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diff --git a/10451-h/10451-h.htm b/10451-h/10451-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7a6099d --- /dev/null +++ b/10451-h/10451-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,25952 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> +<meta content="pg2html (binary version 0.12a)" + name="generator"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + Life of Johnson, + by _James Boswell_, Esq.. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin: 10%; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10451 ***</div> + +<a name="2H_4_1"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + BOSWELL'S +</h2> +<h1> + LIFE OF JOHNSON +</h1> +<center> + INCLUDING BOSWELL'S JOURNAL OF A TOUR TO THE HEBRIDES<br> + AND JOHNSON'S DIARY OF A JOURNEY INTO NORTH WALES +</center> +<center> + EDITED BY +</center> +<center> + GEORGE BIRKBECK HILL, D.C.L. +</center> +<center> + PEMBROKE COLLEGE, OXFORD +</center> +<center> + IN SIX VOLUMES +</center> +<center> + VOLUME V. + TOUR TO THE HEBRIDES (1773) +</center> +<center> + AND +</center> +<center> + JOURNEY INTO NORTH WALES (1774) +</center> +<a name="2H_4_2"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THE +</h2> +<center> + JOURNAL + OF A TOUR TO THE + <i>HEBRIDES</i>, +</center> +<center> + WITH +</center> +<center> + SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D. +</center> +<center><b> + BY <i>JAMES BOSWELL</i>, ESQ. +</b></center> +<center> + CONTAINING +</center> +<center> + + Some Poetical Pieces by Dr. JOHNSON,<br> + relative to the TOUR, and never before published;<br /><br /> + + A Series of his Conversation, Literary Anecdotes,<br> + and Opinions of Men and Books:<br /><br /> + + WITH AN AUTHENTICK ACCOUNT OF<br /><br /> + + The Distresses and Escape of the GRANDSON of<br> + KING JAMES II. in the Year 1746.<br /> + +</center> +<center> + <i>THE THIRD EDITION, REVISED AND CORRECTED.</i> +</center> +<hr> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + O! while along the stream of time, thy name + Expanded flies, and gathers all its fame, + Say, shall my little bark attendant fail, + Pursue the triumph and partake the gale? POPE. + +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<hr> +<center> + <i>LONDON:</i><br> + PRINTED BY HENRY BALDWIN,<br> + FOR CHARLES DILLY, IN THE POULTRY.<br> + MDCCLXXXVI.<br> +</center> + + + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + +<h2>Contents:</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCON5"> +CONTENT DETAIL +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_8"> +SUNDAY, AUGUST 15 +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_9"> +MONDAY, AUGUST 16. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_10"> +TUESDAY, AUGUST 17. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_11"> +WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_12"> +THURSDAY, AUGUST 19. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_13"> +FRIDAY, AUGUST 20. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_14"> +SATURDAY, AUGUST 31. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_15"> +SUNDAY, AUGUST 22. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_16"> +MONDAY, AUGUST 23. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_17"> +TUESDAY, AUGUST 24. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_18"> +WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_19"> +THURSDAY, AUGUST 26. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_20"> +FRIDAY, AUGUST 27. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_21"> +SATURDAY, AUGUST 28. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_22"> +SUNDAY, AUGUST 29. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_23"> +MONDAY, AUGUST 30. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_24"> +TUESDAY, AUGUST 31. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_25"> +WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_26"> +THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_27"> +FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_28"> +SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_29"> +SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_30"> +MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_31"> +TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_32"> +WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_33"> +THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_34"> +FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_35"> +SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_36"> +SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_37"> +MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_38"> +TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_39"> +WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_40"> +THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_41"> +FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_42"> +SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_43"> +SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_44"> +MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_45"> +TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_46"> +WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_47"> +THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_48"> +FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_49"> +SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_50"> +SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_51"> +MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_52"> +TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_53"> +WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29[720]. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_54"> +THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_55"> +FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_56"> +SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_57"> +SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_58"> +MONDAY, OCTOBER 4. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_59"> +TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_60"> +WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_61"> +THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_62"> +FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_63"> +SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_64"> +MONDAY, OCTOBER II. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_65"> +TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_66"> +WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_67"> +THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_68"> +SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_69"> +SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_70"> +MONDAY, OCTOBER 18. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_71"> +TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_72"> +WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_73"> +THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_74"> +FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_75"> +SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_76"> +SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_77"> +MONDAY, OCTOBER 25. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_78"> +WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_79"> +THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_80"> +FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_81"> +SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_82"> +SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_83"> +MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_84"> +TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_85"> +WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_86"> +THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_87"> +FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_88"> +SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_89"> +SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_90"> +MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_91"> +TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_92"> +WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_93"> +THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HAPP94"> +APPENDIX. +</a></p> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HAPP96"> +APPENDIX A. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HAPP97"> +APPENDIX B. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HAPP98"> +APPENDIX C. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_99"> +A JOURNEY INTO NORTH WALES<br> +IN THE YEAR 1774 +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HFOO100"> +FOOTNOTES: +</a></p> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + +<h2> + CONTENTS OF VOL. V. +</h2> +<br> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +JOURNAL OF A TOUR TO THE HEBRIDES WITH SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D.:<br> +DEDICATION TO EDMOND MALONE, ESQ.<br> +ADVERTISEMENT TO THE THIRD EDITION<br> +CONTENTS<br> +JOURNAL<br> +APPENDICES:<br> + I. LETTER FROM DR. BLACKLOCK<br> +II. VERSES BY SIR ALEXANDER MACDONALD<br> + ADVERTISEMENT OF THE LIFE<br> +A. EXTRACTS FROM WARBURTON<br> +B. LORD HOUGHTON'S TRANSLATION OF JOHNSON'S ODE WRITTEN IN SKY<br> +C. JOHNSON'S USE OF THE WORD <i>BIG</i><br> +<br> +A JOURNEY INTO NORTH WALES IN THE YEAR 1774<br> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br /><br /> +<br /><br /> +<h2> + DEDICATION. +</h2> +<center> + <i>TO EDMOND MALONE, ESQ.</i> +</center> +<center> + MY DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + In every narrative, whether historical or biographical, authenticity is + of the utmost consequence<a href="#note-1">[1]</a>. Of this I have ever been so firmly + persuaded, that I inscribed a former work<a href="#note-2">[2]</a> to that person who was the + best judge of its truth. I need not tell you I mean General Paoli; who, + after his great, though unsuccessful, efforts to preserve the liberties + of his country, has found an honourable asylum in Britain, where he has + now lived many years the object of Royal regard and private respect<a href="#note-3">[3]</a>; + and whom I cannot name without expressing my very grateful sense of the + uniform kindness which he has been pleased to shew me<a href="#note-4">[4]</a>. +</p> +<p> + The friends of Doctor Johnson can best judge, from internal evidence, + whether the numerous conversations which form the most valuable part of + the ensuing pages are correctly related. To them, therefore, I wish to + appeal, for the accuracy of the portrait here exhibited to the world. +</p> +<p> + As one of those who were intimately acquainted with him, you have a + title to this address. You have obligingly taken the trouble to peruse + the original manuscript of this Tour, and can vouch for the strict + fidelity of the present publication<a href="#note-5">[5]</a>. Your literary alliance with our + much lamented friend, in consequence of having undertaken to render one + of his labours more complete, by your edition of <i>Shakspeare</i><a href="#note-6">[6]</a>, a work + which I am confident will not disappoint the expectations of the + publick, gives you another claim. But I have a still more powerful + inducement to prefix your name to this volume, as it gives me an + opportunity of letting the world know that I enjoy the honour and + happiness of your friendship; and of thus publickly testifying the + sincere regard with which I am, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + My dear Sir, + Your very faithful + And obedient servant, + JAMES BOSWELL. + + LONDON, +20th September, 1785. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<a name="2H_4_4"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + ADVERTISEMENT +</h2> +<center> + TO THE +</center> +<center> + <i>THIRD EDITION.</i> +</center> +<p> + Animated by the very favourable reception which two large impressions of + this work have had<a href="#note-7">[7]</a>, it has been my study to make it as perfect as I + could in this edition, by correcting some inaccuracies which I + discovered myself, and some which the kindness of friends or the + scrutiny of adversaries pointed out. A few notes are added, of which the + principal object is, to refute misrepresentation and calumny. +</p> +<p> + To the animadversions in the periodical Journals of criticism, and in + the numerous publications to which my book has given rise, I have made + no answer. Every work must stand or fall by its own merit. I cannot, + however, omit this opportunity of returning thanks to a gentleman who + published a Defence of my Journal, and has added to the favour by + communicating his name to me in a very obliging letter. +</p> +<p> + It would be an idle waste of time to take any particular notice of the + futile remarks, to many of which, a petty national resentment, unworthy + of my countrymen, has probably given rise; remarks which have been + industriously circulated in the publick prints by shallow or envious + cavillers, who have endeavoured to persuade the world that Dr. Johnson's + character has been <i>lessened</i> by recording such various instances of + his lively wit and acute judgment, on every topick that was presented to + his mind. In the opinion of every person of taste and knowledge that I + have conversed with, it has been greatly <i>heightened</i>; and I will + venture to predict, that this specimen of the colloquial talents and + extemporaneous effusions of my illustrious fellow-traveller will become + still more valuable, when, by the lapse of time, he shall have become an + <i>ancient</i>; when all those who can now bear testimony to the transcendent + powers of his mind, shall have passed away; and no other memorial of + this great and good man shall remain but the following Journal, the + other anecdotes and letters preserved by his friends, and those + incomparable works, which have for many years been in the highest + estimation, and will be read and admired as long as the English language + shall be spoken or understood. +</p> +<center> + J.B. +</center> +<p> + LONDON, 15th Aug. 1786. +</p> +<a name="2HCON5"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CONTENTS. +</h2> +<center> + DEDICATION. + ADVERTISEMENT. +</center> +<p> + INTRODUCTION. Character of Dr. Johnson. He arrives in Scotland. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 15</i>. Sir William Forbes. Practice of the law. Emigration. Dr. + Beattie and Mr. Hume. Dr. Robertson. Mr. Burke's various and + extraordinary talents. Question concerning genius. Whitfield and Wesley. + Instructions to political parties. Dr. Johnson's opinion of Garrick as a + tragedian. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 16</i>. Ogden on Prayer. Aphoristick writing. Edinburgh surveyed. + Character of Swift's works. Evil spirits and witchcraft. Lord Monboddo + and the Ouran-Outang. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 17</i>. Poetry and Dictionary writing. Scepticism. Eternal + necessity refuted. Lord Hailes's criticism on <i>The Vanity of Human + Wishes.</i> Mr. Maclaurin. Decision of the Judges in Scotland on + literary property. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 18</i>. Set out for the Hebrides. Sketch of the authour's + character. Trade of Glasgow. Suicide. Inchkeith. Parliamentary + knowledge. Influence of Peers. Popular clamours. Arrive at St. Andrews. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 19</i>. Dr. Watson. Literature and patronage. Writing and + conversation compared. Change of manners. The Union. Value of money. St. + Andrews and John Knox. Retirement from the world. Dinner with the + Professors. Question concerning sorrow and content. Instructions for + composition. Dr. Johnson's method. Uncertainty of memory. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 20</i>. Effect of prayer. Observance of Sunday. Professor Shaw. + Transubstantiation. Literary property. Mr. Tyers's remark on Dr. + Johnson. Arrive at Montrose. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 21</i>. Want of trees. Laurence Kirk. Dinner at Monboddo. + Emigration. Homer. Biography and history compared. Decrease of learning. + Causes of it. Promotion of bishops. Warburton. Lowth. Value of + politeness. Dr. Johnson's sentiments concerning Lord Monboddo. Arrive + at Aberdeen. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 22</i>. Professor Thomas Gordon. Publick and private education. + Sir Alexander Gordon. Trade of Aberdeen. Prescription of murder in + Scotland. Mystery of the Trinity. Satisfaction of Christ. Importance of + old friendships. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 23</i>. Dr. Johnson made a burgess of Aberdeen. Dinner at Sir + Alexander Gordon's. Warburton's powers of invective. His <i>Doctrine of + Grace</i>. Lock's verses. Fingal. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 24</i>. Goldsmith and Graham. Slains castle. Education of children. + Buller of Buchan. Entails. Consequence of Peers. Sir Joshua Reynolds. + Earl of Errol. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 25</i>. The advantage of being on good terms with relations. + Nabobs. Feudal state of subordination. Dinner at Strichen. Life of + country gentlemen. THE LITERARY CLUB. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 26</i>. Lord Monboddo. Use and importance of wealth. Elgin. + Macbeth's heath. Fores. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 27</i>. Leonidas. Paul Whitehead. Derrick. Origin of Evil. + Calder-manse. Reasonableness of ecclesiastical subscription. + Family worship. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 28</i>. Fort George. Sir Adolphus Oughton. Contest between + Warburton and Lowth. Dinner at Sir Eyre Coote's. Arabs and English + soldiers compared. The Stage. Mr. Garrick, Mrs. Cibber, Mrs. Pritchard, + Mrs. Clive. Inverness. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 29</i>. Macbeth's Castle. Incorrectness of writers of Travels. + Coinage of new words. Dr. Johnson's <i>Dictionary</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 30</i>. Dr. Johnson on horseback. A Highland hut. Fort Augustus. + Governour Trapaud. +</p> +<p> + <i>August 31</i>. Anoch. Emigration. Goldsmith. Poets and soldiers compared. + Life of a sailor. Landlord's daughter at Anoch. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 1</i>. Glensheal. The Macraas. Dr. Johnson's anger at being left + for a little while by the authour on a wild plain. Wretched inn + at Glenelg. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 2</i>. Dr. Johnson relents. Isle of Sky. Armidale. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 3</i>. Colonel Montgomery, now Earl of Eglintoune. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 4</i>. Ancient Highland Enthusiasm. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 5</i>. Sir James Macdonald's epitaph and last letters to his + mother. Dr. Johnson's Latin ode on the Isle of Sky. Isaac + Hawkins Browne. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 6</i>. Corrichatachin. Highland hospitality and mirth. Dr. + Johnson's Latin ode to Mrs. Thrale. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 7</i>. Uneasy state of dependence on the weather. State of those + who live in the country. Dr. M'Pherson's Dissertations. Second Sight. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 8</i>. Rev. Mr. Donald M'Queen. Mr. Malcolm M'Cleod. Sail to + Rasay. Fingal. Homer. Elegant and gay entertainment at Rasay. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 9</i>. Antiquity of the family of Rasay. Cure of infidelity. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 10</i>. Survey of the island of Rasay. Bentley. Mallet. Hooke. + Duchess of Marlborough. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 11</i>. Heritable jurisdictions. Insular life. The Laird of + M'Cleod. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 12</i>. Sail to Portree. Dr. Johnson's discourse on death. + Letters from Lord Elibank to Dr. Johnson and the authour. Dr. Johnson's + answer. Ride to Kingsburgh. Flora M'Donald. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 13</i>. Distresses and escape of the grandson of King James II. + Arrive at Dunvegan. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 14</i>. Importance of the chastity of women. Dr. Cadogan. + Whether the practice of authours is necessary to enforce their + Doctrines. Good humour acquirable. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 15</i>. Sir George M'Kenzie. Mr. Burke's wit, knowledge and + eloquence. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 16</i>. Dr. Johnson's hereditary melancholy. His minute + knowledge in various arts. Apology for the authour's ardour in his + pursuits. Dr. Johnson's imaginary seraglio. Polygamy. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 17</i>. Cunning. Whether great abilities are necessary to be + wicked. Temple of the Goddess Anaitis. Family portraits. Records not + consulted by old English historians. Mr. Pennant's Tours criticised. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 18</i>. Ancient residence of a Highland Chief. Languages the + pedigree of nations. Laird of the Isle of Muck. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 19</i>. Choice of a wife. Women an over-match for men. Lady + Grange in St. Kilda. Poetry of savages. French Literati. Prize-fighting. + French and English soldiers. Duelling. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 20</i>. Change of London manners. Laziness censured. Landed and + traded interest compared. Gratitude considered. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 21</i>. Description of Dunvegan. Lord Lovat's Pyramid. Ride to + Ulinish. Phipps's Voyage to the North Pole. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 22</i>. Subterraneous house and vast cave in Ulinish. Swift's + Lord Orrery. Defects as well as virtues the proper subject of biography, + though the life be written by a friend. Studied conclusions of letters. + Whether allowable in dying men to maintain resentment to the last. + Instructions for writing the lives of literary men. Fingal denied to be + genuine, and pleasantly ridiculed. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 23</i>. Further disquisition concerning Fingal. Eminent men + disconcerted by a new mode of publick appearance. Garrick. Mrs. + Montague's Essay on Shakspeare. Persons of consequence watched in + London. Learning of the Scots from 1550 to 1650. The arts of civil life + little known in Scotland till the Union. Life of a sailor. The folly of + Peter the Great in working in a dock-yard. Arrive at Talisker. + Presbyterian clergy deficient in learning. <i>September 24</i>. French + hunting. Young Col. Dr. Birch, Dr. Percy. Lord Hailes. Historical + impartiality. Whiggism unbecoming in a clergyman. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 25</i>. Every island a prison. A Sky cottage. Return to + Corrichatachin. Good fellowship carried to excess. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 26</i>. Morning review of last night's intemperance. Old + Kingsburgh's Jacobite song. Lady Margaret Macdonald adored in Sky. + Different views of the same subject at different times. Self-deception. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 27</i>. Dr. Johnson's popularity in the Isle of Sky. His + good-humoured gaiety with a Highland lady. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 28</i>. Ancient Irish pride of family. Dr. Johnson on threshing + and thatching. Dangerous to increase the price of labour. Arrive at + Ostig. Dr. M'Pherson's Latin poetry. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 29</i>. Reverend Mr. M'Pherson, Shenstone. Hammond. Sir Charles + Hanbury Williams. +</p> +<p> + <i>September 30</i>. Mr. Burke the first man every where. Very moderate + talents requisite to make a figure in the House of Commons. Dr. Young. + Dr. Doddridge. Increase of infidel writings since the accession of the + Hanover family. Gradual impression made by Dr. Johnson. Particular + minutes to be kept of our studies. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 1</i>. Dr. Johnson not answerable for all the words in his + <i>Dictionary</i>. Attacks on authours useful to them. Return to Armidale. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 2</i>. Old manners of great families in Wales. German courts. + Goldsmith's love of talk. Emigration. Curious story of the people of + St. Kilda. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 3</i>. Epictetus on the voyage of death. Sail for Mull. A storm. + Driven into Col. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 4</i>. Dr. Johnson's mode of living in the Temple. His curious + appearance on a sheltie. Nature of sea-sickness. Burnet's <i>History of + his own Times</i>. Difference between dedications and histories. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 5</i>. People may come to do anything by talking of it. The + Reverend Mr. Hector Maclean. Bayle. Leibnitz and Clarke. Survey of Col. + Insular life. Arrive at Breacacha. Dr. Johnson's power of ridicule. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 6</i>. Heritable jurisdictions. The opinion of philosophers + concerning happiness in a cottage, considered. Advice to landlords. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 7</i>. Books the best solace in a state of confinement. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 8</i>. Pretended brother of Dr. Johnson. No redress for a man's + name being affixed to a foolish work. Lady Sidney Beauclerk. Carte's + <i>Life of the Duke of Ormond</i>. Col's cabinet. Letters of the great + Montrose. Present state of the island of Col. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 9</i>. Dr. Johnson's avidity for a variety of books. Improbability + of a Highland tradition. Dr. Johnson's delicacy of feeling. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 10</i>. Dependence of tenants on landlords. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 11</i>. London and Pekin compared. Dr. Johnson's high opinion of + the former. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 12</i>. Return to Mr. M'Sweyn's. Other superstitions beside those + connected with religion. Dr. Johnson disgusted with coarse manners. His + peculiar habits. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 13</i>. Bustle not necessary to dispatch. <i>Oats</i> the food not of + the Scotch alone. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 14</i>. Arrive in Mull. Addison's <i>Remarks on Italy</i>. Addison not + much conversant with Italian literature. The French masters of the art + of accommodating literature. Their <i>Ana</i>. Racine. Corneille. Moliere. + Fenelon. Voltaire. Bossuet. Massillon. Bourdaloue. Virgil's description + of the entrance into hell, compared to a printing-house. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 15</i>. Erse poetry. Danger of a knowledge of musick. The + propriety of settling our affairs so as to be always prepared for death. + Religion and literary attainments not to be described to young persons + as too hard. Reception of the travellers in their progress. Spence. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 16</i>. Miss Maclean. Account of Mull. The value of an oak + walking-stick in the Hebrides. Arrive at Mr. M'Quarrie's in Ulva. + Captain Macleod. Second Sight. <i>Mercheta Mulierum</i>, and Borough-English. + The grounds on which the sale of an estate may be set aside in a court + of equity. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 17</i>. Arrive at Inchkenneth. Sir Allan Maclean and his + daughters. None but theological books should be read on Sunday. Dr. + Campbell. Dr. Johnson exhibited as a Highlander. Thoughts on drinking. + Dr. Johnson's Latin verses on Inchkenneth. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 18</i>. Young Col's various good qualities. No extraordinary + talents requisite to success in trade. Dr. Solander. Mr. Burke. Dr. + Johnson's intrepidity and presence of mind. Singular custom in the + islands of Col and Otaheité. Further elogium on young Col. Credulity of + a Frenchman in foreign countries. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 19</i>. Death of young Col. Dr. Johnson slow of belief without + strong evidence. <i>La Crédulité des incrédules</i>. Coast of Mull. Nun's + Island. Past scenes pleasing in recollection. Land on Icolmkill. + <i>October 20</i>. Sketch of the ruins of Icolmkill. Influence of solemn + scenes of piety. Feudal authority in the extreme. Return to Mull. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 21</i>. Pulteney. Pitt. Walpole. Mr. Wilkes. English and Jewish + history compared. Scotland composed of stone and water, and a little + earth. Turkish Spy. Dreary ride to Lochbuy. Description of the laird. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 22</i>. Uncommon breakfast offered to Dr. Johnson, and rejected. + Lochbuy's war-saddle. Sail to Oban. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 23</i>. Goldsmith's <i>Traveller</i>. Pope and Cowley compared. + Archibald Duke of Argyle. Arrive at Inverary. Dr. Johnson drinks some + whisky, and assigns his reason. Letter from the authour to Mr. Garrick. + Mr. Garrick's answer. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 24</i>. Specimen of Ogden on Prayer. Hervey's <i>Meditations</i>. Dr. + Johnson's Meditation on a Pudding. Country neighbours. The authour's + visit to the castle of Inverary. Perverse opposition to the influence of + Peers in Ayrshire. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 25</i>. Dr. Johnson presented to the Duke of Argyle. Grandeur of + his grace's seat. The authour possesses himself in an embarrassing + situation. Honourable Archibald Campbell on <i>a middle state</i>. The old + Lord Townshend. Question concerning luxury. Nice trait of character. + Good principles and bad practice. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 26</i>. A passage in Home's <i>Douglas</i>, and one in <i>Juvenal</i>, + compared. Neglect of religious buildings in Scotland. Arrive at Sir + James Colquhoun's. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 27</i>. Dr. Johnson's letter to the Duke of Argyle. His grace's + answer. Lochlomond. Dr. Johnson's sentiments on dress. Forms of prayer + considered. Arrive at Mr. Smollet's. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 28</i>. Dr. Smollet's Epitaph. Dr. Johnson's wonderful memory. His + alacrity during the Tour. Arrive at Glasgow. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 29</i>. Glasgow surveyed. Attention of the professors to Dr. + Johnson. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 30</i>. Dinner at the Earl of Loudoun's. Character of that + nobleman. Arrive at Treesbank. +</p> +<p> + <i>October 31</i>. Sir John Cunningham of Caprington. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 1</i>. Rules for the distribution of charity. Castle of + Dundonald. Countess of Eglintoune. Alexander Earl of Eglintoune. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 2</i>. Arrive at Auchinleck. Character of Lord Auchinleck, His + idea of Dr. Johnson. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 3</i>. Dr. Johnson's sentiments concerning the Highlands. Mr. + Harris of Salisbury. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 4</i>. Auchinleck. Cattle without horns. Composure of mind how + far attainable. <i>November 5</i>. Dr. Johnson's high respect for the + English clergy. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 6</i>. Lord Auchinleck and Dr. Johnson in collision. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 7</i>. Dr. Johnson's uniform piety. His dislike of presbyterian + worship. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 8</i>. Arrive at Hamilton. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 9</i>. The Duke of Hamilton's house. Arrive at Edinburgh. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 10</i>. Lord Elibank. Difference in political principles + increased by opposition. Edinburgh Castle. Fingal. English credulity not + less than Scottish. Second Sight. Garrick and Foote compared as + companions. Moravian Missions and Methodism. +</p> +<p> + <i>November 11</i>. History originally oral. Dr. Robertson's liberality of + sentiment. Rebellion natural to man. +</p> + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<a name="2HSUM6"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> + +<p> + Summary account of the manner in which Dr. Johnson spent his time from + November 12 to November 21. Lord Mansfield, Mr. Richardson. The private + life of an English Judge. Dr. Johnson's high opinion of Dr. Robertson + and Dr. Blair. Letter from Dr. Blair to the authour. Officers of the + army often ignorant of things belonging to their own profession. Academy + for the deaf and dumb. A Scotch Highlander and an English sailor. + Attacks on authours advantageous to them. Roslin Castle and Hawthornden. + Dr. Johnson's <i>Parody of Sir John Dalrymple's Memoirs</i>. Arrive at + Cranston. Dr. Johnson's departure for London. Letters from Lord Hailes + and Mr. Dempster to the authour. Letter from the Laird of Rasay to the + authour. The authour's answer. Dr. Johnson's Advertisement, + acknowledging a mistake in his <i>Journey to the Western Islands</i>. His + letter to the Laird of Rasay. Letter from Sir William Forbes to the + authour. Conclusion. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + HE WAS OF AN ADMIRABLE PREGNANCY OF WIT, AND THAT PREGNANCY + MUCH IMPROVED BY CONTINUAL STUDY FROM HIS CHILDHOOD: + BY WHICH HE HAD GOTTEN SUCH A PROMPTNESS IN EXPRESSING HIS + MIND, THAT HIS EXTEMPORAL SPEECHES WERE LITTLE INFERIOR TO + HIS PREMEDITATED WRITINGS. MANY, NO DOUBT, HAD READ AS MUCH, + AND PERHAPS MORE THAN HE; BUT SCARCE EVER ANY CONCOCTED + HIS READING INTO JUDGEMENT AS HE DID<a href="#note-8">[8]</a>. + + <i>Baker's Chronicle</i> [ed. 1665, p. 449]. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<a name="2H_4_7"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THE +</h2> +<center> + JOURNAL +</center> +<center> + OF A +</center> +<center> + TOUR TO THE HEBRIDES +</center> +<center> + WITH +</center> +<center> + SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D. +</center> +<p> + Dr. Johnson had for many years given me hopes that we should go + together, and visit the Hebrides<a href="#note-9">[9]</a>. Martin's Account of those islands + had impressed us with a notion that we might there contemplate a system + of life almost totally different from what we had been accustomed to + see; and, to find simplicity and wildness, and all the circumstances of + remote time or place, so near to our native great island, was an object + within the reach of reasonable curiosity. Dr. Johnson has said in his + <i>Journey</i><a href="#note-10">[10]</a> 'that he scarcely remembered how the wish to visit the + Hebrides was excited;' but he told me, in summer, 1763<a href="#note-11">[11]</a>, that his + father put Martin's Account into his hands when he was very young, and + that he was much pleased with it. We reckoned there would be some + inconveniencies and hardships, and perhaps a little danger; but these we + were persuaded were magnified in the imagination of every body. When I + was at Ferney, in 1764, I mentioned our design to Voltaire. He looked at + me, as if I had talked of going to the North Pole, and said, 'You do not + insist on my accompanying you?'—'No, Sir,'—'Then I am very willing + you should go.' I was not afraid that our curious expedition would be + prevented by such apprehensions; but I doubted that it would not be + possible to prevail on Dr. Johnson to relinquish, for some time, the + felicity of a London life, which, to a man who can enjoy it with full + intellectual relish, is apt to make existence in any narrower sphere + seem insipid or irksome. I doubted that he would not be willing to come + down from his elevated state of philosophical dignity; from a + superiority of wisdom among the wise, and of learning among the learned; + and from flashing his wit upon minds bright enough to reflect it. +</p> +<p> + He had disappointed my expectations so long, that I began to despair; + but in spring, 1773, he talked of coming to Scotland that year with so + much firmness, that I hoped he was at last in earnest. I knew that, if + he were once launched from the metropolis he would go forward very well; + and I got our common friends there to assist in setting him afloat. To + Mrs. Thrale in particular, whose enchantment over him seldom failed, I + was much obliged. It was, '<i>I'll give thee a wind.</i>'-' <i>Thou art + kind.</i><a href="#note-12">[12]</a>'—To <i>attract</i> him, we had invitations from the chiefs + Macdonald and Macleod; and, for additional aid, I wrote to Lord + Elibank<a href="#note-13">[13]</a>, Dr. William Robertson, and Dr. Beattie. +</p> +<p> + To Dr. Robertson, so far as my letter concerned the present subject, I + wrote as follows: +</p> +<p> + 'Our friend, Mr. Samuel Johnson, is in great health and spirits; and, I + do think, has a serious resolution to visit Scotland this year. The more + attraction, however, the better; and therefore, though I know he will be + happy to meet you there, it will forward the scheme, if, in your answer + to this, you express yourself concerning it with that power of which you + are so happily possessed, and which may be so directed as to operate + strongly upon him.' +</p> +<p> + His answer to that part of my letter was quite as I could have wished. + It was written with the address and persuasion of the historian of + America. 'When I saw you last, you gave us some hopes that you might + prevail with Mr. Johnson to make out that excursion to Scotland, with + the expectation of which we have long flattered ourselves. If he could + order matters so, as to pass some time in Edinburgh, about the close of + the summer session, and then visit some of the Highland scenes, I am + confident he would be pleased with the grand features of nature in many + parts of this country: he will meet with many persons here who respect + him, and some whom I am persuaded he will think not unworthy of his + esteem. I wish he would make the experiment. He sometimes cracks his + jokes upon us; but he will find that we can distinguish between the + stabs of malevolence, and <i>the rebukes of the righteous, which are like + excellent oil<a href="#note-14">[14]</a>, and break not the head[15]</i>. Offer my best + compliments to him, and assure him that I shall be happy to have the + satisfaction of seeing him under my roof. +</p> +<p> + To Dr. Beattie I wrote, 'The chief intention of this letter is to inform + you, that I now seriously believe Mr. Samuel Johnson will visit Scotland + this year: but I wish that every power of attraction may be employed to + secure our having so valuable an acquisition, and therefore I hope you + will without delay write to me what I know you think, that I may read it + to the mighty sage, with proper emphasis, before I leave London, which I + must do soon. He talks of you with the same warmth that he did last + year<a href="#note-16">[16]</a>. We are to see as much of Scotland as we can, in the months of + August and September. We shall not be long of being at Marischal + College<a href="#note-17">[17]</a>. He is particularly desirous of seeing some of the + Western Islands.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Beattie did better: <i>ipse venit</i>. He was, however, so polite as to + wave his privilege of <i>nil mihi rescribas<a href="#note-18">[18]</a></i>, and wrote from + Edinburgh, as follows:—'Your very kind and agreeable favour of the + 20th of April overtook me here yesterday, after having gone to Aberdeen, + which place I left about a week ago. I am to set out this day for + London, and hope to have the honour of paying my respects to Mr. Johnson + and you, about a week or ten days hence. I shall then do what I can, to + enforce the topick you mention; but at present I cannot enter upon it, + as I am in a very great hurry; for I intend to begin my journey within + an hour or two.' +</p> +<p> + He was as good as his word, and threw some pleasing motives into the + northern scale. But, indeed, Mr. Johnson loved all that he heard, from + one whom he tells us, in his <i>Lives of the Poets</i>, Gray found 'a poet, a + philosopher, and a good man<a href="#note-19">[19]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + My Lord Elibank did not answer my letter to his lordship for some time. + The reason will appear, when we come to the isle of <i>Sky</i><a href="#note-20">[20]</a>. I shall + then insert my letter, with letters from his lordship, both to myself + and Mr. Johnson. I beg it may be understood, that I insert my own + letters, as I relate my own sayings, rather as keys to what is valuable + belonging to others, than for their own sake. +</p> +<p> + Luckily Mr. Justice (now Sir Robert) Chambers<a href="#note-21">[21]</a>, who was about to sail + for the East-Indies, was going to take leave of his relations at + Newcastle, and he conducted Dr. Johnson to that town. Mr. Scott, of + University College, Oxford, (now Dr. Scott<a href="#note-22">[22]</a>, of the Commons,) + accompanied him from thence to Edinburgh, With such propitious convoys + did he proceed to my native city. But, lest metaphor should make it be + supposed he actually went by sea, I choose to mention that he travelled + in post-chaises, of which the rapid motion was one of his most favourite + amusements<a href="#note-23">[23]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Samuel Johnson's character, religious, moral, political, and + literary, nay his figure and manner, are, I believe, more generally + known than those of almost any man; yet it may not be superfluous here + to attempt a sketch of him. Let my readers then remember that he was a + sincere and zealous Christian, of high church of England and monarchical + principles, which he would not tamely suffer to be questioned; steady + and inflexible in maintaining the obligations of piety and virtue, both + from a regard to the order of society, and from a veneration for the + Great Source of all order; correct, nay stern in his taste; hard to + please, and easily offended, impetuous and irritable in his temper, but + of a most humane and benevolent heart; having a mind stored with a vast + and various collection of learning and knowledge, which he communicated + with peculiar perspicuity and force, in rich and choice expression. He + united a most logical head with a most fertile imagination, which gave + him an extraordinary advantage in arguing; for he could reason close or + wide, as he saw best for the moment. He could, when he chose it, be the + greatest sophist that ever wielded a weapon in the schools of + declamation; but he indulged this only in conversation; for he owned he + sometimes talked for victory<a href="#note-24">[24]</a>; he was too conscientious to make + errour permanent and pernicious, by deliberately writing it. He was + conscious of his superiority. He loved praise when it was brought to + him; but was too proud to seek for it. He was somewhat susceptible of + flattery<a href="#note-25">[25]</a>. His mind was so full of imagery, that he might have been + perpetually a poet. It has been often remarked, that in his poetical + pieces, which it is to be regretted are so few, because so excellent, + his style is easier than in his prose. There is deception in this: it is + not easier, but better suited to the dignity of verse; as one may dance + with grace, whose motions, in ordinary walking, in the common step, are + awkward. He had a constitutional melancholy, the clouds of which + darkened the brightness of his fancy, and gave a gloomy cast to his + whole course of thinking: yet, though grave and awful in his deportment, + when he thought it necessary or proper, he frequently indulged himself + in pleasantry and sportive sallies. He was prone to superstition, but + not to credulity. Though his imagination might incline him to a belief + of the marvellous and the mysterious, his vigorous reason examined the + evidence with jealousy. He had a loud voice, and a slow deliberate + utterance, which no doubt gave some additional weight to the sterling + metal of his conversation<a href="#note-26">[26]</a>. His person was large, robust, I may say + approaching to the gigantick, and grown unwieldy from corpulency. His + countenance was naturally of the cast of an ancient statue, but somewhat + disfigured by the scars of that <i>evil</i>, which, it was formerly imagined, + the <i>royal touch</i><a href="#note-27">[27]</a> could cure. He was now in his sixty-fourth year, + and was become a little dull of hearing. His sight had always been + somewhat weak; yet, so much does mind govern, and even supply the + deficiency of organs, that his perceptions were uncommonly quick and + accurate<a href="#note-28">[28]</a>. His head, and sometimes also his body shook with a kind of + motion like the effect of a palsy: he appeared to be frequently + disturbed by cramps, or convulsive contractions<a href="#note-29">[29]</a>, of the nature of + that distemper called <i>St. Vitus's dance</i>. He wore a full suit of plain + brown clothes, with twisted hair-buttons<a href="#note-30">[30]</a> of the same colour, a + large bushy greyish wig, a plain shirt, black worsted stockings, and + silver buckles. Upon this tour, when journeying, he wore boots, and a + very wide brown cloth great coat, with pockets which might have almost + held the two volumes of his folio <i>Dictionary</i>; and he carried in his + hand a large English oak stick. Let me not be censured for mentioning + such minute particulars. Every thing relative to so great a man is worth + observing. I remember Dr. Adam Smith, in his rhetorical lectures at + Glasgow<a href="#note-31">[31]</a>, told us he was glad to know that Milton wore latchets in + his shoes, instead of buckles. When I mention the oak stick, it is but + letting <i>Hercules</i> have his club; and, by-and-by, my readers will find + this stick will bud, and produce a good joke<a href="#note-32">[32]</a>. +</p> +<p> + This imperfect sketch of 'the COMBINATION and the <i>form</i><a href="#note-33">[33]</a>' of that + Wonderful Man, whom I venerated and loved while in this world, and after + whom I gaze with humble hope, now that it has pleased ALMIGHTY GOD to + call him to a better world, will serve to introduce to the fancy of my + readers the capital object of the following journal, in the course of + which I trust they will attain to a considerable degree of + acquaintance with him. +</p> +<p> + His prejudice against Scotland<a href="#note-34">[34]</a> was announced almost as soon as he + began to appear in the world of Letters. In his <i>London</i>, a poem, are + the following nervous lines:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'For who would leave, unbrib'd, Hibernia's land? + Or change the rocks of Scotland for the Strand? + There none are swept by sudden fate away; + But all, whom hunger spares, with age decay.