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 ��and very fully was he persuaded of its superiority over every other talent bestowed by heaven on man. His chapter upon that particular subject in his Rasselas x, is really written from the fulness of his heart, and quite in his best manner I think. I am not so sure that this is the proper place to mention his writing that surprising little volume in a week or ten days' time, in order to obtain money for his journey to Lichfield when his mother lay upon her last sickbed 2.

Promptitude of thought indeed, and quickness of expression, were among the peculiar felicities of Johnson : his notions rose up like the dragon's teeth sowed by Cadmus all ready clothed, and in bright armour too, fit for immediate battle 3. He was therefore (as somebody is said to have expressed it) a tremendous converser 4, and few people ventured to try their skill against an antagonist with whom contention was so hopeless. One gentleman however, who dined at a nobleman's house in his company and that of Mr. Thrale, to whom I was obliged for the anecdote, was willing to enter the lists in defence of King William's character 5, and having opposed and contradicted Johnson two or three times petulantly enough ; the master of the house began to feel uneasy, and expected disagreeable con sequences : to avoid which he said, loud enough for the Doctor to hear, Our friend here has no meaning now in all this, except just to relate at club to-morrow how he teized Johnson at dinner to-day this is all to do himself honour. No, upon my word, replied the other, I see no honour in it, whatever you may do. ( Well, Sir ! (returned Mr. Johnson sternly) if you do not see the honour, I am sure I feel the disgrace'

1 Chapter x. formal preparation, no flourishing

2 Johnson probably began Rasselas with his sword ; he is through your in order to obtain money for his body in an instant." ' Life, ii. 365. journey to Lichfield, but he did not 4 George Garrick called him ' a get it finished in time. Life, \. 341 ; tremendous companion.' Id. i. 496, Letters, i. 79. n. I ; iii. 139.

3 'Sir Joshua observed to me 5 Johnson called William III ' one the extraordinary promptitude with of the most worthless scoundrels that which Johnson flew upon an argu- ever existed.' Ib. ii. 342. See also ment. " Yes, (said I,) he has no ib. v. 255.

A young

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