ran his own school.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=153}}</ref> In the autumn of 1735, Johnson opened Edial Hall School as a private academy at Edial, near Lichfield. He had only three pupils: Lawrence Offley, George Garrick, and the 18-year-old David Garrick, who later became one of the most famous actors of his day.<ref name="Bate p. 154"/> The venture was unsuccessful and cost Tetty a substantial portion of her fortune. Instead of trying to keep the failing school going, Johnson began to write his first major work, the historical tragedy '' Irene (play)|Irene ''.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=156}}</ref> Biographer Robert DeMaria believed that Tourette syndrome likely made public occupations like schoolmaster or tutor almost impossible for Johnson to hold; this may have led Johnson to "the invisible occupation of authorship".<ref name="Demaria pp. 5-6"/>

Johnson left for London with his former pupil David Garrick on 2 March 1737, the day Johnson's brother had died. He was penniless and pessimistic about their travel, but fortunately for them, Garrick had connections in London, and the two were able to stay with his distant relative, Richard Norris.<ref name="Bate p. 16465">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=164–165}}</ref> Johnson soon moved to Greenwich near the Golden Hart Tavern to finish ''Irene''.<ref>{{Harvnb|Boswell|1986|pp=168–169}}</ref> On 12 July 1737 he wrote to Edward Cave with a proposal for a translation of Paolo Sarpi 's ''The History of the Council of Trent'' (1619), which Cave did not accept until months later.<ref>{{Harvnb|Wain|1974|p=81}}; {{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=169}}</ref> In October 1737 Johnson brought his wife to London, and he found employment with Cave as a writer for '' The Gentleman's Magazine ''.<ref>{{Harvnb|Boswell|1986|pp=169–170}}</ref> His assignments for the magazine and other publishers during this time were "almost unparalleled in range and variety", and "so numerous, so varied and scattered" that "Johnson himself could not make a complete list".<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1955|p=14}}</ref> The name '' Columbia (name)|Columbia '', a poetic name for America coined by Johnson, first appears in a 1738 weekly publication of the debates of the British Parliament in the Magazine.<ref>[http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/ilej/image1.pl?item=page&seq=5&size=1&id=gm.1738.6.x.8.x.x.285a The Gentleman's Magazine, Vol. 8, June 1738, p. 285] Retrieved 22 August 2009</ref><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=_DoJAAAAQAAJ&pg=PR13 ''Debates in Parliament'', Samuel Johnson.] Retrieved 22 August 2009</ref>

Johnson left for London with his former pupil David Garrick on 2 March 1737, the day Johnson's brother had died. He was penniless and pessimistic about their travel, but fortunately for them, Garrick had connections in London, and the two were able to stay with his distant relative, Richard Norris.<ref name="Bate p. 16465">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=164–165}}</ref> Johnson soon moved to Greenwich near the Golden Hart Tavern to finish ''Irene''.<ref>{{Harvnb|Boswell|1986|pp=168–169}}</ref> On 12 July 1737 he wrote to Edward Cave with a proposal for a translation of Paolo Sarpi 's ''The History of the Council of Trent'' (1619), which Cave did not accept until months later.<ref>{{Harvnb|Wain|1974|p=81}}; {{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=169}}</ref> In October 1737 Johnson brought his wife to London, and he found employment with Cave as a writer for '' The Gentleman's Magazine ''.<ref>{{Harvnb|Boswell|1986|pp=169–170}}</ref> His assignments for the magazine and other publishers during this time were "almost unparalleled in range and variety", and "so numerous, so varied and scattered" that "Johnson himself could not make a complete list".<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1955|p=14}}</ref> The name '' Columbia (name)|Columbia '', a poetic name for America coined by Johnson, first appears in a 1738 weekly publication of the debates of the British Parliament in the Magazine.<ref>[http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/ilej/image1.pl?item=page&seq=5&size=1&id=gm.1738.6.x.8.x.x.285a The Gentleman's Magazine, Vol. 8, June 1738, p. 285] Retrieved 22 August 2009</ref><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=_DoJAAAAQAAJ&pg=PR13 ''Debates in Parliament'', Samuel Johnson.] Retrieved 22 August 2009</ref>