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + The truth is, like the ancient Greeks and Romans, he allowed himself to + look upon all nations but his own as barbarians<a href="#note-35">[35]</a>: not only Hibernia, + and Scotland, but Spain, Italy, and France, are attacked in the same + poem. If he was particularly prejudiced against the Scots, it was + because they were more in his way; because he thought their success in + England rather exceeded the due proportion of their real merit; and + because he could not but see in them that nationality which I believe no + liberal-minded Scotsman will deny. He was indeed, if I may be allowed + the phrase, at bottom much of a <i>John Bull</i><a href="#note-36">[36]</a>; much of a blunt <i>true + born Englishman</i><a href="#note-37">[37]</a>. There was a stratum of common clay under the rock + of marble. He was voraciously fond of good eating<a href="#note-38">[38]</a>; and he had a + great deal of that quality called <i>humour</i>, which gives an oiliness and + a gloss to every other quality. +</p> +<p> + I am, I flatter myself, completely a citizen of the world.—In my + travels through Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Corsica, France, I + never felt myself from home; and I sincerely love 'every kindred and + tongue and people and nation<a href="#note-39">[39]</a>.' I subscribe to what my late truly + learned and philosophical friend Mr. Crosbie<a href="#note-40">[40]</a> said, that the English + are better animals than the Scots; they are nearer the sun; their blood + is richer, and more mellow: but when I humour any of them in an + outrageous contempt of Scotland, I fairly own I treat them as children. + And thus I have, at some moments, found myself obliged to treat even + Dr. Johnson. +</p> +<p> + To Scotland however he ventured; and he returned from it in great good + humour, with his prejudices much lessened, and with very grateful + feelings of the hospitality with which he was treated; as is evident + from that admirable work, his <i>Journey to the Western Islands of + Scotland</i>, which, to my utter astonishment, has been misapprehended, + even to rancour, by many of my countrymen. To have the company of + Chambers and Scott, he delayed his journey so long, that the court of + session, which rises on the eleventh of August, was broke up before he + got to Edinburgh<a href="#note-41">[41]</a>. +</p> +<p> + On Saturday the fourteenth of August, 1773, late in the evening, I + received a note from him, that he was arrived at Boyd's inn<a href="#note-42">[42]</a>, at the + head of the Canongate. I went to him directly. He embraced me cordially; + and I exulted in the thought, that I now had him actually in Caledonia. + Mr. Scott's amiable manners, and attachment to our <i>Socrates</i>, at once + united me to him. He told me that, before I came in, the Doctor had + unluckily had a bad specimen of Scottish cleanliness<a href="#note-43">[43]</a>. He then drank + no fermented liquor. He asked to have his lemonade made sweeter; upon + which the waiter, with his greasy fingers, lifted a lump of sugar, and + put it into it. The Doctor, in indignation, threw it out of the window. + Scott said, he was afraid he would have knocked the waiter down. Mr. + Johnson told me, that such another trick was played him at the house of + a lady in Paris<a href="#note-44">[44]</a>. He was to do me the honour to lodge under my roof. + I regretted sincerely that I had not also a room for Mr. Scott. Mr. + Johnson and I walked arm-in-arm up the High=street, to my house in + James's court<a href="#note-45">[45]</a>: it was a dusky night: I could not prevent his being + assailed by the evening effluvia of Edinburgh. I heard a late baronet, + of some distinction in the political world in the beginning of the + present reign, observe, that 'walking the streets of Edinburgh at night + was pretty perilous, and a good deal odoriferous.' The peril is much + abated, by the care which the magistrates have taken to enforce the city + laws against throwing foul water from the windows<a href="#note-46">[46]</a>; but from the + structure of the houses in the old town, which consist of many stories, + in each of which a different family lives, and there being no covered + sewers, the ordour still continues. A zealous Scotsman would have wished + Mr. Johnson to be without one of his five senses upon this occasion. As + we marched slowly along, he grumbled in my ear, 'I smell you in the + dark<a href="#note-47">[47]</a>!' But he acknowledged that the breadth of the street, and the + loftiness of the buildings on each side made a noble appearance<a href="#note-48">[48]</a>. +</p> +<p> + My wife had tea ready for him, which it is well known he delighted to + drink at all hours, particularly when sitting up late, and of which his + able defence against Mr. Jonas Hanway<a href="#note-49">[49]</a> should have obtained him a + magnificent reward from the East-India Company. He shewed much + complacency upon finding that the mistress of the house was so attentive + to his singular habit; and as no man could be more polite when he chose + to be so, his address to her was most courteous and engaging; and his + conversation soon charmed her into a forgetfulness of his external + appearance<a href="#note-50">[50]</a>. +</p> +<p> + I did not begin to keep a regular full journal till some days after we + had set out from Edinburgh; but I have luckily preserved a good many + fragments of his <i>Memorabilia</i> from his very first evening in Scotland. +</p> +<p> + We had, a little before this, had a trial for murder, in which the + judges had allowed the lapse of twenty years since its commission as a + plea in bar, in conformity with the doctrine of prescription in the + <i>civil</i> law, which Scotland and several other countries in Europe have + adopted. He at first disapproved of this; but then he thought there was + something in it, if there had been for twenty years a neglect to + prosecute a crime which was <i>known</i>. He would not allow that a murder, + by not being <i>discovered</i> for twenty years, should escape + punishment<a href="#note-51">[51]</a>. We talked of the ancient trial by duel. He did not think + it so absurd as is generally supposed; 'For (said he) it was only + allowed when the question was <i>in equilibrio</i>, as when one affirmed and + another denied; and they had a notion that Providence would interfere in + favour of him who was in the right. But as it was found that in a duel, + he who was in the right had not a better chance than he who was in the + wrong, therefore society instituted the present mode of trial, and gave + the advantage to him who is in the right.' +</p> +<p> + We sat till near two in the morning, having chatted a good while after + my wife left us. She had insisted, that to shew all respect to the Sage + she would give up her own bed-chamber to him and take a worse<a href="#note-52">[52]</a>. This + I cannot but gratefully mention, as one of a thousand obligations which + I owe her, since the great obligation of her being pleased to accept of + me as her husband<a href="#note-53">[53]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_8"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, AUGUST 15<a href="#note-54">[54]</a> +</h2> +<p> + Mr. Scott came to breakfast, at which I introduced to Dr. Johnson and + him, my friend Sir William Forbes, now of Pitsligo<a href="#note-55">[55]</a>; a man of whom + too much good cannot be said; who, with distinguished abilities and + application in his profession of a Banker, is at once a good companion, + and a good christian; which I think is saying enough. Yet it is but + justice to record, that once, when he was in a dangerous illness, he was + watched with the anxious apprehension of a general calamity; day and + night his house was beset with affectionate enquiries; and, upon his + recovery, <i>Te deum</i> was the universal chorus from the <i>hearts</i> of his + countrymen. Mr. Johnson was pleased with my daughter Veronica<a href="#note-56">[56]</a>, + then a child of about four months old. She had the appearance of + listening to him. His motions seemed to her to be intended for her + amusement; and when he stopped, she fluttered, and made a little + infantine noise, and a kind of signal for him to begin again. She would + be held close to him; which was a proof, from simple nature, that his + figure was not horrid. Her fondness for him endeared her still more to + me, and I declared she should have five hundred pounds of additional + fortune<a href="#note-57">[57]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We talked of the practice of the law. Sir William Forbes said, he + thought an honest lawyer should never undertake a cause which he was + satisfied was not a just one. 'Sir, (said Mr. Johnson,) a lawyer has no + business with the justice or injustice of the cause which he undertakes, + unless his client asks his opinion, and then he is bound to give it + honestly. The justice or injustice of the cause is to be decided by the + judge. Consider, Sir; what is the purpose of courts of justice? It is, + that every man may have his cause fairly tried, by men appointed to try + causes. A lawyer is not to tell what he knows to be a lie: he is not to + produce what he knows to be a false deed; but he is not to usurp the + province of the jury and of the judge, and determine what shall be the + effect of evidence,—what shall be the result of legal argument. As it + rarely happens that a man is fit to plead his own cause, lawyers are a + class of the community, who, by study and experience, have acquired the + art and power of arranging evidence, and of applying to the points at + issue what the law has settled. A lawyer is to do for his client all + that his client might fairly do for himself, if he could. If, by a + superiority of attention, of knowledge, of skill, and a better method of + communication, he has the advantage of his adversary, it is an + advantage to which he is entitled. There must always be some advantage, + on one side or other; and it is better that advantage should be had by + talents than by chance. Lawyers were to undertake no causes till they + were sure they were just, a man might be precluded altogether from a + trial of his claim, though, were it judicially examined it might be + found a very just claim<a href="#note-58">[58]</a>.' This was sound practical doctrine, and + rationally repressed a too refined scrupulosity<a href="#note-59">[59]</a> of conscience. +</p> +<p> + Emigration was at this time a common topick of discourse<a href="#note-60">[60]</a>. Dr. + Johnson regretted it as hurtful to human happiness: 'For (said he) it + spreads mankind, which weakens the defence of a nation, and lessens the + comfort of living. Men, thinly scattered, make a shift, but a bad shift, + without many things. A smith is ten miles off: they'll do without a nail + or a staple. A taylor is far from them: they'll botch their own clothes. + It is being concentrated which produces high convenience<a href="#note-61">[61]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Sir William Forbes, Mr. Scott, and I, accompanied Mr. Johnson to the + chapel<a href="#note-62">[62]</a>, founded by Lord Chief Baron Smith, for the Service of the + Church of England. The Reverend Mr. Carre, the senior clergyman, + preached from these words, 'Because the Lord reigneth, let the earth be + glad<a href="#note-63">[63]</a>.' I was sorry to think Mr. Johnson did not attend to the + sermon, Mr. Carre's low voice not being strong enough to reach his + hearing. A selection of Mr. Carre's sermons has, since his death, been + published by Sir William Forbes<a href="#note-64">[64]</a>, and the world has acknowledged + their uncommon merit. I am well assured Lord Mansfield has pronounced + them to be excellent. +</p> +<p> + Here I obtained a promise from Lord Chief Baron Orde<a href="#note-65">[65]</a>, that he would + dine at my house next day. I presented Mr. Johnson to his Lordship, who + politely said to him, I have not the honour of knowing you; but I hope + for it, and to see you at my house. I am to wait on you to-morrow.' This + respectable English judge will be long remembered in Scotland, where he + built an elegant house, and lived in it magnificently. His own ample + fortune, with the addition of his salary, enabled him to be splendidly + hospitable. It may be fortunate for an individual amongst ourselves to + be Lord Chief Baron; and a most worthy man now has the office; but, in + my opinion, it is better for Scotland in general, that some of our + publick employments should be filled by gentlemen of distinction from + the south side of the Tweed, as we have the benefit of promotion in + England. Such an interchange would make a beneficial mixture of manners, + and render our union more complete. Lord Chief Baron Orde was on good + terms with us all, in a narrow country filled with jarring interests and + keen parties; and, though I well knew his opinion to be the same with my + own, he kept himself aloof at a very critical period indeed, when the + <i>Douglas cause</i> shook the sacred security of <i>birthright</i> in Scotland + to its foundation; a cause, which had it happened before the Union, when + there was no appeal to a British House of Lords, would have left the + great fortress of honours and of property in ruins<a href="#note-66">[66]</a>. When we got + home, Dr. Johnson desired to see my books. He took down Ogden's <i>Sermons + on Prayer</i><a href="#note-67">[67]</a>, on which I set a very high value, having been much + edified by them, and he retired with them to his room. He did not stay + long, but soon joined us in the drawing room. I presented to him Mr. + Robert Arbuthnot, a relation of the celebrated Dr. Arbuthnot<a href="#note-68">[68]</a>, and a + man of literature and taste. To him we were obliged for a previous + recommendation, which secured us a very agreeable reception at St. + Andrews, and which Dr. Johnson, in his <i>Journey</i>, ascribes to 'some + invisible friend<a href="#note-69">[69]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Of Dr. Beattie, Mr. Johnson said, 'Sir, he has written like a man + conscious of the truth, and feeling his own strength<a href="#note-70">[70]</a>. Treating your + adversary with respect is giving him an advantage to which he is not + entitled<a href="#note-71">[71]</a>. The greatest part of men cannot judge of reasoning, and + are impressed by character; so that, if you allow your adversary a + respectable character, they will think, that though you differ from him, + you may be in the wrong. Sir, treating your adversary with respect, is + striking soft in a battle. And as to Hume,—a man who has so much + conceit as to tell all mankind that they have been bubbled<a href="#note-72">[72]</a> for ages, + and he is the wise man who sees better than they,—a man who has so + little scrupulosity as to venture to oppose those principles which have + been thought necessary to human happiness,—is he to be surprized if + another man comes and laughs at him? If he is the great man he thinks + himself, all this cannot hurt him: it is like throwing peas against a + rock.' He added '<i>something much too rough</i>' both as to Mr. Hume's head + and heart, which I suppress. Violence is, in my opinion, not suitable to + the Christian cause. Besides, I always lived on good terms with Mr. + Hume, though I have frankly told him, I was not clear that it was right + in me to keep company with him. 'But, (said I) how much better are you + than your books!' He was cheerful, obliging, and instructive; he was + charitable to the poor; and many an agreeable hour have I passed with + him<a href="#note-73">[73]</a>: I have preserved some entertaining and interesting memoirs of + him, particularly when he knew himself to be dying, which I may some + time or other communicate to the world<a href="#note-74">[74]</a>. I shall not, however, extol + him so very highly as Dr. Adam Smith does, who says, in a letter to Mr. + Strahan the Printer (not a confidential letter to his friend, but a + letter which is published<a href="#note-75">[75]</a> with all formality:) 'Upon the whole, I + have always considered him, both in his life time and since his death, + as approaching as nearly to the idea of a perfectly wise and virtuous + man as perhaps the nature of human frailty will permit.' Let Dr. Smith + consider: Was not Mr. Hume blest with good health, good spirits, good + friends, a competent and increasing fortune? And had he not also a + perpetual feast of fame<a href="#note-76">[76]</a>? But, as a learned friend has observed to + me, 'What trials did he undergo to prove the perfection of his virtue? + Did he ever experience any great instance of adversity?'—When I read + this sentence delivered by my old <i>Professor of Moral Philosophy</i>, I + could not help exclaiming with the <i>Psalmist</i>, 'Surely I have now more + understanding than my teachers<a href="#note-77">[77]</a>!' +</p> +<p> + While we were talking, there came a note to me from Dr. William + Robertson. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> +'DEAR SIR, + 'I have been expecting every day to hear from you, of Dr. Johnson's +arrival. Pray, what do you know about his motions? I long +to take him by the hand. I write this from the college, where I have +only this scrap of paper. Ever yours, +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<center> + 'W. R.' +</center> +<p> + 'Sunday.' +</p> +<p> + It pleased me to find Dr. Robertson thus eager to meet Dr. Johnson. I + was glad I could answer, that he was come: and I begged Dr. Robertson + might be with us as soon as he could. +</p> +<p> + Sir William Forbes, Mr. Scott, Mr. Arbuthnot, and another gentleman + dined with us. 'Come, Dr. Johnson, (said I,) it is commonly thought that + our veal in Scotland is not good. But here is some which I believe you + will like.' There was no catching him. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, what is + commonly thought, I should take to be true. <i>Your</i> veal may be good; but + that will only be an exception to the general opinion; not a proof + against it.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Robertson, according to the custom of Edinburgh at that time, dined + in the interval between the forenoon and afternoon service, which was + then later than now; so we had not the pleasure of his company till + dinner was over, when he came and drank wine with us. And then began + some animated dialogue<a href="#note-78">[78]</a>, of which here follows a pretty full note. +</p> +<p> + We talked of Mr. Burke. Dr. Johnson said, he had great variety of + knowledge, store of imagery, copiousness of language. ROBERTSON. 'He has + wit too.' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; he never succeeds there. 'Tis low; 'tis + conceit. I used to say, Burke never once made a good joke<a href="#note-79">[79]</a>. What I + most envy Burke for, is his being constantly the same. He is never what + we call hum-drum; never unwilling to begin to talk, nor in haste to + leave off.' BOSWELL. 'Yet he can listen.' JOHNSON. 'No: I cannot say he + is good at that<a href="#note-80">[80]</a>. So desirous is he to talk, that, if one is speaking + at this end of the table, he'll speak to somebody at the other end. + Burke, Sir, is such a man, that if you met him for the first time in the + street where you were stopped by a drove of oxen, and you and he stepped + aside to take shelter but for five minutes, he'd talk to you in such a + manner, that, when you parted, you would say, this is an extraordinary + man<a href="#note-81">[81]</a>. Now, you may be long enough with me, without finding any thing + extraordinary.' He said, he believed Burke was intended for the law; but + either had not money enough to follow it, or had not diligence + enough<a href="#note-82">[82]</a>. He said, he could not understand how a man could apply to + one thing, and not to another. ROBERTSON said, one man had more + judgment, another more imagination. JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; it is only, one + man has more mind than another. He may direct it differently; he may, by + accident, see the success of one kind of study, and take a desire to + excel in it. I am persuaded that, had Sir Isaac Newton applied to + poetry, he would have made a very fine epick poem. I could as easily + apply to law as to tragick poetry.' BOSWELL. 'Yet, Sir, you did apply to + tragick poetry, not to law.' JOHNSON. 'Because, Sir, I had not money to + study law. Sir, the man who has vigour, may walk to the east, just as + well as to the west, if he happens to turn his head that way<a href="#note-83">[83]</a>.' + BOSWELL. 'But, Sir, 'tis like walking up and down a hill; one man will + naturally do the one better than the other. A hare will run up a hill + best, from her fore-legs being short; a dog down.' JOHNSON. 'Nay, Sir; + that is from mechanical powers. If you make mind mechanical, you may + argue in that manner. One mind is a vice, and holds fast; there's a good + memory. Another is a file; and he is a disputant, a controversialist. + Another is a razor; and he is sarcastical.' We talked of Whitefield. He + said he was at the same college with him<a href="#note-84">[84]</a>, and knew him <i>before he + began to be better than other people</i> (smiling;) that he believed he + sincerely meant well, but had a mixture of politicks and ostentation: + whereas Wesley thought of religion only<a href="#note-85">[85]</a>. ROBERTSON said, Whitefield + had strong natural eloquence, which, if cultivated, would have done + great things. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, I take it, he was at the height of + what his abilities could do, and was sensible of it. He had the ordinary + advantages of education; but he chose to pursue that oratory which is + for the mob<a href="#note-86">[86]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'He had great effect on the passions.' + JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, I don't think so. He could not represent a + succession of pathetic images. He vociferated, and made an impression. + <i>There</i>, again, was a mind like a hammer.' Dr. Johnson now said, a + certain eminent political friend of our's<a href="#note-87">[87]</a> was wrong, in his maxim of + sticking to a certain set of <i>men</i> on all occasions. 'I can see that a + man may do right to stick to a <i>party</i> (said he;) that is to say, he is + a <i>Whig</i>, or he is a <i>Tory</i>, and he thinks one of those parties upon the + whole the best, and that to make it prevail, it must be generally + supported, though, in particulars it may be wrong. He takes its faggot + of principles, in which there are fewer rotten sticks than in the other, + though some rotten sticks to be sure; and they cannot well be separated. + But, to bind one's self to one man, or one set of men, (who may be right + to-day and wrong to-morrow,) without any general preference of system, I + must disapprove<a href="#note-88">[88]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + He told us of Cooke, who translated Hesiod, and lived twenty years on a + translation of Plautus, for which he was always taking subscriptions; + and that he presented Foote to a Club, in the following singular manner: + 'This is the nephew of the gentleman who was lately hung in chains for + murdering his brother<a href="#note-89">[89]</a>.' In the evening I introduced to Mr. + Johnson<a href="#note-90">[90]</a> two good friends of mine, Mr. William Nairne, Advocate, and + Mr. Hamilton of Sundrum, my neighbour in the country, both of whom + supped with us. I have preserved nothing of what passed, except that Dr. + Johnson displayed another of his heterodox opinions,—a contempt of + tragick acting<a href="#note-91">[91]</a>. He said, 'the action of all players in tragedy is + bad. It should be a man's study to repress those signs of emotion and + passion, as they are called.' He was of a directly contrary opinion to + that of Fielding, in his <i>Tom Jones</i>; who makes Partridge say, of + Garrick, 'why, I could act as well as he myself. I am sure, if I had + seen a ghost, I should have looked in the very same manner, and done + just as he did<a href="#note-92">[92]</a>.' For, when I asked him, 'Would you not, Sir, start + as Mr. Garrick does, if you saw a ghost?' He answered, 'I hope not. If I + did, I should frighten the ghost.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_9"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, AUGUST 16. +</h2> +<p> + Dr. William Robertson came to breakfast. We talked of <i>Ogden on Prayer</i>. + Dr. Johnson said, 'The same arguments which are used against GOD'S + hearing prayer, will serve against his rewarding good, and punishing + evil. He has resolved, he has declared, in the former case as in the + latter.' He had last night looked into Lord Hailes's <i>Remarks on the + History of Scotland</i>. Dr. Robertson and I said, it was a pity Lord + Hailes did not write greater things. His lordship had not then published + his <i>Annals of Scotland</i><a href="#note-93">[93]</a>. JOHNSON. 'I remember I was once on a + visit at the house of a lady for whom I had a high respect. There was a + good deal of company in the room. When they were gone, I said to this + lady, "What foolish talking have we had!" "Yes, (said she,) but while + they talked, you said nothing." I was struck with the reproof. How much + better is the man who does anything that is innocent, than he who does + nothing. Besides, I love anecdotes<a href="#note-94">[94]</a>. I fancy mankind may come, in + time, to write all aphoristically, except in narrative; grow weary of + preparation, and connection, and illustration, and all those arts by + which a big book is made. If a man is to wait till he weaves anecdotes + into a system, we may be long in getting them, and get but few, in + comparison of what we might get. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Robertson said, the notions of <i>Eupham Macallan</i>, a fanatick woman, + of whom Lord Hailes gives a sketch, were still prevalent among some of + the Presbyterians; and therefore it was right in Lord Hailes, a man of + known piety, to undeceive them<a href="#note-95">[95]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We walked out<a href="#note-96">[96]</a>, that Dr. Johnson might see some of the things which + we have to shew at Edinburgh. We went to the Parliament-House<a href="#note-97">[97]</a>, + where the Parliament of Scotland sat, and where the <i>Ordinary Lords</i> of + Session hold their courts; and to the New Session-House adjoining to it, + where our Court of Fifteen (the fourteen <i>Ordinaries</i>, with the Lord + President at their head,) sit as a court of Review. We went to the + <i>Advocates Library</i><a href="#note-98">[98]</a>, of which Dr. Johnson took a cursory view, and + then to what is called the <i>Laigh</i><a href="#note-99">[99]</a> (or under) Parliament-House, + where the records of Scotland, which has an universal security by + register, are deposited, till the great Register Office be finished. I + was pleased to behold Dr. Samuel Johnson rolling about in this old + magazine of antiquities. There was, by this time, a pretty numerous + circle of us attending upon him. Somebody talked of happy moments for + composition; and how a man can write at one time, and not at another. + 'Nay, (said Dr. Johnson,) a man may write at any time, if he will set + himself <i>doggedly</i><a href="#note-100">[100]</a> to it.' +</p> +<p> + I here began to indulge <i>old Scottish</i><a href="#note-101">[101]</a> sentiments, and to express a + warm regret, that, by our Union with <i>England</i>, we were no more;—our + independent kingdom was lost<a href="#note-102">[102]</a>. JOHNSON. 'Sir, never talk of your + independency, who could let your Queen remain twenty years in captivity, + and then be put to death, without even a pretence of justice, without + your ever attempting to rescue her; and such a Queen too; as every man + of any gallantry of spirit would have sacrificed his life for<a href="#note-103">[103]</a>.' + Worthy Mr. JAMES KERR, Keeper of the Records. 'Half our nation was + bribed by English money.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, that is no defence: that makes + you worse.' Good Mr. BROWN, Keeper of the Advocates' Library. 'We had + better say nothing about it.' BOSWELL. 'You would have been glad, + however, to have had us last war, sir, to fight your battles!' JOHNSON. + 'We should have had you for the same price, though there had been no + Union, as we might have had Swiss, or other troops. No, no, I shall + agree to a separation. You have only to <i>go home</i>.' Just as he had said + this, I, to divert the subject, shewed him the signed assurances of the + three successive Kings of the Hanover family, to maintain the + Presbyterian establishment in Scotland. 'We'll give you that (said he) + into the bargain.' +</p> +<p> + We next went to the great church of St. Giles, which has lost its + original magnificence in the inside, by being divided into four places + of Presbyterian worship<a href="#note-104">[104]</a>. 'Come, (said Dr. Johnson jocularly to + Principal Robertson<a href="#note-105">[105]</a>,) let me see what was once a church!' We + entered that division which was formerly called the <i>New Church</i>, and of + late the <i>High Church</i>, so well known by the eloquence of Dr. Hugh + Blair. It is now very elegantly fitted up; but it was then shamefully + dirty<a href="#note-106">[106]</a>. Dr. Johnson said nothing at the time; but when we came to + the great door of the Royal Infirmary, where upon a board was this + inscription, '<i>Clean your feet!</i>' he turned about slyly and said, 'There + is no occasion for putting this at the doors of your churches!' +</p> +<p> + We then conducted him down the Post-house stairs, Parliament-close, and + made him look up from the Cow-gate to the highest building in Edinburgh, + (from which he had just descended,) being thirteen floors or stories + from the ground upon the back elevation; the front wall being built upon + the edge of the hill, and the back wall rising from the bottom of the + hill several stories before it comes to a level with the front wall. We + proceeded to the College, with the Principal at our head. Dr. Adam + Fergusson, whose <i>Essay on the History of Civil Society<a href="#note-107">[107]</a></i> gives him + a respectable place in the ranks of literature, was with us. As the + College buildings<a href="#note-108">[108]</a> are indeed very mean, the Principal said to Dr. + Johnson, that he must give them the same epithet that a Jesuit did when + shewing a poor college abroad: '<i>Hae miseriae nostrae</i>.' Dr. Johnson + was, however, much pleased with the library, and with the conversation + of Dr. James Robertson, Professor of Oriental Languages, the Librarian. + We talked of Kennicot's edition of the Hebrew Bible<a href="#note-109">[109]</a>, and hoped it + would be quite faithful. JOHNSON. 'Sir, I know not any crime so great + that a man could contrive to commit, as poisoning the sources of + eternal truth.' +</p> +<p> + I pointed out to him where there formerly stood an old wall enclosing + part of the college, which I remember bulged out in a threatening + manner, and of which there was a common tradition similar to that + concerning <i>Bacon's</i> study at Oxford, that it would fall upon some very + learned man<a href="#note-110">[110]</a>. It had some time before this been taken down, that the + street might be widened, and a more convenient wall built. Dr. Johnson, + glad of an opportunity to have a pleasant hit at Scottish learning, + said, 'they have been afraid it never would fall.' +</p> +<p> + We shewed him the Royal Infirmary, for which, and for every other + exertion of generous publick spirit in his power, that noble-minded + citizen of Edinburgh, George Drummond, will be ever held in honourable + remembrance. And we were too proud not to carry him to the Abbey of + Holyrood-house, that beautiful piece of architecture, but, alas! that + deserted mansion of royalty, which Hamilton of Bangour, in one of his + elegant poems, calls +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'A virtuous palace, where no monarch dwells<a href="#note-111">[111]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + I was much entertained while Principal Robertson fluently harangued to + Dr. Johnson, upon the spot, concerning scenes of his celebrated <i>History + of Scotland</i>. We surveyed that part of the palace appropriated to the + Duke of Hamilton, as Keeper, in which our beautiful Queen Mary lived, + and in which David Rizzio was murdered; and also the State Rooms. Dr. + Johnson was a great reciter of all sorts of things serious or comical. I + overheard him repeating here in a kind of muttering tone, a line of the + old ballad, <i>Johnny Armstrong's Last Good Night</i>: +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'And ran him through the fair body<a href="#note-112">[112]</a>!' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + We returned to my house, where there met him, at dinner, the Duchess of + Douglas<a href="#note-113">[113]</a>, Sir Adolphus Oughton, Lord Chief Baron, Sir William + Forbes, Principal Robertson, Mr. Cullen<a href="#note-114">[114]</a>, Advocate. Before dinner he + told us of a curious conversation between the famous George + Faulkner<a href="#note-115">[115]</a> and him. George said that England had drained Ireland of + fifty thousand pounds in specie, annually, for fifty years. 'How so, + Sir! (said Dr. Johnson,) you must have a very great trade?' 'No trade.' + 'Very rich mines?' 'No mines.' 'From whence, then, does all this money + come?' 'Come! why out of the blood and bowels of the poor people + of Ireland!' +</p> +<p> + He seemed to me to have an unaccountable prejudice against Swift<a href="#note-116">[116]</a>; + for I once took the liberty to ask him, if Swift had personally offended + him, and he told me he had not. He said to-day, 'Swift is clear, but he + is shallow. In coarse humour, he is inferior to Arbuthnot<a href="#note-117">[117]</a>; in + delicate humour, he is inferior to Addison. So he is inferior to his + contemporaries; without putting him against the whole world. I doubt if + the <i>Tale of a Tub</i> was his<a href="#note-118">[118]</a>: it has so much more thinking, more + knowledge, more power, more colour, than any of the works which are + indisputably his. If it was his, I shall only say, he was <i>impar + sibi</i><a href="#note-119">[119]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We gave him as good a dinner as we could. Our Scotch muir-fowl, or + growse, were then abundant, and quite in season; and so far as wisdom + and wit can be aided by administering agreeable sensations to the + palate, my wife took care that our great guest should not be deficient. +</p> +<p> + Sir Adolphus Oughton, then our Deputy Commander in Chief, who was not + only an excellent officer, but one of the most universal scholars I ever + knew, had learned the Erse language, and expressed his belief in the + authenticity of Ossian's Poetry<a href="#note-120">[120]</a>. Dr. Johnson took the opposite side + of that perplexed question; and I was afraid the dispute would have run + high between them. But Sir Adolphus, who had a very sweet temper, + changed the discourse, grew playful, laughed at Lord Monboddo's<a href="#note-121">[121]</a> + notion of men having tails, and called him a Judge, <i>à posteriori</i>, + which amused Dr. Johnson; and thus hostilities were prevented. +</p> +<p> + At supper<a href="#note-122">[122]</a> we had Dr. Cullen, his son the advocate, Dr. Adam + Fergusson, and Mr. Crosbie, advocate. Witchcraft was introduced<a href="#note-123">[123]</a>. + Mr. Crosbie said, he thought it the greatest blasphemy to suppose evil + spirits counteracting the Deity, and raising storms, for instance, to + destroy his creatures. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, if moral evil be consistent + with the government of the Deity, why may not physical evil be also + consistent with it? It is not more strange that there should be evil + spirits, than evil men: evil unembodied spirits, than evil embodied + spirits. And as to storms, we know there are such things; and it is no + worse that evil spirits raise them, than that they rise.' CROSBIE. 'But + it is not credible, that witches should have effected what they are said + in stories to have done.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, I am not defending their + credibility. I am only saying, that your arguments are not good, and + will not overturn the belief of witchcraft.—(Dr. Fergusson said to me, + aside, 'He is right.')—And then, Sir, you have all mankind, rude and + civilized, agreeing in the belief of the agency of preternatural powers. + You must take evidence: you must consider, that wise and great men have + condemned witches to die<a href="#note-124">[124]</a>.' CROSBIE. 'But an act of parliament put + an end to witchcraft<a href="#note-125">[125]</a>.' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; witchcraft had ceased; + and therefore an act of parliament was passed to prevent persecution for + what was not witchcraft. Why it ceased, we cannot tell, as we cannot + tell the reason of many other things.'—Dr. Cullen, to keep up the + gratification of mysterious disquisition, with the grave address for + which he is remarkable in his companionable as in his professional + hours, talked, in a very entertaining manner, of people walking and + conversing in their sleep. I am very sorry I have no note of this. We + talked of the <i>Ouran-Outang</i>, and of Lord Monboddo's thinking that he + might be taught to speak. Dr. Johnson treated this with ridicule. Mr. + Crosbie said, that Lord Monboddo believed the existence of every thing + possible; in short, that all which is in <i>posse</i> might be found in + <i>esse</i>. JOHNSON. 'But, Sir, it is as possible that the <i>Ouran-Outang</i> + does not speak, as that he speaks. However, I shall not contest the + point. I should have thought it not possible to find a Monboddo; yet + <i>he</i> exists.' I again mentioned the stage. JOHNSON. 'The appearance of a + player, with whom I have drunk tea, counteracts the imagination that he + is the character he represents. Nay, you know, nobody imagines that he + is the character he represents. They say, "See <i>Garrick!</i> how he looks + to night! See how he'll clutch the dagger!" That is the buz of the + theatre<a href="#note-126">[126]</a>.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_10"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, AUGUST 17. +</h2> +<p> + Sir William Forbes came to breakfast, and brought with him Dr. + Blacklock<a href="#note-127">[127]</a>, whom he introduced to Dr. Johnson, who received him with + a most humane complacency; 'Dear Dr. Blacklock, I am glad to see you!' + Blacklock seemed to be much surprized, when Dr. Johnson said, 'it was + easier to him to write poetry than to compose his <i>Dictionary</i><a href="#note-128">[128]</a>. His + mind was less on the stretch in doing the one than the other. Besides; + composing a <i>Dictionary</i> requires books and a desk: you can make a poem + walking in the fields, or lying in bed. Dr. Blacklock spoke of + scepticism in morals and religion, with apparent uneasiness, as if he + wished for more certainty<a href="#note-129">[129]</a>. Dr. Johnson, who had thought it all + over, and whose vigorous understanding was fortified by much experience, + thus encouraged the blind Bard to apply to higher speculations what we + all willingly submit to in common life: in short, he gave him more + familiarly the able and fair reasoning of Butler's <i>Analogy</i>: 'Why, Sir, + the greatest concern we have in this world, the choice of our + profession, must be determined without demonstrative reasoning. Human + life is not yet so well known, as that we can have it. And take the case + of a man who is ill. I call two physicians: they differ in opinion. I am + not to lie down, and die between them: I must do something.' The + conversation then turned on Atheism; on that horrible book, <i>Système de + la Nature</i><a href="#note-130">[130]</a>; and on the supposition of an eternal necessity, without + design, without a governing mind. JOHNSON. 'If it were so, why has it + ceased? Why don't we see men thus produced around us now? Why, at least, + does it not keep pace, in some measure, with the progress of time? If + it stops because there is now no need of it, then it is plain there is, + and ever has been, an all powerful intelligence. But stay! (said he, + with one of his satyrick laughs<a href="#note-131">[131]</a>.) Ha! ha! ha! I shall suppose + Scotchmen made necessarily, and Englishmen by choice.' +</p> +<p> + At dinner this day, we had Sir Alexander Dick, whose amiable character, + and ingenious and cultivated mind, are so generally known; (he was then + on the verge of seventy, and is now (1785) eighty-one, with his + faculties entire, his heart warm, and his temper gay;) Sir David + Dalrymple, Lord Hailes; Mr. Maclaurin<a href="#note-132">[132]</a>, advocate; Dr. Gregory, who + now worthily fills his father's medical chair<a href="#note-133">[133]</a>; and my uncle, Dr. + Boswell. This was one of Dr. Johnson's best days. He was quite in his + element. All was literature and taste, without any interruption. Lord + Hailes, who is one of the best philologists in Great Britain, who has + written papers in <i>The World</i><a href="#note-134">[134]</a>, and a variety of other works in + prose and in verse, both Latin and English, pleased him highly. He told + him, he had discovered the life of <i>Cheynel</i>, in <i>The Student</i><a href="#note-135">[135]</a>, to + be his. JOHNSON. 