The mental agonies of Smollett. already too severe for his delicate and susceptible frame, were deeply aggravated by this act of base ingratitude. Dr. has justly observed, that many feel remorse in a fearful degree on their death-bed from the thought of dying rich; but that none feel it from the thought of dying poor. Smollett enjoyed at least this conso lation when he set out for Italy in 1770. After a short residence at Leghorn he retired to Monte Nuovo, a romantic situation in its 'Vicinity. Here he composed and published in 1776, his Expedition of /lurnphrq Clinker, in three vols. 12mo. a work which met with high approbation, and is regarded as one of the best of his works. This was the Last effort of his' pen. His bodily strength gradually declined, and he died at his house near Leghorn on the 21st October 1771, in the 51st year of his age.
Ilis widow erected. a plain monument to his memo ry. with an inscription by Dr. Armstrong. In 177-1 a Tuscan column was erected to his memory on the banks of the Leven by his cousin, James Smollett, Esq. of Bonhill, with an inscription partly written by Dr. Johnson, Professor G. Stuart, and Mr. Ramsay of Ochtertyie.
.An edition of Smollett's works, in S vols. Svo.. was published in 1797, with Alemoirs of his Life; to a 111E11 is prefixed a i'iew of the Commencement and Pro,s,rress of Romance, by the celebrated Dr. Moore. Dr. An derson had previously collected the poetical works of Smollett, which appeared with an excellent it lemoir of his Life, in the works of the British Poets. The same learned editor published a new edition of his Miscellaneous Works, in 1796, and in 1803, he publish ed in a separate volume, The Life of Tobias ,Ymolleti, M. D. with Critical Observations on his Works, which
went through several editions. The following is Dr. Moore's estimate of Smollett's character:— person of Dr. Smollett was stout and well propertionccl, his countenance engaging, his manner reserved, with a certain air of dignity that seemed to indicate that he was not unconscious of his own pow ers. He was of a disposition so humane and generous that he was ever ready to serve the unfortunate, and, on some occasions, to assist them beyond what his circumstances would justify. Though few could pe netrate with more acuteness into character, yet none was more apt to overlook misconduct when attended with misfortune.
lie lived in a hospitable manner, but he despised that hospitality which is founded on ostentation. lie invited to his plain but plentiful table, the persons whose characters he esteemed, in whose conversation he delighted, and many for no other reason than be cause they stood in need of his countenance and pro tection. ** Free from vanity, Smollett had a considerable share of pride, and great sensibility; his passions were easi ly moved, and too impetuous when raised; he could not conceal his contempt of folly, his detestation of fraud, nor from proclaiming his indignation against every instance of oppression.*** He was of an intrepid, independent, imprudent dis position, equally incapable of deceit and adulation, and more disposed to cultivate the acquaintance of those he could serve, than of those who could serve him. What wonder that a man of his character was not what is called successful in life."