which criminals were punished, by being confined to labour, he said, "I do not see that they are punished by this: they must have worked equally, had they never been guilty of stealing. They now only work; so, after all, they have gained; what they stole is clear gain to them; the confinement is nothing. Every man who works is confined: the smith to his shop, the tailor to his garret." BOSWELL. "And Lord Mansfield to his court." JOHNSON. "Yes, Sir. You know the notion of confinement may be extended, as in the song, Every island is a prison. There is in Dodsley's collection a copy of verses to the author of that song."

” |

Smith's Latin verses on Pococke, the great traveller, were mentioned. He repeated some of them, and said they were Smith's best verses. He talked with an uncommon animation of travelling into distant countries; that the mind was enlarged by it, and that an acquisition of He dignity of character was derived from it. expressed a particular enthusiasm with respect to visiting the wall of China. I catched it for the moment, and said I really believed I should go and see the wall of China had I not children, of whom it was my duty to take care. Sir," said he, "by doing so, you would do what would be of importance in raising your children to eminence. There would be a lustre reflected upon them from your spirit and curiosity. They would be at all times regarded as the children of a man who had gone to view the wall of China. I am serious, Sir."

When we had left Mr. Scott's he said, "Will you go home with me?" "Sir," said I," it is late; but I'll go with you for three minutes.' JOHNSON. Or four." We went to Mrs. Williams's room, where we found Mr. Allen the printer, who was the landlord of his house in Bolt-court, a worthy, obliging man, and his very old acquaintance; and what was exceedingly amusing, though he was of a very diminutive size, he used, even in Johnson's presence, to imitate the stately periods and slow and solemn utterance of the great man. I this evening boasted, that although I did not write what is called stenography, or short-hand, in appropriated characters devised for the purpose, I had a method of my own of writing halfwords, and leaving out some altogether, so as yet to keep the substance and language of any discourse which I had heard so much in view,

that I could give it very completely soon after I had taken it down. He defied me, as he had once defied an actual short-hand writer; i he made the experiment by reading slowly and distinctly a part of Robertson's "History of America," while I endeavoured to write it in my way of taking notes. It was found that I had it very imperfectly; the conclusion tra which was, that its excellence was principally owing to a studied arrangement of works which could not be varied or abridged with at an essential injury.3

66

On Sunday, April 12., I found him at home before dinner; Dr. Dodd's poem, entitled Thoughts in Prison," was lying upon his tabe This appearing to me an extraordinary fr by a man who was in Newgate for a card crime, I was desirous to hear Johnson's opinion of it: to my surprise, he told me he had t read a line of it. I took up the book and ad a passage to him. JOHNSON. •Pretty well t you are previously disposed to like them." I read another passage, with which he was batt? pleased. He then took the book into his e hands, and having looked at the prayer at the end of it, he said, "What evidence is there th this was composed the night before he suffered I do not believe it." He then read aloud why he prays for the king, &c., and observed, * St. do you think that a man, the night before i is to be hanged, cares for the succession of a royal family? Though, he may have composi this prayer then. A man who has been canti all his life, may cant to the last. man who has been refused a pardon alter much petitioning, would hardly be praye thus fervently for the king."

And reti

He, and I, and Mrs. Williams went to d with the Reverend Dr. Percy. Talking Goldsmith, Johnson said, he was very envisa I defended him, by observing, that he owned frankly upon all occasions. JOHNSON. N you are enforcing the charge. He had so ma envy, that he could not conceal it. He full of it, that he overflowed He talked of it to be sure, often enough. Now, Sir, what a man avows, he is not ashamed to think; the many a man thinks what he is ashamed? avow. We are all envious naturally; bat ky checking envy, we get the better of it. So are all thieves naturally; a child always r to get at what it wants the nearest way

I have in vain examined Dodsley's Collection for the verses here referred to. The song begins with the words, Welcome, welcome, brother debtor," MALONE. The song itself is to be found in Ritson's and other collections. — CROKER.

2 Smith's verses are on Edward Pococke, the great Oriental linguist: he travelled, it is true; but Dr. Richard Pococke, late Bishop of Ossory, who published Travels through the East, is usually called the great traveller, — KEARNEY. Edward Pococke was Canon of Christchurch and Hebrew Professor in Oxford. The two Pocockes flourished just a century apart; the one, Edward, being born in 1604; Richard, in 1704. Hall, CROKER.