'No one else knows it.' Dr. Johnson had, before this, + dictated to me a law-paper, upon a question purely in the law of + Scotland, concerning <i>vicious intromission</i><a href="#note-136">[136]</a>, that is to say, + intermeddling with the effects of a deceased person, without a regular + title; which formerly was understood to subject the intermeddler to + payment of all the defunct's debts. The principle has of late been + relaxed. Dr. Johnson's argument was, for a renewal of its strictness. + The paper was printed, with additions by me, and given into the Court of + Session. Lord Hailes knew Dr. Johnson's part not to be mine, and pointed + out exactly where it began, and where it ended. Dr. Johnson said, 'It is + much, now, that his lordship can distinguish so.' In Dr. Johnson's + <i>Vanity of Human Wishes</i>, there is the following passage:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'The teeming mother, anxious for her race, + Begs, for each birth, the fortune of a face: + Yet <i>Vane</i> could tell, what ills from beauty spring, + And <i>Sedley</i> curs'd the charms which pleas'd a king<a href="#note-137">[137]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Lord Hailes told him, he was mistaken in the instances he had given of + unfortunate fair ones; for neither <i>Vane</i> nor <i>Sedley</i> had a title to + that description. His Lordship has since been so obliging as to send me + a note of this, for the communication of which I am sure my readers + will thank me. +</p> +<p> + 'The lines in the tenth Satire of Juvenal, according to my alteration, + should have run thus:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Yet <i>Shore</i><a href="#note-138">[138]</a> could tell——-; + And <i>Valiere</i><a href="#note-139">[139]</a> curs'd———.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'The first was a penitent by compulsion, the second by sentiment; though + the truth is, Mademoiselle de la Valiere threw herself (but still from + sentiment) in the King's way. +</p> +<p> + 'Our friend chose <i>Vane</i><a href="#note-140">[140]</a>, who was far from being well-looked; and + <i>Sedley</i>, who was so ugly, that Charles II. said, his brother had her by + way of penance<a href="#note-141">[141]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Mr. Maclaurin's learning and talents enabled him to do his part very + well in Dr. Johnson's company. He produced two epitaphs upon his + father, the celebrated mathematician<a href="#note-142">[142]</a>. One was in English, of which + Dr. Johnson did not change one word. In the other, which was in Latin, + he made several alterations. In place of the very words of <i>Virgil</i>, + '<i>Ubi luctus et pavor et plurima mortis imago</i><a href="#note-143">[143]</a>,' he wrote '<i>Ubi + luctus regnant et pavor</i>.' He introduced the word <i>prorsus</i> into the + line '<i>Mortalibus prorsus non absit solatium</i>,' and after '<i>Hujus enim + scripta evolve</i>,' he added '<i>Mentemque tantarum rerum capacem corpori + caduco superstitem crede</i>;' which is quite applicable to Dr. Johnson + himself<a href="#note-144">[144]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Murray, advocate, who married a niece of Lord Mansfield's, and is + now one of the judges of Scotland, by the title of Lord <i>Henderland</i>, + sat with us a part of the evening; but did not venture to say any thing, + that I remember, though he is certainly possessed of talents which would + have enabled him to have shewn himself to advantage, if too great + anxiety had not prevented him. +</p> +<p> + At supper we had Dr. Alexander Webster, who, though not, learned, had + such a knowledge of mankind, such a fund of information and + entertainment, so clear a head and such accommodating manners, that Dr. + Johnson found him a very agreeable companion. +</p> +<p> + When Dr. Johnson and I were left by ourselves, I read to him my notes of + the Opinions of our Judges upon the questions of Literary Property<a href="#note-145">[145]</a>. + He did not like them; and said, 'they make me think of your Judges not + with that respect which I should wish to do.' To the argument of one of + them, that there can be no property in blasphemy or nonsense, he + answered, 'then your rotten sheep are mine! By that rule, when a man's + house falls into decay, he must lose it.' I mentioned an argument of + mine, that literary performances are not taxed. As <i>Churchill</i> says, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'No statesman yet has thought it worth his pains + To tax our labours, or excise our brains<a href="#note-146">[146]</a>;' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + and therefore they are not property. 'Yet, (said he,) we hang a man for + stealing a horse, and horses are not taxed.' Mr. Pitt has since put an + end to that argument<a href="#note-147">[147]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_11"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18. +</h2> +<p> + On this day we set out from Edinburgh. We should gladly have had Mr. + Scott to go with us; but he was obliged to return to England.—I have + given a sketch of Dr. Johnson: my readers may wish to know a little of + his fellow traveller<a href="#note-148">[148]</a>. Think then, of a gentleman of ancient blood, + the pride of which was his predominant passion. He was then in his + thirty-third year, and had been about four years happily married. His + inclination was to be a soldier<a href="#note-149">[149]</a>; but his father, a respectable[150] + Judge, had pressed him into the profession of the law. He had travelled + a good deal, and seen many varieties of human life. He had thought more + than any body supposed, and had a pretty good stock of general learning + and knowledge<a href="#note-151">[151]</a>. He had all Dr. Johnson's principles, with some + degree of relaxation. He had rather too little, than too much prudence; + and, his imagination being lively, he often said things of which the + effect was very different from the intention<a href="#note-152">[152]</a>. He resembled sometimes +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'The best good man, with the worst natur'd muse<a href="#note-153">[153]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + He cannot deny himself the vanity of finishing with the encomium of Dr. + Johnson, whose friendly partiality to the companion of his Tour + represents him as one 'whose acuteness would help my enquiry, and whose + gaiety of conversation, and civility of manners, are sufficient to + counteract the inconveniences of travel, in countries less hospitable + than we have passed<a href="#note-154">[154]</a>.' Dr. Johnson thought it unnecessary to put + himself to the additional expence of bringing with him Francis Barber, + his faithful black servant; so we were attended only by my man, Joseph + Ritter, a Bohemian; a fine stately fellow above six feet high, who had + been over a great part of Europe, and spoke many languages. He was the + best servant I ever saw. Let not my readers disdain his introduction! + For Dr. Johnson gave him this character: 'Sir, he is a civil man, and a + wise man<a href="#note-155">[155]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + From an erroneous apprehension of violence, Dr. Johnson had provided a + pair of pistols, some gunpowder, and a quantity of bullets: but upon + being assured we should run no risk of meeting any robbers, he left his + arms and ammunition in an open drawer, of which he gave my wife the + charge. He also left in that drawer one volume of a pretty full and + curious Diary of his Life, of which I have a few fragments; but the book + has been destroyed. I wish female curiosity had been strong enough to + have had it all transcribed; which might easily have been done; and I + should think the theft, being <i>pro bono publico</i>, might have been + forgiven. But I may be wrong. My wife told me she never once looked into + it<a href="#note-156">[156]</a>.—She did not seem quite easy when we left her: but away + we went! +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nairne, advocate, was to go with us as far as St. Andrews. It gives + me pleasure that, by mentioning his <i>name</i>, I connect his title to the + just and handsome compliment paid him by Dr. Johnson, in his book: 'A + gentleman who could stay with us only long enough to make us know how + much we lost by his leaving us<a href="#note-157">[157]</a>. 'When we came to Leith, I talked + with perhaps too boasting an air, how pretty the Frith of Forth looked; + as indeed, after the prospect from Constantinople, of which I have been + told, and that from Naples, which I have seen, I believe the view of + that Frith and its environs, from the Castle-hill of Edinburgh, is the + finest prospect in Europe. 'Ay, (said Dr. Johnson,) that is the state of + the world. Water is the same every where. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "Una est injusti caerula forma maris<a href="#note-158">[158]</a>."' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + I told him the port here was the mouth of the river or water of <i>Leith</i>. + 'Not <i>Lethe</i>; said Mr. Nairne. 'Why, Sir, (said Dr. Johnson,) when a + Scotchman sets out from this port for England, he forgets his native + country.' NAIRNE. 'I hope, Sir, you will forget England here.' JOHNSON. + 'Then 'twill still be more <i>Lethe</i>' He observed of the Pier or Quay, + 'you have no occasion for so large a one: your trade does not require + it: but you are like a shopkeeper who takes a shop, not only for what he + has to put in it, but that it may be believed he has a great deal to put + into it.' It is very true, that there is now, comparatively, little + trade upon the eastern coast of Scotland. The riches of Glasgow shew how + much there is in the west; and perhaps we shall find trade travel + westward on a great scale, as well as a small. +</p> +<p> + We talked of a man's drowning himself. JOHNSON. 'I should never think it + time to make away with myself.' I put the case of Eustace Budgell<a href="#note-159">[159]</a>, + who was accused of forging a will, and sunk himself in the Thames, + before the trial of its authenticity came on. 'Suppose, Sir, (said I,) + that a man is absolutely sure, that, if he lives a few days longer, he + shall be detected in a fraud, the consequence of which will be utter + disgrace and expulsion from society.' JOHNSON. 'Then, Sir, let him go + abroad to a distant country; let him go to some place where he is <i>not</i> + known. Don't let him go to the devil where he <i>is</i> known!' +</p> +<p> + He then said, 'I see a number of people bare-footed here: I suppose you + all went so before the Union. Boswell, your ancestors went so, when they + had as much land as your family has now. Yet <i>Auchinleck</i> is the <i>Field + of Stones</i>: there would be bad going bare-footed there. The <i>Lairds</i>, + however, did it.' I bought some <i>speldings</i>, fish (generally whitings) + salted and dried in a particular manner, being dipped in the sea and + dried in the sun, and eaten by the Scots by way of a relish. He had + never seen them, though they are sold in London. I insisted on + <i>scottifying</i><a href="#note-160">[160]</a> his palate; but he was very reluctant. With + difficulty I prevailed with him to let a bit of one of them lie in his + mouth. He did not like it. +</p> +<p> + In crossing the Frith, Dr. Johnson determined that we should land upon + Inch Keith<a href="#note-161">[161]</a>. On approaching it, we first observed a high rocky + shore. We coasted about, and put into a little bay on the North-west. We + clambered up a very steep ascent, on which was very good grass, but + rather a profusion of thistles. There were sixteen head of black cattle + grazing upon the island. Lord Hailes observed to me, that Brantome calls + it <i>L'isle des Chevaux</i>, and that it was probably 'a <i>safer</i> stable' + than many others in his time. The fort<a href="#note-162">[162]</a>, with an inscription on + it, <i>Maria Re</i> 1564, is strongly built. Dr. Johnson examined it with much + attention. He stalked like a giant among the luxuriant thistles and + nettles. There are three wells in the island; but we could not find one + in the fort. There must probably have been one, though now filled up, as + a garrison could not subsist without it. But I have dwelt too long on + this little spot. Dr. Johnson afterwards bade me try to write a + description of our discovering Inch Keith, in the usual style of + travellers, describing fully every particular; stating the grounds on + which we concluded that it must have once been inhabited, and + introducing many sage reflections; and we should see how a thing might + be covered in words, so as to induce people to come and survey it. All + that was told might be true, and yet in reality there might be nothing + to see. He said, 'I'd have this island. I'd build a house, make a good + landing-place, have a garden, and vines, and all sorts of trees. A rich + man, of a hospitable turn, here, would have many visitors from + Edinburgh.' When we got into our boat again, he called to me, 'Come, + now, pay a classical compliment to the island on quitting it.' I + happened luckily, in allusion to the beautiful Queen Mary, whose name is + upon the fort, to think of what Virgil makes Aeneas say, on having left + the country of his charming Dido. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Invitus, regina, tuo de littore cessi<a href="#note-163">[163]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'Very well hit off!' said he. +</p> +<p> + We dined at Kinghorn, and then got into a post-chaise<a href="#note-164">[164]</a>. Mr. Nairne + and his servant, and Joseph, rode by us. We stopped at Cupar, and drank + tea. We talked of parliament; and I said, I supposed very few of the + members knew much of what was going on, as indeed very few gentlemen + know much of their own private affairs. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, if a man is + not of a sluggish mind, he may be his own steward. If he will look into + his affairs, he will soon learn<a href="#note-165">[165]</a>. So it is as to publick affairs. + There must always be a certain number of men of business in parliament.' + BOSWELL. 'But consider, Sir; what is the House of Commons? Is not a + great part of it chosen by peers? Do you think, Sir, they ought to have + such an influence?' JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir. Influence must ever be in + proportion to property; and it is right it should<a href="#note-166">[166]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'But + is there not reason to fear that the common people may be oppressed?' + JOHNSON. 'No, Sir. Our great fear is from want of power in government. + Such a storm of vulgar force has broke in.' BOSWELL. 'It has only + roared.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, it has roared, till the Judges in + Westminster-Hall have been afraid to pronounce sentence in opposition to + the popular cry<a href="#note-167">[167]</a>. You are frightened by what is no longer dangerous, + like Presbyterians by Popery.' He then repeated a passage, I think, in + <i>Butler's Remains</i>, which ends, 'and would cry, Fire! Fire! in Noah's + flood<a href="#note-168">[168]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We had a dreary drive, in a dusky night, to St. Andrews, where we + arrived late. We found a good supper at Glass's inn, and Dr. Johnson + revived agreeably. He said, 'the collection called <i>The Muses' Welcome + to King James</i>, (first of England, and sixth of Scotland,) on his return + to his native kingdom, shewed that there was then abundance of learning + in Scotland; and that the conceits in that collection, with which people + find fault, were mere mode.' He added, 'we could not now entertain a + sovereign so; that Buchanan had spread the spirit of learning amongst + us, but we had lost it during the civil wars<a href="#note-169">[169]</a>.' He did not allow the + Latin Poetry of Pitcairne so much merit as has been usually attributed + to it; though he owned that one of his pieces, which he mentioned, but + which I am sorry is not specified in my notes, was, 'very well.' It is + not improbable that it was the poem which Prior has so elegantly + translated<a href="#note-170">[170]</a>. +</p> +<p> + After supper, we made a <i>procession</i> to <i>Saint Leonard's College</i>, the + landlord walking before us with a candle, and the waiter with a lantern. + That college had some time before been dissolved; and Dr. Watson, a + professor here, (the historian of Philip II.) had purchased the ground, + and what buildings remained. When we entered this court, it seemed quite + academical; and we found in his house very comfortable and genteel + accommodation<a href="#note-171">[171]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_12"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, AUGUST 19. +</h2> +<p> + We rose much refreshed. I had with me a map of Scotland, a bible which + was given me by Lord Mountstuart when we were together in Italy<a href="#note-172">[172]</a>, + and Ogden's <i>Sermons on Prayer</i>; Mr. Nairne introduced us to Dr. Watson, + whom we found a well-informed man, of very amiable manners. Dr. Johnson, + after they were acquainted, said, 'I take great delight in him.' His + daughter, a very pleasing young lady, made breakfast. Dr. Watson + observed, that Glasgow University had fewer home-students, since trade + increased, as learning was rather incompatible with it. JOHNSON. 'Why, + Sir, as trade is now carried on by subordinate hands, men in trade have + as much leisure as others; and now learning itself is a trade. A man + goes to a bookseller, and gets what he can. We have done with + patronage<a href="#note-173">[173]</a>. In the infancy of learning, we find some great man + praised for it. This diffused it among others. When it becomes general, + an authour leaves the great, and applies to the multitude.' BOSWELL. 'It + is a shame that authours are not now better patronized.' JOHNSON. 'No, + Sir. If learning cannot support a man, if he must sit with his hands + across till somebody feeds him, it is as to him a bad thing, and it is + better as it is. With patronage, what flattery! what falsehood! While a + man is in equilibrio, he throws truth among the multitude, and lets them + take it as they please: in patronage, he must say what pleases his + patron, and it is an equal chance whether that be truth or falsehood.' + WATSON. 'But is not the case now, that, instead of flattering one + person, we flatter the age?' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir. The world always lets a + man tell what he thinks, his own way. I wonder, however, that so many + people have written, who might have let it alone. That people should + endeavour to excel in conversation, I do not wonder; because in + conversation praise is instantly reverberated<a href="#note-174">[174]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We talked of change of manners. Dr. Johnson observed, that our drinking + less than our ancestors was owing to the change from ale to wine.' I + remember, (said he,) when all the <i>decent</i> people in Lichfield got drunk + every night, and were not the worse thought of<a href="#note-175">[175]</a>. Ale was cheap, so + you pressed strongly. When a man must bring a bottle of wine, he is not + in such haste. Smoking has gone out. To be sure, it is a shocking thing, + blowing smoke out of our mouths into other people's mouths, eyes, and + noses, and having the same thing done to us. Yet I cannot account, why a + thing which requires so little exertion, and yet preserves the mind from + total vacuity, should have gone out<a href="#note-176">[176]</a>. Every man has something by + which he calms himself: beating with his feet, or so<a href="#note-177">[177]</a>. I remember + when people in England changed a shirt only once a week<a href="#note-178">[178]</a>: a Pandour, + when he gets a shirt, greases it to make it last. Formerly, good + tradesmen had no fire but in the kitchen; never in the parlour, except + on Sunday. My father, who was a magistrate of Lichfield, lived thus. + They never began to have a fire in the parlour, but on leaving off + business, or some great revolution of their life.' Dr. Watson said, the + hall was as a kitchen, in old squires' houses. JOHNSON. 'No, Sir. The + hall was for great occasions, and never was used for domestick + refection<a href="#note-179">[179]</a>.' We talked of the Union, and what money it had brought + into Scotland. Dr. Watson observed, that a little money formerly went as + far as a great deal now. JOHNSON. 'In speculation, it seems that a + smaller quantity of money, equal in value to a larger quantity, if + equally divided, should produce the same effect. But it is not so in + reality. Many more conveniences and elegancies are enjoyed where money + is plentiful, than where it is scarce. Perhaps a great familiarity with + it, which arises from plenty, makes us more easily part with it.' +</p> +<p> + After what Dr. Johnson had said of St. Andrews, which he had long wished + to see, as our oldest university, and the seat of our Primate in the + days of episcopacy, I can say little. Since the publication of Dr. + Johnson's book, I find that he has been censured for not seeing here + the ancient chapel of <i>St. Rule</i>, a curious piece of sacred + architecture.<a href="#note-180">[180]</a> But this was neither his fault nor mine. We were both + of us abundantly desirous of surveying such sort of antiquities: but + neither of us knew of this. I am afraid the censure must fall on those + who did not tell us of it. In every place, where there is any thing + worthy of observation, there should be a short printed directory for + strangers, such as we find in all the towns of Italy, and in some of the + towns in England. I was told that there is a manuscript account of St. + Andrews, by Martin, secretary to Archbishop Sharp;<a href="#note-181">[181]</a> and that one + Douglas has published a small account of it. I inquired at a + bookseller's, but could not get it. Dr. Johnson's veneration for the + Hierarchy is well known.<a href="#note-182">[182]</a> There is no wonder then, that he was + affected with a strong indignation, while he beheld the ruins of + religious magnificence. I happened to ask where John Knox was buried. + Dr. Johnson burst out, 'I hope in the high-way.<a href="#note-183">[183]</a> I have been looking + at his reformations.'<a href="#note-184">[184]</a> It was a very fine day. Dr. Johnson seemed + quite wrapt up in the contemplation of the scenes which were now + presented to him. He kept his hat off while he was upon any part of the + ground where the cathedral had stood. He said well, that 'Knox had set + on a mob, without knowing where it would end; and that differing from a + man in doctrine was no reason why you should pull his house about his + ears.' As we walked in the cloisters, there was a solemn echo, while he + talked loudly of a proper retirement from the world. Mr. Nairne said, he + had an inclination to retire. I called Dr. Johnson's attention to this, + that I might hear his opinion if it was right. JOHNSON. 'Yes, when he + has done his duty to society<a href="#note-185">[185]</a>. In general, as every man is obliged + not only to "love GOD, but his neighbour as himself," he must bear his + part in active life; yet there are exceptions. Those who are exceedingly + scrupulous, (which I do not approve, for I am no friend to + scruples<a href="#note-186">[186]</a>,) and find their scrupulosity[187] invincible, so that + they are quite in the dark, and know not what they shall do,—or those + who cannot resist temptations, and find they make themselves worse by + being in the world, without making it better, may retire<a href="#note-188">[188]</a>. I never + read of a hermit, but in imagination I kiss his feet; never of a + monastery, but I could fall on my knees, and kiss the pavement. But I + think putting young people there, who know nothing of life, nothing of + retirement, is dangerous and wicked<a href="#note-189">[189]</a>. It is a saying as old + as Hesiod, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Erga neon, boulaite meson, enchaite geronton<a href="#note-190">[190]</a>. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + That is a very noble line: not that young men should not pray, or old + men not give counsel, but that every season of life has its proper + duties. I have thought of retiring, and have talked of it to a friend; + but I find my vocation is rather to active life.' I said, some young + monks might be allowed, to shew that it is not age alone that can retire + to pious solitude; but he thought this would only shew that they could + not resist temptation. +</p> +<p> + He wanted to mount the steeples, but it could not be done. There are no + good inscriptions here. Bad Roman characters he naturally mistook for + half Gothick, half Roman. One of the steeples, which he was told was in + danger, he wished not to be taken down; 'for, said he, it may fall on + some of the posterity of John Knox; and no great matter!'—Dinner was + mentioned. JOHNSON. 'Ay, ay; amidst all these sorrowful scenes, I have + no objection to dinner<a href="#note-191">[191]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We went and looked at the castle, where Cardinal Beaton was + murdered<a href="#note-192">[192]</a>, and then visited Principal Murison at his college, where + is a good library-room; but the Principal was abundantly vain of it, for + he seriously said to Dr. Johnson, 'you have not such a one in + England.'<a href="#note-193">[193]</a> +</p> +<p> + The professors entertained us with a very good dinner. Present: Murison, + Shaw, Cook, Hill, Haddo, Watson, Flint, Brown. I observed, that I + wondered to see him eat so well, after viewing so many sorrowful scenes + of ruined religious magnificence. 'Why, said he, I am not sorry, after + seeing these gentlemen; for they are not sorry.' Murison said, all + sorrow was bad, as it was murmuring against the dispensations of + Providence. JOHNSON. 'Sir, sorrow is inherent in humanity. As you cannot + judge two and two to be either five, or three, but certainly four, so, + when comparing a worse present state with a better which is past, you + cannot but feel sorrow.<a href="#note-194">[194]</a> It is not cured by reason, but by the + incursion of present objects, which wear out the past. You need not + murmur, though you are sorry.' MURISON. 'But St. Paul says, "I have + learnt, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content."' JOHNSON. + 'Sir, that relates to riches and poverty; for we see St. Paul, when he + had a thorn in the flesh, prayed earnestly to have it removed; and then + he could not be content.' Murison, thus refuted, tried to be smart, and + drank to Dr. Johnson, 'Long may you lecture!' Dr. Johnson afterwards, + speaking of his not drinking wine, said, 'The Doctor spoke of + <i>lecturing</i> (looking to him). I give all these lectures on water.' +</p> +<p> + He defended requiring subscription in those admitted to universities, + thus: 'As all who come into the country must obey the king, so all who + come into an university must be of the church<a href="#note-195">[195]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + And here I must do Dr. Johnson the justice to contradict a very absurd + and ill-natured story, as to what passed at St. Andrews. It has been + circulated, that, after grace was said in English, in the usual manner, + he with the greatest marks of contempt, as if he had held it to be no + grace in an university, would not sit down till he had said grace aloud + in Latin. This would have been an insult indeed to the gentlemen who + were entertaining us. But the truth was precisely thus. In the course of + conversation at dinner, Dr. Johnson, in very good humour, said, 'I + should have expected to have heard a Latin grace, among so many learned + men: we had always a Latin grace at Oxford. I believe I can repeat + it.'<a href="#note-196">[196]</a> Which he did, as giving the learned men in one place a + specimen of what was done by the learned men in another place. +</p> +<p> + We went and saw the church, in which is Archbishop Sharp's + monument.<a href="#note-197">[197]</a> I was struck with the same kind of feelings with which + the churches of Italy impressed me. I was much pleased, to see Dr. + Johnson actually in St. Andrews, of which we had talked so long. + Professor Haddo was with us this afternoon, along with Dr. Watson. We + looked at St. Salvador's College. The rooms for students seemed very + commodious, and Dr. Johnson said, the chapel was the neatest place of + worship he had seen. The key of the library could not be found; for it + seems Professor Hill, who was out of town, had taken it with him. Dr. + Johnson told a joke he had heard of a monastery abroad, where the key of + the library could never be found. +</p> +<p> + It was somewhat dispiriting, to see this ancient archiepiscopal city + now sadly deserted<a href="#note-198">[198]</a>. We saw in one of its streets a remarkable proof + of liberal toleration; a nonjuring clergyman, strutting about in his + canonicals, with a jolly countenance and a round belly, like a + well-fed monk. +</p> +<p> + We observed two occupations united in the same person, who had hung out + two sign-posts. Upon one was, 'James Hood, White Iron Smith' (<i>i.e.</i> + Tin-plate Worker). Upon another, 'The Art of Fencing taught, by James + Hood.'—Upon this last were painted some trees, and two men fencing, one + of whom had hit the other in the eye, to shew his great dexterity; so + that the art was well taught. JOHNSON. 'Were I studying here, I should + go and take a lesson. I remember <i>Hope</i>, in his book on this art<a href="#note-199">[199]</a>, + says, "the Scotch are very good fencers."' +</p> +<p> + We returned to the inn, where we had been entertained at dinner, and + drank tea in company with some of the Professors, of whose civilities I + beg leave to add my humble and very grateful acknowledgement to the + honourable testimony of Dr. Johnson, in his <i>Journey</i><a href="#note-200">[200]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We talked of composition, which was a favourite topick of Dr. Watson's, + who first distinguished himself by lectures on rhetorick. JOHNSON. 'I + advised Chambers, and would advise every young man beginning to compose, + to do it as fast as he can, to get a habit of having his mind to start + promptly; it is so much more difficult to improve in speed than in + accuracy<a href="#note-201">[201]</a>.' WATSON. 'I own I am for much attention to accuracy in + composing, lest one should get bad habits of doing it in a slovenly + manner.' JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, you are confounding <i>doing</i> inaccurately + with the <i>necessity</i> of doing inaccurately. A man knows when his + composition is inaccurate, and when he thinks fit he'll correct it. But, + if a man is accustomed to compose slowly, and with difficulty, upon all + occasions, there is danger that he may not compose at all, as we do not + like to do that which is not done easily; and, at any rate, more time is + consumed in a small matter than ought to be.' WATSON. 'Dr. Hugh Blair + has taken a week to compose a sermon.' JOHNSON. 'Then, Sir, that is for + want of the habit of composing quickly, which I am insisting one should + acquire.' WATSON. 'Blair was not composing all the week, but only such + hours as he found himself disposed for composition.' JOHNSON. 'Nay, Sir, + unless you tell me the time he took, you tell me nothing. If I say I + took a week to walk a mile, and have had the gout five days, and been + ill otherwise another day, I have taken but one day. I myself have + composed about forty sermons<a href="#note-202">[202]</a>. I have begun a sermon after dinner, + and sent it off by the post that night. I wrote forty-eight of the + printed octavo pages of the <i>Life of Savage</i> at a sitting; but then I + sat up all night. I have also written six sheets in a day of translation + from the French<a href="#note-203">[203]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'We have all observed how one man + dresses himself slowly, and another fast.' JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir: it is + wonderful how much time some people will consume in dressing; taking up + a thing and looking at it, and laying it down, and taking it up again. + Every one should get the habit of doing it quickly. I would say to a + young divine, "Here is your text; let me see how soon you can make a + sermon." Then I'd say, "Let me see how much better you can make it." + Thus I should see both his powers and his judgement.' +</p> +<p> + We all went to Dr. Watson's to supper. Miss Sharp, great grandchild of + Archbishop Sharp, was there; as was Mr. Craig, the ingenious architect + of the new town of Edinburgh<a href="#note-204">[204]</a> and nephew of Thomson, to whom Dr. + Johnson has since done so much justice, in his <i>Lives of the Poets</i>. +</p> +<p> + We talked of memory, and its various modes. JOHNSON. 'Memory will play + strange tricks. One sometimes loses a single word. I once lost <i>fugaces</i> + in the Ode <i>Posthume, Posthume</i><a href="#note-205">[205]</a>.' I mentioned to him, that a worthy + gentleman of my acquaintance actually forgot his own name. JOHNSON. + 'Sir, that was a morbid oblivion.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_13"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, AUGUST 20. +</h2> +<p> + Dr. Shaw, the professor of divinity, breakfasted with us. I took out my + <i>Ogden on Prayer</i>, and read some of it to the company. Dr. Johnson + praised him. 'Abernethy<a href="#note-206">[206]</a>, (said he,) allows only of a physical + effect of prayer upon the mind, which may be produced many ways, as well + as by prayer; for instance, by meditation. Ogden goes farther. In truth, + we have the consent of all nations for the efficacy of prayer, whether + offered up by individuals, or by assemblies; and Revelation has told us, + it will be effectual.' I said, 'Leechman seemed to incline to + Abernethy's doctrine.' Dr. Watson observed, that Leechman meant to shew, + that, even admitting no effect to be produced by prayer, respecting the + Deity, it was useful to our own minds<a href="#note-207">[207]</a>. He had given only a part of + his system. Dr. Johnson thought he should have given the whole. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson enforced the strict observance of Sunday<a href="#note-208">[208]</a>. 'It should be + different (he observed) from another day. People may walk, but not throw + stones at birds. There may be relaxation, but there should be no + levity<a href="#note-209">[209]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We went and saw Colonel Nairne's garden and grotto. Here was a fine old + plane tree. Unluckily the colonel said, there was but this and another + large tree in the county. This assertion was an excellent cue for Dr. + Johnson, who laughed enormously, calling to me to hear it. He had + expatiated to me on the nakedness of that part of Scotland which he had + seen. His <i>Journey</i> has been violently abused, for what he has said upon + this subject. But let it be considered, that, when Dr. Johnson talks of + trees, he means trees of good size, such as he was accustomed to see in + England; and of these there are certainly very few upon the <i>eastern + coast</i> of Scotland. Besides, he said, that he meant to give only a map + of the road; and let any traveller observe how many trees, which deserve + the name, he can see from the road from Berwick to Aberdeen<a href="#note-210">[210]</a>. Had + Dr. Johnson said, 'there are <i>no</i> trees' upon this line, he would have + said what is colloquially true; because, by no trees, in common speech, + we mean few. When he is particular in counting, he may be attacked. I + know not how Colonel Nairne came to say there were but <i>two</i> large trees + in the county of Fife. I did not perceive that he smiled. There are + certainly not a great many; but I could have shewn him more than two at + <i>Balmuto</i>, from whence my ancestors came, and which now belongs to a + branch of my family<a href="#note-211">[211]</a>. +</p> +<p> + The grotto was ingeniously constructed. In the front of it were + petrified stocks of fir, plane, and some other tree. Dr. Johnson said, + 'Scotland has no right to boast of this grotto; it is owing to personal + merit. I never denied personal merit to many of you.' Professor Shaw + said to me, as we walked, 'This is a wonderful man; he is master of + every subject he handles.' Dr. Watson allowed him a very strong + understanding, but wondered at his total inattention to established + manners, as he came from London. +</p> +<p> + I have not preserved in my Journal, any of the conversation which passed + between Dr. Johnson and Professor Shaw; but I recollect Dr. Johnson said + to me afterwards, 'I took much to Shaw.' +</p> +<p> + We left St. Andrews about noon, and some miles from it observing, at + <i>Leuchars</i>, a church with an old tower, we stopped to look at it. The + <i>manse</i>, as the parsonage-house is called in Scotland, was close by. I + waited on the minister, mentioned our names, and begged he would tell us + what he knew about it. He was a very civil old man; but could only + inform us, that it was supposed to have stood eight hundred years. He + told us, there was a colony of Danes in his parish<a href="#note-212">[212]</a>; that they had + landed at a remote period of time, and still remained a distinct people. + Dr. Johnson shrewdly inquired whether they had brought women with them. + We were not satisfied as to this colony. +</p> +<p> + We saw, this day, Dundee and Aberbrothick, the last of which Dr. Johnson + has celebrated in his <i>Journey</i><a href="#note-213">[213]</a>. Upon the road we talked of the + Roman Catholick faith. He mentioned (I think) Tillotson's argument + against transubstantiation: 'That we are as sure we see bread and wine + only, as that we read in the Bible the text on which that false doctrine + is founded. We have only the evidence of our senses for both<a href="#note-214">[214]</a>.' 'If, + (he added,) GOD had never spoken figuratively, we might hold that he + speaks literally, when he says, "This is my body<a href="#note-215">[215]</a>."' BOSWELL. 'But + what do you say, Sir, to the ancient and continued tradition of the + church upon this point?' JOHNSON. 'Tradition, Sir, has no place, where + the Scriptures are plain; and tradition cannot persuade a man into a + belief of transubstantiation. Able men, indeed, have <i>said</i> they + believed it.' +</p> +<p> + This is an awful subject. I did not then press Dr. Johnson upon it: nor + shall I now enter upon a disquisition concerning the import of those + words uttered by our Saviour<a href="#note-216">[216]</a>, which had such an effect upon many of + his disciples, that they 'went back, and walked no more with him.' The + Catechism and solemn office for Communion, in the Church of England, + maintain a mysterious belief in more than a mere commemoration of the + death of Christ, by partaking of the elements of bread and wine. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson put me in mind, that, at St. Andrews, I had defended my + profession very well, when the question had again been started, Whether + a lawyer might honestly engage with the first side that offers him a + fee. 'Sir, (said I,) it was with your arguments against Sir William + Forbes<a href="#note-217">[217]</a>: but it was much that I could wield the arms of Goliah.' +</p> +<p> + He said, our judges had not gone deep in the question concerning + literary property. I mentioned Lord Monboddo's opinion, that if a man + could get a work by heart, he might print it, as by such an act the mind + is exercised. JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; a man's repeating it no more makes it + his property, than a man may sell a cow which he drives home.' I said, + printing an abridgement of a work was allowed, which was only cutting + the horns and tail off the cow. JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; 'tis making the cow + have a calf<a href="#note-218">[218]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + About eleven at night we arrived at Montrose. We found but a sorry inn, + where I myself saw another waiter put a lump of sugar with his fingers + into Dr. Johnson's lemonade, for which he called him 'Rascal!' It put me + in great glee that our landlord was an Englishman. I rallied the Doctor + upon this, and he grew quiet<a href="#note-219">[219]</a>. Both Sir John Hawkins's and Dr. + Burney's <i>History of Musick</i> had then been advertised. I asked if this + was not unlucky: would not they hurt one another? JOHNSON. 'No, Sir. + They will do good to one another. Some will buy the one, some the other, + and compare them; and so a talk is made about a thing, and the books + are sold.' +</p> +<p> + He was angry at me for proposing to carry lemons with us to Sky, that + he might be sure to have his lemonade. 'Sir, (said he,) I do not wish to + be thought that feeble man who cannot do without any thing. Sir, it is + very bad manners to carry provisions to any man's house, as if he could + not entertain you. To an inferior, it is oppressive; to a superior, it + is insolent.' +</p> +<p> + Having taken the liberty, this evening, to remark to Dr. Johnson, that + he very often sat quite silent for a long time, even when in company + with only a single friend, which I myself had sometimes sadly + experienced, he smiled and said, 'It is true, Sir<a href="#note-220">[220]</a>. Tom Tyers, (for + so he familiarly called our ingenious friend, who, since his death, has + paid a biographical tribute to his memory<a href="#note-221">[221]</a>,) Tom Tyers described me + the best. He once said to me, "Sir, you are like a ghost: you never + speak till you are spoken to<a href="#note-222">[222]</a>."' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_14"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, AUGUST 31. +</h2> +<p> + Neither the Rev. Mr. Nisbet, the established minister, nor the Rev. Mr. + Spooner, the episcopal minister, were in town. Before breakfast, we went + and saw the town-hall, where is a good dancing-room, and other rooms for + tea-drinking. The appearance of the town from it is very well; but many + of the houses are built with their ends to the street, which looks + awkward. When we came down from it, I met Mr. Gleg, a merchant here. He + went with us to see the English chapel. It is situated on a pretty dry + spot, and there is a fine walk to it. It is really an elegant building, + both within and without. The organ is adorned with green and gold. Dr. + Johnson gave a shilling extraordinary to the clerk, saying, 'He belongs + to an honest church<a href="#note-223">[223]</a>.' I put him in mind, that episcopals were but + <i>dissenters</i> here; they were only <i>tolerated</i>. 'Sir, (said he,) we are + here, as Christians in Turkey.' He afterwards went into an apothecary's + shop, and ordered some medicine for himself, and wrote the prescription + in technical characters. The boy took him for a physician<a href="#note-224">[224]</a>. +</p> +<p> + I doubted much which road to take, whether to go by the coast, or by + Laurence Kirk and Monboddo. I knew Lord Monboddo and Dr. Johnson did not + love each other<a href="#note-225">[225]</a>; yet I was unwilling not to visit his Lordship; and + was also curious to see them together<a href="#note-226">[226]</a>. I mentioned my doubts to Dr. + Johnson, who said, he would go two miles out of his way to see Lord + Monboddo<a href="#note-227">[227]</a>. I therefore sent Joseph forward with the + following note:— +</p> +<p> + 'Montrose, August 21. +</p> +<p> + 'My Dear Lord, +</p> +<p> + 'Thus far I am come with Mr. Samuel Johnson. We must be at Aberdeen + to-night. I know you do not admire him so much as I do; but I cannot be + in this country without making you a bow at your old place, as I do not + know if I may again have an opportunity of seeing Monboddo. Besides, Mr. + Johnson says, he would go two miles out of his way to see Lord Monboddo. + I have sent forward my servant, that we may know if your lordship be + at home. +</p> +<p> + 'I am ever, my dear lord, +</p> +<p> + 'Most sincerely yours, +</p> +<center> + 'JAMES BOSWELL.' +</center> +<p> + As we travelled onwards from Montrose, we had the Grampion hills in our + view, and some good land around us, but void of trees and hedges. Dr. + Johnson has said ludicrously, in his <i>Journey</i>, that the <i>hedges</i> were + of <i>stone</i><a href="#note-228">[228]</a>; for, instead of the verdant <i>thorn</i> to refresh the eye, + we found the bare <i>wall</i> or <i>dike</i> intersecting the prospect. He + observed, that it was wonderful to see a country so divested, so + denuded of trees. +</p> +<p> + We stopped at Laurence Kirk<a href="#note-229">[229]</a>, where our great Grammarian, + Ruddiman<a href="#note-230">[230]</a>, was once schoolmaster. We respectfully remembered that + excellent man and eminent scholar, by whose labours a knowledge of the + Latin language will be preserved in Scotland, if it shall be preserved + at all. Lord Gardenston<a href="#note-231">[231]</a>, one of our judges, collected money to + raise a monument to him at this place, which I hope will be well + executed<a href="#note-232">[232]</a>. I know my father gave five guineas towards it. Lord + Gardenston is the proprietor of Laurence Kirk, and has encouraged the + building of a manufacturing village, of which he is exceedingly fond, + and has written a pamphlet upon it<a href="#note-233">[233]</a>, as if he had founded Thebes; in + which, however, there are many useful precepts strongly expressed. The + village seemed to be irregularly built, some of the houses being of + clay, some of brick, and some of brick and stone. Dr. Johnson observed, + they thatched well here. I was a little acquainted with Mr. Forbes, + the minister of the parish. I sent to inform him that a gentleman + desired to see him. He returned for answer, 'that he would not come to a + stranger.' I then gave my name, and he came. I remonstrated to him for + not coming to a stranger; and, by presenting him to Dr. Johnson, proved + to him what a stranger might sometimes be. His Bible inculcates, 'be not + forgetful to entertain strangers,' and mentions the same motive<a href="#note-234">[234]</a>. He + defended himself by saying, 'He had once come to a stranger who sent for + him; and he found him "<i>a little worth person!