OLIVER GOLDSMITH'S LIFE AND TIMES. [BOOK m.
1762. Johnson's purchase of this hook, which is charged to him
Mt. 34. in one of Newbery's accounts, shows his interest in whatever
affected Goldsmith at this opening of their friendship. His
book-purchases were never abundant; though better able to
afford them now than at any previous time, for the May of
this year had seen a change in his fortunes. Bute's pensions
to his Scottish crew showing meaner than ever in Churchill's
daring verse, it occurred to the shrewd and wary "Wedder-
burne (whose sister had married the favourite's most intimate
friend) to advise, for a set-off, that Samuel Johnson should
be pensioned. Of all the wits at the Grecian or the Bedford,
Arthur Murphy, who had been some months fighting the
North Briton with the Auditor, and was now watching the
Courts at Westminster preparatory to his first circuit in
the following year, was best known to Bute's rising lawyer;
and Arthur was sent to Johnson. It was an " abode of
" wretchedness," said this messenger of glad tidings, describ-
ing on his return those rooms of Inner Temple Lane where
a visitor of some months before had found the author of the
Rambler and Rasselas, now fifty-three years old, without
pen, ink, or paper, " in poverty, total idleness, and the pride
" of literature." Yet great as was the poverty, and glad the
tidings, a shade passed over Johnson's face. After a long
pause, " he asked if it was seriously intended." Undoubtedly.
His majesty, to reward literary merit, and with no desire
" white aprons . , . and the good-natured dutcliess acquiesced in his censure." 36.
I cannot help adding one more passage of very unconscious and most amusing
self-revelation. " The business of love somewhat resembles the business of physic;
"no matter for qualifications, he that makes vigorous pretensions to either is
" surest of success. Nature had by no means favoured Mr. Nash for a Beau
" Garcon; his person was clumsy, too large, and awkward, and Ms features harsh,
"strong, and peculiarly irregular; yet, even with these disadvantages, he made
" love, became an ixniversal admirer, and was universally admired. He was
" possessed, at least, of some requisites of a lover. He had assiduity, flattery,
" fine cloaths, and as much wit as the ladies he addressed." 74.