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272 intimately acquainted with.) in speaking of her to Sir Joshua Reynolds. His lordship said, that 'he did not believe that there was a more perfect human Being created; or that there ever would be created, than Mrs. ' I give the very words I heard from Sir Joshua's own mouth, and from whom also I heard that he repeated them to Mr. Burke; and observing that Lord Bath could not have said more, and 'I do not think that he said too much,' was Mr. Burke's reply. I have also heard Dr. Johnson speak of this Lady in terms of high admiration. 'Sir, that Lady exerts more mind in conversation than any Person I ever met with: Sir, she displays such powers of ratiocination, even radiations of intellectual excellence as are amazing .'

On the praises of Mrs. Thrale he used to dwell with a peculiar delight, a paternal fondness, expressive of conscious exultation in being so intimately acquainted with her. One day, in speaking of her to Mr. Harris, Author of Hermes, and expatiating on her various perfections, the solidity of her virtues, the brilliancy of her wit, and the strength of her understanding, &c.—he quoted some lines, a stanza, I believe, but from what author I know not, with which he concluded his most eloquent eulogium, and of these I retain'd but the two last lines:—

Dr. Johnson had a most sincere and tender regard for Mrs. Thr-le, and no wonder; she would with much apparent affection

overlook