In May 1738 his first major work, the poem '' London (1738 poem)‎|London '', was published anonymously.<ref name="Lynch p. 5">{{Harvnb|Lynch|2003|p= 5}}</ref> Based on Juvenal's Satires of Juvenal#Satire III: There is no Room in Roma for a Roman|Satire III, it describes the character Thales leaving for Wales to escape the problems of London,<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=172}}</ref> which it portrays as a place of crime, corruption, and neglect of the poor. Johnson could not bring himself to regard the poem as earning him any merit as a poet.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1955|p=18}}</ref> Alexander Pope claimed that the author "will soon be déterré" (brought to light, become well known), but this would not happen until 15 years later.<ref name="Lynch p. 5"/>

In May 1738 his first major work, the poem '' London (1738 poem)‎|London '', was published anonymously.<ref name="Lynch p. 5">{{Harvnb|Lynch|2003|p= 5}}</ref> Based on Juvenal's Satires of Juvenal#Satire III: There is no Room in Roma for a Roman|Satire III, it describes the character Thales leaving for Wales to escape the problems of London,<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=172}}</ref> which it portrays as a place of crime, corruption, and neglect of the poor. Johnson could not bring himself to regard the poem as earning him any merit as a poet.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1955|p=18}}</ref> Alexander Pope claimed that the author "will soon be déterré" (brought to light, become well known), but this would not happen until 15 years later.<ref name="Lynch p. 5"/>

===''A Dictionary of the English Language''===

===''A Dictionary of the English Language''===

In 1746, a group of publishers approached Johnson about creating an authoritative dictionary of the English language;<ref name="Lynch p. 5"/> a contract with William Strahan and associates, worth 1,500 guineas, was signed on the morning of 18 June 1746.<ref name="Hitchings">{{Harvnb|Hitchings|2005|p=54}}</ref> Johnson claimed that he could finish the project in three years. In comparison, the Académie Française had forty scholars spending forty years to complete its dictionary, which prompted Johnson to claim, "This is the proportion. Let me see; forty times forty is sixteen hundred. As three to sixteen hundred, so is the proportion of an Englishman to a Frenchman".<ref name="Lynch p. 5"/> Although he did not succeed in completing the work in three years, he did manage to finish it in nine, justifying his boast.<ref name="Lynch p. 5"/> According to Bate, the ''Dictionary'' "easily ranks as one of the greatest single achievements of scholarship, and probably the greatest ever performed by one individual who laboured under anything like the disadvantages in a comparable length of time".<ref name="Bate240">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=240}}</ref> However, others, such as Thomas Babington Macaulay who described Johnson as "a wretched etymologist," have criticised Johnson's dictionary.<ref>Winchester 2003, p.33</ref>

In 1746, a group of publishers approached Johnson about creating an authoritative dictionary of the English language;<ref name="Lynch p. 5"/> a contract with William Strahan and associates, worth 1,500 guineas, was signed on the morning of 18 June 1746.<ref name="Hitchings">{{Harvnb|Hitchings|2005|p=54}}</ref> Johnson claimed that he could finish the project in three years. In comparison, the Académie Française had forty scholars spending forty years to complete its dictionary, which prompted Johnson to claim, "This is the proportion. Let me see; forty times forty is sixteen hundred. As three to sixteen hundred, so is the proportion of an Englishman to a Frenchman".<ref name="Lynch p. 5"/> Although he did not succeed in completing the work in three years, he did manage to finish it in nine, justifying his boast.<ref name="Lynch p. 5"/> According to Bate, the ''Dictionary'' "easily ranks as one of the greatest single achievements of scholarship, and probably the greatest ever performed by one individual who laboured under anything like the disadvantages in a comparable length of time".<ref name="Bate240">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=240}}</ref> However, others, such as Thomas Babington Macaulay who described Johnson as "a wretched etymologist," have criticised Johnson's dictionary.<ref>Winchester 2003, p.33</ref>

In preparation for the work, Johnson wrote a ''Plan'' for the ''Dictionary''. Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, was the patron of the ''Plan'', to Johnson's displeasure.<ref>{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|pp=117–118}}</ref> Seven years after first meeting Johnson to go over the work, Chesterfield wrote two anonymous essays in ''The World'' recommending the ''Dictionary''.<ref name="Lane p. 118">{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=118}}</ref> He complained that the English language lacked structure and argued in support of the dictionary. Johnson did not like the tone of the essay, and he felt that Chesterfield had not fulfilled his obligations as the work's patron.<ref name="Lane p. 121">{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=121}}</ref> Johnson wrote a letter expressing this view and harshly criticising Chesterfield, saying "Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and when he has reached ground, encumbers him with help? The notice which you have been pleased to take of my labours, had it been early, had been kind: but it has been delayed till I am indifferent and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary and cannot impart it; till I am known and do not want it."<ref name="Bate p. 257">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=257}}</ref> Chesterfield, impressed by the language, kept the letter displayed on a table for anyone to read.<ref name="Bate p. 257"/>

