The Life of Samuel Johnson - James Boswell [881]
The Reverend Dr. Parr, in a late tract, appears to suppose that Dr. Johnson not only endured, but almost solicited, an interview with Dr. Priestley. Injustice to Dr. Johnson, I declare my firm belief that he never did. My illustrious friend was particularly resolute in not giving countenance to men whose writings he considered as pernicious to society. I was present at Oxford when Dr. Price, even before he had rendered himself so generally obnoxious by his zeal for the French Revolution, came into a company where Johnson was, who instantly left the room. Much more would he have reprobated Dr. Priestley.
Whoever wishes to see a perfect delineation of this Literary Jack of all Trades, may find it in an ingenious tract, entitled, ‘A SMALL WHOLE-LENGTH OF DR. PRIESTLEY,’ printed for Rivingtons, in St. Paul’s Church-Yard.
a Mrs. Anna Williams.
a My worthy friend, Mr. John Nichols, was present when Mr. Henderson, the actor, paid a visit to Dr. Johnson; and was received in a very courteous manner. See Gent. Mag. June, 1791.
I found among Dr. Johnson’s papers, the following letter to him, from the celebrated Mrs. Bellamy: –
‘To DR. JOHNSON.
‘SIR, – The flattering remembrance of the partiality you honoured me with, some years ago, as well as the humanity you are known to possess, has encouraged me to solicit your patronage at my Benefit.
‘By a long Chancery suit, and a complicated train of unfortunate events, I am reduced to the greatest distress; which obliges me, once more, to request the indulgence of the publick.
‘Give me leave to solicit the honour of your company, and to assure you, if you grant my request, the gratification I shall feel, from being patronized by Dr. Johnson, will be infinitely superiour to any advantage that may arise from the Benefit; as I am, with the profoundest respect, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
‘No. 10 Duke-street, St. James’s, May 11, 1783.’ ‘G. A. Bellamy.’
I am happy in recording these particulars, which prove that my illustrious friend lived to think much more favourably of Players than he appears to have done in the early part of his life.
b Piozzi Letters, vol. ii. p. 328.
c Ib., p. 342.
a A few copies only of this tragedy have been printed, and given to the authour’s friends.
b Dr. Johnson having been very ill when the tragedy was first sent to him, had declined the consideration of it.
a ‘I could have borne my woes; that stranger Joy
Wounds while it smiles: – The long imprison’d wretch,
Emerging from the night of his damp cell,
Shrinks from the sun’s bright beams; and that which flings
Gladness o’er all, to him is agony.’
a I was in Scotland when this Club was founded, during all the winter. Johnson, however, declared I should be a member, and invented a word upon the occasion: ‘Boswell (said he) is a very clubable man.’ When I came to town I was proposed by Mr. Barrington, and chosen. I believe there are few societies where there is better conversation or more decorum. Several of us resolved to continue it after our great founder was removed by death. Other members were added; and now, above eight years since that loss, we go on happily.
RULES.
‘To-day deep thoughts with me resolve to drench
In mirth, which after no repenting draws.’ – Milton.1147
‘The club shall consist of four-and-twenty.
‘The meetings shall be on the Monday, Thursday, and Saturday of every week; but in the week before Easter there shall be no meeting.
‘Every member is at liberty to introduce a friend once a week, but not oftener.
‘Two members shall oblige themselves to attend in their turn