</i>"' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson insisted on stopping at the inn, as I told him that Lord + Gardenston had furnished it with a collection of books, that travellers + might have entertainment for the mind, as well as the body. He praised + the design, but wished there had been more books, and those + better chosen. +</p> +<p> + About a mile from Monboddo, where you turn off the road, Joseph was + waiting to tell us my lord expected us to dinner. We drove over a wild + moor. It rained, and the scene was somewhat dreary. Dr. Johnson + repeated, with solemn emphasis, Macbeth's speech on meeting the witches. + As we travelled on, he told me, 'Sir, you got into our club by doing + what a man can do<a href="#note-235">[235]</a>. Several of the members wished to keep you out. + Burke told me, he doubted if you were fit for it: but, now you are in, + none of them are sorry. Burke says, that you have so much good humour + naturally, it is scarce a virtue<a href="#note-236">[236]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'They were afraid of + you, Sir, as it was you who proposed me.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, they knew, that + if they refused you, they'd probably never have got in another. I'd have + kept them all out. Beauclerk was very earnest for you.' BOSWELL. + "Beauclerk has a keenness of mind which is very uncommon." JOHNSON. + 'Yes, Sir; and everything comes from him so easily. It appears to me + that I labour, when I say a good thing.' BOSWELL. 'You are loud, Sir; + but it is not an effort of mind<a href="#note-237">[237]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Monboddo is a wretched place, wild and naked, with a poor old house; + though, if I recollect right, there are two turrets which mark an old + baron's residence. Lord Monboddo received us at his gate most + courteously; pointed to the Douglas arms upon his house, and told us + that his great-grandmother was of that family. 'In such houses (said + he,) our ancestors lived, who were better men than we.' 'No, no, my lord + (said Dr. Johnson). We are as strong as they, and a great deal + wiser<a href="#note-238">[238]</a>.' This was an assault upon one of Lord Monboddo's capital + dogmas, and I was afraid there would have been a violent altercation in + the very close, before we got into the house. But his lordship is + distinguished not only for 'ancient metaphysicks,' but for ancient + <i>politesse</i>, '<i>la vieille cour</i>' and he made no reply<a href="#note-239">[239]</a>. +</p> +<p> + His lordship was dressed in a rustick suit, and wore a little round + hat; he told us, we now saw him as <i>Farmer Burnet</i><a href="#note-240">[240]</a>, and we should + have his family dinner, a farmer's dinner. He said, 'I should not have + forgiven Mr. Boswell, had he not brought you here, Dr. Johnson.' He + produced a very long stalk of corn, as a specimen of his crop, and said, + 'You see here the <i>loetas segetes</i><a href="#note-241">[241]</a>;' he added, that <i>Virgil</i> seemed + to be as enthusiastick a farmer as he<a href="#note-242">[242]</a>, and was certainly a + practical one. JOHNSON. 'It does not always follow, my lord, that a man + who has written a good poem on an art, has practised it. Philip Miller + told me, that in Philips's <i>Cyder</i>, a poem, all the precepts were just, + and indeed better than in books written for the purpose of instructing; + yet Philips had never made cyder<a href="#note-243">[243]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + I started the subject of emigration<a href="#note-244">[244]</a>. JOHNSON. 'To a man of mere + animal life, you can urge no argument against going to America, but that + it will be some time before he will get the earth to produce. But a man + of any intellectual enjoyment will not easily go and immerse himself and + his posterity for ages in barbarism.' +</p> +<p> + He and my lord spoke highly of Homer. JOHNSON. 'He had all the learning + of his age. The shield of Achilles shews a nation in war, a nation in + peace; harvest sport, nay, stealing<a href="#note-245">[245]</a>.' MONBODDO. 'Ay, and what we + (looking to me) would call a parliament-house scene<a href="#note-246">[246]</a>; a cause + pleaded.' JOHNSON. 'That is part of the life of a nation in peace. And + there are in Homer such characters of heroes, and combinations of + qualities of heroes, that the united powers of mankind ever since have + not produced any but what are to be found there.' MONBODDO. 'Yet no + character is described.' JOHNSON. 'No; they all develope themselves. + Agamemnon is always a gentleman-like character; he has always [Greek: + Basilikon ti]. That the ancients held so, is plain from this; that + Euripides, in his <i>Hecuba</i>, makes him the person to interpose<a href="#note-247">[247]</a>.' + MONBODDO. 'The history of manners is the most valuable. I never set a + high value on any other history.' JOHNSON. 'Nor I; and therefore I + esteem biography, as giving us what comes near to ourselves, what we can + turn to use<a href="#note-248">[248]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'But in the course of general history, we + find manners. In wars, we see the dispositions of people, their degrees + of humanity, and other particulars.' JOHNSON. 'Yes; but then you must + take all the facts to get this; and it is but a little you get.' + MONBODDO. 'And it is that little which makes history valuable.' Bravo! + thought I; they agree like two brothers. MONBODDO. 'I am sorry, Dr. + Johnson, you were not longer at Edinburgh to receive the homage of our + men of learning.' JOHNSON. 'My lord, I received great respect and great + kindness.' BOSWELL. 'He goes back to Edinburgh after our tour.' We + talked of the decrease of learning in Scotland, and of the <i>Muses' + Welcome</i><a href="#note-249">[249]</a>. JOHNSON. 'Learning is much decreased in England, in my + remembrance<a href="#note-250">[250]</a>.' MONBODDO. 'You, Sir, have lived to see its decrease + in England, I its extinction in Scotland.' However, I brought him to + confess that the High School of Edinburgh did well. JOHNSON. 'Learning + has decreased in England, because learning will not do so much for a man + as formerly. There are other ways of getting preferment. Few bishops are + now made for their learning. To be a bishop, a man must be learned in a + learned age,—factious in a factious age; but always of eminence<a href="#note-251">[251]</a>. + Warburton is an exception; though his learning alone did not raise him. + He was first an antagonist to Pope, and helped Theobald to publish his + <i>Shakspeare</i>; but, seeing Pope the rising man, when Crousaz attacked his + <i>Essay on Man</i>, for some faults which it has, and some which it has not, + Warburton defended it in the Review of that time<a href="#note-252">[252]</a>. This brought him + acquainted with Pope, and he gained his friendship. Pope introduced him + to Allen, Allen married him to his niece: so, by Allen's interest and + his own, he was made a bishop<a href="#note-253">[253]</a>. But then his learning was the <i>sine + qua non</i>: he knew how to make the most of it; but I do not find by any + dishonest means.' MONBODDO. 'He is a great man.' JOHNSON. 'Yes; he has + great knowledge,—great power of mind. Hardly any man brings greater + variety of learning to bear upon his point<a href="#note-254">[254]</a>.' MONBODDO. 'He is one + of the greatest lights of your church.' JOHNSON. 'Why, we are not so + sure of his being very friendly to us<a href="#note-255">[255]</a>. He blazes, if you will, but + that is not always the steadiest light. Lowth is another bishop who has + risen by his learning.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson examined young Arthur, Lord Monboddo's son, in Latin. He + answered very well; upon which he said, with complacency, 'Get you gone! + When King James comes back<a href="#note-256">[256]</a>, you shall be in the <i>Muses Welcome</i>!' + My lord and Dr. Johnson disputed a little, whether the Savage or the + London Shopkeeper had the best existence; his lordship, as usual, + preferring the Savage. My lord was extremely hospitable, and I saw both + Dr. Johnson and him liking each other better every hour. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson having retired for a short time, his lordship spoke of his + conversation as I could have wished. Dr. Johnson had said, 'I have done + greater feats with my knife than this;' though he had eaten a very + hearty dinner. My lord, who affects or believes he follows an + abstemious system, seemed struck with Dr. Johnson's manner of living. I + had a particular satisfaction in being under the roof of Monboddo, my + lord being my father's old friend, and having been always very good to + me. We were cordial together. He asked Dr. Johnson and me to stay all + night. When I said we <i>must</i> be at Aberdeen, he replied, 'Well, I am + like the Romans: I shall say to you, "Happy to come;—happy to depart!"' + He thanked Dr. Johnson for his visit. +</p> +<p> + JOHNSON. 'I little thought, when I had the honour to meet your Lordship + in London, that I should see you at Monboddo.' +</p> +<p> + After dinner, as the ladies<a href="#note-257">[257]</a> were going away, Dr. Johnson would + stand up. He insisted that politeness was of great consequence in + society. 'It is, (said he,) fictitious benevolence<a href="#note-258">[258]</a>. It supplies the + place of it amongst those who see each other only in publick, or but + little. Depend upon it, the want of it never fails to produce something + disagreeable to one or other. I have always applied to good breeding, + what Addison in his <i>Cato</i><a href="#note-259">[259]</a> says of honour:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "Honour's a sacred tie; the law of Kings; + The noble mind's distinguishing perfection, + That aids and strengthens Virtue where it meets her; + And imitates her actions where she is not."' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + When he took up his large oak stick, he said, 'My lord, that's + <i>Homerick</i><a href="#note-260">[260]</a>;' thus pleasantly alluding to his lordship's + favourite writer. +</p> +<p> + Gory, my lord's black servant, was sent as our guide, to conduct us to + the high road. The circumstance of each of them having a black servant + was another point of similarity between Johnson and Monboddo. I + observed how curious it was to see an African in the North of Scotland, + with little or no difference of manners from those of the natives. Dr. + Johnson laughed to see Gory and Joseph riding together most cordially. + 'Those two fellows, (said he,) one from Africa, the other from Bohemia, + seem quite at home.' He was much pleased with Lord Monboddo to-day. He + said, he would have pardoned him for a few paradoxes, when he found he + had so much that was good: but that, from his appearance in London, he + thought him all paradox; which would not do. He observed that his + lordship had talked no paradoxes to-day. 'And as to the savage and the + London shopkeeper, (said he,) I don't know but I might have taken the + side of the savage equally, had any body else taken the side of the + shopkeeper.<a href="#note-261">[261]</a>' He had said to my lord, in opposition to the value of + the savage's courage, that it was owing to his limited power of + thinking, and repeated Pope's verses, in which 'Macedonia's madman' is + introduced, and the conclusion is, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Yet ne'er looks forward farther than his nose<a href="#note-262">[262]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + I objected to the last phrase, as being low. JOHNSON. 'Sir, it is + intended to be low: it is satire. The expression is debased, to debase + the character.' +</p> +<p> + When Gory was about to part from us, Dr. Johnson called to him, 'Mr. + Gory, give me leave to ask you a question! are you baptised?' Gory told + him he was, and confirmed by the Bishop of Durham. He then gave him + a shilling. +</p> +<p> + We had tedious driving this afternoon, and were somewhat drowsy. Last + night I was afraid Dr. Johnson was beginning to faint in his resolution; + for he said, 'If we must ride much, we shall not go; and there's an end + on't.' To-day, when he talked of <i>Sky</i> with spirit, I said, 'Why, Sir, + you seemed to me to despond yesterday. You are a delicate Londoner;—you + are a maccaroni<a href="#note-263">[263]</a>; you can't ride.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, I shall ride + better than you. I was only afraid I should not find a horse able to + carry me.' I hoped then there would be no fear of getting through our + wild Tour. +</p> +<p> + We came to Aberdeen at half an hour past eleven. The New Inn, we were + told, was full. This was comfortless. The waiter, however, asked, if one + of our names was Boswell, and brought me a letter left at the inn: it + was from Mr. Thrale, enclosing one to Dr. Johnson<a href="#note-264">[264]</a>. Finding who I + was, we were told they would contrive to lodge us by putting us for a + night into a room with two beds. The waiter said to me in the broad + strong Aberdeenshire dialect, 'I thought I knew you by your likeness to + your father.' My father puts up at the New Inn, when on his circuit. + Little was said to-night. I was to sleep in a little press-bed in Dr. + Johnson's room. I had it wheeled out into the dining-room, and there I + lay very well. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_15"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, AUGUST 22. +</h2> +<p> + I sent a message to Professor Thomas Gordon, who came and breakfasted + with us. He had secured seats for us at the English chapel. We found a + respectable congregation, and an admirable organ, well played by + Mr. Tait. +</p> +<p> + We walked down to the shore: Dr. Johnson laughed to hear that Cromwell's + soldiers taught the Aberdeen people to make shoes and stockings, and to + plant cabbages<a href="#note-265">[265]</a>. He asked, if weaving the plaids[266] was ever a + domestick art in the Highlands, like spinning or knitting. They could + not inform him here. But he conjectured probably, that where people + lived so remote from each other, it was likely to be a domestick art; as + we see it was among the ancients, from Penelope. I was sensible to-day, + to an extraordinary degree, of Dr. Johnson's excellent English + pronunciation. I cannot account for its striking me more now than any + other day: but it was as if new to me; and I listened to every sentence + which he spoke, as to a musical composition. Professor Gordon gave him + an account of the plan of education in his college. Dr. Johnson said, it + was similar to that at Oxford. Waller the poet's great-grandson was + studying here. Dr. Johnson wondered that a man should send his son so + far off, when there were so many good schools in England<a href="#note-267">[267]</a>. He said, + 'At a great school there is all the splendour and illumination of many + minds; the radiance of all is concentrated in each, or at least + reflected upon each. But we must own that neither a dull boy, nor an + idle boy, will do so well at a great school as at a private one. For at + a great school there are always boys enough to do well easily, who are + sufficient to keep up the credit of the school; and after whipping being + tried to no purpose, the dull or idle boys are left at the end of a + class, having the appearance of going through the course, but learning + nothing at all<a href="#note-268">[268]</a>. Such boys may do good at a private school, where + constant attention is paid to them, and they are watched. So that the + question of publick or private education is not properly a general one; + but whether one or the other is best for <i>my son</i>.' We were told the + present Mr. Waller was a plain country gentleman; and his son would be + such another. I observed, a family could not expect a poet but in a + hundred generations. 'Nay, (said Dr. Johnson,) not one family in a + hundred can expect a poet in a hundred generations.' He then repeated + Dryden's celebrated lines, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Three poets in three distant ages born,' &c. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + and a part of a Latin translation of it done at Oxford<a href="#note-269">[269]</a>: he did not + then say by whom. +</p> +<p> + He received a card from Sir Alexander Gordon, who had been his + acquaintance twenty years ago in London, and who, 'if forgiven for not + answering a line from him,' would come in the afternoon. Dr. Johnson + rejoiced to hear of him, and begged he would come and dine with us. I + was much pleased to see the kindness with which Dr. Johnson received his + old friend Sir Alexander<a href="#note-270">[270]</a>; a gentleman of good family, <i>Lismore</i>, + but who had not the estate. The King's College here made him Professor + of Medicine, which affords him a decent subsistence. He told us that the + value of the stockings exported from Aberdeen was, in peace, a hundred + thousand pounds; and amounted, in time of war, to one hundred and + seventy thousand pounds. Dr. Johnson asked, What made the difference? + Here we had a proof of the comparative sagacity of the two professors. + Sir Alexander answered, 'Because there is more occasion for them in + war.' Professor Thomas Gordon answered, 'Because the Germans, who are + our great rivals in the manufacture of stockings, are otherwise employed + in time of war.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, you have given a very good solution.' +</p> +<p> + At dinner, Dr. Johnson ate several plate-fulls of Scotch broth, with + barley and peas in it, and seemed very fond of the dish. I said, 'You + never ate it before.' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; but I don't care how soon I eat + it again<a href="#note-271">[271]</a>.' My cousin, Miss Dallas, formerly of Inverness, was + married to Mr. Riddoch, one of the ministers of the English chapel here. + He was ill, and confined to his room; but she sent us a kind invitation + to tea, which we all accepted. She was the same lively, sensible, + cheerful woman as ever. Dr. Johnson here threw out some jokes against + Scotland. He said, 'You go first to Aberdeen; then to <i>Enbru</i> (the + Scottish pronunciation of Edinburgh); then to Newcastle, to be polished + by the colliers; then to York; then to London.' And he laid hold of a + little girl, Stuart Dallas, niece to Mrs. Riddoch, and, representing + himself as a giant, said, he would take her with him! telling her, in a + hollow voice, that he lived in a cave, and had a bed in the rock, and + she should have a little bed cut opposite to it! +</p> +<p> + He thus treated the point, as to prescription of murder in + Scotland<a href="#note-272">[272]</a>. 'A jury in England would make allowance for deficiencies + of evidence, on account of lapse of time; but a general rule that a + crime should not be punished, or tried for the purpose of punishment, + after twenty years, is bad. It is cant to talk of the King's advocate + delaying a prosecution from malice. How unlikely is it the King's + advocate should have malice against persons who commit murder, or should + even know them at all. If the son of the murdered man should kill the + murderer who got off merely by prescription, I would help him to make + his escape; though, were I upon his jury, I would not acquit him. I + would not advise him to commit such an act. On the contrary, I would bid + him submit to the determination of society, because a man is bound to + submit to the inconveniences of it, as he enjoys the good: but the + young man, though politically wrong, would not be morally wrong. He + would have to say, 'here I am amongst barbarians, who not only refuse to + do justice, but encourage the greatest of all crimes. I am therefore in + a state of nature: for, so far as there is no law, it is a state of + nature: and consequently, upon the eternal and immutable law of justice, + which requires that he who sheds man's blood should have his blood + shed<a href="#note-273">[273]</a>, I will stab the murderer of my father.' +</p> +<p> + We went to our inn, and sat quietly. Dr. Johnson borrowed, at Mr. + Riddoch's, a volume of <i>Massillon's Discourses on the Psalms</i>: but I + found he read little in it. Ogden too he sometimes took up, and glanced + at; but threw it down again. I then entered upon religious conversation. + Never did I see him in a better frame: calm, gentle, wise, holy. I said, + 'Would not the same objection hold against the Trinity as against + Transubstantiation?' 'Yes, (said he,) if you take three and one in the + same sense. If you do so, to be sure you cannot believe it: but the + three persons in the Godhead are Three in one sense, and One in another. + We cannot tell how; and that is the mystery!' +</p> +<p> + I spoke of the satisfaction of Christ. He said his notion was, that it + did not atone for the sins of the world; but, by satisfying divine + justice, by shewing that no less than the Son of God suffered for sin, + it shewed to men and innumerable created beings, the heinousness of it, + and therefore rendered it unnecessary for divine vengeance to be + exercised against sinners, as it otherwise must have been; that in this + way it might operate even in favour of those who had never heard of it: + as to those who did hear of it, the effect it should produce would be + repentance and piety, by impressing upon the mind a just notion of sin: + that original sin was the propensity to evil, which no doubt was + occasioned by the fall. He presented this solemn subject in a new light + to me<a href="#note-274">[274]</a>, and rendered much more rational and clear the doctrine of + what our Saviour has done for us;—as it removed the notion of imputed + righteousness in co-operating; whereas by this view, Christ has done all + already that he had to do, or is ever to do for mankind, by making his + great satisfaction; the consequences of which will affect each + individual according to the particular conduct of each. I would + illustrate this by saying, that Christ's satisfaction resembles a sun + placed to shew light to men, so that it depends upon themselves whether + they will walk the right way or not, which they could not have done + without that sun, '<i>the sun of righteousness</i><a href="#note-275">[275]</a>' There is, however, + more in it than merely giving light—<i>a light to lighten the + Gentiles</i><a href="#note-276">[276]</a>: for we are told, there <i>is healing under his + wings</i><a href="#note-277">[277]</a>. Dr. Johnson said to me, 'Richard Baxter commends a + treatise by Grotius, <i>De Satisfactione Christi</i>. I have never read it: + but I intend to read it; and you may read it.' I remarked, upon the + principle now laid down, we might explain the difficult and seemingly + hard text, 'They that believe shall be saved; and they that believe not + shall be damned<a href="#note-278">[278]</a>:' They that believe shall have such an impression + made upon their minds, as will make them act so that they may be + accepted by GOD. +</p> +<p> + We talked of one of our friends<a href="#note-279">[279]</a> taking ill, for a length of time, a + hasty expression of Dr. Johnson's to him, on his attempting to prosecute + a subject that had a reference to religion, beyond the bounds within + which the Doctor thought such topicks should be confined in a mixed + company. JOHNSON. 'What is to become of society, if a friendship of + twenty years is to be broken off for such a cause?' As Bacon says, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Who then to frail mortality shall trust, + But limns the water, or but writes in dust<a href="#note-280">[280]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + I said, he should write expressly in support of Christianity; for that, + although a reverence for it shines through his works in several places, + that is not enough. 'You know, (said I,) what Grotius has done, and what + Addison has done<a href="#note-281">[281]</a>.—You should do also.' He replied, 'I hope + I shall.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_16"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, AUGUST 23. +</h2> +<p> + Principal Campbell, Sir Alexander Gordon, Professor Gordon, and + Professor Ross, visited us in the morning, as did Dr. Gerard, who had + come six miles from the country on purpose. We went and saw the + Marischal College<a href="#note-282">[282]</a>, and at one o'clock we waited on the magistrates + in the town hall, as they had invited us in order to present Dr. Johnson + with the freedom of the town, which Provost Jopp did with a very good + grace. Dr. Johnson was much pleased with this mark of attention, and + received it very politely. There was a pretty numerous company + assembled. It was striking to hear all of them drinking 'Dr. Johnson! + Dr. Johnson!' in the town-hall of Aberdeen, and then to see him with + his burgess-ticket, or diploma<a href="#note-283">[283]</a>, in his hat, which he wore as he + walked along the street, according to the usual custom. It gave me great + satisfaction to observe the regard, and indeed fondness too, which every + body here had for my father. +</p> +<p> + While Sir Alexander Gordon conducted Dr. Johnson to old Aberdeen, + Professor Gordon and I called on Mr. Riddoch, whom I found to be a grave + worthy clergyman. He observed, that, whatever might be said of Dr. + Johnson while he was alive, he would, after he was dead, be looked upon + by the world with regard and astonishment, on account of his + <i>Dictionary</i>. +</p> +<p> + Professor Gordon and I walked over to the Old College, which Dr. Johnson + had seen by this time. I stepped into the chapel, and looked at the tomb + of the founder, Archbishop Elphinston<a href="#note-284">[284]</a>, of whom I shall have + occasion to write in my <i>History of James IV. of Scotland</i>, the patron + of my family<a href="#note-285">[285]</a>. We dined at Sir Alexander Gordon's. The Provost, + Professor Ross, Professor Dunbar, Professor Thomas Gordon, were there. + After dinner came in Dr. Gerard, Professor Leslie<a href="#note-286">[286]</a>, Professor + Macleod. We had little or no conversation in the morning; now we were + but barren. The professors seemed afraid to speak<a href="#note-287">[287]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Gerard told us that an eminent printer<a href="#note-288">[288]</a> was very intimate with + Warburton. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, he has printed some of his works, and + perhaps bought the property of some of them. The intimacy is such as one + of the professors here may have with one of the carpenters who is + repairing the college.' 'But, (said Gerard,) I saw a letter from him to + this printer, in which he says, that the one half of the clergy of the + church of Scotland are fanaticks, and the other half infidels.' JOHNSON. + 'Warburton has accustomed himself to write letters just as he speaks, + without thinking any more of what he throws out<a href="#note-289">[289]</a>. When I read + Warburton first, and observed his force, and his contempt of mankind, I + thought he had driven the world before him; but I soon found that was + not the case; for Warburton, by extending his abuse, rendered it + ineffectual<a href="#note-290">[290]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + He told me, when we were by ourselves, that he thought it very wrong in + the printer to shew Warburton's letter, as it was raising a body of + enemies against him. He thought it foolish in Warburton to write so to + the printer; and added, 'Sir, the worst way of being intimate, is by + scribbling.' He called Warburton's <i>Doctrine of Grace</i><a href="#note-291">[291]</a> a poor + performance, and so he said was Wesley's Answer<a href="#note-292">[292]</a>. 'Warburton, he + observed, had laid himself very open. In particular, he was weak enough + to say, that, in some disorders of the imagination, people had spoken + with tongues, had spoken languages which they never knew before; a thing + as absurd as to say, that, in some disorders of the imagination, people + had been known to fly.' +</p> +<p> + I talked of the difference of genius, to try if I could engage Gerard in + a disquisition with Dr. Johnson; but I did not succeed. I mentioned, as + a curious fact, that Locke had written verses. JOHNSON. 'I know of none, + Sir, but a kind of exercise prefixed to Dr. Sydenham's Works<a href="#note-293">[293]</a>, in + which he has some conceits about the dropsy, in which water and burning + are united; and how Dr. Sydenham removed fire by drawing off water, + contrary to the usual practice, which is to extinguish fire by bringing + water upon it. I am not sure that there is a word of all this; but it is + such kind of talk<a href="#note-294">[294]</a>.' We spoke of <i>Fingal</i>[295]. Dr. Johnson said + calmly, 'If the poems were really translated, they were certainly first + written down. Let Mr. Macpherson deposite the manuscript in one of the + colleges at Aberdeen, where there are people who can judge; and, if the + professors certify the authenticity, then there will be an end of the + controversy. If he does not take this obvious and easy method, he gives + the best reason to doubt; considering too, how much is against it + <i>à priori'</i>. +</p> +<p> + We sauntered after dinner in Sir Alexander's garden, and saw his little + grotto, which is hung with pieces of poetry written in a fair hand. It + was agreeable to observe the contentment and kindness of this quiet, + benevolent man. Professor Macleod was brother to Macleod of Talisker, + and brother-in-law to the Laird of Col. He gave me a letter to young + Col. I was weary of this day, and began to think wishfully of being + again in motion. I was uneasy to think myself too fastidious, whilst I + fancied Dr. Johnson quite satisfied. But he owned to me that he was + fatigued and teased by Sir Alexander's doing too much to entertain him. + I said, it was all kindness. JOHNSON. 'True, Sir; but sensation is + sensation.' BOSWELL. 'It is so: we feel pain equally from the surgeon's + probe, as from the sword of the foe.' +</p> +<p> + We visited two booksellers' shops, and could not find Arthur Johnston's + Poems'<a href="#note-296">[296]</a>. We went and sat near an hour at Mr. Riddoch's. He could + not tell distinctly how much education at the college here costs<a href="#note-297">[297]</a>, + which disgusted Dr. Johnson. I had pledged myself that we should go to + the inn, and not stay supper. They pressed us, but he was resolute. I + saw Mr. Riddoch did not please him. He said to me, afterwards, 'Sir, he + has no vigour in his talk.' But my friend should have considered that he + himself was not in good humour; so that it was not easy to talk to his + satisfaction. We sat contentedly at our inn. He then became merry, and + observed how little we had either heard or said at Aberdeen: that the + Aberdonians had not started a single <i>mawkin</i> (the Scottish word for + hare) for us to pursue<a href="#note-298">[298]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_17"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, AUGUST 24. +</h2> +<p> + We set out about eight in the morning, and breakfasted at Ellon. The + landlady said to me, 'Is not this the great Doctor that is going about + through the country?' I said, 'Yes.' 'Ay, (said she) we heard of him. I + made an errand into the room on purpose to see him. There's something + great in his appearance: it is a pleasure to have such a man in one's + house; a man who does so much good. If I had thought of it, I would have + shewn him a child of mine, who has had a lump on his throat for some + time.' 'But, (said I,) he is not a doctor of physick.' 'Is he an + oculist?' said the landlord. 'No, (said I,) he is only a very learned + man.' LANDLORD. 'They say he is the greatest man in England, except Lord + Mansfield<a href="#note-299">[299]</a>.' Dr. Johnson was highly entertained with this, and I do + think he was pleased too. He said, 'I like the exception: to have called + me the greatest man in England, would have been an unmeaning compliment: + but the exception marked that the praise was in earnest: and, in + <i>Scotland</i>, the exception must be <i>Lord Mansfield</i>, or—<i>Sir John + Pringle</i><a href="#note-300">[300]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + He told me a good story of Dr. Goldsmith. Graham, who wrote <i>Telemachus, + a Masque</i><a href="#note-301">[301]</a>, was sitting one night with him and Dr. Johnson, and was + half drunk. He rattled away to Dr. Johnson: 'You are a clever fellow, to + be sure; but you cannot write an essay like Addison, or verses like the + RAPE OF THE LOCK.' At last he said<a href="#note-302">[302]</a>, '<i>Doctor</i>, I should be happy to + see you at Eaton<a href="#note-303">[303]</a>.' 'I shall be glad to wait on you,' answered + Goldsmith. 'No, (said Graham,) 'tis not you I mean, Dr. <i>Minor</i>; 'tis + Doctor <i>Major</i>, there.' Goldsmith was excessively hurt by this. He + afterwards spoke of it himself. 'Graham, (said he,) is a fellow to make + one commit suicide.' +</p> +<p> + We had received a polite invitation to Slains castle. We arrived there + just at three o'clock, as the bell for dinner was ringing. Though, from + its being just on the North-east Ocean, no trees will grow here, Lord + Errol has done all that can be done. He has cultivated his fields so as + to bear rich crops of every kind, and he has made an excellent + kitchen-garden, with a hot-house. I had never seen any of the family: + but there had been a card of invitation written by the honourable + Charles Boyd, the earl's brother<a href="#note-304">[304]</a>. We were conducted into the + house, and at the dining-room door were met by that gentleman, whom both + of us at first took to be Lord Errol; but he soon corrected our mistake. + My Lord was gone to dine in the neighbourhood, at an entertainment given + by Mr. Irvine of Drum. Lady Errol received us politely, and was very + attentive to us during the time of dinner. There was nobody at table but + her ladyship, Mr. Boyd, and some of the children, their governour and + governess. Mr. Boyd put Dr. Johnson in mind of having dined with him at + Cumming the Quaker's<a href="#note-305">[305]</a>, along with a Mr. Hall and Miss Williams[306]: + this was a bond of connection between them. For me, Mr. Boyd's + acquaintance with my father was enough. After dinner, Lady Errol + favoured us with a sight of her young family, whom she made stand up in + a row. There were six daughters and two sons. It was a very + pleasing sight. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson proposed our setting out. Mr. Boyd said, he hoped we would + stay all night; his brother would be at home in the evening, and would + be very sorry if he missed us. Mr. Boyd was called out of the room. I + was very desirous to stay in so comfortable a house, and I wished to + see Lord Errol. Dr Johnson, however, was right in resolving to go, if we + were not asked again, as it is best to err on the safe side in such + cases, and to be sure that one is quite welcome. To my great joy, when + Mr. Boyd returned, he told Dr. Johnson that it was Lady Errol who had + called him out, and said that she would never let Dr. Johnson into the + house again, if he went away that night; and that she had ordered the + coach, to carry us to view a great curiosity on the coast, after which + we should see the house. We cheerfully agreed. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Boyd was engaged, in 1745-6, on the same side with many unfortunate + mistaken noblemen and gentlemen. He escaped, and lay concealed for a + year in the island of Arran, the ancient territory of the Boyds. He then + went to France, and was about twenty years on the continent. He married + a French Lady, and now lived very comfortably at Aberdeen, and was much + at Slains castle. He entertained us with great civility. He had a + pompousness or formal plenitude in his conversation, which I did not + dislike. Dr. Johnson said, 'there was too much elaboration in his talk.' + It gave me pleasure to see him, a steady branch of the family, setting + forth all its advantages with much zeal. He told us that Lady Errol was + one of the most pious and sensible women in the island; had a good head, + and as good a heart. He said, she did not use force or fear in educating + her children. JOHNSON. 'Sir, she is wrong<a href="#note-307">[307]</a>; I would rather have the + rod to be the general terror to all, to make them learn, than tell a + child if you do thus or thus, you will be more esteemed than your + brothers or sisters. The rod produces an effect which terminates in + itself. A child is afraid of being whipped, and gets his task, and + there's an end on't; whereas, by exciting emulation, and comparisons of + superiority, you lay the foundation of lasting mischief; you make + brothers and sisters hate each other.' +</p> +<p> + During Mr. Boyd's stay in Arran, he had found a chest of medical books, + left by a surgeon there, and had read them till he acquired some skill + in physick, in consequence of which he is often consulted by the poor. + There were several here waiting for him as patients. We walked round the + house till stopped by a cut made by the influx of the sea. The house is + built quite upon the shore; the windows look upon the main ocean, and + the King of Denmark is Lord Errol's nearest neighbour on the + north-east<a href="#note-308">[308]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We got immediately into the coach, and drove to <i>Dunbui</i>, a rock near + the shore, quite covered with sea-fowls; then to a circular bason of + large extent, surrounded with tremendous rocks. On the quarter next the + sea, there is a high arch in the rock, which the force of the tempest + has driven out. This place is called <i>Buchan's Buller</i>, or the <i>Buller + of Buchan</i>, and the country people call it the <i>Pot</i>. Mr. Boyd said it + was so called from the French <i>Bouloir</i>. It may be more simply traced + from <i>Boiler</i> in our own language. We walked round this monstrous + cauldron. In some places, the rock is very narrow; and on each side + there is a sea deep enough for a man of war to ride in; so that it is + somewhat horrid to move along. However, there is earth and grass upon + the rock, and a kind of road marked out by the print of feet; so that + one makes it out pretty safely: yet it alarmed me to see Dr. Johnson + striding irregularly along. He insisted on taking a boat, and sailing + into the Pot. We did so. He was stout, and wonderfully alert. The + Buchan-men all shewing their teeth, and speaking with that strange sharp + accent which distinguishes them, was to me a matter of curiosity. He was + not sensible of the difference of pronunciation in the South and North + of Scotland, which I wondered at. +</p> +<p> + As the entry into the <i>Buller</i> is so narrow that oars cannot be used as + you go in, the method taken is, to row very hard when you come near it, + and give the boat such a rapidity of motion that it glides in. Dr. + Johnson observed what an effect this scene would have had, were we + entering into an unknown place. There are caves of considerable depth; I + think, one on each side. The boatmen had never entered either of them + far enough to know the size. Mr. Boyd told us that it is customary for + the company at Peterhead well, to make parties, and come and dine in one + of the caves here. +</p> +<p> + He told us, that, as Slains is at a considerable distance from Aberdeen, + Lord Errol, who has a very large family, resolved to have a surgeon of + his own. With this view he educated one of his tenant's sons, who is now + settled in a very neat house and farm just by, which we saw from the + road. By the salary which the earl allows him, and the practice which he + has had, he is in very easy circumstances. He had kept an exact account + of all that had been laid out on his education, and he came to his + lordship one day, and told him that he had arrived at a much higher + situation than ever he expected; that he was now able to repay what his + lordship had advanced, and begged he would accept of it. The earl was + pleased with the generous gratitude and genteel offer of the man; but + refused it. Mr. Boyd also told us, Cumming the Quaker first began to + distinguish himself by writing against Dr. Leechman on Prayer<a href="#note-309">[309]</a>, to + prove it unnecessary, as GOD knows best what should be, and will order + it without our asking:—the old hackneyed objection. +</p> +<p> + When we returned to the house we found coffee and tea in the + drawing-room. Lady Errol was not there, being, as I supposed, engaged + with her young family. There is a bow-window fronting the sea. Dr. + Johnson repeated the ode, <i>Jam satis terris</i><a href="#note-310">[310]</a>, while Mr. Boyd was + with his patients. He spoke well in favour of entails<a href="#note-311">[311]</a>, to preserve + lines of men whom mankind are accustomed to reverence. His opinion was + that so much land should be entailed as that families should never fall + into contempt, and as much left free as to give them all the advantages + of property in case of any emergency. 