In preparation for the work, Johnson wrote a ''Plan'' for the ''Dictionary''. Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, was the patron of the ''Plan'', to Johnson's displeasure.<ref>{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|pp=117–118}}</ref> Seven years after first meeting Johnson to go over the work, Chesterfield wrote two anonymous essays in ''The World'' recommending the ''Dictionary''.<ref name="Lane p. 118">{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=118}}</ref> He complained that the English language lacked structure and argued in support of the dictionary. Johnson did not like the tone of the essay, and he felt that Chesterfield had not fulfilled his obligations as the work's patron.<ref name="Lane p. 121">{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=121}}</ref> Johnson wrote a letter expressing this view and harshly criticising Chesterfield, saying "Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and when he has reached ground, encumbers him with help? The notice which you have been pleased to take of my labours, had it been early, had been kind: but it has been delayed till I am indifferent and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary and cannot impart it; till I am known and do not want it."<ref name="Bate p. 257">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=257}}</ref> Chesterfield, impressed by the language, kept the letter displayed on a table for anyone to read.<ref name="Bate p. 257"/>

The ''Dictionary'' was finally published in April 1755, with the title page acknowledging that Oxford had awarded Johnson a Master of Arts degree in anticipation of the work.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=256, 318}}</ref> The published dictionary was a huge book. Its pages were nearly {{convert|18|in|cm|0}} tall, and the book was {{convert|20|in|cm|0}} wide when opened; it contained 42,773 entries, to which only a few more were added in subsequent editions, and sold for the extravagant price of £4 10s, perhaps the rough equivalent of £350 today.<ref name=CC>{{citation|chapter=Currency Converter|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency/|title=The National Archives|place= Kew, Richmond, Surrey|accessdate=24 July 2008}}</ref> An important innovation in English lexicography was to illustrate the meanings of his words by literary quotation, of which there are around 114,000. The authors most frequently cited include Shakespeare, Milton and Dryden .<ref>{{Harvnb|Lynch|2003|pp=8–11}}</ref> It was years before "Johnson's Dictionary", as it came to be known, turned a profit. Author's royalties were unknown at that time, and Johnson, once his contract to deliver the book was fulfilled, received no further money from its sale. Years later, many of its quotations would be repeated by various editions of the '' Webster's Dictionary '' and the '' New English Dictionary ''.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1955|p=25}}</ref>

The ''Dictionary'' was finally published in April 1755, with the title page acknowledging that Oxford had awarded Johnson a Master of Arts degree in anticipation of the work.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=256, 318}}</ref> The published dictionary was a huge book. Its pages were nearly 18" tall, and the book was 20" wide when opened; it contained 42,773 entries, to which only a few more were added in subsequent editions, and sold for the extravagant price of £4 10s, perhaps the rough equivalent of £350 today.<ref name=CC>{{citation|chapter=Currency Converter|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency/|title=The National Archives|place= Kew, Richmond, Surrey|accessdate=24 July 2008}}</ref> An important innovation in English lexicography was to illustrate the meanings of his words by literary quotation, of which there are around 114,000. The authors most frequently cited include Shakespeare, Milton and Dryden .<ref>{{Harvnb|Lynch|2003|pp=8–11}}</ref> It was years before "Johnson's Dictionary", as it came to be known, turned a profit. Author's royalties were unknown at that time, and Johnson, once his contract to deliver the book was fulfilled, received no further money from its sale. Years later, many of its quotations would be repeated by various editions of the '' Webster's Dictionary '' and the '' New English Dictionary ''.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1955|p=25}}</ref>