3 This is odd reasoning. Most readers would have come to the more obvious conclusion, that Boswell had failed in his

experiment at short-hand. This passage may arrecar få some verbal errors and obscurities in this work when or ing his notes, after a considerable lapse of time, Mr. Ba probably misunderstood his own abbreviations. — C 4 It does not seem consistent that Johnson should be thus spoken of one, in the sincerity of whose repestas! had so much confidence as to desire to have the k prayers (antè, p. 544). The observation, too, on the pr for the king seems inconsiderate; because, if Dead! wan sincere penitent, he would be anxious to reconcile to with all mankind, and, as the king might have saved 20 yet would not, Dodd's prayer for him was probably be the form nor flattery (for what could they avali hay d hour?), but the proof of contrition, and of the absenor of a personal resentment. - CROKER.

I could not help thinking that this was too high praise of a writer who traversed a wide extent of country in such haste, that he could put together only curt frittered fragments of his own, and afterwards procured supplemental intelligence from parochial ministers, and others not the best qualified or most partial narrators, whose ungenerous prejudice against the house of Stuart glares in misrepresentation; a writer, who at best treats merely of superficial objects, and shows no philosophical investigation of character and manners, such as Johnson has exhibited in his masterly "Journey" over part of the same ground; and who, it should seem from a desire of ingratiating himself with the Scotch, has flattered the people of North Britain so inordinately and with so little discrimination, that the judicious and candid amongst them must be disgusted, while they value more the plain, just, yet kindly report of Johnson.

Having impartially censured Mr. Pennant, as a traveller in Scotland, let me allow him, from authorities much better than mine, his deserved praise as an able zoologist; and let me also, from my own understanding and feelings, acknowledge the merit of his " London," which, though said to be not quite accurate in some particulars, is one of the most pleasing topographical performances that ever appeared in any language. Mr. Pennant, like his countrymen in general, has the true spirit of a gentleman. As a proof of it, I shall quote from his "London" the passage in which he speaks of my illustrious friend."

"I must by no means omit Bolt Court, the long residence of Dr. Samuel Johnson, a man of the strongest natural abilities, great learning, a most retentive memory, of the deepest and most unaffected piety and morality, mingled with those numerous weaknesses and prejudices, which his friends have kindly taken care to draw from their dread abode.' I brought on myself his transient anger, by observing that in his tour in Scotland, he once had long and woful experience of oats being the food of men in Scotland, as they were of horses in England. It was a national reflection unworthy of him, and I shot my bolt. In turn he gave me a tender hug Con amore he also said of me, The dog is a Whig.' 3 I admired the virtues of Lord Russell, and pitied his fall. I should have been a Whig at the Revolution. There have been periods since in which I

should have been, what I now am, a moderate Tory, a supporter, as far as my little influence extends, of a well-poised balance between the crown and the people; but should the scale preponderate against the salus populi, that moment may it be said, The dog's a Whig!'"

This is the common cant against faithful biography. Does the worthy gentleman mean that I, who was taught discrimination of character by Johnson, should have omitted his frailties, and, in short, have bedaubed him, as the worthy gentleman has bedaubed Scotland? BOSWELL.

2

gay.

66

We had a calm after the storm, staid the evening and supped, and were pleasant and But Dr. Percy told me he was very uneasy at what had passed, for there was a gentleman there who was acquainted with the Northumberland family, to whom he hoped to have appeared more respectable, by showing how intimate he was with Dr. Johnson, and who might now, on the contrary, go away with an opinion to his disadvantage. He begged I would mention this to Dr. Johnson, which I afterwards did. His observation upon it was, "This comes of stratagem; had he told me that he wished to appear to advantage before that gentleman, he should have been at the top of the house all the time." He spoke of Dr. Percy in the handsomest manner. “Then, Sir," said I, "may I be allowed to suggest a mode by which you may effectually counteract any unfavourable report of what passed? I will write a letter to you upon the subject of the unlucky contest of that day, and you will be kind enough to put in writing, as an answer to that letter, what you have now said, and as Lord Percy is to dine with us at General Paoli's soon, I will take an opportunity to read the correspondence in his lordship's presence.” This friendly scheme was accordingly carried into execution without Dr. Percy's knowledge. Johnson's letter placed Dr. Percy's unques tionable merit in the fairest point of view; and I contrived that Lord Percy should bear the correspondence, by introducing it at Gene ral Paoli's as an instance of Dr. Johnson' kind disposition towards one in whom his lordship was interested. Thus every unfavourable impression was obviated that could possibly have been made on those by whom he wiste most to be regarded. I breakfasted the day after with him, and informed him of my scheme, and its happy completion, for which he thanked me in the warmest terms, and was highly de lighted with Dr. Johnson's letter in his praise. of which I gave him a copy. He said, would rather have this than degrees from all the universities in Europe. It will be for me, and my children, and grandchildren." Dr. Johnson having afterwards asked me if I had given him a copy of it, and being told I lad back, which I did. As, however, he did not was offended, and insisted that I should get it desire me to destroy either the original or the copy, or forbid me to let it be seen, I think myself at liberty to apply to it his general declaration to me concerning his own letters "That he did not choose they should be pub lished in his life-time; but had no objection ta their appearing after his death." I shall therefore insert this kindly correspondence, having faithfully narrated the circumstances arcompanying it.