'If (said he,) the nobility are + suffered to sink into indigence<a href="#note-312">[312]</a>, they of course become corrupt; + they are ready to do whatever the king chooses; therefore it is fit they + should be kept from becoming poor, unless it is fixed that when they + fall below a certain standard of wealth they shall lose their + peerages<a href="#note-313">[313]</a>. We know the House of Peers have made noble stands, when + the House of Commons durst not. The two last years of parliament they + dare not contradict the populace<a href="#note-314">[314]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + This room is ornamented with a number of fine prints, and with a whole + length picture of Lord Errol, by Sir Joshua Reynolds. This led Dr. + Johnson and me to talk of our amiable and elegant friend, whose + panegyrick he concluded by saying, 'Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir, is the + most invulnerable man I know; the man with whom if you should quarrel, + you would find the most difficulty how to abuse<a href="#note-315">[315]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson observed, the situation here was the noblest he had ever + seen,—better than Mount Edgecumbe, reckoned the first in England; + because, at Mount Edgecumbe<a href="#note-316">[316]</a>, the sea is bounded by land on the + other side, and though there is there the grandeur of a fleet, there is + also the impression of there being a dock-yard, the circumstances of + which are not agreeable. At Slains is an excellent old house. The noble + owner has built of brick, along the square in the inside, a gallery, + both on the first and second story, the house being no higher; so that + he has always a dry walk, and the rooms, to which formerly there was no + approach but through each other, have now all separate entries from the + gallery, which is hung with Hogarth's works, and other prints. We went + and sat a while in the library. There is a valuable numerous + collection. It was chiefly made by Mr. Falconer, husband to the late + Countess of Errol in her own right. This earl has added a good many + modern books. +</p> +<p> + About nine the Earl came home. Captain Gordon of Park was with him. His + Lordship put Dr. Johnson in mind of their having dined together in + London, along with Mr. Beauclerk. I was exceedingly pleased with Lord + Errol. His dignified person and agreeable countenance, with the most + unaffected affability, give me high satisfaction. From perhaps a + weakness, or, as I rather hope, more fancy and warmth of feeling than is + quite reasonable, my mind is ever impressed with admiration for persons + of high birth, and I could, with the most perfect honesty, expatiate on + Lord Errol's good qualities; but he stands in no need of my praise. His + agreeable manners and softness of address prevented that constraint + which the idea of his being Lord High Constable of Scotland<a href="#note-317">[317]</a> might + otherwise have occasioned. He talked very easily and sensibly with his + learned guest. I observed that Dr. Johnson, though he shewed that + respect to his lordship, which, from principle, he always does to high + rank, yet, when they came to argument, maintained that manliness which + becomes the force and vigour of his understanding. To shew external + deference to our superiors, is proper: to seem to yield to them in + opinion, is meanness<a href="#note-318">[318]</a>. The earl said grace, both before and after + supper, with much decency. He told us a story of a man who was executed + at Perth, some years ago, for murdering a woman who was with child by + him, and a former child he had by her. His hand was cut off: he was then + pulled up; but the rope broke, and he was forced to lie an hour on the + ground, till another rope was brought from Perth, the execution being in + a wood at some distance,—at the place where the murders were committed. + <i>'There</i>,(said my lord,) <i>I see the hand of Providence</i>.' I was really + happy here. I saw in this nobleman the best dispositions and best + principles; and I saw him, <i>in my mind's eye</i><a href="#note-319">[319]</a>, to be the + representative of the ancient Boyds of Kilmarnock. I was afraid he might + have urged drinking, as, I believe, he used formerly to do; but he drank + port and water out of a large glass himself, and let us do as we + pleased<a href="#note-320">[320]</a>. He went with us to our rooms at night; said, he took the + visit very kindly; and told me, my father and he were very old + acquaintance;—that I now knew the way to Slains, and he hoped to see me + there again. +</p> +<p> + I had a most elegant room; but there was a fire in it which blazed; and + the sea, to which my windows looked, roared; and the pillows were made + of the feathers of some sea-fowl, which had to me a disagreeable smell; + so that, by all these causes, I was kept awake a good while. I saw, in + imagination, Lord Errol's father, Lord Kilmarnock<a href="#note-321">[321]</a> (who was beheaded + on Tower-hill in 1746), and I was somewhat dreary. But the thought did + not last long, and I fell asleep. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_18"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25. +</h2> +<p> + We got up between seven and eight, and found Mr. Boyd in the + dining-room, with tea and coffee before him, to give us breakfast. We + were in an admirable humour. Lady Errol had given each of us a copy of + an ode by Beattie, on the birth of her son, Lord Hay. Mr. Boyd asked Dr. + Johnson how he liked it. Dr. Johnson, who did not admire it, got off + very well, by taking it out, and reading the second and third stanzas of + it with much melody. This, without his saying a word, pleased Mr. Boyd. + He observed, however, to Dr. Johnson, that the expression as to the + family of Errol, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'A thousand years have seen it shine,' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + compared with what went before, was an anticlimax, and that it would + have been better +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Ages have seen,' &c. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Dr. Johnson said, 'So great a number as a thousand is better. <i>Dolus + latet in universalibus</i>. Ages might be only two ages.' He talked of the + advantage of keeping up the connections of relationship, which produce + much kindness. 'Every man (said he,) who comes into the world, has need + of friends. If he has to get them for himself, half his life is spent + before his merit is known. Relations are a man's ready friends who + support him. When a man is in real distress, he flies into the arms of + his relations. An old lawyer, who had much experience in making wills, + told me, that after people had deliberated long, and thought of many for + their executors, they settled at last by fixing on their relations. This + shews the universality of the principle.' +</p> +<p> + I regretted the decay of respect for men of family, and that a Nabob now + would carry an election from them. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, the Nabob will + carry it by means of his wealth, in a country where money is highly + valued, as it must be where nothing can be had without money; but, if it + comes to personal preference, the man of family will always carry + it<a href="#note-322">[322]</a>. There is generally a <i>scoundrelism</i> about a low man[323].' Mr. + Boyd said, that was a good <i>ism</i>. +</p> +<p> + I said, I believed mankind were happier in the ancient feudal state<a href="#note-324">[324]</a> + of subordination, than they are in the modern state of independency. + JOHNSON. 'To be sure, the <i>Chief</i> was: but we must think of the number + of individuals. That <i>they</i> were less happy, seems plain; for that state + from which all escape as soon as they can, and to which none return + after they have left it, must be less happy; and this is the case with + the state of dependance on a chief or great man.' +</p> +<p> + I mentioned the happiness of the French in their subordination, by the + reciprocal benevolence and attachment between the great and those in + lower rank<a href="#note-325">[325]</a>. Mr. Boyd gave us an instance of their gentlemanly + spirit. An old Chevalier de Malthe, of ancient <i>noblesse</i>, but in low + circumstances, was in a coffee-house at Paris, where was Julien, the + great manufacturer at the Gobelins, of the fine tapestry, so much + distinguished both for the figures and the <i>colours</i>. The chevalier's + carriage was very old. Says Julien, with a plebeian insolence, 'I think, + Sir, you had better have your carriage new painted.' The chevalier + looked at him with indignant contempt, and answered, 'Well, Sir, you may + take it home and <i>dye</i> it!' All the coffee-house rejoiced at Julien's + confusion. +</p> +<p> + We set out about nine. Dr. Johnson was curious to see one of those + structures which northern antiquarians call a Druid's temple. I had a + recollection of one at Strichen; which I had seen fifteen years ago; so + we went four miles out of our road, after passing Old Deer, and went + thither. Mr. Fraser, the proprietor, was at home, and shewed it to us. + But I had augmented it in my mind; for all that remains is two stones + set up on end, with a long one laid upon them, as was usual, and one + stone at a little distance from them. That stone was the capital one of + the circle which surrounded what now remains. Mr. Fraser was very + hospitable<a href="#note-326">[326]</a>. There was a fair at Strichen; and he had several of his + neighbours from it at dinner. One of them, Dr. Fraser, who had been in + the army, remembered to have seen Dr. Johnson at a lecture on + experimental philosophy, at Lichfield. The doctor recollected being at + the lecture; and he was surprised to find here somebody who knew him. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Fraser sent a servant to conduct us by a short passage into the + high-road. I observed to Dr. Johnson, that I had a most disagreeable + notion of the life of country gentlemen; that I left Mr. Fraser just + now, as one leaves a prisoner in a jail. Dr. Johnson said, that I was + right in thinking them unhappy; for that they had not enough to keep + their minds in motion<a href="#note-327">[327]</a>. +</p> +<p> + I started a thought this afternoon which amused us a great part of the + way. 'If, (said I,) our club should come and set up in St. Andrews, as a + college, to teach all that each of us can, in the several departments of + learning and taste, we should rebuild the city: we should draw a + wonderful concourse of students.' Dr. Johnson entered fully into the + spirit of this project. We immediately fell to distributing the offices. + I was to teach Civil and Scotch law<a href="#note-328">[328]</a>; Burke, politicks and + eloquence; Garrick, the art of publick speaking; Langton was to be our + Grecian<a href="#note-329">[329]</a>, Colman our Latin professor[330]; Nugent to teach + physick<a href="#note-331">[331]</a>; Lord Charlemont, modern history[332]; Beauclerk, natural + philosophy<a href="#note-333">[333]</a>; Vesey, Irish antiquities, or Celtick learning[334]; + Jones, Oriental learning<a href="#note-335">[335]</a>; Goldsmith, poetry and ancient history; + Chamier, commercial politicks<a href="#note-336">[336]</a>; Reynolds, painting, and the arts + which have beauty for their object; Chambers, the law of England<a href="#note-337">[337]</a>. + Dr. Johnson at first said, 'I'll trust theology to nobody but myself.' + But, upon due consideration, that Percy is a clergyman, it was agreed + that Percy should teach practical divinity and British antiquities; Dr. + Johnson himself, logick, metaphysicks<a href="#note-338">[338]</a>, and scholastick divinity. In + this manner did we amuse ourselves;—each suggesting, and each varying + or adding, till the whole was adjusted. Dr. Johnson said, we only wanted + a mathematician since Dyer<a href="#note-339">[339]</a> died, who was a very good one; but as to + every thing else, we should have a very capital university<a href="#note-340">[340]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We got at night to Banff. I sent Joseph on to Duff-house; but Earl Fife + was not at home, which I regretted much, as we should have had a very + elegant reception from his lordship. We found here but an indifferent + inn<a href="#note-341">[341]</a>. Dr. Johnson wrote a long letter to Mrs. Thrale. I wondered to + see him write so much so easily. He verified his own doctrine that 'a + man may always write when he will set himself <i>doggedly</i> to it<a href="#note-342">[342]</a>.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_19"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, AUGUST 26. +</h2> +<p> + We got a fresh chaise here, a very good one, and very good horses. We + breakfasted at Cullen. They set down dried haddocks broiled, along with + our tea. I ate one; but Dr. Johnson was disgusted by the sight of them, + so they were removed<a href="#note-343">[343]</a>. Cullen has a comfortable appearance, though + but a very small town, and the houses mostly poor buildings. +</p> +<p> + I called on Mr. Robertson, who has the charge of Lord Findlater's + affairs, and was formerly Lord Monboddo's clerk, was three times in + France with him, and translated Condamine's <i>Account of the Savage + Girl</i>, to which his lordship wrote a preface, containing several remarks + of his own. Robertson said, he did not believe so much as his lordship + did; that it was plain to him, the girl confounded what she imagined + with what she remembered: that, besides, she perceived Condamine and + Lord Monboddo forming theories, and she adapted her story to them. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson said, 'It is a pity to see Lord Monboddo publish such + notions as he has done; a man of sense, and of so much elegant learning. + There would be little in a fool doing it; we should only laugh; but when + a wise man does it, we are sorry. Other people have strange notions; but + they conceal them. If they have tails, they hide them; but Monboddo is + as jealous of his tail as a squirrel.' I shall here put down some more + remarks of Dr. Johnson's on Lord Monboddo, which were not made exactly + at this time, but come in well from connection. He said, he did not + approve of a judge's calling himself <i>Farmer</i> Burnett<a href="#note-344">[344]</a>, and going + about with a little round hat<a href="#note-345">[345]</a>. He laughed heartily at his + lordship's saying he was an <i>enthusiastical</i> farmer; 'for, (said he,) + what can he do in farming by his <i>enthusiasm</i>?' Here, however, I think + Dr. Johnson mistaken. He who wishes to be successful, or happy, ought to + be enthusiastical, that is to say, very keen in all the occupations or + diversions of life. An ordinary gentleman-farmer will be satisfied with + looking at his fields once or twice a day: an enthusiastical farmer will + be constantly employed on them; will have his mind earnestly engaged; + will talk perpetually, of them. But Dr. Johnson has much of the <i>nil + admirari</i><a href="#note-346">[346]</a> in smaller concerns. That survey of life which gave birth + to his <i>Vanity of Human Wishes</i> early sobered his mind. Besides, so + great a mind as his cannot be moved by inferior objects: an elephant + does not run and skip like lesser animals. Mr. Robertson sent a + servant with us, to shew us through Lord Findlater's wood, by which our + way was shortened, and we saw some part of his domain, which is indeed + admirably laid out. Dr. Johnson did not choose to walk through it. He + always said, that he was not come to Scotland to see fine places, of + which there were enough in England; but wild objects,—mountains, + —waterfalls,—peculiar manners; in short, things which he had not seen + before. I have a notion that he at no time has had much taste for rural + beauties. I have myself very little<a href="#note-347">[347]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson said, there was nothing more contemptible than a country + gentleman living beyond his income, and every year growing poorer and + poorer<a href="#note-348">[348]</a>. He spoke strongly of the influence which a man has by being + rich. 'A man, (said he,) who keeps his money, has in reality more use + from it, than he can have by spending it.' I observed that this looked + very like a paradox; but he explained it thus: 'If it were certain that + a man would keep his money locked up for ever, to be sure he would have + no influence; but, as so many want money, and he has the power of giving + it, and they know not but by gaining his favour they may obtain it, the + rich man will always have the greatest influence. He again who lavishes + his money, is laughed at as foolish, and in a great degree with justice, + considering how much is spent from vanity. Even those who partake of a + man's hospitality, have but a transient kindness for him. If he has not + the command of money, people know he cannot help them, if he would; + whereas the rich man always can, if he will, and for the chance of that, + will have much weight.' BOSWELL. 'But philosophers and satirists have + all treated a miser as contemptible.' JOHNSON. 'He is so + philosophically; but not in the practice of life<a href="#note-349">[349]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'Let me + see now:—I do not know the instances of misers in England, so as to + examine into their influence.' JOHNSON. 'We have had few misers in + England.' BOSWELL. 'There was Lowther<a href="#note-350">[350]</a>.' JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, + Lowther, by keeping his money, had the command of the county, which the + family has now lost, by spending it<a href="#note-351">[351]</a>; I take it he lent a great + deal; and that is the way to have influence, and yet preserve one's + wealth. A man may lend his money upon very good security, and yet have + his debtor much under his power.' BOSWELL. 'No doubt, Sir. He can always + distress him for the money; as no man borrows, who is able to pay on + demand quite conveniently.' +</p> +<p> + We dined at Elgin, and saw the noble ruins of the cathedral. Though it + rained much, Dr. Johnson examined them with a most patient attention. + He could not here feel any abhorrence at the Scottish reformers<a href="#note-352">[352]</a>, + for he had been told by Lord Hailes, that it was destroyed before the + Reformation, by the Lord of Badenoch<a href="#note-353">[353]</a>, who had a quarrel with the + bishop. The bishop's house, and those of the other clergy, which are + still pretty entire, do not seem to have been proportioned to the + magnificence of the cathedral, which has been of great extent, and had + very fine carved work. The ground within the walls of the cathedral is + employed as a burying-place. The family of Gordon have their vault here; + but it has nothing grand. +</p> +<p> + We passed Gordon Castle<a href="#note-354">[354]</a> this forenoon, which has a princely + appearance. Fochabers, the neighbouring village, is a poor place, many + of the houses being ruinous; but it is remarkable, they have in general + orchards well stored with apple-trees<a href="#note-355">[355]</a>. Elgin has what in England + are called piazzas, that run in many places on each side of the street. + It must have been a much better place formerly. Probably it had piazzas + all along the town, as I have seen at Bologna. I approved much of such + structures in a town, on account of their conveniency in wet weather. + Dr. Johnson disapproved of them, 'because (said he) it makes the under + story of a house very dark, which greatly over-balances the conveniency, + when it is considered how small a part of the year it rains; how few are + usually in the street at such times; that many who are might as well be + at home; and the little that people suffer, supposing them to be as much + wet as they commonly are in walking a street.' +</p> +<p> + We fared but ill at our inn here; and Dr. Johnson said, this was the + first time he had seen a dinner in Scotland that he could not eat<a href="#note-356">[356]</a>. +</p> +<p> + In the afternoon, we drove over the very heath where Macbeth met the + witches, according to tradition<a href="#note-357">[357]</a>. Dr. Johnson again[358] solemnly + repeated— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'How far is't called to Fores? What are these, + So wither'd, and so wild in their attire? + That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth, + And yet are on't?' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + He repeated a good deal more of Macbeth. His recitation<a href="#note-359">[359]</a> was grand + and affecting, and as Sir Joshua Reynolds has observed to me, had no + more tone than it should have: it was the better for it. He then + parodied the <i>All-hail</i> of the witches to Macbeth, addressing himself to + me. I had purchased some land called <i>Dalblair</i>; and, as in Scotland it + is customary to distinguish landed men by the name of their estates, I + had thus two titles, <i>Dalblair</i> and Young <i>Auchinleck</i>. So my friend, in + imitation of +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + condescended to amuse himself with uttering +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'All hail, Dalblair! hail to thee, Laird of Auchinleck<a href="#note-360">[360]</a>!' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + We got to Fores<a href="#note-361">[361]</a> at night, and found an admirable inn, in which Dr. + Johnson was pleased to meet with a landlord who styled himself + 'Wine-Cooper, from LONDON.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_20"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, AUGUST 27. +</h2> +<p> + It was dark when we came to Fores last night; so we did not see what is + called King Duncan's monument<a href="#note-362">[362]</a>. I shall now mark some gleanings of + Dr. Johnson's conversation. I spoke of <i>Leonidas</i><a href="#note-363">[363]</a>, and said there + were some good passages in it. JOHNSON. 'Why, you must <i>seek</i> for them.' + He said, Paul Whitehead's <i>Manners</i><a href="#note-364">[364]</a> was a poor performance. + Speaking of Derrick, he told me 'he had a kindness for him, and had + often said, that if his letters had been written by one of a more + established name, they would have been thought very pretty + letters<a href="#note-365">[365]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + This morning I introduced the subject of the origin of evil<a href="#note-366">[366]</a>. + JOHNSON. 'Moral evil is occasioned by free will, which implies choice + between good and evil. With all the evil that there is, there is no man + but would rather be a free agent, than a mere machine without the evil; + and what is best for each individual, must be best for the whole. If a + man would rather be the machine, I cannot argue with him. He is a + different being from me.' BOSWELL. 'A man, as a machine, may have + agreeable sensations; for instance, he may have pleasure in musick.' + JOHNSON. 'No, Sir, he cannot have pleasure in musick; at least no power + of producing musick; for he who can produce musick may let it alone: he + who can play upon a fiddle may break it: such a man is not a machine.' + This reasoning satisfied me. It is certain, there cannot be a free + agent, unless there is the power of being evil as well as good. We must + take the inherent possibilities of things into consideration, in our + reasonings or conjectures concerning the works of GOD. +</p> +<p> + We came to Nairn to breakfast. Though a county town and a royal burgh, + it is a miserable place. Over the room where we sat, a girl was spinning + wool with a great wheel, and singing an Erse song<a href="#note-367">[367]</a>: 'I'll warrant + you, (said Dr. Johnson.) one of the songs of Ossian.' He then repeated + these lines:—- +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Verse sweetens toil, however rude the sound. + All at her work the village maiden sings; + Nor while she turns the giddy wheel around, + Revolves the sad vicissitude of things<a href="#note-368">[368]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + I thought I had heard these lines before. JOHNSON. 'I fancy not, Sir; + for they are in a detached poem, the name of which I do not remember, + written by one Giffard, a parson.' +</p> +<p> + I expected Mr. Kenneth M'Aulay<a href="#note-369">[369]</a>, the minister of Calder, who + published the history of St. Kilda<a href="#note-370">[370]</a>, a book which Dr. Johnson liked, + would have met us here, as I had written to him from Aberdeen. But I + received a letter from him, telling me that he could not leave home, as + he was to administer the sacrament the following Sunday, and earnestly + requesting to see us at his manse. 'We'll go,' said Dr. Johnson; which + we accordingly did. Mrs. M'Aulay received us, and told us her husband + was in the church distributing tokens<a href="#note-371">[371]</a>. We arrived between twelve + and one o'clock, and it was near three before he came to us. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson thanked him for his book, and said 'it was a very pretty + piece of topography.' M'Aulay did not seem much to mind the compliment. + From his conversation, Dr. Johnson was persuaded that he had not written + the book which goes under his name. I myself always suspected so; and I + have been told it was written by the learned Dr. John M'Pherson of + Sky<a href="#note-372">[372]</a>, from the materials collected by M'Aulay. Dr. Johnson said + privately to me, 'There is a combination in it of which M'Aulay is not + capable<a href="#note-373">[373]</a>.' However, he was exceedingly hospitable; and, as he + obligingly promised us a route for our Tour through the Western Isles, + we agreed to stay with him all night. +</p> +<p> + After dinner, we walked to the old castle of Calder (pronounced Cawder), + the Thane of Cawdor's seat. I was sorry that my friend, this 'prosperous + gentleman<a href="#note-374">[374]</a>,' was not there. The old tower must be of great + antiquity<a href="#note-375">[375]</a>. There is a draw-bridge—what has been a moat,—and an + ancient court. There is a hawthorn-tree, which rises like a wooden + pillar through the rooms of the castle; for, by a strange conceit, the + walls have been built round it. The thickness of the walls, the small + slaunting windows, and a great iron door at the entrance on the second + story as you ascend the stairs, all indicate the rude times in which + this castle was erected. There were here some large venerable trees. +</p> +<p> + I was afraid of a quarrel between Dr. Johnson and Mr. M'Aulay, who + talked slightingly of the lower English clergy. The Doctor gave him a + frowning look, and said, 'This is a day of novelties; I have seen old + trees in Scotland, and I have heard the English clergy treated with + disrespect<a href="#note-376">[376]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + I dreaded that a whole evening at Calder manse would be heavy; however, + Mr. Grant, an intelligent and well-bred minister in the neighbourhood, + was there, and assisted us by his conversation. Dr. Johnson, talking of + hereditary occupations in the Highlands, said, 'There is no harm in such + a custom as this; but it is wrong to enforce it, and oblige a man to be + a taylor or a smith, because his father has been one.' This custom, + however, is not peculiar to our Highlands; it is well known that in + India a similar practice prevails. +</p> +<p> + Mr. M'Aulay began a rhapsody against creeds and confessions. Dr. Johnson + shewed, that 'what he called <i>imposition</i>, was only a voluntary + declaration of agreement in certain articles of faith, which a church + has a right to require, just as any other society can insist on certain + rules being observed by its members. Nobody is compelled to be of the + church, as nobody is compelled to enter into a society.' This was a very + clear and just view of the subject: but, M'Aulay could not be driven out + of his track. Dr. Johnson said, 'Sir, you are a <i>bigot to laxness</i>.' +</p> +<p> + Mr. M'Aulay and I laid the map of Scotland before us; and he pointed out + a route for us from Inverness, by Fort Augustus, to Glenelg, Sky, Mull, + Icolmkill, Lorn, and Inverary, which I wrote down. As my father was to + begin the northern circuit about the 18th of September, it was necessary + for us either to make our tour with great expedition, so as to get to + Auchinleck before he set out, or to protract it, so as not to be there + till his return, which would be about the 10th of October. By M'Aulay's + calculation, we were not to land in Lorn till the 2Oth of September. I + thought that the interruptions by bad days, or by occasional + excursions, might make it ten days later; and I thought too, that we + might perhaps go to Benbecula, and visit Clanranald, which would take a + week of itself. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson went up with Mr. Grant to the library, which consisted of a + tolerable collection; but the Doctor thought it rather a lady's library, + with some Latin books in it by chance, than the library of a clergyman. + It had only two of the Latin fathers, and one of the Greek fathers in + Latin. I doubted whether Dr. Johnson would be present at a Presbyterian + prayer. I told Mr. M'Aulay so, and said that the Doctor might sit in the + library while we were at family worship. Mr. M'Aulay said, he would omit + it, rather than give Dr. Johnson offence: but I would by no means agree + that an excess of politeness, even to so great a man, should prevent + what I esteem as one of the best pious regulations. I know nothing more + beneficial, more comfortable, more agreeable, than that the little + societies of each family should regularly assemble, and unite in praise + and prayer to our heavenly Father, from whom we daily receive so much + good, and may hope for more in a higher state of existence. I mentioned + to Dr. Johnson the over-delicate scrupulosity of our host. He said, he + had no objection to hear the prayer. This was a pleasing surprise to me; + for he refused to go and hear Principal Robertson<a href="#note-377">[377]</a> preach. 'I will + hear him, (said he,) if he will get up into a tree and preach; but I + will not give a sanction, by my presence, to a Presbyterian + assembly<a href="#note-378">[378]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Mr. Grant having prayed, Dr. Johnson said, his prayer was a very good + one; but objected to his not having introduced the Lord's Prayer<a href="#note-379">[379]</a>. + He told us, that an Italian of some note in London said once to him, 'We + have in our service a prayer called the <i>Pater Noster</i>, which is a very + fine composition. I wonder who is the author of it.' A singular instance + of ignorance in a man of some literature and general inquiry<a href="#note-380">[380]</a>! +</p> +<a name="2H_4_21"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, AUGUST 28. +</h2> +<p> + Dr. Johnson had brought a <i>Sallust</i> with him in his pocket from + Edinburgh. He gave it last night to Mr. M'Aulay's son, a smart young lad + about eleven years old. Dr. Johnson had given an account of the + education at Oxford, in all its gradations. The advantage of being a + servitor to a youth of little fortune struck Mrs. M'Aulay much<a href="#note-381">[381]</a>. I + observed it aloud. Dr. Johnson very handsomely and kindly said, that, if + they would send their boy to him, when he was ready for the university, + he would get him made a servitor, and perhaps would do more for him. He + could not promise to do more; but would undertake for the + servitorship<a href="#note-382">[382]</a>. +</p> +<p> + I should have mentioned that Mr. White, a Welshman, who has been many + years factor (i.e. steward) on the estate of Calder, drank tea with us + last night, and upon getting a note from Mr. M'Aulay, asked us to his + house. We had not time to accept of his invitation. He gave us a letter + of introduction to Mr. Ferne, master of stores at Fort George. He shewed + it to me. It recommended 'two celebrated gentlemen; no less than Dr. + Johnson, <i>author of his Dictionary</i>,—and Mr. Boswell, known at + Edinburgh by the name of Paoli.' He said he hoped I had no objection to + what he had written; if I had, he would alter it. I thought it was a + pity to check his effusions, and acquiesced; taking care, however, to + seal the letter, that it might not appear that I had read it. +</p> +<p> + A conversation took place about saying grace at breakfast (as we do in + Scotland) as well as at dinner and supper; in which Dr. Johnson said, + 'It is enough if we have stated seasons of prayer; no matter when<a href="#note-383">[383]</a>. + A man may as well pray when he mounts his horse, or a woman when she + milks her cow, (which Mr. Grant told us is done in the Highlands,) as at + meals; and custom is to be followed<a href="#note-384">[384]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We proceeded to Fort George. When we came into the square, I sent a + soldier with the letter to Mr. Ferne. He came to us immediately, and + along with him came Major <i>Brewse</i> of the Engineers, pronounced <i>Bruce</i>. + He said he believed it was originally the same Norman name with Bruce. + That he had dined at a house in London, where were three Bruces, one of + the Irish line, one of the Scottish line, and himself of the English + line. He said he was shewn it in the Herald's office spelt fourteen + different ways<a href="#note-385">[385]</a>. I told him the different spellings of my name[386]. + Dr Johnson observed, that there had been great disputes about the + spelling of Shakspear's name; at last it was thought it would be settled + by looking at the original copy of his will; but, upon examining it, he + was found to have written it himself no less than three different ways. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Ferne and Major Brewse first carried us to wait on Sir Eyre + Coote<a href="#note-387">[387]</a>, whose regiment, the 37th, was lying here, and who then + commanded the fort. He asked us to dine with him, which we agreed to do. +</p> +<p> + Before dinner we examined the fort. The Major explained the + fortification to us, and Mr. Ferne gave us an account of the stores. Dr. + Johnson talked of the proportions of charcoal and salt-petre in making + gunpowder, of granulating it, and of giving it a gloss<a href="#note-388">[388]</a>. He made a + very good figure upon these topicks. He said to me afterwards, that 'he + had talked <i>ostentatiously</i><a href="#note-389">[389]</a>.' We reposed ourselves a little in Mr. + Ferne's house. He had every thing in neat order as in England; and a + tolerable collection of books. I looked into Pennant's <i>Tour in + Scotland</i>. He says little of this fort; but that 'the barracks, &c. form + several streets<a href="#note-390">[390]</a>.' This is aggrandising. Mr. Ferne observed, if he + had said they form a square, with a row of buildings before it, he would + have given a juster description. Dr. Johnson remarked, 'how seldom + descriptions correspond with realities; and the reason is, that people + do not write them till some time after, and then their imagination has + added circumstances.' +</p> +<p> + We talked of Sir Adolphus Oughton<a href="#note-391">[391]</a>. The Major said, he knew a great + deal for a military man. JOHNSON. 'Sir, you will find few men, of any + profession, who know more. Sir Adolphus is a very extraordinary man; a + man of boundless curiosity and unwearied diligence.' +</p> +<p> + I know not how the Major contrived to introduce the contest between + Warburton and Lowth. JOHNSON. 'Warburton kept his temper all along, + while Lowth was in a passion. Lowth published some of Warburton's + letters. Warburton drew <i>him</i> on to write some very abusive letters, and + then asked his leave to publish them; which he knew Lowth could not + refuse, after what <i>he</i> had done. So that Warburton contrived that he + should publish, apparently with Lowth's consent, what could not but shew + Lowth in a disadvantageous light<a href="#note-392">[392]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + At three the drum beat for dinner. I, for a little while, fancied myself + a military man, and it pleased me. We went to Sir Eyre Coote's, at the + governour's house, and found him a most gentleman-like man. His lady is + a very agreeable woman, with an uncommonly mild and sweet tone of voice. + There was a pretty large company: Mr. Ferne, Major Brewse, and several + officers. Sir Eyre had come from the East-Indies by land, through the + Desarts of Arabia. He told us, the Arabs could live five days without + victuals, and subsist for three weeks on nothing else but the blood of + their camels, who could lose so much of it as would suffice for that + time, without being exhausted. He highly praised the virtue of the + Arabs; their fidelity, if they undertook to conduct any person; and + said, they would sacrifice their lives rather than let him be robbed. + Dr. Johnson, who is always for maintaining the superiority of civilized + over uncivilized men<a href="#note-393">[393]</a>, said, 'Why, Sir, I can see no superiour + virtue in this. A serjeant and twelve men, who are my guard, will die, + rather than that I shall be robbed.' Colonel Pennington, of the 37th + regiment, took up the argument with a good deal of spirit and + ingenuity. PENNINGTON. 'But the soldiers are compelled to this by fear + of punishment. 'JOHNSON. 'Well, Sir, the Arabs are compelled by the fear + of infamy.' PENNINGTON. 'The soldiers have the same fear of infamy, and + the fear of punishment besides; so have less virtue; because they act + less voluntarily.' Lady Coote observed very well, that it ought to be + known if there was not, among the Arabs, some punishment for not being + faithful on such occasions. +</p> +<p> + We talked of the stage. I observed, that we had not now such a company + of actors as in the last age; Wilks<a href="#note-394">[394]</a>, Booth[395], &c. &c. JOHNSON. + 'You think so, because there is one who excels all the rest so much: you + compare them with Garrick, and see the deficiency. Garrick's great + distinction is his universality<a href="#note-396">[396]</a>. He can represent all modes of + life, but that of an easy fine bred gentleman<a href="#note-397">[397]</a>.' PENNINGTON. 'He + should give over playing young parts.' JOHNSON. 'He does not take them + now; but he does not leave off those which he has been used to play, + because he does them better than any one else can do them. If you had + generations of actors, if they swarmed like bees, the young ones might + drive off the old. Mrs. Cibber<a href="#note-398">[398]</a>, I think, got more reputation than + she deserved, as she had a great sameness; though her expression was + undoubtedly very fine. Mrs. Clive<a href="#note-399">[399]</a> was the best player I ever saw. + Mrs. Prichard<a href="#note-400">[400]</a> was a very good one; but she had something affected + in her manner: I imagine she had some player of the former age in her + eye, which occasioned it.' Colonel Pennington said, Garrick sometimes + failed in emphasis<a href="#note-401">[401]</a>; as for instance, in <i>Hamlet</i>, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'I will speak <i>daggers</i> to her; but use <i>none</i><a href="#note-402">[402]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + instead of +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'I will <i>speak</i> daggers to her; but <i>use</i> none.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + We had a dinner of two complete courses, variety of wines, and the + regimental band of musick playing in the square, before the windows, + after it. I enjoyed this day much. We were quite easy and cheerful. Dr. + Johnson said, 'I shall always remember this fort with gratitude.' I + could not help being struck with some admiration, at finding upon this + barren sandy point, such buildings,—such a dinner,—such company: it + was like enchantment. Dr. Johnson, on the other hand, said to me more + rationally, that 'it did not strike <i>him</i> as any thing extraordinary; + because he knew, here was a large sum of money expended in building a + fort; here was a regiment. If there had been less than what we found, it + would have surprised him.' <i>He</i> looked coolly and deliberately through + all the gradations: my warm imagination jumped from the barren sands to + the splendid dinner and brilliant company, to borrow the expression of + an absurd poet, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Without ands or ifs, + I leapt from off the sands upon the cliffs.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + The whole scene gave me a strong impression of the power and excellence + of human art. +</p> +<p> + We left the fort between six and seven o'clock: Sir Eyre Coote, Colonel + Pennington, and several more accompanied us down stairs, and saw us into + our chaise. There could not be greater attention paid to any visitors. + Sir Eyre spoke of the hardships which Dr. Johnson had before him. + BOSWELL. 'Considering what he has said of us, we must make him feel + something rough in Scotland.' Sir Eyre said to him, 'You must change + your name, Sir.' BOSWELL. 'Ay, to Dr. M'Gregor<a href="#note-403">[403]</a>.' We got safely to + Inverness, and put up at Mackenzie's inn. Mr. Keith, the collector of + Excise here, my old acquaintance at Ayr, who had seen us at the Fort, + visited us in the evening, and engaged us to dine with him next day, + promising to breakfast with us, and take us to the English chapel; so + that we were at once commodiously arranged. +</p> +<p> + Not finding a letter here that I expected, I felt a momentary impatience + to be at home. Transient clouds darkened my imagination, and in those + clouds I saw events from which I shrunk; but a sentence or two of the + <i>Rambler's</i> conversation gave me firmness, and I considered that I was + upon an expedition for which I had wished for years, and the + recollection of which would be a treasure to me for life. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_22"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, AUGUST 29. +</h2> +<p> + Mr. Keith breakfasted with us. Dr. Johnson expatiated rather too + strongly upon the benefits derived to Scotland from the Union<a href="#note-404">[404]</a>, and + the bad state of our people before it. I am entertained with his copious + exaggeration upon that subject; but I am uneasy when people are by, who + do not know him as well as I do, and may be apt to think him + narrow-minded<a href="#note-405">[405]</a>. I therefore diverted the subject. +</p> +<p> + The English chapel, to which we went this morning, was but mean. The + altar was a bare fir table, with a coarse stool for kneeling on, covered + with a piece of thick sail-cloth doubled, by way of cushion. The + congregation was small. Mr. Tait, the clergyman, read prayers very well, + though with much of the Scotch accent. He preached on '<i>Love your + Enemies</i><a href="#note-406">[406]</a>.' It was remarkable that, when talking of the connections + amongst men, he said, that some connected themselves with men of + distinguished talents, and since they could not equal them, tried to + deck themselves with their merit, by being their companions. The + sentence was to this purpose. It had an odd coincidence with what might + be said of my connecting myself with Dr. Johnson<a href="#note-407">[407]</a>. +</p> +<p> + After church we walked down to the Quay. We then went to Macbeth's + castle<a href="#note-408">[408]</a>. I had a romantick satisfaction in seeing Dr. Johnson + actually in it. It perfectly corresponds with Shakspear's description, + which Sir Joshua Reynolds has so happily illustrated, in one of his + notes on our immortal poet<a href="#note-409">[409]</a>: +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'This castle hath a pleasant seat: the air + Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself + Unto our gentle sense,' &c.<a href="#note-410">[410]</a> +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Just as we came out of it, a raven perched on one of the chimney-tops, + and croaked. Then I repeated +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + '——The raven himself is hoarse, + That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan + Under my battlements<a href="#note-411">[411]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + We dined at Mr. Keith's. Mrs. Keith was rather too attentive to Dr. + Johnson, asking him many questions about his drinking only water. He + repressed that observation, by saying to me, 'You may remember that Lady + Errol took no notice of this.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson has the happy art (for which I have heard my father praise + the old Earl of Aberdeen) of instructing himself, by making every man he + meets tell him something of what he knows best. He led Keith to talk to + him of the Excise in Scotland, and, in the course of conversation, + mentioned that his friend Mr. Thrale, the great brewer, paid twenty + thousand pounds a year to the revenue; and that he had four casks, each + of which holds sixteen hundred barrels,—above a thousand hogsheads. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> +After this there was little conversation that deserves to be remembered. +I shall therefore here again glean what I have omitted on former days. +Dr. Gerrard, at Aberdeen, told us, that when he was in Wales, he was +shewn a valley inhabited by Danes, who still retain their own language, +and are quite a distinct people. Dr. Johnson thought it could not be +true, or all the kingdom must have heard of it. He said to me, as we +travelled, 'these people, Sir, that Gerrard talks of, may have somewhat +of a <i>peregrinity</i> in their dialect, which relation has augmented to a +different language.' I asked him if <i>peregrinity</i> was an English word: +he laughed, and said, 'No.' I told him this was the second time that I +had heard him coin a word<a href="#note-412">[412]</a>. When Foote broke his leg, I observed +that it would make him fitter for taking off George Faulkner as Peter +Paragraph<a href="#note-413">[413]</a>, poor George having a wooden leg. Dr. Johnson at that +time said, 'George will rejoice at the <i>depeditation</i> of Foote;' and +when I challenged that word, laughed, and owned he had made it, and +added that he had not made above three or four in his <i>Dictionary</i><a href="#note-414">[414]</a>. + Having conducted Dr. Johnson to our inn, I begged permission to leave +him for a little, that I might run about and pay some short visits to +several good people of Inverness. He said to me 'You have all the +old-fashioned principles, good and bad' I acknowledge I have. That of +attention to relations in the remotest degree, or to worthy persons, in +every state whom I have once known, I inherit from my father. It gave me +much satisfaction to hear every body at Inverness speak of him with +uncommon regard. Mr. Keith and Mr. Grant, whom we had seen at Mr. +M'Aulay's, supped with us at the inn. We had roasted kid, which Dr. +Johnson had never tasted before. He relished it much. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<a name="2H_4_23"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, AUGUST 30. +</h2> +<p> + This day we were to begin our <i>equitation,</i> as I said; for <i>I</i> would + needs make a word too. It is remarkable, that my noble, and to me most + constant friend, the Earl of Pembroke<a href="#note-415">[415]</a>, (who, if there is too much + ease on my part, will please to pardon what his benevolent, gay, social + intercourse, and lively correspondence have insensibly produced,) has + since hit upon the very same word. The title of the first edition of his + lordship's very useful book was, in simple terms, <i>A Method of breaking + Horses and teaching Soldiers to ride.</i> The title of the second edition + is, 'MILITARY EQUITATION<a href="#note-416">[416]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We might have taken a chaise to Fort Augustus, but, had we not hired + horses at Inverness, we should not have found them afterwards: so we + resolved to begin here to ride. We had three horses, for Dr. Johnson, + myself, and Joseph, and one which carried our portmanteaus, and two + Highlanders who walked along with us, John Hay and Lauchland Vass, whom + Dr. Johnson has remembered with credit in his JOURNEY<a href="#note-417">[417]</a>, though he + has omitted their names. Dr. Johnson rode very well. About three miles + beyond Inverness, we saw, just by the road, a very complete specimen of + what is called a Druid's temple. There was a double circle, one of very + large, the other of smaller stones. Dr. Johnson justly observed, that + 'to go and see one druidical temple is only to see that it is nothing, + for there is neither art nor power in it; and seeing one is + quite enough.' +</p> +<p> + It was a delightful day. Lochness, and the road upon the side of it, + shaded with birch trees, and the hills above it, pleased us much. The + scene was as sequestered and agreeably wild as could be desired, and for + a time engrossed all our attention<a href="#note-418">[418]</a>. +</p> +<p> + To see Dr. Johnson in any new situation is always an interesting object + to me; and, as I saw him now for the first time on horseback, jaunting + about at his ease in quest of pleasure and novelty, the very different + occupations of his former laborious life, his admirable productions, his + <i>London</i>, his <i>Rambler</i>, &c. &c., immediately presented themselves to my + mind, and the contrast made a strong impression on my imagination. +</p> +<p> + When we had advanced a good way by the side of Lochness, I perceived a + little hut, with an old-looking woman at the door of it. I thought here + might be a scene that would amuse Dr. Johnson; so I mentioned it to him. + 'Let's go in,' said he. We dismounted, and we and our guides entered the + hut. It was a wretched little hovel of earth only, I think, and for a + window had only a small hole, which was stopped with a piece of turf, + that was taken out occasionally to let in light. In the middle of the + room or space which we entered, was a fire of peat, the smoke going out + at a hole in the roof. She had a pot upon it, with goat's flesh, + boiling. There was at one end under the same roof, but divided by a kind + of partition made of wattles, a pen or fold in which we saw a good + many kids. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson was curious to know where she slept. I asked one of the + guides, who questioned her in Erse. She answered with a tone of emotion, + saying, (as he told us,) she was afraid we wanted to go to bed to her. + This <i>coquetry</i>, or whatever it may be called, of so wretched a being, + was truly ludicrous. Dr. Johnson and I afterwards were merry upon it. I + said it was he who alarmed the poor woman's virtue. 'No, Sir, (said he,) + she'll say "there came a wicked young fellow, a wild dog, who I believe + would have ravished me, had there not been with him a grave old + gentleman, who repressed him: but when he gets out of the sight of his + tutor, I'll warrant you he'll spare no woman he meets, young or old."' + 'No, Sir, (I replied,) she'll say, "There was a terrible ruffian who + would have forced me, had it not been for a civil decent young man who, + I take it, was an angel sent from heaven to protect me."' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson would not hurt her delicacy, by insisting on 'seeing her + bed-chamber,' like <i>Archer</i> in the <i>Beaux Stratagem</i><a href="#note-419">[419]</a>. But my + curiosity was more ardent; I lighted a piece of paper, and went into the + place where the bed was. There was a little partition of wicker, rather + more neatly done than that for the fold, and close by the wall was a + kind of bedstead of wood with heath upon it by way of bed! at the foot + of which I saw some sort of blankets or covering rolled up in a heap. + The woman's name was Fraser; so was her husband's. He was a man of + eighty. Mr. Fraser of Balnain allows him to live in this hut, and keep + sixty goats, for taking care of his woods, where he then was. They had + five children, the eldest only thirteen. Two were gone to Inverness to + buy meal<a href="#note-420">[420]</a>; the rest were looking after the goats. This contented + family had four stacks of barley, twenty-four sheaves in each. They had + a few fowls. We were informed that they lived all the spring without + meal, upon milk and curds and whey alone. What they get for their goats, + kids, and fowls, maintains them during the rest of the year. She asked + us to sit down and take a dram. I saw one chair. She said she was as + happy as any woman in Scotland. She could hardly speak any English + except a few detached words. Dr. Johnson was pleased at seeing, for the + first time, such a state of human life. She asked for snuff. It is her + luxury, and she uses a great deal. We had none; but gave her sixpence a + piece. She then brought out her whiskey bottle. I tasted it; as did + Joseph and our guides, so I gave her sixpence more. She sent us away + with many prayers in Erse. +</p> +<p> + We dined at a publick house called the General's Hut<a href="#note-421">[421]</a>, from General + Wade, who was lodged there when he commanded in the North. Near it is + the meanest parish <i>Kirk</i> I ever saw. It is a shame it should be on a + high road. After dinner, we passed through a good deal of mountainous + country. I had known Mr. Trapaud, the deputy governour of Fort Augustus, + twelve years ago, at a circuit at Inverness, where my father was judge. + I sent forward one of our guides, and Joseph, with a card to him, that + he might know Dr. Johnson and I were coming up, leaving it to him to + invite us or not<a href="#note-422">[422]</a>. It was dark when we arrived. The inn was + wretched. Government ought to build one, or give the resident governour + an additional salary; as in the present state of things, he must + necessarily be put to a great expence in entertaining travellers. Joseph + announced to us, when we alighted, that the governour waited for us at + the gate of the fort. We walked to it. He met us, and with much civility + conducted us to his house. It was comfortable to find ourselves in a + well-built little square, and a neatly furnished house, in good company, + and with a good supper before us; in short, with all the conveniences of + civilised life in the midst of rude mountains. Mrs. Trapaud, and the + governour's daughter, and her husband, Captain Newmarsh, were all most + obliging and polite. The governour had excellent animal spirits, the + conversation of a soldier, and somewhat of a Frenchman, to which his + extraction entitles him. He is brother to General Cyrus Trapaud. We + passed a very agreeable evening.<a href="#note-423">[423]</a> +</p> +<a name="2H_4_24"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, AUGUST 31. +</h2> +<p> + The governour has a very good garden. We looked at it, and at the rest + of the fort, which is but small, and may be commanded from a variety of + hills around. We also looked at the galley or sloop belonging to the + fort, which sails upon the Loch, and brings what is wanted for the + garrison. Captains Urie and Darippe, of the 15th regiment of foot, + breakfasted with us. They had served in America, and entertained Dr. + Johnson much with an account of the Indians.<a href="#note-424">[424]</a> He said, he could make + a very pretty book out of them, were he to stay there. Governour Trapaud + was much struck with Dr. Johnson. 'I like to hear him, (said he,) it is + so majestick. I should be glad to hear him speak in your court.' He + pressed us to stay dinner; but I considered that we had a rude road + before us, which we could more easily encounter in the morning, and that + it was hard to say when we might get up, were we to sit down to good + entertainment, in good company: I therefore begged the governour would + excuse us. Here too, I had another very pleasing proof how much my + father is regarded. The governour expressed the highest respect for him, + and bade me tell him, that, if he would come that way on the Northern + circuit, he would do him all the honours of the garrison. +</p> +<p> + Between twelve and one we set out, and travelled eleven miles, through a + wild country, till we came to a house in Glenmorison, called <i>Anoch</i>, + kept by a McQueen<a href="#note-425">[425]</a>. Our landlord was a sensible fellow; he had + learned his grammar<a href="#note-426">[426]</a>, and Dr. Johnson justly observed, that 'a man + is the better for that as long as he lives.' There were some books here: + <i>a Treatise against Drunkenness</i>, translated from the French; a volume + of <i>The Spectator</i>; a volume of <i>Prideaux's Connection</i>, and <i>Cyrus's + Travels</i><a href="#note-427">[427]</a>. McQueen said he had more volumes; and his pride seemed to + be much piqued that we were surprised at his having books. +</p> +<p> + Near to this place we had passed a party of soldiers, under a serjeant's + command, at work upon the road. We gave them two shillings to drink. + They came to our inn, and made merry in the barn. We went and paid them + a visit, Dr. Johnson saying, 'Come, let's go and give 'em another + shilling a-piece.' We did so; and he was saluted 'MY LORD' by all of + them. He is really generous, loves influence, and has the way of gaining + it. He said, 'I am quite feudal, Sir.' Here I agree with him. I said, I + regretted I was not the head of a clan; however, though not possessed of + such an hereditary advantage, I would always endeavour to make my + tenants follow me. I could not be a <i>patriarchal</i> chief, but I would be + a <i>feudal</i> chief. +</p> +<p> + The poor soldiers got too much liquor. Some of them fought, and left + blood upon the spot, and cursed whiskey next morning. The house here was + built of thick turfs, and thatched with thinner turfs and heath. It had + three rooms in length, and a little room which projected. Where we sat, + the side-walls were <i>wainscotted</i>, as Dr. Johnson said, with wicker, + very neatly plaited. Our landlord had made the whole with his own hands. +</p> +<p> + After dinner, McQueen sat by us a while, and talked with us. He said, + all the Laird of Glenmorison's people would bleed for him if they were + well used; but that seventy men had gone out of the Glen to America. + That he himself intended to go next year; for that the rent of his farm, + which twenty years ago was only five pounds, was now raised to twenty + pounds. That he could pay ten pounds and live; but no more.<a href="#note-428">[428]</a> Dr. + Johnson said, he wished M'Queen laird of Glenmorison, and the laird to + go to America. M'Queen very generously answered, he should be sorry for + it; for the laird could not shift for himself in America as he could do. +</p> +<p> + I talked of the officers whom we had left to-day; how much service they + had seen, and how little they got for it, even of fame. JOHNSON. 'Sir, a + soldier gets as little as any man can get.' BOSWELL. 'Goldsmith has + acquired more fame than all the officers last war, who were not + Generals.'<a href="#note-429">[429]</a> JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, you will find ten thousand fit to do + what they did, before you find one who does what Goldsmith has done. You + must consider, that a thing is valued according to its rarity. A pebble + that paves the street is in itself more useful than the diamond upon a + lady's finger.' I wish our friend Goldsmith had heard this.<a href="#note-430">[430]</a> +</p> +<p> + I yesterday expressed my wonder that John Hay, one of our guides, who + had been pressed aboard a man of war, did not choose to continue in it + longer than nine months, after which time he got off. JOHNSON. 'Why, + Sir, no man will be a sailor, who has contrivance enough to get himself + into a jail; for, being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of + being drowned.'<a href="#note-431">[431]</a> We had tea in the afternoon, and our landlord's + daughter, a modest civil girl, very neatly drest, made it for us. She + told us, she had been a year at Inverness, and learnt reading and + writing, sewing, knotting<a href="#note-432">[432]</a>, working lace, and pastry. Dr. Johnson + made her a present of a book which he had bought at Inverness<a href="#note-433">[433]</a>. +</p> +<p> + The room had some deals laid across the joists, as a kind of ceiling. + There were two beds in the room, and a woman's gown was hung on a rope + to make a curtain of separation between them. Joseph had sheets, which + my wife had sent with us, laid on them. We had much hesitation, whether + to undress, or lie down with our clothes on. I said at last, 'I'll + plunge in! There will be less harbour for vermin about me, when I am + stripped!' Dr. Johnson said, he was like one hesitating whether to go + into the cold bath. At last he resolved too. I observed he might serve a + campaign. JOHNSON. 'I could do all that can be done by patience: whether + I should have strength enough, I know not.' He was in excellent humour. + To see the Rambler as I saw him to-night, was really an amusement. I + yesterday told him, I was thinking of writing a poetical letter to him, + <i>on his return from Scotland</i>, in the style of Swift's humorous epistle + in the character of Mary Gulliver to her husband, Captain Lemuel + Gulliver, on his return to England from the country of the HOUYHNHUMS:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'At early morn I to the market haste, + Studious in ev'ry thing to please thy taste. + A curious <i>fowl</i> and <i>sparagrass</i> I chose; + (For I remember you were fond of those:) + Three shillings cost the first, the last sev'n groats; + Sullen you turn from both, and call for OATS<a href="#note-434">[434]</a>:' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + He laughed, and asked in whose name I would write it. I said, in Mrs. + Thrale's. He was angry. 'Sir, if you have any sense of decency or + delicacy, you won't do that!' BOSWELL. 'Then let it be in Cole's, the + landlord of the <i>Mitre tavern</i>; where we have so often sat together.' + JOHNSON. 'Ay, that may do.' +</p> +<p> + After we had offered up our private devotions, and had chatted a little + from our beds, Dr. Johnson said, 'GOD bless us both, for Jesus Christ's + sake! Good night!' I pronounced 'Amen.' He fell asleep immediately. I + was not so fortunate for a long time. I fancied myself bit by + innumerable vermin under the clothes; and that a spider was travelling + from the <i>wainscot</i> towards my mouth. At last I fell into insensibility. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_25"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1. +</h2> +<p> + I awaked very early. I began to imagine that the landlord, being about + to emigrate, might murder us to get our money, and lay it upon the + soldiers in the barn. Such groundless fears will arise in the mind, + before it has resumed its vigour after sleep! Dr. Johnson had had the + same kind of ideas; for he told me afterwards, that he considered so + many soldiers, having seen us, would be witnesses, should any harm be + done, and that circumstance, I suppose, he considered as a + security.<a href="#note-435">[435]</a> When I got up, I found him sound asleep in his miserable + <i>stye</i>, as I may call it, with a coloured handkerchief tied round his + head. With difficulty could I awaken him. It reminded me of Henry the + Fourth's fine soliloquy on sleep; for there was here as <i>uneasy a + pallet</i><a href="#note-436">[436]</a> as the poet's imagination could possibly conceive. +</p> +<p> + A <i>red coat</i> of the 15th regiment, whether officer, or only serjeant, I + could not be sure, came to the house, in his way to the mountains to + shoot deer, which it seems the Laird of Glenmorison does not hinder any + body to do. Few, indeed, can do them harm. We had him to breakfast with + us. We got away about eight. M'Queen walked some miles to give us a + convoy. He had, in 1745, joined the Highland army at Fort Augustus, and + continued in it till after the battle of Culloden. As he narrated the + particulars of that ill-advised, but brave attempt, I could not refrain + from tears. There is a certain association of ideas in my mind upon that + subject, by which I am strongly affected. The very Highland names, or + the sound of a bagpipe, will stir my blood, and fill me with a mixture + of melancholy and respect for courage; with pity for an unfortunate and + superstitious regard for antiquity, and thoughtless inclination for war; + in short, with a crowd of sensations with which sober rationality has + nothing to do. +</p> +<p> + We passed through Glensheal, with prodigious mountains on each side. We + saw where the battle was fought in the year 1719.<a href="#note-437">[437]</a> Dr. Johnson + owned he was now in a scene of as wild nature as he could see; but he + corrected me sometimes in my inaccurate observations. 'There, (said I,) + is a mountain like a cone.' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir. It would be called so in + a book; and when a man comes to look at it, he sees it is not so. It is + indeed pointed at the top; but one side of it is larger than the + other<a href="#note-438">[438]</a>.' Another mountain I called immense. JOHNSON. 'No; it is no + more than a considerable protuberance.' +</p> +<p> + We came to a rich green valley, comparatively speaking, and stopped a + while to let our horses rest and eat grass<a href="#note-439">[439]</a>. We soon afterwards came + to Auchnasheal, a kind of rural village, a number of cottages being + built together, as we saw all along in the Highlands. We passed many + miles this day without seeing a house, but only little summer-huts, + called <i>shielings</i>. Evan Campbell, servant to Mr. Murchison, factor to + the Laird of Macleod in Glenelg, ran along with us to-day. He was a + very obliging fellow. At Auchnasheal, we sat down on a green turf seat + at the end of a house; they brought us out two wooden dishes of milk, + which we tasted. One of them was frothed like a syllabub. I saw a woman + preparing it with such a stick as is used for chocolate, and in the same + manner. We had a considerable circle about us, men, women, and children, + all M'Craas, Lord Seaforth's people. Not one of them could speak + English. I observed to Dr. Johnson, it was much the same as being with a + tribe of Indians. JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir; but not so terrifying<a href="#note-440">[440]</a>.' I + gave all who chose it, snuff and tobacco. Governour Trapaud had made us + buy a quantity at Fort Augustus, and put them up in small parcels. I + also gave each person a bit of wheat bread, which they had never tasted + before. I then gave a penny apiece to each child. I told Dr. Johnson of + this; upon which he called to Joseph and our guides, for change for a + shilling, and declared that he would distribute among the children. Upon + this being announced in Erse, there was a great stir; not only did some + children come running down from neighbouring huts, but I observed one + black-haired man, who had been with us all along, had gone off, and + returned, bringing a very young child. My fellow traveller then ordered + the children to be drawn up in a row; and he dealt about his copper, and + made them and their parents all happy. The poor M'Craas, whatever may be + their present state, were of considerable estimation in the year 1715, + when there was a line in a song, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'And aw the brave M'Craas are coming<a href="#note-441">[441]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + There was great diversity in the faces of the circle around us: some + were as black and wild in their appearance as any American savages + whatever. One woman was as comely almost as the figure of Sappho, as we + see it painted. We asked the old woman, the mistress of the house where + we had the milk, (which by the bye, Dr. Johnson told me, for I did not + observe it myself, was built not of turf, but of stone,) what we should + pay. She said, what we pleased. One of our guides asked her in Erse, if + a shilling was enough. She said, 'yes.' But some of the men bade her ask + more<a href="#note-442">[442]</a>. This vexed me; because it shewed a desire to impose upon + strangers, as they knew that even a shilling was high payment. The + woman, however, honestly persisted in her first price; so I gave her + half a crown. Thus we had one good scene of life uncommon to us. The + people were very much pleased, gave us many blessings, and said they had + not had such a day since the old Laird of Macleod's time. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson was much refreshed by this repast. He was pleased when I + told him he would make a good Chief. He said, 'Were I a chief, I would + dress my servants better than myself, and knock a fellow down if he + looked saucy to a Macdonald in rags: but I would not treat men as + brutes. I would let them know why all of my clan were to have attention + paid to them. I would tell my upper servants why, and make them tell the + others.' We rode on well<a href="#note-443">[443]</a>, till we came to the high mountain + called the Rattakin, by which time both Dr. Johnson and the horses were + a good deal fatigued. It is a terrible steep to climb, notwithstanding + the road is formed slanting along it; however, we made it out. On the + top of it we met Captain M'Leod of Balmenoch (a Dutch officer who had + come from Sky) riding with his sword slung across him. He asked, 'Is + this Mr. Boswell?' which was a proof that we were expected. Going down + the hill on the other side was no easy task. As Dr. Johnson was a great + weight, the two guides agreed that he should ride the horses + alternately. Hay's were the two best, and the Doctor would not ride but + upon one or other of them, a black or a brown. But as Hay complained + much after ascending the <i>Rattakin</i>, the Doctor was prevailed with to + mount one of Vass's greys. As he rode upon it down hill, it did not go + well; and he grumbled. I walked on a little before, but was excessively + entertained with the method taken to keep him in good humour. Hay led + the horse's head, talking to Dr. Johnson as much as he could; and + (having heard him, in the forenoon, express a pastoral pleasure on + seeing the goats browzing) just when the Doctor was uttering his + displeasure, the fellow cried, with a very Highland accent, 'See, such + pretty goats!' Then he whistled, <i>whu!</i> and made them jump. Little did + he conceive what Dr. Johnson was. Here now was a common ignorant + Highland clown, imagining that he could divert, as one does a + child,—<i>Dr. Samuel Johnson!</i> The ludicrousness, absurdity, and + extraordinary contrast between what the fellow fancied, and the reality, + was truly comick. +</p> +<p> + It grew dusky; and we had a very tedious ride for what was called five + miles; but I am sure would measure ten. We had no conversation. I was + riding forward to the inn at Glenelg, on the shore opposite to Sky, that + I might take proper measures, before Dr. Johnson, who was now advancing + in dreary silence, Hay leading his horse, should arrive. Vass also + walked by the side of his horse, and Joseph followed behind: as + therefore he was thus attended, and seemed to be in deep meditation, I + thought there could be no harm in leaving him for a little while. He + called me back with a tremendous shout, and was really in a passion with + me for leaving him. I told him my intentions, but he was not satisfied, + and said, 'Do you know, I should as soon have thought of picking a + pocket, as doing so?' BOSWELL. 'I am diverted with you, Sir.' JOHNSON. + 'Sir, I could never be diverted with incivility. Doing such a thing, + makes one lose confidence in him who has done it, as one cannot tell + what he may do next.' His extraordinary warmth confounded me so much, + that I justified myself but lamely to him; yet my intentions were not + improper. I wished to get on, to see how we were to be lodged, and how + we were to get a boat; all which I thought I could best settle myself, + without his having any trouble. To apply his great mind to minute + particulars, is wrong: it is like taking an immense balance, such as is + kept on quays for weighing cargoes of ships,—to weigh a guinea. I knew + I had neat little scales, which would do better; and that his attention + to every thing which falls in his way, and his uncommon desire to be + always in the right, would make him weigh, if he knew of the + particulars: it was right therefore for me to weigh them, and let him + have them only in effect. I however continued to ride by him, finding he + wished I should do so. +</p> +<p> + As we passed the barracks at Bernéra, I looked at them wishfully, as + soldiers have always every thing in the best order: but there was only a + serjeant and a few men there. We came on to the inn at Glenelg. There + was no provender for our horses; so they were sent to grass, with a man + to watch them. A maid shewed us up stairs into a room damp and dirty, + with bare walls, a variety of bad smells, a coarse black greasy fir + table, and forms of the same kind; and out of a wretched bed started a + fellow from his sleep, like Edgar in <i>King Lear</i><a href="#note-444">[444]</a>, '<i>Poor Tom's a + cold</i><a href="#note-445">[445]</a>.' This inn was furnished with not a single article that we + could either eat or drink<a href="#note-446">[446]</a>; but Mr. Murchison, factor to the Laird + of Macleod in Glenelg, sent us a bottle of rum and some sugar, with a + polite message, to acquaint us, that he was very sorry that he did not + hear of us till we had passed his house, otherwise he should have + insisted on our sleeping there that night; and that, if he were not + obliged to set out for Inverness early next morning, he would have + waited upon us. Such extraordinary attention from this gentleman, to + entire strangers, deserves the most honourable commemoration. +</p> +<p> + Our bad accommodation here made me uneasy, and almost fretful. Dr. + Johnson was calm. I said, he was so from vanity. JOHNSON. 'No, Sir, it + is from philosophy.' It pleased me to see that the <i>Rambler</i> could + practise so well his own lessons. +</p> +<p> + I resumed the subject of my leaving him on the road, and endeavoured to + defend it better. He was still violent upon that head, and said, 'Sir, + had you gone on, I was thinking that I should have returned with you to + Edinburgh, and then have parted from you, and never spoken to you more.' +</p> +<p> + I sent for fresh hay, with which we made beds for ourselves, each in a + room equally miserable. Like Wolfe, we had a 'choice of + difficulties<a href="#note-447">[447]</a>'. Dr. Johnson made things easier by comparison. At + M'Queen's, last night, he observed that few were so well lodged in a + ship. To-night he said, we were better than if we had been upon the + hill. He lay down buttoned up in his great coat. I had my sheets spread + on the hay, and my clothes and great coat laid over me, by way + of blankets. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_26"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2. +</h2> +<p> + I had slept ill. Dr. Johnson's anger had affected me much. I considered + that, without any bad intention, I might suddenly forfeit his + friendship; and was impatient to see him this morning. I told him how + uneasy he had made me, by what he had said, and reminded him of his own + remark at Aberdeen, upon old friendships being hastily broken off. He + owned he had spoken to me in passion; that he would not have done what + he threatened; and that, if he had, he should have been ten times worse + than I; that forming intimacies, would indeed be 'limning the + water<a href="#note-448">[448]</a>,' were they liable to such sudden dissolution; and he added, + 'Let's think no more on't.' BOSWELL. 'Well then, Sir, I shall be easy. + Remember, I am to have fair warning in case of any quarrel. You are + never to spring a mine upon me. It was absurd in me to believe you.' + JOHNSON. 'You deserved about as much, as to believe me from night + to morning.' +</p> +<p> + After breakfast, we got into a boat for Sky. It rained much when we set + off, but cleared up as we advanced. One of the boatmen, who spoke + English, said, that a mile at land was two miles at sea. I then + observed, that from Glenelg to Armidale in Sky, which was our present + course, and is called twelve, was only six miles: but this he could not + understand. 'Well, (said Dr. Johnson,) never talk to me of the native + good sense of the Highlanders. Here is a fellow who calls one mile two, + and yet cannot comprehend that twelve such imaginary miles make in + truth but six.' +</p> +<p> + We reached the shore of Armidale before one o'clock. Sir Alexander + M'Donald came down to receive us. He and his lady, (formerly Miss + Bosville of Yorkshire<a href="#note-449">[449]</a>,) were then in a house built by a tenant at + this place, which is in the district of Slate, the family mansion here + having been burned in Sir Donald Macdonald's time. The most ancient + seat of the chief of the Macdonalds in the isle of Sky was at Duntulm, + where there are the remains of a stately castle. The principal residence + of the family is now at Mugstot, at which there is a considerable + building. Sir Alexander and Lady Macdonald had come to Armidale in their + way to Edinburgh, where it was necessary for them to be soon after this + time. Armidale is situated on a pretty bay of the narrow sea, which + flows between the main land of Scotland and the Isle of Sky. In front + there is a grand prospect of the rude mountains of Moidart and + Knoidart<a href="#note-451">[451]</a>. Behind are hills gently rising and covered with a finer + verdure than I expected to see in this climate, and the scene is + enlivened by a number of little clear brooks. +</p> +<p> + Sir Alexander Macdonald having been an Eton scholar<a href="#note-452">[452]</a>, and being a + gentleman of talents, Dr. Johnson had been very well pleased with him in + London<a href="#note-453">[453]</a>. But my fellow-traveller and I were now full of the old + Highland spirit, and were dissatisfied at hearing of racked rents and + emigration, and finding a chief not surrounded by his clan. Dr. Johnson + said, 'Sir, the Highland chiefs should not be allowed to go farther + south than Aberdeen. A strong-minded man, like Sir James Macdonald<a href="#note-454">[454]</a>, + may be improved by an English education; but in general, they will be + tamed into insignificance.' +</p> +<p> + We found here Mr. Janes of Aberdeenshire, a naturalist. Janes said he + had been at Dr. Johnson's in London, with Ferguson the astronomer<a href="#note-455">[455]</a>. + JOHNSON. 'It is strange that, in such distant places, I should meet with + any one who knows me. I should have thought I might hide myself in Sky.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_27"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3. +</h2> +<p> + This day proving wet, we should have passed our time very uncomfortably, + had we not found in the house two chests of books, which we eagerly + ransacked. After dinner, when I alone was left at table with the few + Highland gentlemen who were of the company, having talked with very high + respect of Sir James Macdonald, they were all so much affected as to + shed tears. One of them was Mr. Donald Macdonald, who had been + lieutenant of grenadiers in the Highland regiment, raised by Colonel + Montgomery, now Earl of Eglintoune, in the war before last; one of those + regiments which the late Lord Chatham prided himself in having brought + from 'the mountains of the North<a href="#note-456">[456]</a>:' by doing which he contributed to + extinguish in the Highlands the remains of disaffection to the present + Royal Family. From this gentleman's conversation, I first learnt how + very popular his Colonel was among the Highlanders; of which I had such + continued proofs, during the whole course of my Tour, that on my return + I could not help telling the noble Earl himself, that I did not before + know how great a man he was. +</p> +<p> + We were advised by some persons here to visit Rasay, in our way to + Dunvegan, the seat of the Laird of Macleod. Being informed that the Rev. + Mr. Donald M'Queen was the most intelligent man in Sky, and having been + favoured with a letter of introduction to him, by the learned Sir James + Foulis, I sent it to him by an express, and requested he would meet us + at Rasay; and at the same time enclosed a letter to the Laird of + Macleod, informing him that we intended in a few days to have the honour + of waiting on him at Dunvegan. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson this day endeavoured to obtain some knowledge of the state + of the country; but complained that he could get no distinct information + about any thing, from those with whom he conversed<a href="#note-457">[457]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_28"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4. +</h2> +<p> + My endeavours to rouse the English-bred Chieftain<a href="#note-458">[458]</a>, in whose house + we were, to the feudal and patriarchal feelings, proving ineffectual, + Dr. Johnson this morning tried to bring him to our way of thinking. + JOHNSON. 'Were I in your place, Sir, in seven years I would make this an + independant island. I would roast oxen whole, and hang out a flag as a + signal to the Macdonalds to come and get beef and whiskey.' Sir + Alexander was still starting difficulties. JOHNSON. 'Nay, Sir; if you + are born to object, I have done with you. Sir, I would have a magazine + of arms.' SIR ALEXANDER. 'They would rust.' JOHNSON. 'Let there be men + to keep them clean. Your ancestors did not use to let their arms + rust<a href="#note-459">[459]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We attempted in vain to communicate to him a portion of our enthusiasm. + He bore with so polite a good nature our warm, and what some might call + Gothick, expostulations, on this subject, that I should not forgive + myself, were I to record all that Dr. Johnson's ardour led him to + say.—This day was little better than a blank. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_29"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. +</h2> +<p> + I walked to the parish church of Slate, which is a very poor one. There + are no church bells in the island. I was told there were once some; what + has become of them, I could not learn. The minister not being at home, + there was no service. I went into the church, and saw the monument of + Sir James Macdonald, which was elegantly executed at Rome, and has the + following inscription, written by his friend, George Lord Lyttelton:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + To the memory + Of SIR JAMES MACDONALD, BART. + Who in the flower of youth + Had attained to so eminent a degree of knowledge, + In Mathematics, Philosophy, Languages, + And in every other branch of useful and polite learning + As few have acquired in a long life + Wholly devoted to study: + Yet to this erudition he joined + What can rarely be found with it, + Great talents for business, + Great propriety of behaviour, + Great politeness of manners! + His eloquence was sweet, correct, and flowing; + His memory vast and exact; + His judgement strong and acute; + All which endowments, united + With the most amiable temper + And every private virtue, + Procured him, not only in his own country, + But also from foreign nations<a href="#note-460">[460]</a>, + The highest marks of esteem. + In the year of our Lord 1766, + The 25th of his life, + After a long and extremely painful illness, + Which he supported with admirable patience and fortitude, + He died at Rome, + Where, notwithstanding the difference of religion, + Such extraordinary honours were paid to his memory, + As had never graced that of any other British Subject, + Since the death of Sir Philip Sidney. + The fame he left behind him is the best consolation + To his afflicted family, + And to his countrymen in this isle, + For whose benefit he had planned + Many useful improvements, + Which his fruitful genius suggested, + And his active spirit promoted, + Under the sober direction + Of a clear and enlightened understanding. + Reader, bewail our loss, + And that of all Britain. + In testimony of her love, + And as the best return she can make + To her departed son, + For the constant tenderness and affection + Which, even to his last moments, + He shewed for her, + His much afflicted mother, + The LADY MARGARET MACDONALD, + Daughter to the EARL of EGLINTOUNE, + Erected this Monument, + A.D. 1768<a href="#note-461">[461]</a>' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Dr. Johnson said, the inscription should have been in Latin, as every + thing intended to be universal and permanent should be<a href="#note-462">[462]</a>. +</p> +<p> + This being a beautiful day, my spirits were cheered by the mere effect + of climate. I had felt a return of spleen during my stay at Armidale, + and had it not been that I had Dr. Johnson to contemplate, I should have + sunk into dejection; but his firmness supported me. I looked at him, as + a man whose head is turning giddy at sea looks at a rock, or any fixed + object. I wondered at his tranquillity. He said, 'Sir, when a man + retires into an island, he is to turn his thoughts entirely to another + world. He has done with this.' BOSWELL. 'It appears to me, Sir, to be + very difficult to unite a due attention to this world, and that which is + to come; for, if we engage eagerly in the affairs of life, we are apt to + be totally forgetful of a future state; and, on the other hand, a steady + contemplation of the awful concerns of eternity renders all objects here + so insignificant, as to make us indifferent and negligent about them.' + JOHNSON. 'Sir, Dr. Cheyne has laid down a rule to himself on this + subject, which should be imprinted on every mind:—"<i>To neglect nothing + to secure my eternal peace, more than if I had been certified I should + die within the day: nor to mind any thing that my secular obligations + and duties demanded of me, less than if I had been ensured to live fifty + years more<a href="#note-463">[463]</a></i>."' +</p> +<p> + I must here observe, that though Dr. Johnson appeared now to be + philosophically calm, yet his genius did not shine forth as in + companies, where I have listened to him with admiration. The vigour of + his mind was, however, sufficiently manifested, by his discovering no + symptoms of feeble relaxation in the dull, 'weary, flat and + unprofitable<a href="#note-464">[464]</a>' state in which we now were placed. +</p> +<p> + I am inclined to think that it was on this day he composed the following + Ode upon the <i>Isle of Sky</i>, which a few days afterwards he shewed me + at Rasay:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + ODA, + + Ponti profundis clausa recessibus, + Strepens procellis, rupibus obsita, + Quam grata defesso virentem + Skia sinum nebulosa pandis. + + His cura, credo, sedibus exulat; + His blanda certe pax habitat locis: + Non ira, non moeror quietis + Insidias meditatur horis. + + At non cavata rupe latescere, + Menti nec aegrae montibus aviis + Prodest vagari, nec frementes + E scopulo numerare fluctus. + + Humana virtus non sibi sufficit, + Datur nec aequum cuique animum sibi + Parare posse, ut Stoicorum + Secta crepet nimis alta fallax. + + Exaestuantis pectoris impetum, + Rex summe, solus tu regis arbiter, + Mentisque, te tollente, surgunt, + Te recidunt moderante fluctus<a href="#note-465">[465]</a>. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + After supper, Dr. Johnson told us, that Isaac Hawkins Browne drank + freely for thirty years, and that he wrote his poem, <i>De Animi + Immortalitate</i>, in some of the last of these years<a href="#note-466">[466]</a>. I listened to + this with the eagerness of one who, conscious of being himself fond of + wine, is glad to hear that a man of so much genius and good thinking as + Browne had the same propensity<a href="#note-467">[467]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_30"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. +</h2> +<p> + We set out, accompanied by Mr. Donald M'Leod, (late of Canna) as our + guide. We rode for some time along the district of Slate, near the + shore. The houses in general are made of turf, covered with grass. The + country seemed well peopled. We came into the district of Strath, and + passed along a wild moorish tract of land till we arrived at the shore. + There we found good verdure, and some curious whin-rocks, or collections + of stones like the ruins of the foundations of old buildings. We saw + also three Cairns of considerable size. +</p> +<p> + About a mile beyond Broadfoot, is Corrichatachin, a farm of Sir + Alexander Macdonald's, possessed by Mr. M'Kinnon<a href="#note-468">[468]</a>, who received us + with a hearty welcome, as did his wife, who was what we call in Scotland + a <i>lady-like</i> woman. Mr. Pennant in the course of his tour to the + Hebrides, passed two nights at this gentleman's house. On its being + mentioned, that a present had here been made to him of a curious + specimen of Highland antiquity, Dr. Johnson said, 'Sir, it was more than + he deserved; the dog is a Whig<a href="#note-469">[469]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We here enjoyed the comfort of a table plentifully furnished<a href="#note-470">[470]</a>, the + satisfaction of which was heightened by a numerous and cheerful company; + and we for the first time had a specimen of the joyous social manners of + the inhabitants of the Highlands. They talked in their own ancient + language, with fluent vivacity, and sung many Erse songs with such + spirit, that, though Dr. Johnson was treated with the greatest respect + and attention, there were moments in which he seemed to be forgotten. + For myself, though but a <i>Lowlander</i>, having picked up a few words of + the language, I presumed to mingle in their mirth, and joined in the + choruses with as much glee as any of the company. Dr. Johnson being + fatigued with his journey, retired early to his chamber, where he + composed the following Ode, addressed to Mrs. Thrale<a href="#note-471">[471]</a>:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + ODA. + + Permeo terras, ubi nuda rupes + Saxeas miscet nebulis ruinas, + Torva ubi rident steriles coloni + Rura labores. + + Pervagor gentes, hominum ferorum + Vita ubi nullo decorata cultu + Squallet informis, tugurique fumis + Foeda latescit. + + Inter erroris salebrosa longi, + Inter ignotae strepitus loquelae, + Quot modis mecum, quid agat, requiro, + Thralia dulcis? + + Seu viri curas pia nupta mulcet, + Seu fovet mater sobolem benigna, + Sive cum libris novitate pascet + Sedula mentem; + + Sit memor nostri, fideique merces, + Stet fides constans, meritoque blandum + Thraliae discant resonare nomen + Littora Skiae. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Scriptum in Skiá, Sept. 6, 1773<a href="#note-472">[472]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_31"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7. +</h2> +<p> + Dr. Johnson was much pleased with his entertainment here. There were + many good books in the house: <i>Hector Boethius</i> in Latin; Cave's <i>Lives + of the Fathers</i>; Baker's <i>Chronicle</i>; Jeremy Collier's <i>Church History</i>; + Dr. Johnson's small <i>Dictionary</i>; Craufurd's <i>Officers of State</i>, and + several more<a href="#note-473">[473]</a>:—a mezzotinto of Mrs. Brooks the actress (by some + strange chance in Sky<a href="#note-474">[474]</a>), and also a print of Macdonald of + Clanranald<a href="#note-475">[475]</a>, with a Latin inscription about the cruelties after the + battle of Culloden, which will never be forgotten. +</p> +<p> + It was a very wet stormy day; we were therefore obliged to remain here, + it being impossible to cross the sea to Rasay. +</p> +<p> + I employed a part of the forenoon in writing this Journal. The rest of + it was somewhat dreary, from the gloominess of the weather, and the + uncertain state which we were in, as we could not tell but it might + clear up every hour. Nothing is more painful to the mind than a state of + suspence, especially when it depends upon the weather, concerning which + there can be so little calculation. As Dr. Johnson said of our weariness + on the Monday at Aberdeen, 'Sensation is sensation<a href="#note-476">[476]</a>:' + Corrichatachin, which was last night a hospitable house, was, in my + mind, changed to-day into a prison. After dinner I read some of Dr. + Macpherson's <i>Dissertations on the Ancient Caledonians</i><a href="#note-477">[477]</a>. I was + disgusted by the unsatisfactory conjectures as to antiquity, before the + days of record. I was happy when tea came. Such, I take it, is the state + of those who live in the country. Meals are wished for from the cravings + of vacuity of mind, as well as from the desire of eating. I was hurt to + find even such a temporary feebleness, and that I was so far from being + that robust wise man who is sufficient for his own happiness. I felt a + kind of lethargy of indolence. I did not exert myself to get Dr. Johnson + to talk, that I might not have the labour of writing down his + conversation. He enquired here if there were any remains of the second + sight<a href="#note-478">[478]</a>. Mr. M'Pherson, Minister of Slate, said, he was <i>resolved</i> + not to believe it, because it was founded on no principle<a href="#note-479">[479]</a>. JOHNSON. + 'There are many things then, which we are sure are true, that you will + not believe. What principle is there, why a loadstone attracts iron? why + an egg produces a chicken by heat? why a tree grows upwards, when the + natural tendency of all things is downwards? Sir, it depends upon the + degree of evidence that you have.' Young Mr. M'Kinnon mentioned one + M'Kenzie, who is still alive, who had often fainted in his presence, and + when he recovered, mentioned visions which had been presented to him. He + told Mr. M'Kinnon, that at such a place he should meet a funeral, and + that such and such people would be the bearers, naming four; and three + weeks afterwards he saw what M'Kenzie had predicted. The naming the very + spot in a country where a funeral comes a long way, and the very people + as bearers, when there are so many out of whom a choice may be made, + seems extraordinary. We should have sent for M'Kenzie, had we not been + informed that he could speak no English. Besides, the facts were not + related with sufficient accuracy. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. M'Kinnon, who is a daughter of old Kingsburgh, told us that her + father was one day riding in Sky, and some women, who were at work in a + field on the side of the road, said to him they had heard two <i>taiscks</i>, + (that is, two voices of persons about to die<a href="#note-480">[480]</a>,) and what was + remarkable, one of them was an <i>English taisck</i>, which they never heard + before. When he returned, he at that very place met two funerals, and + one of them was that of a woman who had come from the main land, and + could speak only English. This, she remarked, made a great impression + upon her father. +</p> +<p> + How all the people here were lodged, I know not. It was partly done by + separating man and wife, and putting a number of men in one room, and of + women in another. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_32"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8. +</h2> +<p> + When I waked, the rain was much heavier than yesterday; but the wind had + abated. By breakfast, the day was better, and in a little while it was + calm and clear. I felt my spirits much elated. The propriety of the + expression, '<i>the sunshine of the breast</i><a href="#note-481">[481]</a>,' now struck me with + peculiar force; for the brilliant rays penetrated into my very soul. We + were all in better humour than before. Mrs. M'Kinnon, with unaffected + hospitality and politeness, expressed her happiness in having such + company in her house, and appeared to understand and relish Dr. + Johnson's conversation, as indeed all the company seemed to do. When I + knew she was old Kingsburgh's daughter, I did not wonder at the good + appearance which she made. +</p> +<p> + She talked as if her husband and family would emigrate, rather than be + oppressed by their landlord; and said, 'how agreeable would it be, if + these gentlemen should come in upon us when we are in America.' Somebody + observed that Sir Alexander Macdonald was always frightened at sea. + JOHNSON. '<i>He</i> is frightened at sea; and his tenants are frightened when + he comes to land.' +</p> +<p> + We resolved to set out directly after breakfast. We had about two miles + to ride to the sea-side, and there we expected to get one of the boats + belonging to the fleet of bounty<a href="#note-482">[482]</a> herring-busses then on the coast, + or at least a good country fishing-boat. But while we were preparing to + set out, there arrived a man with the following card from the Reverend + Mr. Donald M'Queen:— +</p> +<p> + 'Mr. M'Queen's compliments to Mr. Boswell, and begs leave to acquaint + him that, fearing the want of a proper boat, as much as the rain of + yesterday, might have caused a stop, he is now at Skianwden with + Macgillichallum's<a href="#note-483">[483]</a> carriage, to convey him and Dr. Johnson to Rasay, + where they will meet with a most hearty welcome, and where. Macleod, + being on a visit, now attends their motions.' 'Wednesday afternoon.' +</p> +<p> + This card was most agreeable; it was a prologue to that hospitable and + truly polite reception which we found at Rasay. In a little while + arrived Mr. Donald M'Queen himself; a decent minister, an elderly man + with his own black hair, courteous, and rather slow of speech, but + candid, sensible, and well informed, nay learned. Along with him came, + as our pilot, a gentleman whom I had a great desire to see, Mr. Malcolm + Macleod, one of the Rasay family, celebrated in the year 1745-6. He was + now sixty-two years of age, hale, and well proportioned,—with a manly + countenance, tanned by the weather, yet having a ruddiness in his + cheeks, over a great part of which his rough beard extended. His eye was + quick and lively, yet his look was not fierce, but he appeared at once + firm and good-humoured. He wore a pair of brogues<a href="#note-484">[484]</a>,—Tartan hose + which came up only near to his knees, and left them bare,—a purple + camblet kilt<a href="#note-485">[485]</a>,—a black waistcoat,—a short green cloth coat bound + with gold cord,—a yellowish bushy wig,—a large blue bonnet with a gold + thread button. I never saw a figure that gave a more perfect + representation of a Highland gentleman. I wished much to have a picture + of him just as he was. I found him frank and <i>polite</i>, in the true sense + of the word. +</p> +<p> + The good family at Corrichatachin said, they hoped to see us on our + return. We rode down to the shore; but Malcolm walked with + graceful agility. +</p> +<p> + We got into Rasay's <i>carriage</i>, which was a good strong open boat made + in Norway. The wind had now risen pretty high, and was against us; but + we had four stout rowers, particularly a Macleod, a robust black-haired + fellow, half naked, and bare-headed, something between a wild Indian and + an English tar. Dr. Johnson sat high, on the stern, like a magnificent + Triton. Malcolm sung an Erse song, the chorus of which was '<i>Hatyin foam + foam eri</i>', with words of his own<a href="#note-486">[486]</a>. The tune resembled '<i>Owr the + muir amang the heather</i>'. The boatmen and Mr. M'Queen chorused, and all + went well. At length Malcolm himself took an oar, and rowed vigorously. + We sailed along the coast of Scalpa, a rugged island, about four miles + in length. Dr. Johnson proposed that he and I should buy it, and found a + good school, and an episcopal church, (Malcolm<a href="#note-487">[487]</a> said, he would come + to it,) and have a printing-press, where he would print all the Erse + that could be found. Here I was strongly struck with our long + projected scheme of visiting the Hebrides being realized<a href="#note-488">[488]</a>. I called + to him, 'We are contending with seas;' which I think were the words of + one of his letters to me<a href="#note-489">[489]</a>. 'Not much,' said he; and though the wind + made the sea lash considerably upon us, he was not discomposed. After we + were out of the shelter of Scalpa, and in the sound between it and + Rasay, which extended about a league, the wind made the sea very + rough<a href="#note-490">[490]</a>. I did not like it. JOHNSON. 'This now is the Atlantick. If I + should tell at a tea table in London, that I have crossed the Atlantick + in an open boat, how they'd shudder, and what a fool they'd think me to + expose myself to such danger?' He then repeated Horace's ode,— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Otium Divos rogat in patenti + Prensus Aegaeo——<a href="#note-491">[491]</a>' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + In the confusion and hurry of this boisterous sail, Dr. Johnson's spurs, + of which Joseph had charge, were carried over-board into the sea, and + lost<a href="#note-492">[492]</a>. This was the first misfortune that had befallen us. Dr. + Johnson was a little angry at first, observing that 'there was something + wild in letting a pair of spurs be carried into the sea out of a boat;' + but then he remarked, 'that, as Janes the naturalist had said upon + losing his pocket-book, it was rather an inconvenience than a loss.' He + told us, he now recollected that he dreamt the night before, that he put + his staff into a river, and chanced to let it go, and it was carried + down the stream and lost. 'So now you see, (said he,) that I have lost + my spurs; and this story is better than many of those which we have + concerning second sight and dreams.' Mr. M'Queen said he did not believe + the second sight; that he never met with any well attested instances; + and if he should, he should impute them to chance; because all who + pretend to that quality often fail in their predictions, though they + take a great scope, and sometimes interpret literally, sometimes + figuratively, so as to suit the events. He told us, that, since he came + to be minister of the parish where he now is, the belief of witchcraft, + or charms, was very common, insomuch that he had many prosecutions + before his <i>session</i> (the parochial ecclesiastical court) against women, + for having by these means carried off the milk from people's cows. He + disregarded them; and there is not now the least vestige of that + superstition. He preached against it; and in order to give a strong + proof to the people that there was nothing in it, he said from the + pulpit that every woman in the parish was welcome to take the milk from + his cows, provided she did not touch them<a href="#note-493">[493]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson asked him as to <i>Fingal</i>. He said he could repeat some + passages in the original, that he heard his grandfather had a copy of + it; but that he could not affirm that Ossian composed all that poem as + it is now published. This came pretty much to what Dr. Johnson had + maintained<a href="#note-494">[494]</a>; though he goes farther, and contends that it is no + better than such an epick poem as he could make from the song of Robin + Hood<a href="#note-495">[495]</a>; that is to say, that, except a few passages, there is nothing + truly ancient but the names and some vague traditions. Mr. M'Queen + alleged that Homer was made up of detached fragments. Dr. Johnson denied + this; observing, that it had been one work originally, and that you + could not put a book of the <i>Iliad</i> out of its place; and he believed + the same might be said of the <i>Odyssey</i>. +</p> +<p> + The approach to Rasay was very pleasing. We saw before us a beautiful + bay, well defended by a rocky coast; a good family mansion; a fine + verdure about it,—with a considerable number of trees;—and beyond it + hills and mountains in gradation of wildness. Our boatmen sung with + great spirit. Dr. Johnson observed, that naval musick was very ancient. + As we came near the shore, the singing of our rowers was succeeded by + that of reapers, who were busy at work, and who seemed to shout as much + as to sing, while they worked with a bounding activity<a href="#note-496">[496]</a>. Just as we + landed, I observed a cross, or rather the ruins of one, upon a rock, + which had to me a pleasing vestige of religion. I perceived a large + company coming out from the house. We met them as we walked up. There + were Rasay himself; his brother Dr. Macleod; his nephew the Laird of + M'Kinnon; the Laird of Macleod; Colonel Macleod of Talisker, an officer + in the Dutch service, a very genteel man, and a faithful branch of the + family; Mr. Macleod of Muiravenside, best known by the name of Sandie + Macleod, who was long in exile on account of the part which he took in + 1745; and several other persons. We were welcomed upon the green, and + conducted into the house, where we were introduced to Lady Rasay, who + was surrounded by a numerous family, consisting of three sons and ten + daughters. The Laird of Rasay is a sensible, polite, and most hospitable + gentleman. I was told that his island of Rasay, and that of Rona, (from + which the eldest son of the family has his title,) and a considerable + extent of land which he has in Sky, do not altogether yield him a very + large revenue<a href="#note-497">[497]</a>: and yet he lives in great splendour; and so far is + he from distressing his people, that, in the present rage for + emigration, not a man has left his estate. It was past six o'clock + when we arrived. Some excellent brandy was served round immediately, + according to the custom of the Highlands, where a dram is generally + taken every day. They call it a <i>scalch</i><a href="#note-498">[498]</a>. On a side-board was + placed for us, who had come off the sea, a substantial dinner, and a + variety of wines. Then we had coffee and tea. I observed in the room + several elegantly bound books, and other marks of improved life. Soon + afterwards a fidler appeared, and a little ball began. Rasay himself + danced with as much spirit as any man, and Malcolm bounded like a roe. + Sandie Macleod, who has at times an excessive flow of spirits, and had + it now, was, in his days of absconding, known by the name of + <i>M'Cruslick</i><a href="#note-499">[499]</a>, which it seems was the designation of a kind of + wild man in the Highlands, something between Proteus and Don Quixote; + and so he was called here. He made much jovial noise. Dr. Johnson was so + delighted with this scene, that he said, 'I know not how we shall get + away.' It entertained me to observe him sitting by, while we danced, + sometimes in deep meditation,—sometimes smiling complacently,—sometimes + looking upon Hooke's <i>Roman History</i>,—and sometimes talking a + little, amidst the noise of the ball, to Mr. Donald M'Queen, who + anxiously gathered knowledge from him. He was pleased with M'Queen, and + said to me, 'This is a critical man, Sir. There must be great vigour of + mind to make him cultivate learning so much in the isle of Sky, where + he might do without it. It is wonderful how many of the new publications + he has. There must be a snatch of every opportunity.' Mr. M'Queen told + me that his brother (who is the fourth generation of the family + following each other as ministers of the parish of Snizort,) and he + joined together, and bought from time to time such books as had + reputation. Soon after we came in, a black cock and grey hen, which had + been shot, were shewn, with their feathers on, to Dr. Johnson, who had + never seen that species of bird before. We had a company of thirty at + supper; and all was good humour and gaiety, without intemperance. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_33"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. +</h2> +<p> + At breakfast this morning, among a profusion of other things, there were + oat-cakes, made of what is called <i>graddaned</i> meal, that is, meal made + of grain separated from the husks, and toasted by fire, instead of being + threshed and kiln-dried. This seems to be bad management, as so much + fodder is consumed by it. Mr. M'Queen however defended it, by saying, + that it is doing the thing much quicker, as one operation effects what + is otherwise done by two. His chief reason however was, that the + servants in Sky are, according to him, a faithless pack, and steal what + they can; so that much is saved by the corn passing but once through + their hands, as at each time they pilfer some. It appears to me, that + the gradaning is a strong proof of the laziness of the Highlanders, who + will rather make fire act for them, at the expence of fodder, than + labour themselves. There was also, what I cannot help disliking at + breakfast, cheese: it is the custom over all the Highlands to have it; + and it often smells very strong, and poisons to a certain degree the + elegance of an Indian repast<a href="#note-500">[500]</a>. The day was showery; however, Rasay + and I took a walk, and had some cordial conversation. I conceived a more + than ordinary regard for this worthy gentleman. His family has possessed + this island above four hundred years<a href="#note-501">[501]</a>. It is the remains of the + estate of Macleod of Lewis, whom he represents. When we returned, Dr. + Johnson walked with us to see the old chapel. He was in fine spirits. He + said,' This is truly the patriarchal life: this is what we came to + find.' After dinner, M'Cruslick, Malcolm, and I, went out with guns, + to try if we could find any black-cock; but we had no sport, owing to a + heavy rain. I saw here what is called a Danish fort. Our evening was + passed as last night was. One of our company, I was told, had hurt + himself by too much study, particularly of infidel metaphysicians; of + which he gave a proof, on second sight being mentioned. He immediately + retailed some of the fallacious arguments of Voltaire and Hume against + miracles in general. Infidelity in a Highland gentleman appeared to me + peculiarly offensive. I was sorry for him, as he had otherwise a good + character. I told Dr. Johnson that he had studied himself into + infidelity. JOHNSON. 'Then he must study himself out of it again. That + is the way. Drinking largely will sober him again.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_34"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. +</h2> +<p> + Having resolved to explore the Island of Rasay, which could be done only + on foot, I last night obtained my fellow-traveller's permission to leave + him for a day, he being unable to take so hardy a walk. Old Mr. Malcolm + M'Cleod, who had obligingly promised to accompany me, was at my bed-side + between five and six. I sprang up immediately, and he and I, attended by + two other gentlemen, traversed the country during the whole of this day. + Though we had passed over not less than four-and-twenty miles of very + rugged ground, and had a Highland dance on the top of <i>Dun Can</i>, the + highest mountain in the island, we returned in the evening not at all + fatigued, and piqued ourselves at not being outdone at the nightly ball + by our less active friends, who had remained at home. +</p> +<p> + My survey of Rasay did not furnish much which can interest my readers; I + shall therefore put into as short a compass as I can, the observations + upon it, which I find registered in my journal. It is about fifteen + English miles long, and four broad. On the south side is the laird's + family seat, situated on a pleasing low spot. The old tower of three + stories, mentioned by Martin, was taken down soon after 1746, and a + modern house supplies its place. There are very good grass-fields and + corn-lands about it, well-dressed. I observed, however, hardly any + inclosures, except a good garden plentifully stocked with vegetables, + and strawberries, raspberries, currants, &c. +</p> +<p> + On one of the rocks just where we landed, which are not high, there is + rudely carved a square, with a crucifix in the middle. Here, it is said, + the Lairds of Rasay, in old times, used to offer up their devotions. I + could not approach the spot, without a grateful recollection of the + event commemorated by this symbol. +</p> +<p> + A little from the shore, westward, is a kind of subterraneous house. + There has been a natural fissure, or separation of the rock, running + towards the sea, which has been roofed over with long stones, and above + them turf has been laid. In that place the inhabitants used to keep + their oars. There are a number of trees near the house, which grow well; + some of them of a pretty good size. They are mostly plane and ash. A + little to the west of the house is an old ruinous chapel, unroofed, + which never has been very curious. We here saw some human bones of an + uncommon size. There was a heel-bone, in particular, which Dr. Macleod + said was such, that if the foot was in proportion, it must have been + twenty-seven inches long. Dr. Johnson would not look at the bones. He + started back from them with a striking appearance of horrour<a href="#note-502">[502]</a>. Mr. + M'Queen told us it was formerly much the custom, in these isles, to have + human bones lying above ground, especially in the windows of churches. + On the south of the chapel is the family burying-place. Above the door, + on the east end of it, is a small bust or image of the Virgin Mary, + carved upon a stone which makes part of the wall. There is no church + upon the island. It is annexed to one of the parishes of Sky; and the + minister comes and preaches either in Rasay's house, or some other + house, on certain Sundays. I could not but value the family seat more, + for having even the ruins of a chapel close to it. There was something + comfortable in the thought of being so near a piece of consecrated + ground.<a href="#note-503">[503]</a> Dr. Johnson said, 'I look with reverence upon every place + that has been set apart for religion;' and he kept off his hat while he + was within the walls of the chapel<a href="#note-504">[504]</a>. +</p> +<p> + The eight crosses, which Martin mentions as pyramids for deceased + ladies, stood in a semicircular line, which contained within it the + chapel. They marked out the boundaries of the sacred territory within + which an asylum was to be had. One of them, which we observed upon our + landing, made the first point of the semicircle. There are few of them + now remaining. A good way farther north, there is a row of buildings + about four feet high; they run from the shore on the east along the top + of a pretty high eminence, and so down to the shore on the west, in much + the same direction with the crosses. Rasay took them to be the marks for + the asylum; but Malcolm thought them to be false sentinels, a common + deception, of which instances occur in Martin, to make invaders imagine + an island better guarded. Mr. Donald M'Queen, justly in my opinion, + supposed the crosses which form the inner circle to be the church's + land-marks. +</p> +<p> + The south end of the island is much covered with large stones or rocky + strata. The laird has enclosed and planted part of it with firs, and he + shewed me a considerable space marked out for additional plantations. +</p> +<p> + <i>Dun Can</i> is a mountain three computed miles from the laird's house. The + ascent to it is by consecutive risings, if that expression may be used + when vallies intervene, so that there is but a short rise at once; but + it is certainly very high above the sea. The palm of altitude is + disputed for by the people of Rasay and those of Sky; the former + contending for Dun Can, the latter for the mountains in Sky, over + against it. We went up the east side of Dun Can pretty easily. It is + mostly rocks all around, the points of which hem the summit of it. + Sailors, to whom it was a good object as they pass along, call it + Rasay's cap. Before we reached this mountain, we passed by two lakes. Of + the first, Malcolm told me a strange fabulous tradition. He said, there + was a wild beast in it, a sea horse, which came and devoured a man's + daughter; upon which the man lighted a great fire, and had a sow roasted + at it, the smell of which attracted the monster. In the fire was put a + spit. The man lay concealed behind a low wall of loose stones, and he + had an avenue formed for the monster, with two rows of large flat + stones, which extended from the fire over the summit of the hill, till + it reached the side of the loch. The monster came, and the man with the + red-hot spit destroyed it. Malcolm shewed me the little hiding-place, + and the rows of stones. He did not laugh when he told this story. I + recollect having seen in the <i>Scots Magazine</i>, several years ago, a poem + upon a similar tale, perhaps the same, translated from the Erse, or + Irish, called <i>Albin and the Daughter of Mey</i>. +</p> +<p> + There is a large tract of land, possessed as a common, in Rasay. They + have no regulations as to the number of cattle. Every man puts upon it + as many as he chooses. From Dun Can northward, till you reach the other + end of the island, there is much good natural pasture unincumbered by + stones. We passed over a spot, which is appropriated for the exercising + ground. In 1745, a hundred fighting men were reviewed here, as Malcolm + told me, who was one of the officers that led them to the field<a href="#note-505">[505]</a>. + They returned home all but about fourteen. What a princely thing is it + to be able to furnish such a band! Rasay has the true spirit of a chief. + He is, without exaggeration, a father to his people. +</p> +<p> + There is plenty of lime-stone in the island, a great quarry of + free-stone, and some natural woods, but none of any age, as they cut the + trees for common country uses. The lakes, of which there are many, are + well stocked with trout. Malcolm catched one of four-and-twenty pounds + weight in the loch next to Dun Can, which, by the way, is certainly a + Danish name, as most names of places in these islands are. +</p> +<p> + The old castle, in which the family of Rasay formerly resided, is + situated upon a rock very near the sea. The rock is not one mass of + stone, but a concretion of pebbles and earth, so firm that it does not + appear to have mouldered. In this remnant of antiquity I found nothing + worthy of being noticed, except a certain accommodation rarely to be + found at the modern houses of Scotland, and which Dr. Johnson and I + sought for in vain at the Laird of Rasay's new built mansion, where + nothing else was wanting. I took the liberty to tell the Laird it was a + shame there should be such a deficiency in civilized times. He + acknowledged the justice of the remark. But perhaps some generations may + pass before the want is supplied. Dr. Johnson observed to me, how + quietly people will endure an evil, which they might at any time very + easily remedy; and mentioned as an instance, that the present family of + Rasay had possessed the island for more than four hundred years, and + never made a commodious landing place, though a few men with pickaxes + might have cut an ascent of stairs out of any part of the rock in a + week's time<a href="#note-506">[506]</a>. +</p> +<p> + The north end of Rasay is as rocky as the south end. From it I saw the + little isle of Fladda, belonging to Rasay, all fine green ground;—and + Rona, which is of so rocky a soil that it appears to be a pavement. I + was told however that it has a great deal of grass in the interstices. + The Laird has it all in his own hands. At this end of the island of + Rasay is a cave in a striking situation. It is in a recess of a great + cleft, a good way up from the sea. Before it the ocean roars, being + dashed against monstrous broken rocks; grand and aweful <i>propugnacula</i>. + On the right hand of it is a longitudinal cave, very low at the + entrance, but higher as you advance. The sea having scooped it out, it + seems strange and unaccountable that the interior part, where the water + must have operated with less force, should be loftier than that which is + more immediately exposed to its violence. The roof of it is all covered + with a kind of petrifications formed by drops, which perpetually distil + from it. The first cave has been a place of much safety. I find a great + difficulty in describing visible objects<a href="#note-507">[507]</a>. I must own too that the + old castle and cave, like many other things of which one hears much, did + not answer my expectations. People are every where apt to magnify the + curiosities of their country. +</p> +<p> + This island has abundance of black cattle, sheep, and goats;—a good + many horses, which are used for ploughing, carrying out dung, and other + works of husbandry. I believe the people never ride. There are indeed no + roads through the island, unless a few detached beaten tracks deserve + that name. Most of the houses are upon the shore; so that all the people + have little boats, and catch fish. There is great plenty of potatoes + here. There are black-cock in extraordinary abundance, moorfowl, plover + and wild pigeons, which seemed to me to be the same as we have in + pigeon-houses, in their state of nature. Rasay has no pigeon-house. + There are no hares nor rabbits in the island, nor was there ever known + to be a fox<a href="#note-508">[508]</a>, till last year, when one was landed on it by some + malicious person, without whose aid he could not have got thither, as + that animal is known to be a very bad swimmer. He has done much + mischief. There is a great deal of fish caught in the sea round Rasay; + it is a place where one may live in plenty, and even in luxury. There + are no deer; but Rasay told us he would get some. +</p> +<p> + They reckon it rains nine months in the year in this island, owing to + its being directly opposite to the western<a href="#note-509">[509]</a> coast of Sky, where the + watery clouds are broken by high mountains. The hills here, and indeed + all the heathy grounds in general, abound with the sweet-smelling plant + which the Highlanders call <i>gaul</i>, and (I think) with dwarf juniper in + many places. There is enough of turf, which is their fuel, and it is + thought there is a mine of coal.—Such are the observations which I made + upon the island of Rasay, upon comparing it with the description given + by Martin, whose book we had with us. +</p> +<p> + There has been an ancient league between the families of Macdonald and + Rasay. Whenever the head of either family dies, his sword is given to + the head of the other. The present Rasay has the late Sir James + Macdonald's sword. Old Rasay joined the Highland army in 1745, but + prudently guarded against a forfeiture, by previously conveying his + estate to the present gentleman, his eldest son<a href="#note-510">[510]</a>. On that occasion, + Sir Alexander, father of the late Sir James Macdonald, was very friendly + to his neighbour. 'Don't be afraid, Rasay,' said he; 'I'll use all my + interest to keep you safe; and if your estate should be taken, I'll buy + it for the family.'—And he would have done it. +</p> +<p> + Let me now gather some gold dust,—some more fragments of Dr. Johnson's + conversation, without regard to order of time. He said, 'he thought very + highly of Bentley; that no man now went so far in the kinds of learning + that he cultivated<a href="#note-511">[511]</a>; that the many attacks on him were owing to + envy, and to a desire of being known, by being in competition with such + a man; that it was safe to attack him, because he never answered his + opponents, but let them die away<a href="#note-512">[512]</a>. It was attacking a man who would + not beat them, because his beating them would make them live the longer. + And he was right not to answer; for, in his hazardous method of writing, + he could not but be often enough wrong; so it was better to leave things + to their general appearance, than own himself to have erred in + particulars.' He said, 'Mallet was the prettiest drest puppet about + town, and always kept good company<a href="#note-513">[513]</a>. That, from his way of talking + he saw, and always said, that he had not written any part of the <i>Life + of the Duke of Marlborough</i>, though perhaps he intended to do it at some + time, in which case he was not culpable in taking the pension<a href="#note-514">[514]</a>. That + he imagined the Duchess furnished the materials for her <i>Apology</i>, which + Hooke wrote, and Hooke furnished the words and the order, and all that + in which the art of writing consists. That the duchess had not superior + parts, but was a bold frontless woman, who knew how to make the most of + her opportunities in life. That Hooke got a <i>large</i> sum of money for + writing her <i>Apology</i><a href="#note-515">[515]</a>. That he wondered Hooke should have been weak + enough to insert so profligate a maxim, as that to tell another's secret + to one's friend is no breach of confidence<a href="#note-516">[516]</a>; though perhaps Hooke, + who was a virtuous man<a href="#note-517">[517]</a>, as his <i>History</i> shews, and did not wish + her well, though he wrote her <i>Apology</i>, might see its ill tendency, and + yet insert it at her desire. He was acting only ministerially.' I + apprehended, however, that Hooke was bound to give his best advice. I + speak as a lawyer. Though I have had clients whose causes I could not, + as a private man, approve; yet, if I undertook them, I would not do any + thing that might be prejudicial to them, even at their desire, without + warning them of their danger. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_35"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11. +</h2> +<p> + It was a storm of wind and rain; so we could not set out. I wrote some + of this <i>Journal</i>, and talked a while with Dr. Johnson in his room, and + passed the day, I cannot well say how, but very pleasantly. I was here + amused to find Mr. Cumberland's comedy of the <i>Fashionable Lover</i><a href="#note-518">[518]</a>, + in which he has very well drawn a Highland character, Colin M'Cleod, of + the same name with the family under whose roof we now were. Dr. Johnson + was much pleased with the Laird of Macleod, who is indeed a most + promising youth, and with a noble spirit struggles with difficulties, + and endeavours to preserve his people. He has been left with an + incumbrance of forty thousand pounds debt, and annuities to the amount + of thirteen hundred pounds a year. Dr. Johnson said, 'If he gets the + better of all this, he'll be a hero; and I hope he will<a href="#note-519">[519]</a>. I have + not met with a young man who had more desire to learn, or who has learnt + more. I have seen nobody that I wish more to do a kindness to than + Macleod.' Such was the honourable elogium, on this young chieftain, + pronounced by an accurate observer, whose praise was never + lightly bestowed. +</p> +<p> + There is neither justice of peace, nor constable in Rasay. Sky has Mr. + M'Cleod of Ulinish, who is the sheriff substitute, and no other justice + of peace. The want of the execution of justice is much felt among the + islanders. Macleod very sensibly observed, that taking away the + heritable jurisdictions<a href="#note-520">[520]</a> had not been of such service in the islands + as was imagined. They had not authority enough in lieu of them. What + could formerly have been settled at once, must now either take much time + and trouble, or be neglected. Dr. Johnson said, 'A country is in a bad + state which is governed only by laws; because a thousand things occur + for which laws cannot provide, and where authority ought to interpose. + Now destroying the authority of the chiefs set the people loose. It did + not pretend to bring any positive good, but only to cure some evil; and + I am not well enough acquainted with the country to know what degree of + evil the heritable jurisdictions occasioned<a href="#note-521">[521]</a>.' I maintained hardly + any; because the chiefs generally acted right, for their own sakes. + Dr. Johnson was now wishing to move. There was not enough of + intellectual entertainment for him, after he had satisfied his + curiosity, which he did, by asking questions, till he had exhausted the + island; and where there was so numerous a company, mostly young people, + there was such a flow of familiar talk, so much noise, and so much + singing and dancing, that little opportunity was left for his energetick + conversation<a href="#note-522">[522]</a>. He seemed sensible of this; for when I told him how + happy they were at having him there, he said, 'Yet we have not been able + to entertain them much.' I was fretted, from irritability of nerves, by + M'Cruslick's too obstreperous mirth. I complained of it to my friend, + observing we should be better if he was, gone. 'No, Sir (said he). He + puts something into our society, and takes nothing out of it.' Dr. + Johnson, however, had several opportunities of instructing the company; + but I am sorry to say, that I did not pay sufficient attention to what + passed, as his discourse now turned chiefly on mechanicks, agriculture + and such subjects, rather than on science and wit. Last night Lady Rasay + shewed him the operation of <i>wawking</i> cloth, that is, thickening it in + the same manner as is done by a mill. Here it is performed by women, who + kneel upon the ground, and rub it with both their hands, singing an Erse + song all the time. He was asking questions while they were performing + this operation, and, amidst their loud and wild howl, his voice was + heard even in the room above<a href="#note-523">[523]</a>. +</p> +<p> + They dance here every night. The queen of our ball was the eldest Miss + Macleod, of Rasay, an elegant well-bred woman, and celebrated for her + beauty over all those regions, by the name of Miss Flora Rasay<a href="#note-524">[524]</a>. + There seemed to be no jealousy, no discontent among them; and the gaiety + of the scene was such, that I for a moment doubted whether unhappiness + had any place in Rasay. But my delusion was soon dispelled, by + recollecting the following lines of my fellow-traveller:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Yet hope not life from pain or danger free, + Or think the doom of man revers'd for thee<a href="#note-525">[525]</a>!' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<a name="2H_4_36"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12. +</h2> +<p> + It was a beautiful day, and although we did not approve of travelling on + Sunday, we resolved to set out, as we were in an island from whence one + must take occasion as it serves. Macleod and Talisker sailed in a boat + of Rasay's for Sconser, to take the shortest way to Dunvegan. M'Cruslick + went with them to Sconser, from whence he was to go to Slate, and so to + the main land. We were resolved to pay a visit at Kingsburgh, and see + the celebrated Miss Flora Macdonald, who is married to the present Mr. + Macdonald of Kingsburgh; so took that road, though not so near. All the + family, but Lady Rasay, walked down to the shore to see us depart. Rasay + himself went with us in a large boat, with eight oars, built in his + island<a href="#note-526">[526]</a>; as did Mr. Malcolm M'Cleod, Mr. Donald M'Queen, Dr. + Macleod, and some others. We had a most pleasant sail between Rasay and + Sky; and passed by a cave, where Martin says fowls were caught by + lighting fire in the mouth of it. Malcolm remembers this. But it is not + now practised, as few fowls come into it. +</p> +<p> + We spoke of Death. Dr. Johnson on this subject observed, that the + boastings of some men, as to dying easily, were idle talk<a href="#note-527">[527]</a>, + proceeding from partial views. I mentioned Hawthornden's + <i>Cypress-grove</i>, where it is said that the world is a mere show; and + that it is unreasonable for a man to wish to continue in the show-room, + after he has seen it. Let him go cheerfully out, and give place to other + spectators<a href="#note-528">[528]</a>. JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir, if he is sure he is to be well, + after he goes out of it. But if he is to grow blind after he goes out of + the show-room, and never to see any thing again; or if he does not know + whither he is to go next, a man will not go cheerfully out of a + show-room. No wise man will be contented to die, if he thinks he is to + go into a state of punishment. Nay, no wise man will be contented to + die, if he thinks he is to fall into annihilation: for however unhappy + any man's existence may be, he yet would rather have it, than not exist + at all<a href="#note-529">[529]</a>. No; there is no rational principle by which a man can die + contented, but a trust in the mercy of GOD, through the merits of Jesus + Christ.' This short sermon, delivered with an earnest tone, in a boat + upon the sea, which was perfectly calm, on a day appropriated to + religious worship, while every one listened with an air of satisfaction, + had a most pleasing effect upon my mind. +</p> +<p> + Pursuing the same train of serious reflection, he added that it seemed + certain that happiness could not be found in this life, because so many + had tried to find it, in such a variety of ways, and had not found it. +</p> +<p> + We reached the harbour of Portree, in Sky, which is a large and good + one. There was lying in it a vessel to carry off the emigrants called + the <i>Nestor</i>. It made a short settlement of the differences between a + chief and his clan:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + '——-<i>Nestor</i> componere lites + Inter Peleiden festinat & inter Atriden.'<a href="#note-530">[530]</a> +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + We approached her, and she hoisted her colours. Dr. Johnson + and Mr. McQueen remained in the boat: Rasay and I, and the + rest went on board of her. She was a very pretty vessel, and, as + we were told, the largest in Clyde. Mr. Harrison, the captain, + shewed her to us. The cabin was commodious, and even elegant. + There was a little library, finely bound. <i>Portree</i> has its name + from King James the Fifth having landed there in his tour + through the Western Isles, <i>Ree</i> in Erse being King, as <i>Re</i> is in + Italian; so it is <i>Port Royal</i>. There was here a tolerable inn. + On our landing, I had the pleasure of finding a letter from + home; and there were also letters to Dr. Johnson and me, from + Lord Elibank<a href="#note-531">[531]</a>, which had been sent after us from Edinburgh. + His Lordship's letter to me was as follows:— +</p> +<center> + 'DEAR BOSWELL, +</center> +<p> + 'I flew to Edinburgh the moment I heard of Mr. Johnson's arrival; but so + defective was my intelligence, that I came too late. 'It is but justice + to believe, that I could never forgive myself, nor deserve to be + forgiven by others, if I was to fail in any mark of respect to that very + great genius.—I hold him in the highest veneration; for that very + reason I was resolved to take no share in the merit, perhaps guilt, of + inticing him to honour this country with a visit.—I could not persuade + myself there was any thing in Scotland worthy to have a Summer of Samuel + Johnson bestowed on it; but since he has done us that compliment, for + heaven's sake inform me of your motions. I will attend them most + religiously; and though I should regret to let Mr. Johnson go a mile out + of his way on my account, old as I am,<a href="#note-532">[532]</a> I shall be glad to go five + hundred miles to enjoy a day of his company. Have the charity to send a + council-post<a href="#note-533">[533]</a> with intelligence; the post does not suit us in the + country.—At any rate write to me. I will attend you in the north, when + I shall know where to find you. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + I am, + My dear Boswell, + Your sincerely + Obedient humble servant, + 'ELIBANK.