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 258 Recollections of Dr. Johnson

had conceived some disgust, (chiefly I believe for his political principles) happening to meet him at Sir Joshua Reynolds's (Mr. Reynolds then) in company with some gentlemen and ladies of very distinguished characters (I remember Garrick was one, by a remarkable expression of his to a Lady present, that indi cated very uneasy apprehensions that the attention of the ladies to him would provoke Johnson to say something rude to him). As this gentleman was giving his opinion on the subject of their discourse, Mr. Johnson stop'd him with ' pray, Sir, what you are going to say, let it be better worth the hearing than what you have already said.' Which seem'd to give a shock, and to spread a gloom over the whole Party, particularly because this gentle man was of a most amiable character, a man of refined Taste, and a scholar, and what Mr. Johnson little suspected, a very loyal subject.

He afterwards told the Lady of the House J, that he was very sorry that he should have snubbed W. as he did, because his wife was present. ' Yes, Sir ; and for many reasons/ * No, it is only because his wife was present that I am sorry.'

But this was mild treatment in comparison of what a gentle man 2 met with from him one day at Sir Joshua Reynolds's, a barrister at law and a man of fashion, who, on discoursing with Mr. Johnson on the laws and government of different nations, I remember particularly those of Venice, on being inadvertently prompted to speak of them in terms of high approbation : ' Yes, Sir,' says Johnson, ' all Republican Rascals think as you do V How the conversation ended I have forgot, it was so many years ago ; I believe he never made any apology for the insult either to the gentleman or any other person ; luckily there were but two others present.

1 Miss Reynolds. attracted by the Doctor exclaiming a Mr. Eliot. Miss REYNOLDS. in a very loud and peremptory tone 3 Northcote, who had the anec- of voice, " Yes, Sir, &c." ' North- dote from Miss Reynolds, describes cote's Reynolds,, i. 23. making his inquiries to gain all said, ' with a pleasant smile, " Don't possible information from the pro- be afraid, Sir, you will soon make found knowledge of Dr. Johnson, a very pretty rascal." ' Life, iv. when her attention was suddenly 200.
 * the young gentleman ' as ' humbly To his friend Windham Johnson

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