2 See Dr. Johnsons's "Journey to the Western lettenda p. 296. see his Dictionary, article Oats; and my * V-vage to the Hebrides," first edition. - PENNANT.

3 See Mr. Boswell's Journal [anté, p. 314 ). – PDNANT.

I

BOSWELL TO JOHNSON.

"MY DEAR SIR, I beg leave to address you in behalf of our friend Dr. Percy, who was much hurt by what you said to him that day we dined at his house (Sunday, April 12.); when, in the course of the dispute as to Pennant's merit as a traveller, you told Percy that he had the resentment of a narrow mind against Pennant, because he did not find every thing in Northumberland.' Percy is sensible that you did not mean to injure him; but he is vexed to think that your behaviour to him on that occasion may be interpreted as a proof that he is despised by you, which I know is not the case. have told him, that the charge of being narrowminded was only as to the particular point in question; and that he had the merit of being a martyr to his noble family.

I

"Earl Percy is to dine with General Paoli next Friday; and I should be sincerely glad to have it in my power to satisfy his lordship how well you think of Dr. Percy, who, I find, apprehends that your good opinion of him may be of very essential consequence; and who assures me that he has the highest respect and the warmest affection for you.

"I have only to add, that my suggesting this occasion for the exercise of your candour and generosity is altogether unknown to Dr. Percy, and proceeds from my good-will towards him, and my persuasion that you will be happy to do him an essential kindness. I am, more and more, my dear Sir, your most faithful and affectionate humble JAMES BOSWELL."

servant,

SIR,

JOHNSON TO BOSWELL.

The debate between Dr. Percy and me is one of those foolish controversies which begin| upon a question of which neither party cares how it is decided, and which is, nevertheless, continued to acrimony, by the vanity with which every man resists confutation. Dr. Percy's warmth proceeded from a cause which, perhaps, does him more honour than he could have derived from juster criticism. His abhorrence of Pennant proceeded from his opinion that Pennant had wantonly and indecently censured his patron. His anger made him resolve, that, for having been once wrong, he never should be right. Pennant has much in his notions that I do not like; but still I think him a very intelligent traveller. If Percy is really offended, I am sorry; for he is a man whom I never knew to offend any one. He is a man very willing to learn,

and very able to teach; a man, out of whose com

pany I never go without having learned something It is sure that he vexes me sometimes, but I am fraid it is by making me feel my own ignorance. So much extension of mind, and so much minute accuracy of inquiry, if you survey your whole circle of acquaintance, you will find so scarce, if you find it at all, that you will value Percy by com

Though the Bishop of Dromore kindly answered the letters which I wrote to him, relative to Dr. Johnson's early istory; yet, in justice to him, I think it proper to add, that the account of the foregoing conversation, and the subsequent transaction, as well as of some other conversations in which he is mentioned, has been given to the public without previous communication with his lordship. - BOSWELL

Boswell manages with more art than candour to give his reserve towards Percy the turn of a compliment: he knew very well that the Bishop would have naturally and justly

BOSWELL TO DR. PERCY.

"South Audley Street, April 25. DEAR SIR, I wrote to Dr. Johnson on the subject of the Pennantian controversy; and have received from him an answer which will delight you. I read it yesterday to Dr. Robertson, at the Exhibition; and at dinner to Lord Percy, General Oglethorpe, &c., who dined with us at General Paoli's; who was also a witness to the high testimony to your honour.

"General Paoli desires the favour of your company next Tuesday to dinner, to meet Dr. Johnson, If I can, I will call on you to-day. I am, with sincere regard, your most obedient humble servant, "JAMES BOSWELL." I

ON Monday, April 13., I dined with Johnson at Mr. Langton's, where were Dr. Porteus, then Bishop of Chester, afterwards of London, and Dr. Stinton. 2 He was at first in a very but "Pretty baby," to one of the children. silent mood. Before dinner he said nothing Langton said very well to me afterwards, that he could repeat Dr. Johnson's conversation before dinner, as Johnson had said that he could repeat a complete chapter of "The Natural History of Iceland," from the Danish

objected to the revival and promulgation of this disagreeable affair, and therefore Boswell never consulted him. Several anecdotes, related by Mr. Cradock, show that the amicable relations which had subsisted between Johnson and Percy were more seriously changed than Boswell is willing to confess.-Cradock's Memoirs, p. 241. - CROKER.

2 Dr. Stinton had been Dr. Porteus's fellow chaplain to Archbishop Secker, and was his colleague in the publication of their patron's works. CHOKER,

:

“ Chap. LXXII. — Concerning Snakes. "There are no snakes to be met with throughout the whole island."