Besides working on the ''Dictionary'', Johnson also wrote various essays, sermons, and poems during these nine years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=113}}</ref> He decided to produce a series of essays under the title '' The Rambler '' that would run every Tuesday and Saturday for twopence each. Explaining the title years later, he told his friend, the painter Joshua Reynolds : "I was at a loss how to name it. I sat down at night upon my bedside, and resolved that I would not go to sleep till I had fixed its title. ''The Rambler'' seemed the best that occurred, and I took it".<ref name="Lane p. 115">{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=115}}</ref> These essays, often on moral topics, tended to be more grave than the title of the series would suggest; his first comments in ''The Rambler'' were to ask "that in this undertaking thy Holy Spirit may not be withheld from me, but that I may promote thy glory, and the salvation of myself and others".<ref name="Lane p. 115"/> The popularity of ''The Rambler'' took off once the issues were collected as a volume; they were reprinted nine times during Johnson's life. Writer and printer Samuel Richardson, enjoying the essays greatly, questioned the publisher as to who wrote the works; only he and a few of Johnson's friends were told of Johnson's authorship.<ref name="Lane p. 116">{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=116}}</ref> One friend, the novelist Charlotte Lennox, includes a defence of ''The Rambler'' in her novel ''The Female Quixote'' (1752). In particular, the character Mr. Glanville says, "you may sit in Judgment upon the Productions of a ''Young'', a ''Richardson'', or a ''Johnson''. Rail with premeditated Malice at the ''Rambler''; and for the want of Faults, turn even its inimitable Beauties into Ridicule" (Book VI, Chapter XI). Later, she claims Johnson as "the greatest Genius in the present Age".<ref>{{Harvnb|Lynn|1997|p=241}}</ref>

Besides working on the ''Dictionary'', Johnson also wrote various essays, sermons, and poems during these nine years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=113}}</ref> He decided to produce a series of essays under the title '' The Rambler '' that would run every Tuesday and Saturday for twopence each. Explaining the title years later, he told his friend, the painter Joshua Reynolds : "I was at a loss how to name it. I sat down at night upon my bedside, and resolved that I would not go to sleep till I had fixed its title. ''The Rambler'' seemed the best that occurred, and I took it".<ref name="Lane p. 115">{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=115}}</ref> These essays, often on moral topics, tended to be more grave than the title of the series would suggest; his first comments in ''The Rambler'' were to ask "that in this undertaking thy Holy Spirit may not be withheld from me, but that I may promote thy glory, and the salvation of myself and others".<ref name="Lane p. 115"/> The popularity of ''The Rambler'' took off once the issues were collected as a volume; they were reprinted nine times during Johnson's life. Writer and printer Samuel Richardson, enjoying the essays greatly, questioned the publisher as to who wrote the works; only he and a few of Johnson's friends were told of Johnson's authorship.<ref name="Lane p. 116">{{Harvnb|Lane|1975|p=116}}</ref> One friend, the novelist Charlotte Lennox, includes a defence of ''The Rambler'' in her novel ''The Female Quixote'' (1752). In particular, the character Mr. Glanville says, "you may sit in Judgment upon the Productions of a ''Young'', a ''Richardson'', or a ''Johnson''. Rail with premeditated Malice at the ''Rambler''; and for the want of Faults, turn even its inimitable Beauties into Ridicule" (Book VI, Chapter XI). Later, she claims Johnson as "the greatest Genius in the present Age".<ref>{{Harvnb|Lynn|1997|p=241}}</ref>

===Later career===

===Later career===

On 16 March 1756, Johnson was arrested for an outstanding debt of £5 18 Shilling|s . Unable to contact anyone else, he wrote to the writer and publisher Samuel Richardson . Richardson, who had previously lent Johnson money, sent him six guineas to show his good will, and the two became friends.<ref name="Bate p. 321">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=321}}</ref> Soon after, Johnson met and befriended the painter Joshua Reynolds, who so impressed Johnson that he declared him "almost the only man whom I call a friend".<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=324}}</ref> Reynolds' younger sister Frances observed during their time together "that men, women and children gathered around him [Johnson]", laughing at his gestures and gesticulations.<ref name=Murray1611>{{Harvnb|Murray|1979|p=1611}}</ref> In addition to Reynolds, Johnson was close to Bennet Langton and Arthur Murphy . Langton was a scholar and an admirer of Johnson who persuaded his way into a meeting with Johnson which led to a long friendship. Johnson met Murphy during the summer of 1754 after Murphy came to Johnson about the accidental republishing of the ''Rambler'' No. 190, and the two became friends.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=322–323}}</ref> Around this time, Anna Williams began boarding with Johnson. She was a minor poet who was poor and becoming blind, two conditions that Johnson attempted to change by providing room for her and paying for a failed cataract surgery. Williams, in turn, became Johnson's housekeeper.<ref>{{Harvnb|Martin|2008|p=319}}</ref>

