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as guardians that he had to overcome. Johnson not only uses “A Short Song of Congratulation” as praise to another, but also as an escape from his own reality through another persons actions and similar triumphs. Johnson wrote more poems for praise to acquaintances, and one in particular was also a display of grave emotion. He wrote “On the Death of Dr. Robert Levet” in 1782 to honor a very dear friend of his, and, even if momentarily escape the reality of his death. The praise Johnson gives to Levet gives way to exaggerated, in this case unrealistic, accolades. Johnson writes, “Officious, innocent, sincere, / Of ev’ry friendless name the friend” (7-8), saying that Levet befriended every homeless, poor, or friendless person, which is an unrealistic accomplishment, but perfect for the praise of a beloved friend. Throughout the poem from lines 7 through 32, Johnson praises the life and charity of Levet and the choices he made while he was alive, but in the final stanza he writes, ...