At dinner we talked of another mode in the newspapers of giving modern characters in sentences from the classics, and of the passage

"Parcus deorum cultor et infrequens,
Insanientis dum sapientiæ

Consultus erro, nunc retrorsùm

Vela dare, atque iterare cursus
Cogor relictos," l

being well applied to Soame Jenyns; who, after having wandered in the wilds of infidelity, had returned to the Christian faith. Mr. Langton asked Johnson as to the propriety of sapientiæ consultus. JOHNSON. "Though consultus was primarily an adjective, like amicus it came to be used as a substantive. So we have juris consultus, a consult in law."

We talked of the styles of different painters, and how certainly a connoisseur could distinguish them. I asked if there was as clear a difference of styles in language as in painting, or even as in handwriting, so that the composition of every individual may be distinguished? JOHNSON. "Yes. Those who have a style of eminent excellence, such as Dryden and Milton, can always be distinguished." I had no doubt of this; but what I wanted to know was, whether there was really a peculiar style to every man whatever, as there is certainly a peculiar handwriting, a peculiar countenance, not widely different in many, yet always enough

to be distinctive:

3 Miss Reynolds and Sir J. Hawkins doubted whether Johnson had ever been in Dodd's company; but Johnson told Boswell (ante, p. 541.) that he had once been." I have now before me a letter, dated in 1750, from Dr. Dodd to his friend the Rev. Mr. Parkhurst, the lexicographer, mentioning this meeting; and his account, at that day, of the man with whom he was afterward to have so painful a correspondence, is interesting and curious:

"I spent yesterday afternoon with Johnson, the celebrated author of The Rambler, who is of all others the oddest and most peculiar fellow I ever saw. He is six feet high, has a

deal to make his style obviously discernible. As logicians say, this appropriation of style is infinite in potestate, limited in actu."

Mr. Topham Beauclerk came in the evening, and he and Dr. Johnson and I staid to supper. It was mentioned that Dr. Dodds had once

wished to be a member of the LITERARY CLUB. JOHNSON. "I should be sorry if any of our Club were hanged. I will not say but some of them deserve it." BEAUCLERK (supposing this to be aimed at persons' for whom he had at that time a wonderful fancy, which, however, did not last long) was irritated, and eagerly said, "You, Sir, have a friend (naming him) who deserves to be hanged; for he speaks behind their backs against those with whom be lives on the best terms, and attacks them in the newspapers. He certainly ought to be kicked." JOHNSON. "Sir, we all do this in some degree: To Veniam petimusque damusque vicissim." be sure it may be done so much, that a man may deserve to be kicked." BEAUCLERK. He is very malignant." JOHNSON. "No, Sir, he is not malignant. He is mischievous, if you will. He would do no man an essential injury; he may, indeed, love to make sport of people by vexing their vanity. I, however, once knew an old gentleman who was absolutely malignant. He really wished evil to others, and rejoiced at it." BOSWELL. "The gentleman, Mr. Beauclerk, against whom you are so violent, is, I know, a man of good principles BEAUCLERK. "Then he does not wear them out in practice."

Dr. Johnson, who, as I have observed before, delighted in discrimination of character, and having a masterly knowledge of human nature, was willing to take men as they are, imperfect, and with a mixture of good and bad qualities I suppose thought he had said enough in de fence of his friend, of whose merits, notwithstanding his exceptionable points, he had a just value: and added no more on the subject.

On Tuesday, April 14., I dined with him at General Oglethorpe's, with General Paoli and Mr. Langton. General Oglethorpe declaimed against luxury. JOHNSON. "Depend upon it, Sir, every state of society is as luxurious as it

violent convulsion in his head, and his eyes are distorted. He speaks roughly and loud, listens to no man's opurines, thoroughly pertinacious of his own. Good sense Bows from him in all he utters, and he seems possessed of a prodiguna fund of knowledge, which he is not at all reserved in eame municating; but in a manner so obstinate, ungentrei, sad boorish, as renders it disagreeable and dissatisfactory. la short, it is impossible for words to describe him. He seem often inattentive to what passes in company, and then looks like a person possessed by some superior spirit. I have here reflecting on him ever since I saw him. He is a man of mont universal and surprising genius, but in himself particular beyond expression."- CROKER.

4 Mr. Fox, Lord Spencer, Mr. Burke, and some other Whigs, the violence of whose opposition at this time wend to Johnson little short of abetting rebellion, for which they "deserved to be hanged."— CROKER.

$ No doubt George Steevens (now Johnson's collengue is editing Shakespeare), to whom such practices were inspaced, and particularly as against Garrick and Murphy. —- Mar Hawk. Mem. i. 39. CROKES.