On 16 March 1756, Johnson was arrested for an outstanding debt of £5 18 Shilling|s . Unable to contact anyone else, he wrote to the writer and publisher Samuel Richardson . Richardson, who had previously lent Johnson money, sent him six guineas to show his good will, and the two became friends.<ref name="Bate p. 321">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=321}}</ref> Soon after, Johnson met and befriended the painter Joshua Reynolds, who so impressed Johnson that he declared him "almost the only man whom I call a friend".<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=324}}</ref> Reynolds' younger sister Frances observed during their time together "that men, women and children gathered around him [Johnson]", laughing at his gestures and gesticulations.<ref name=Murray1611>{{Harvnb|Murray|1979|p=1611}}</ref> In addition to Reynolds, Johnson was close to Bennet Langton and Arthur Murphy . Langton was a scholar and an admirer of Johnson who persuaded his way into a meeting with Johnson which led to a long friendship. Johnson met Murphy during the summer of 1754 after Murphy came to Johnson about the accidental republishing of the ''Rambler'' No. 190, and the two became friends.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=322–323}}</ref> Around this time, Anna Williams began boarding with Johnson. She was a minor poet who was poor and becoming blind, two conditions that Johnson attempted to change by providing room for her and paying for a failed cataract surgery. Williams, in turn, became Johnson's housekeeper.<ref>{{Harvnb|Martin|2008|p=319}}</ref>

===Final works===

===Final works===

On 6 August 1773, eleven years after first meeting Boswell, Johnson set out to visit his friend in Scotland, to begin "a journey to the western islands of Scotland", as Johnson's 1775 account of their travels would put it.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=463}}</ref> The work was intended to discuss the social problems and struggles that affected the Scottish people, but it also praised many of the unique facets of Scottish society, such as a school in Edinburgh for the deaf and mute.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=471}}</ref> Also, Johnson used the work to enter into the dispute over the authenticity of James Macpherson's Ossian poems, claiming they could not have been translations of ancient Scottish literature on the grounds that "in those times nothing had been written in the Earse [i.e. Gaelic] language".<ref>{{Harvnb|Johnson|1970|pp=104–105}}</ref> There were heated exchanges between the two, and according to one of Johnson's letters, MacPherson threatened physical violence.<ref>{{Harvnb|Wain|1974|p=331}}</ref> Boswell's account, '' The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides '' (1786), was a preliminary attempt at a biography before his '' Life of Johnson ''. Included were various quotes and descriptions of events, including anecdotes such as Johnson swinging around a broadsword while wearing Scottish garb, or dancing a Highland jig.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=468–469}}</ref>

On 6 August 1773, eleven years after first meeting Boswell, Johnson set out to visit his friend in Scotland, to begin "a journey to the western islands of Scotland", as Johnson's 1775 account of their travels would put it.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=463}}</ref> The work was intended to discuss the social problems and struggles that affected the Scottish people, but it also praised many of the unique facets of Scottish society, such as a school in Edinburgh for the deaf and mute.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=471}}</ref> Also, Johnson used the work to enter into the dispute over the authenticity of James Macpherson's Ossian poems, claiming they could not have been translations of ancient Scottish literature on the grounds that "in those times nothing had been written in the Earse [i.e. Gaelic] language".<ref>{{Harvnb|Johnson|1970|pp=104–105}}</ref> There were heated exchanges between the two, and according to one of Johnson's letters, MacPherson threatened physical violence.<ref>{{Harvnb|Wain|1974|p=331}}</ref> Boswell's account, '' The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides '' (1786), was a preliminary attempt at a biography before his '' Life of Johnson ''. Included were various quotes and descriptions of events, including anecdotes such as Johnson swinging around a broadsword while wearing Scottish garb, or dancing a Highland jig.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|pp=468–469}}</ref>

Although he had recovered his health by August, he experienced emotional trauma when he was given word that Hester Thrale would sell the residence that Johnson shared with the family. What hurt Johnson the most was the possibility that he would be left without her constant company.<ref name="Bate p. 566">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=566}}</ref> Months later, on 6 October 1782, Johnson attended church for the final time in his life, to say goodbye to his former residence and life. The walk to the church strained him, but he managed the journey unaccompanied.<ref name="Bate p. 569">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=569}}</ref> While there, he wrote a prayer for the Thrale family:

Although he had recovered his health by August, he experienced emotional trauma when he was given word that Hester Thrale would sell the residence that Johnson shared with the family. What hurt Johnson the most was the possibility that he would be left without her constant company.<ref name="Bate p. 566">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=566}}</ref> Months later, on 6 October 1782, Johnson attended church for the final time in his life, to say goodbye to his former residence and life. The walk to the church strained him, but he managed the journey unaccompanied.<ref name="Bate p. 569">{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=569}}</ref> While there, he wrote a prayer for the Thrale family:

{{quote|To thy fatherly protection, O Lord, I commend this family. Bless, guide, and defend them, that they may pass through this world, as finally to enjoy in thy presence everlasting happiness, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.<ref>{{Harvnb|Boswell|1986|p=284}}</ref>}}

<blockquote>To thy fatherly protection, O Lord, I commend this family. Bless, guide, and defend them, that they may pass through this world, as finally to enjoy in thy presence everlasting happiness, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.<ref>{{Harvnb|Boswell|1986|p=284}}</ref></blockquote>

Hester Thrale did not completely abandon Johnson, and asked him to accompany the family on a trip to Brighton.<ref name="Bate p. 569"/> He agreed, and was with them from 7 October until 20 November 1782.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=570}}</ref> On his return, his health began to fail him, and he was left alone following Boswell's visit on 29 May 1783 until he travelled to Scotland.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=575}}</ref>

Hester Thrale did not completely abandon Johnson, and asked him to accompany the family on a trip to Brighton.<ref name="Bate p. 569"/> He agreed, and was with them from 7 October until 20 November 1782.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=570}}</ref> On his return, his health began to fail him, and he was left alone following Boswell's visit on 29 May 1783 until he travelled to Scotland.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bate|1977|p=575}}</ref>

On 17 June 1783, Johnson's poor circulation resulted in a stroke<ref>{{Harvnb|Wiltshire|1991|p=51}}</ref> and he wrote to his neighbour, Edmund Allen, that he had lost the ability to speak.<ref>{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|p=71}}</ref> Two doctors were brought in to aid Johnson; he regained his ability to speak two days later.<ref>{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|pp=71–72}}</ref> Johnson feared that he was dying, and wrote:

On 17 June 1783, Johnson's poor circulation resulted in a stroke<ref>{{Harvnb|Wiltshire|1991|p=51}}</ref> and he wrote to his neighbour, Edmund Allen, that he had lost the ability to speak.<ref>{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|p=71}}</ref> Two doctors were brought in to aid Johnson; he regained his ability to speak two days later.<ref>{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|pp=71–72}}</ref> Johnson feared that he was dying, and wrote:

 

<blockquote>The black dog I hope always to resist, and in time to drive, though I am deprived of almost all those that used to help me. The neighbourhood is impoverished. I had once Richardson and Lawrence in my reach. Mrs. Allen is dead. My house has lost Levet, a man who took interest in everything, and therefore ready at conversation. Mrs. Williams is so weak that she can be a companion no longer. When I rise my breakfast is solitary, the black dog waits to share it, from breakfast to dinner he continues barking, except that Dr. Brocklesby for a little keeps him at a distance. Dinner with a sick woman you may venture to suppose not much better than solitary. After dinner, what remains but to count the clock, and hope for that sleep which I can scarce expect. Night comes at last, and some hours of restlessness and confusion bring me again to a day of solitude. What shall exclude the black dog from an habitation like this?<ref>{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|p=72}}</ref></blockquote>

{{quote|The black dog I hope always to resist, and in time to drive, though I am deprived of almost all those that used to help me. The neighbourhood is impoverished. I had once Richardson and Lawrence in my reach. Mrs. Allen is dead. My house has lost Levet, a man who took interest in everything, and therefore ready at conversation. Mrs. Williams is so weak that she can be a companion no longer. When I rise my breakfast is solitary, the black dog waits to share it, from breakfast to dinner he continues barking, except that Dr. Brocklesby for a little keeps him at a distance. Dinner with a sick woman you may venture to suppose not much better than solitary. After dinner, what remains but to count the clock, and hope for that sleep which I can scarce expect. Night comes at last, and some hours of restlessness and confusion bring me again to a day of solitude. What shall exclude the black dog from an habitation like this?<ref>{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|p=72}}</ref>}}

By this time he was sick and gout -ridden. He had surgery for gout, and his remaining friends, including novelist Fanny Burney (the daughter of Charles Burney), came to keep him company.<ref name="Watkins p.73">{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|p=73}}</ref> He was confined to his room from 14 December 1783 to 21 April 1784.<ref name="Watkins p.74">{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|p=74}}</ref>

By this time he was sick and gout -ridden. He had surgery for gout, and his remaining friends, including novelist Fanny Burney (the daughter of Charles Burney), came to keep him company.<ref name="Watkins p.73">{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|p=73}}</ref> He was confined to his room from 14 December 1783 to 21 April 1784.<ref name="Watkins p.74">{{Harvnb|Watkins|1960|p=74}}</ref>