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146 In Boswell's Life of Johnson he tells us the Doctor had a singular prejudice against players, "futile fellows" whom he rated no higher than rope-dancers or ballad singers. This prejudice, however, did not prevent him from hobbling off to see poor crippled Mrs. Porter when forsaken by all the rest of the world. The beginning of his liking for Mrs. Siddons is thoroughly characteristic. He always talked to his circle of lady adorers of that jade, Mrs. Siddons, until one of the "fair females" suggested that he must see the actress.

"But, indeed, Dr. Johnson," said Miss Monckton, "you must see Mrs. Siddons. Won't you see her in some fine part?"

"Why, if I must, Madam, I have no choice."

"She says, Sir, she shall be very much afraid of you."

"Madam, that cannot be true."

"Not true?" said Miss Monckton, staring. "Yes, it is."

"It cannot be, Madam."

"But she said so to me; I heard her say it myself."

"Madam, it is not possible; remember, therefore, in future, that even fiction should be supported by probability."

Miss Monckton looked all amazement, but insisted upon the truth of what she had said.

"I do not believe, Madam," said he, warmly, "that she knows my name."

"Oh, that is rating her too low," said a gentleman stranger.

"By not knowing my name," continued he, "I do not mean literally, but that when she sees it abused