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'August 21st, 1773.' +</p> +<p> + The letter to Dr. Johnson was in these words:— +</p> +<center> + 'DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'I was to have kissed your hands at Edinburgh, the moment I heard of + you; but you was gone. +</p> +<p> + 'I hope my friend Boswell will inform me of your motions. It will be + cruel to deprive me an instant of the honour of attending you. As I + value you more than any King in Christendom, I will perform that duty + with infinitely greater alacrity than any courtier. I can contribute but + little to your entertainment; but, my sincere esteem for you gives me + some title to the opportunity of expressing it. +</p> +<p> + 'I dare say you are by this time sensible that things are pretty much + the same, as when Buchanan complained of being born <i>solo et seculo + inerudito</i>. Let me hear of you, and be persuaded that none of your + admirers is more sincerely devoted to you, than, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Dear Sir, + Your most obedient, + And most humble servant, + 'ELIBANK.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Dr. Johnson, on the following Tuesday, answered for both of us, thus:— +</p> +<p> + 'My LORD, 'On the rugged shore of Skie, I had the honour of your + Lordship's letter, and can with great truth declare, that no place is so + gloomy but that it would be cheered by such a testimony of regard, from + a mind so well qualified to estimate characters, and to deal out + approbation in its due proportions. If I have more than my share, it is + your Lordship's fault; for I have always reverenced your judgment too + much, to exalt myself in your presence by any false pretensions. +</p> +<p> + 'Mr. Boswell and I are at present at the disposal of the winds, and + therefore cannot fix the time at which we shall have the honour of + seeing your lordship. But we should either of us think ourselves injured + by the supposition that we would miss your lordship's conversation, when + we could enjoy it; for I have often declared that I never met you + without going away a wiser man.<a href="#note-534">[534]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'I am, my Lord, + Your Lordship's most obedient + And most humble servant, + Skie, Sept. 14, 1773.' 'SAM. JOHNSON.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + At Portree, Mr. Donald McQueen went to church and officiated in Erse, + and then came to dinner. Dr. Johnson and I resolved that we should treat + the company, so I played the landlord, or master of the feast, having + previously ordered Joseph to pay the bill. +</p> +<p> + Sir James Macdonald intended to have built a village here, which would + have done great good. A village is like a heart to a country. It + produces a perpetual circulation, and gives the people an opportunity to + make profit of many little articles, which would otherwise be in a good + measure lost. We had here a dinner, <i>et praeterea nihil</i>. Dr. Johnson + did not talk. When we were about to depart, we found that Rasay had been + beforehand with us, and that all was paid: I would fain have contested + this matter with him, but seeing him resolved, I declined it. We parted + with cordial embraces from him and worthy Malcolm. In the evening Dr. + Johnson and I remounted our horses, accompanied by Mr. McQueen and Dr. + Macleod. It rained very hard. We rode what they call six miles, upon + Rasay's lands in Sky, to Dr. Macleod's house. On the road Dr. Johnson + appeared to be somewhat out of spirits. When I talked of our meeting + Lord Elibank, he said, 'I cannot be with him much. I long to be again in + civilized life; but can stay but a short while;' (he meant at + Edinburgh.) He said, 'let us go to Dunvegan to-morrow.' 'Yes, (said I,) + if it is not a deluge.' 'At any rate,' he replied. This shewed a kind of + fretful impatience; nor was it to be wondered at, considering our + disagreeable ride. I feared he would give up Mull and Icolmkill, for he + said something of his apprehensions of being detained by bad weather in + going to Mull and <i>Iona</i>. However I hoped well. We had a dish of tea at + Dr. Macleod's, who had a pretty good house, where was his brother, a + half-pay officer. His lady was a polite, agreeable woman. Dr. Johnson + said, he was glad to see that he was so well married, for he had an + esteem for physicians.<a href="#note-535">[535]</a> The doctor accompanied us to Kingsburgh, + which is called a mile farther; but the computation of Sky has no + connection whatever with real distance.<a href="#note-536">[536]</a> I was highly pleased to + see Dr. Johnson safely arrived at Kingsburgh, and received by the + hospitable Mr. Macdonald, who, with a most respectful attention, + supported him into the house. Kingsburgh was completely the figure of a + gallant Highlander,—exhibiting 'the graceful mien and manly + looks<a href="#note-537">[537]</a>,' which our popular Scotch song has justly attributed to that + character. He had his Tartan plaid thrown about him, a large blue bonnet + with a knot of black ribband like a cockade, a brown short coat of a + kind of duffil, a Tartan waistcoat with gold buttons and gold + button-holes, a bluish philibeg, and Tartan hose. He had jet black hair + tied behind, and was a large stately man, with a steady sensible + countenance. +</p> +<p> + There was a comfortable parlour with a good fire, and a dram went round. + By and by supper was served, at which there appeared the lady of the + house, the celebrated Miss Flora Macdonald. She is a little woman, of a + genteel appearance, and uncommonly mild and well-bred<a href="#note-538">[538]</a>. To see Dr. + Samuel Johnson, the great champion of the English Tories, salute Miss + Flora Macdonald in the isle of Sky, was a striking sight; for though + somewhat congenial in their notions, it was very improbable they should + meet here. +</p> +<p> + Miss Flora Macdonald (for so I shall call her) told me, she heard upon + the main land, as she was returning home about a fortnight before, that + Mr. Boswell was coming to Sky, and one Mr. Johnson, a young English + buck<a href="#note-539">[539]</a>, with him. He was highly entertained with this fancy. Giving + an account of the afternoon which we passed, at <i>Anock</i>, he said, 'I, + being a <i>buck</i>, had miss<a href="#note-540">[540]</a> in to make tea.' He was rather quiescent + to-night, and went early to bed. I was in a cordial humour, and promoted + a cheerful glass. The punch was excellent. Honest Mr. M'Queen observed + that I was in high glee, 'my <i>governour</i><a href="#note-541">[541]</a> being gone to bed.' Yet in + reality my heart was grieved, when I recollected that Kingsburgh was + embarrassed in his affairs, and intended to go to America<a href="#note-542">[542]</a>. However, + nothing but what was good was present, and I pleased myself in thinking + that so spirited a man would be well every where. I slept in the same + room with Dr. Johnson. Each had a neat bed, with Tartan curtains, in an + upper chamber. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_37"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13. +</h2> +<p> + The room where we lay was a celebrated one. Dr. Johnson's bed was the + very bed in which the grandson of the unfortunate King James the + Second<a href="#note-543">[543]</a> lay, on one of the nights after the failure of his rash + attempt in 1745-6, while he was eluding the pursuit of the emissaries of + government, which had offered thirty thousand pounds as a reward for + apprehending him. To see Dr. Samuel Johnson lying in that bed, in the + isle of Sky, in the house of Miss Flora Macdonald, struck me with such a + group of ideas as it is not easy for words to describe, as they passed + through the mind. He smiled, and said, 'I have had no ambitious thoughts + in it<a href="#note-544">[544]</a>.' The room was decorated with a great variety of maps and + prints. Among others, was Hogarth's print of Wilkes grinning, with a cap + of liberty on a pole by him. That too was a curious circumstance in the + scene this morning; such a contrast was Wilkes to the above groupe. It + reminded me of Sir William Chambers's <i>Account of Oriental + Gardening</i><a href="#note-545">[545]</a>, in which we are told all odd, strange, ugly, and even + terrible objects, are introduced for the sake of variety; a wild + extravagance of taste which is so well ridiculed in the celebrated + Epistle to him<a href="#note-546">[546]</a>. The following lines of that poem immediately + occurred to me; +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Here too, O king of vengeance! in thy fane, + Tremendous Wilkes shall rattle his gold chain<a href="#note-547">[547]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Upon the table in our room I found in the morning a slip of paper, on + which Dr. Johnson had written with his pencil these words, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Quantum cedat virtutibus aurum<a href="#note-548">[548]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + What he meant by writing them I could not tell<a href="#note-549">[549]</a>. He had caught cold + a day or two ago, and the rain yesterday having made it worse, he was + become very deaf. At breakfast he said, he would have given a good deal + rather than not have lain in that bed. I owned he was the lucky man; and + observed, that without doubt it had been contrived between Mrs. + Macdonald and him. She seemed to acquiesce; adding, 'You know young + <i>bucks</i> are always favourites of the ladies.' He spoke of Prince Charles + being here, and asked Mrs. Macdonald, '<i>Who</i> was with him? We were told, + madam, in England, there was one Miss Flora Macdonald with him.' She + said, 'they were very right;' and perceiving Dr. Johnson's curiosity, + though he had delicacy enough not to question her, very obligingly + entertained him with a recital of the particulars which she herself knew + of that escape, which does so much honour to the humanity, fidelity, and + generosity of the Highlanders. Dr. Johnson listened to her with placid + attention, and said, 'All this should be written down.' +</p> +<p> + From what she told us, and from what I was told by others personally + concerned, and from a paper of information which Rasay was so good as to + send me, at my desire, I have compiled the following abstract, which, as + it contains some curious anecdotes, will, I imagine, not be + uninteresting to my readers, and even, perhaps, be of some use to future + historians. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + Prince Charles Edward, after the battle of Culloden, was conveyed to + what is called the <i>Long Island</i>, where he lay for some time concealed. + But intelligence having been obtained where he was, and a number of + troops having come in quest of him, it became absolutely necessary for + him to quit that country without delay. Miss Flora Macdonald, then a + young lady, animated by what she thought the sacred principle of + loyalty, offered, with the magnanimity of a Heroine, to accompany him in + an open boat to Sky, though the coast they were to quit was guarded by + ships. He dressed himself in women's clothes, and passed as her supposed + maid, by the name of Betty Bourke, an Irish girl. They got off + undiscovered, though several shots were fired to bring them to, and + landed at Mugstot, the seat of Sir Alexander Macdonald. Sir Alexander + was then at Fort Augustus, with the Duke of Cumberland; but his lady was + at home. Prince Charles took his post upon a hill near the house. Flora + Macdonald waited on lady Margaret<a href="#note-550">[550]</a>, and acquainted her of the + enterprise in which she was engaged. Her ladyship, whose active + benevolence was ever seconded by superior talents, shewed a perfect + presence of mind, and readiness of invention, and at once settled that + Prince Charles should be conducted to old Rasay, who was himself + concealed with some select friends. The plan was instantly communicated + to Kingsburgh, who was dispatched to the hill to inform the Wanderer, + and carry him refreshments. When Kingsburgh approached, he started up, + and advanced, holding a large knotted stick, and in appearance ready to + knock him down, till he said, 'I am Macdonald of Kingsburgh, come to + serve your highness.' The Wanderer answered, 'It is well,' and was + satisfied with the plan. +</p> +<p> + Flora Macdonald dined with Lady Margaret, at whose table there sat an + officer of the army, stationed here with a party of soldiers, to watch + for Prince Charles in case of his flying to the isle of Sky. She + afterwards often laughed in good-humour with this gentleman, on her + having so well deceived him. After dinner, Flora Macdonald on + horseback, and her supposed maid, and Kingsburgh, with a servant + carrying some linen, all on foot, proceeded towards that gentleman's + house. Upon the road was a small rivulet which they were obliged to + cross. The Wanderer, forgetting his assumed sex, that his clothes might + not be wet, held them up a great deal too high. Kingsburgh mentioned + this to him, observing, it might make a discovery. He said, he would be + more careful for the future. He was as good as his word; for the next + brook they crossed, he did not hold up his clothes at all, but let them + float upon the water. He was very awkward in his female dress. His size + was so large, and his strides so great, that some women whom they met + reported that they had seen a very big woman, who looked like a man in + woman's clothes, and that perhaps it was (as they expressed themselves) + the <i>Prince</i>, after whom so much search was making. +</p> +<p> + At Kingsburgh he met with a most cordial reception; seemed gay at + supper, and after it indulged himself in a cheerful glass with his + worthy host. As he had not had his clothes off for a long time, the + comfort of a good bed was highly relished by him, and he slept soundly + till next day at one o'clock. +</p> +<p> + The mistress of Corrichatachin told me, that in the forenoon she went + into her father's room, who was also in bed, and suggested to him her + apprehensions that a party of the military might come up, and that his + guest and he had better not remain here too long. Her father said, 'Let + the poor man repose himself after his fatigues; and as for me, I care + not, though they take off this old grey head ten or eleven years sooner + than I should die in the course of nature.' He then wrapped himself in + the bed-clothes, and again fell fast asleep. +</p> +<p> + On the afternoon of that day, the Wanderer, still in the same dress, set + out for Portree, with Flora Macdonald and a man servant. His shoes being + very bad, Kingsburgh provided him with a new pair, and taking up the old + ones, said, 'I will faithfully keep them till you are safely settled at + St. James's. I will then introduce myself by shaking them at you, to put + you in mind of your night's entertainment and protection under my roof.' + He smiled, and said, 'Be as good as your word!' Kingsburgh kept the + shoes as long as he lived. After his death, a zealous Jacobite gentleman + gave twenty guineas for them. Old Mrs. Macdonald, after her guest had + left the house, took the sheets in which he had lain, folded them + carefully, and charged her daughter that they should be kept unwashed, + and that, when she died, her body should be wrapped in them as a winding + sheet. Her will was religiously observed. +</p> +<p> + Upon the road to Portree, Prince Charles changed his dress, and put on + man's clothes again; a tartan short coat and waistcoat, with philibeg + and short hose, a plaid, and a wig and bonnet. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Donald M'Donald, called Donald Roy, had been sent express to the + present Rasay, then the young laird, who was at that time at his + sister's house, about three miles from Portree, attending his brother, + Dr. Macleod, who was recovering of a wound he had received at the battle + of Culloden. Mr. M'Donald communicated to young Rasay the plan of + conveying the Wanderer to where old Rasay was; but was told that old + Rasay had fled to Knoidart, a part of Glengary's estate. There was then + a dilemma what should be done. Donald Roy proposed that he should + conduct the Wanderer to the main land; but young Rasay thought it too + dangerous at that time, and said it would be better to conceal him in + the island of Rasay, till old Rasay could be informed where he was, and + give his advice what was best. But the difficulty was, how to get him to + Rasay. They could not trust a Portree crew, and all the Rasay boats had + been destroyed, or carried off by the military, except two belonging to + Malcolm M'Leod, which he had concealed somewhere. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Macleod being informed of this difficulty, said he would risk his + life once more for Prince Charles; and it having occurred, that there + was a little boat upon a fresh-water lake in the neighbourhood, young + Rasay and Dr. Macleod, with the help of some women, brought it to the + sea, by extraordinary exertion, across a Highland mile of land, one half + of which was bog, and the other a steep precipice. +</p> +<p> + These gallant brothers, with the assistance of one little boy, rowed the + small boat to Rasay, where they were to endeavour to find Captain + M'Leod, as Malcolm was then called, and get one of his good boats, with + which they might return to Portree, and receive the Wanderer; or, in + case of not finding him, they were to make the small boat serve, though + the danger was considerable. +</p> +<p> + Fortunately, on their first landing, they found their cousin Malcolm, + who, with the utmost alacrity, got ready one of his boats, with two + strong men, John M'Kenzie, and Donald M'Friar. Malcolm, being the oldest + man, and most cautious, said, that as young Rasay had not hitherto + appeared in the unfortunate business, he ought not to run any risk; but + that Dr. Macleod and himself, who were already publickly engaged, should + go on this expedition. Young Rasay answered, with an oath, that he would + go, at the risk of his life and fortune. 'In GOD'S name then (said + Malcolm) let us proceed.' The two boatmen, however, now stopped short, + till they should be informed of their destination; and M'Kenzie declared + he would not move an oar till he knew where they were going. Upon which + they were both sworn to secrecy; and the business being imparted to + them, they were eager to put off to sea without loss of time. The boat + soon landed about half a mile from the inn at Portree. +</p> +<p> + All this was negotiated before the Wanderer got forward to Portree. + Malcolm M'Leod and M'Friar were dispatched to look for him. In a short + time he appeared, and went into the publick house. Here Donald Roy, whom + he had seen at Mugstot, received him, and informed him of what had been + concerted. He wanted silver for a guinea, but the landlord had only + thirteen shillings. He was going to accept of this for his guinea; but + Donald Roy very judiciously observed, that it would discover him to be + some great man; so he desisted. He slipped out of the house, leaving his + fair protectress, whom he never again saw; and Malcolm Macleod was + presented to him by Donald Roy, as a captain in his army. Young Rasay + and Dr. Macleod had waited, in impatient anxiety, in the boat. When he + came, their names were announced to him. He would not permit the usual + ceremonies of respect, but saluted them as his equals. +</p> +<p> + Donald Roy staid in Sky, to be in readiness to get intelligence, and + give an alarm in case the troops should discover the retreat to Rasay; + and Prince Charles was then conveyed in a boat to that island in the + night. He slept a little upon the passage, and they landed about + day-break. There was some difficulty in accommodating him with a + lodging, as almost all the houses in the island had been burnt by the + soldiery. They repaired to a little hut, which some shepherds had lately + built, and having prepared it as well as they could, and made a bed of + heath for the stranger, they kindled a fire, and partook of some + provisions which had been sent with him from Kingsburgh. It was + observed, that he would not taste wheat-bread, or brandy, while + oat-bread and whisky lasted; 'for these, said he, are my own country + bread and drink.'—This was very engaging to the Highlanders. +</p> +<p> + Young Rasay being the only person of the company that durst appear with + safety, he went in quest of something fresh for them to eat: but though + he was amidst his own cows, sheep, and goats, he could not venture to + take any of them for fear of a discovery, but was obliged to supply + himself by stealth. He therefore caught a kid, and brought it to the hut + in his plaid, and it was killed and drest, and furnished them a meal + which they relished much. The distressed Wanderer, whose health was now + a good deal impaired by hunger, fatigue, and watching, slept a long + time, but seemed to be frequently disturbed. Malcolm told me he would + start from broken slumbers, and speak to himself in different languages, + French, Italian, and English. I must however acknowledge, that it is + highly probable that my worthy friend Malcolm did not know precisely the + difference between French and Italian. One of his expressions in English + was, 'O GOD! poor Scotland!' +</p> +<p> + While they were in the hut, M'Kenzie and M'Friar, the two boatmen, were + placed as sentinels upon different eminences; and one day an incident + happened, which must not be omitted. There was a man wandering about the + island, selling tobacco. Nobody knew him, and he was suspected to be a + spy. M'Kenzie came running to the hut, and told that this suspected + person was approaching. Upon which the three gentlemen, young Rasay, Dr. + Macleod, and Malcolm, held a council of war upon him, and were + unanimously of opinion that he should instantly be put to death. Prince + Charles, at once assuming a grave and even severe countenance, said, + 'God forbid that we should take away a man's life, who may be innocent, + while we can preserve our own.' The gentlemen however persisted in their + resolution, while he as strenuously continued to take the merciful side. + John M'Kenzie, who sat watching at the door of the hut, and overheard + the debate, said in Erse, 'Well, well; he must be shot. You are the + king, but we are the parliament, and will do what we choose.' Prince + Charles, seeing the gentlemen smile, asked what the man had said, and + being told it in English, he observed that he was a clever fellow, and, + notwithstanding the perilous situation in which he was, laughed loud and + heartily. Luckily the unknown person did not perceive that there were + people in the hut, at least did not come to it, but walked on past it, + unknowing of his risk. It was afterwards found out that he was one of + the Highland army, who was himself in danger. Had he come to them, they + were resolved to dispatch him; for, as Malcolm said to me, 'We could not + keep him with us, and we durst not let him go. In such a situation, I + would have shot my brother, if I had not been sure of him.' John + M'Kenzie was at Rasay's house when we were there<a href="#note-551">[551]</a>. About eighteen + years before, he hurt one of his legs when dancing, and being obliged to + have it cut off, he now was going about with a wooden leg. The story of + his being a <i>member of parliament</i> is not yet forgotten. I took him out + a little way from the house, gave him a shilling to drink Rasay's + health, and led him into a detail of the particulars which I have just + related. With less foundation, some writers have traced the idea of a + parliament, and of the British constitution, in rude and early times. I + was curious to know if he had really heard, or understood, any thing of + that subject, which, had he been a greater man, would probably have been + eagerly maintained. 'Why, John, (said I,) did you think the king should + be controuled by a parliament?' He answered, 'I thought, Sir, there were + many voices against one.' +</p> +<p> + The conversation then turning on the times, the Wanderer said, that, to + be sure, the life he had led of late was a very hard one; but he would + rather live in the way he now did, for ten years, than fall into the + hands of his enemies. The gentlemen asked him, what he thought his + enemies would do with him, should he have the misfortune to fall into + their hands. He said, he did not believe they would dare to take his + life publickly, but he dreaded being privately destroyed by poison or + assassination. He was very particular in his inquiries about the wound + which Dr. Macleod had received at the battle of Culloden, from a ball + which entered at one shoulder, and went cross to the other. The doctor + happened still to have on the coat which he wore on that occasion. He + mentioned, that he himself had his horse shot under him at Culloden; + that the ball hit the horse about two inches from his knee, and made him + so unruly that he was obliged to change him for another. He threw out + some reflections on the conduct of the disastrous affair at Culloden, + saying, however, that perhaps it was rash in him to do so. I am now + convinced that his suspicions were groundless; for I have had a good + deal of conversation upon the subject with my very worthy and ingenious + friend, Mr. Andrew Lumisden, who was under secretary to Prince Charles, + and afterwards principal secretary to his father at Rome, who, he + assured me, was perfectly satisfied both of the abilities and honour of + the generals who commanded the Highland army on that occasion. Mr. + Lumisden has written an account of the three battles in 1745-6, at once + accurate and classical<a href="#note-552">[552]</a>. Talking of the different Highland corps, + the gentlemen who were present wished to have his opinion which were the + best soldiers. He said, he did not like comparisons among those corps: + they were all best. +</p> +<p> + He told his conductors, he did not think it advisable to remain long in + any one place; and that he expected a French ship to come for him to + Lochbroom, among the Mackenzies. It then was proposed to carry him in + one of Malcolm's boats to Lochbroom, though the distance was fifteen + leagues coastwise. But he thought this would be too dangerous, and + desired that, at any rate, they might first endeavour to obtain + intelligence. Upon which young Rasay wrote to his friend, Mr. M'Kenzie + of Applecross, but received an answer, that there was no appearance of + any French ship. It was therefore resolved that they should return to + Sky, which they did, and landed in Strath, where they reposed in a + cow-house belonging to Mr. Niccolson of Scorbreck. The sea was very + rough, and the boat took in a good deal of water. The Wanderer asked if + there was danger, as he was not used to such a vessel. Upon being told + there was not, he sung an Erse song with much vivacity. He had by this + time acquired a good deal of the Erse language. +</p> +<p> + Young Rasay was now dispatched to where Donald Roy was, that they might + get all the intelligence they could; and the Wanderer, with much + earnestness, charged Dr. Macleod to have a boat ready, at a certain + place about seven miles off, as he said he intended it should carry him + upon a matter of great consequence; and gave the doctor a case, + containing a silver spoon, knife, and fork, saying, 'keep you that till + I see you,' which the doctor understood to be two days from that time. + But all these orders were only blinds; for he had another plan in his + head, but wisely thought it safest to trust his secrets to no more + persons than was absolutely necessary. Having then desired Malcolm to + walk with him a little way from the house, he soon opened his mind, + saying, 'I deliver myself to you. Conduct me to the Laird of M'Kinnon's + country.' Malcolm objected that it was very dangerous, as so many + parties of soldiers were in motion. He answered, 'There is nothing now + to be done without danger.' He then said, that Malcolm must be the + master, and he the servant; so he took the bag, in which his linen was + put up, and carried it on his shoulder; and observing that his + waistcoat, which was of scarlet tartan, with a gold twist button, was + finer than Malcolm's, which was of a plain ordinary tartan, he put on + Malcolm's waistcoat, and gave him his; remarking at the same time, that + it did not look well that the servant should be better dressed than + the master. +</p> +<p> + Malcolm, though an excellent walker, found himself excelled by Prince + Charles, who told him, he should not much mind the parties that were + looking for him, were he once but a musket shot from them; but that he + was somewhat afraid of the Highlanders who were against him. He was well + used to walking in Italy, in pursuit of game; and he was even now so + keen a sportsman, that, having observed some partridges, he was going + to take a shot: but Malcolm cautioned him against it, observing that the + firing might be heard by the tenders<a href="#note-553">[553]</a> who were hovering upon + the coast. +</p> +<p> + As they proceeded through the mountains, taking many a circuit to avoid + any houses, Malcolm, to try his resolution, asked him what they should + do, should they fall in with a party of soldiers: he answered, 'Fight, + to be sure!' Having asked Malcolm if he should be known in his present + dress, and Malcolm having replied he would, he said, 'Then I'll blacken + my face with powder.' 'That, said Malcolm, would discover you at once.' + 'Then, said he, I must be put in the greatest dishabille possible.' So + he pulled off his wig, tied a handkerchief round his head, and put his + night-cap over it, tore the ruffles from his shirt, took the buckles out + of his shoes, and made Malcolm fasten them with strings; but still + Malcolm thought he would be known. 'I have so odd a face, (said he) that + no man ever saw me but he would know me again<a href="#note-554">[554]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + He seemed unwilling to give credit to the horrid narrative of men being + massacred in cold blood, after victory had declared for the army + commanded by the Duke of Cumberland. He could not allow himself to think + that a general could be so barbarous<a href="#note-555">[555]</a>. When they came within two + miles of M'Kinnon's house, Malcolm asked if he chose to see the laird. + 'No, (said he) by no means. I know M'Kinnon to be as good and as honest + a man as any in the world, but he is not fit for my purpose at present. + You must conduct me to some other house; but let it be a gentleman's + house.' Malcolm then determined that they should go to the house of his + brother-in-law, Mr. John M'Kinnon, and from thence be conveyed to the + main land of Scotland, and claim the assistance of Macdonald of + Scothouse. The Wanderer at first objected to this, because Scothouse was + cousin to a person of whom he had suspicions. But he acquiesced in + Malcolm's opinion. +</p> +<p> + When they were near Mr. John M'Kinnon's house, they met a man of the + name of Ross, who had been a private soldier in the Highland army. He + fixed his eyes steadily on the Wanderer in his disguise, and having at + once recognized him, he clapped his hands, and exclaimed, 'Alas! is this + the case?' Finding that there was now a discovery, Malcolm asked 'What's + to be done?' 'Swear him to secrecy,' answered Prince Charles. Upon which + Malcolm drew his dirk, and on the naked blade, made him take a solemn + oath, that he would say nothing of his having seen the Wanderer, till + his escape should be made publick. +</p> +<p> + Malcolm's sister, whose house they reached pretty early in the morning, + asked him who the person was that was along with him. He said it was one + Lewis Caw, from Crieff, who being a fugitive like himself, for the same + reason, he had engaged him as his servant, but that he had fallen sick. + 'Poor man! (said she) I pity him. At the same time my heart warms to a + man of his appearance.' Her husband was gone a little way from home; but + was expected every minute to return. She set down to her brother a + plentiful Highland breakfast. Prince Charles acted the servant very + well, sitting at a respectful distance, with his bonnet off. Malcolm + then said to him, 'Mr. Caw, you have as much need of this as I have; + there is enough for us both: you had better draw nearer and share with + me.' Upon which he rose, made a profound bow, sat down at table with his + supposed master, and eat very heartily. After this there came in an old + woman, who, after the mode of ancient hospitality, brought warm water, + and washed Malcolm's feet. He desired her to wash the feet of the poor + man who attended him. She at first seemed averse to this, from pride, as + thinking him beneath her, and in the periphrastick language of the + Highlanders and the Irish, said warmly, 'Though I washed your father's + son's feet, why should I wash his father's son's feet?' She was however + persuaded to do it. +</p> +<p> + They then went to bed, and slept for some time; and when Malcolm awaked, + he was told that Mr. John M'Kinnon, his brother-in-law, was in sight. He + sprang out to talk to him before he should see Prince Charles. After + saluting him, Malcolm, pointing to the sea, said, 'What, John, if the + prince should be prisoner on board one of those tenders?' 'GOD forbid!' + replied John. 'What if we had him here?' said Malcolm. 'I wish we had,' + answered John; 'we should take care of him.' 'Well, John,' said Malcolm, + 'he is in your house.' John, in a transport of joy, wanted to run + directly in, and pay his obeisance; but Malcolm stopped him, saying, + 'Now is your time to behave well, and do nothing that can discover him.' + John composed himself, and having sent away all his servants upon + different errands, he was introduced into the presence of his guest, and + was then desired to go and get ready a boat lying near his house, which, + though but a small leaky one, they resolved to take, rather than go to + the Laird of M'Kinnon. John M'Kinnon, however, thought otherwise; and + upon his return told them, that his Chief and lady M'Kinnon were coming + in the laird's boat. Prince Charles said to his trusty Malcolm, 'I am + sorry for this, but must make the best of it.' M'Kinnon then walked up + from the shore, and did homage to the Wanderer. His lady waited in a + cave, to which they all repaired, and were entertained with cold meat + and wine. Mr. Malcolm M'Leod being now superseded by the Laird of + M'Kinnon, desired leave to return, which was granted him, and Prince + Charles wrote a short note, which he subscribed <i>James Thompson</i>, + informing his friends that he had got away from Sky, and thanking them + for their kindness; and he desired this might be speedily conveyed to + young Rasay and Dr. Macleod, that they might not wait longer in + expectation of seeing him again. He bade a cordial adieu to Malcolm, and + insisted on his accepting of a silver stock-buckle, and ten guineas from + his purse, though, as Malcolm told me, it did not appear to contain + above forty. Malcolm at first begged to be excused, saying, that he had + a few guineas at his service; but Prince Charles answered, 'You will + have need of money. I shall get enough when I come upon the main land.' +</p> +<p> + The Laird of M'Kinnon then conveyed him to the opposite coast of + Knoidart. Old Rasay, to whom intelligence had been sent, was crossing at + the same time to Sky; but as they did not know of each other, and each + had apprehensions, the two boats kept aloof. +</p> +<p> + These are the particulars which I have collected concerning the + extraordinary concealment and escapes of Prince Charles, in the + Hebrides. He was often in imminent danger.<a href="#note-556">[556]</a> The troops traced him + from the Long Island, across Sky, to Portree, but there lost him. +</p> +<p> + Here I stop,—having received no farther authentick information of his + fatigues and perils before he escaped to France. Kings and subjects may + both take a lesson of moderation from the melancholy fate of the House + of Stuart; that Kings may not suffer degradation and exile, and subjects + may not be harassed by the evils of a disputed succession. +</p> +<p> + Let me close the scene on that unfortunate House with the elegant and + pathetick reflections of <i>Voltaire</i>, in his <i>Histoire Générale</i>:— +</p> +<p> + 'Que les hommes privés (says that brilliant writer, speaking of Prince + Charles) qui se croyent malheureux, jettent les yeux sur ce prince et + ses ancêtres.'<a href="#note-557">[557]</a> In another place he thus sums up the sad story of + the family in general:— +</p> +<p> + 'Il n'y a aucun exemple dans l'histoire d'une maison si longtems + infortunée. Le premier des Rois d'Écosse, [ses aïeux] qui eut le nom de + <i>Jacques</i>, après avoir été dix-huit ans prisonnier en Angleterre, mourut + assassiné, avec sa femme, par la main de ses sujets. <i>Jacques</i> II, son + fils, fut tué à vingt-neuf ans en combattant contre les Anglois. + <i>Jacques</i> III, mis en prison par son peuple, fut tué ensuite par les + révoltés, dans une bataille. <i>Jacques</i> IV, périt dans un combat qu'il + perdit. <i>Marie Stuart</i>, sa petite-fille, chassée de son trône, fugitive + en Angleterre, ayant langui dix-huit ans en prison, se vit condamnée à + mort par des juges Anglais, et eut la tête tranchée. <i>Charles</i> Ier, + petit-fils de <i>Marie</i>, Roi d'Écosse et d'Angleterre, vendu par les + Écossois, et jugé à mort par les Anglais, mourut sur un échafaud dans la + place publique. <i>Jacques</i>, son fils, septième du nom, et deuxième en + Angleterre, fut chassé de ses trois royaumes; et pour comble de malheur + on contesta à son fils [jusqu'à] sa naissance. Ce fils ne tenta de + remonter sur le trône de ses pères, que pour faire périr ses amis par + des bourreaux; et nous avons vu le Prince <i>Charles Édouard</i>, réunissant + en vain les vertus de ses pères<a href="#note-558">[558]</a> et le courage du Roi <i>Jean + Sobieski</i>, son aïeul maternel, exécuter les exploits et essuyer les + malheurs les plus incroyables. Si quelque chose justifie ceux qui + croient une fatalité à laquelle rien ne peut se soustraire, c'est cette + suite continuelle de malheurs qui a persécuté la maison de <i>Stuart</i>, + pendant plus de trois cents années.'<a href="#note-559">[559]</a> +</p> +<p> + The gallant Malcolm was apprehended in about ten days after they + separated, put aboard a ship and carried prisoner to London. He said, + the prisoners in general were very ill treated in their passage; but + there were soldiers on board who lived well, and sometimes invited him + to share with them: that he had the good fortune not to be thrown into + jail, but was confined in the house of a messenger, of the name of Dick. + To his astonishment, only one witness could be found against him, though + he had been so openly engaged; and therefore, for want of sufficient + evidence, he was set at liberty. He added, that he thought himself in + such danger, that he would gladly have compounded for banishment<a href="#note-560">[560]</a>. + Yet, he said, 'he should never be so ready for death as he then + was<a href="#note-561">[561]</a>.' There is philosophical truth in this. A man will meet death + much more firmly at one time than another. The enthusiasm even of a + mistaken principle warms the mind, and sets it above the fear of death; + which in our cooler moments, if we really think of it, cannot but be + terrible, or at least very awful. +</p> +<p> + Miss Flora Macdonald being then also in London, under the protection of + Lady Primrose<a href="#note-562">[562]</a>, that lady provided a post-chaise to convey her to + Scotland, and desired she might choose any friend she pleased to + accompany her. She chose Malcolm. 'So (said he, with a triumphant air) I + went to London to be hanged, and returned in a post-chaise with Miss + Flora Macdonald.' +</p> +<p> + Mr. Macleod of Muiravenside, whom we saw at Rasay, assured us that + Prince Charles was in London in 1759<a href="#note-563">[563]</a>, and that there was then a + plan in agitation for restoring his family. Dr. Johnson could scarcely + credit this story, and said, there could be no probable plan at that + time. Such an attempt could not have succeeded, unless the King of + Prussia had stopped the army in Germany; for both the army and the fleet + would, even without orders, have fought for the King, to whom they had + engaged themselves. +</p> +<p> + Having related so many particulars concerning the grandson of the + unfortunate King James the Second; having given due praise to fidelity + and generous attachment, which, however erroneous the judgment may be, + are honourable for the heart; I must do the Highlanders the justice to + attest, that I found every where amongst them a high opinion of the + virtues of the King now upon the throne, and an honest disposition to be + faithful subjects to his majesty, whose family has possessed the + sovereignty of this country so long, that a change, even for the + abdicated family, would now hurt the best feelings of all his subjects. +</p> +<p> + The <i>abstract</i> point of <i>right</i> would involve us in a discussion of + remote and perplexed questions; and after all, we should have no clear + principle of decision. That establishment, which, from political + necessity, took place in 1688, by a breach in the succession of our + kings, and which, whatever benefits may have accrued from it, certainly + gave a shock to our monarchy,<a href="#note-564">[564]</a>—the able and constitutional + Blackstone wisely rests on the solid footing of authority. 'Our + ancestors having most indisputably a competent jurisdiction to decide + this great and important question, and having, in fact, decided it, it + is now become our duty, at this distance of time, to acquiesce in their + determination.<a href="#note-565">[565]</a>' +</p> +<p> + Mr. Paley, the present Archdeacon of Carlisle, in his <i>Principles of + Moral and Political Philosophy</i>, having, with much clearness of + argument, shewn the duty of submission to civil government to be founded + neither on an indefeasible <i>jus divinum</i>, nor on <i>compact</i>, but on + <i>expediency</i>, lays down this rational position:— +</p> +<p> + 'Irregularity in the first foundation of a state, or subsequent + violence, fraud, or injustice, in getting possession of the supreme + power, are not sufficient reasons for resistance, after the government + is once peaceably settled. No subject of the <i>British</i> empire conceives + himself engaged to vindicate the justice of the <i>Norman</i> claim or + conquest, or apprehends that his duty in any manner depends upon that + controversy. So likewise, if the house of <i>Lancaster</i>, or even the + posterity of <i>Cromwell</i>, had been at this day seated upon the throne of + <i>England</i>, we should have been as little concerned to enquire how the + founder of the family came there<a href="#note-566">[566]</a>.' In conformity with this + doctrine, I myself, though fully persuaded that the House of <i>Stuart</i> + had originally no right to the crown of <i>Scotland</i>; for that <i>Baliol</i>, + and not <i>Bruce</i>, was the lawful heir; should yet have thought it very + culpable to have rebelled, on that account, against Charles the First, + or even a prince of that house much nearer the time, in order to assert + the claim of the posterity of Baliol. +</p> +<p> + However convinced I am of the justice of that principle, which holds + allegiance and protection to be reciprocal, I do however acknowledge, + that I am not satisfied with the cold sentiment which would confine the + exertions of the subject within the strict line of duty. I would have + every breast animated with the <i>fervour</i> of loyalty<a href="#note-567">[567]</a>; with that + generous attachment which delights in doing somewhat more than is + required, and makes 'service perfect freedom<a href="#note-568">[568]</a>.' And, therefore, as + our most gracious Sovereign, on his accession to the throne, gloried in + being <i>born a Briton</i><a href="#note-569">[569]</a>; so, in my more private sphere, <i>Ego me nunc</i> + denique natum, <i>gratulor</i><a href="#note-570">[570]</a>. I am happy that a disputed succession no + longer distracts our minds; and that a monarchy, established by law, is + now so sanctioned by time, that we can fully indulge those feelings of + loyalty which I am ambitious to excite. They are feelings which have + ever actuated the inhabitants of the Highlands and the Hebrides. The + plant of loyalty is there in full vigour, and the Brunswick graft now + flourishes like a native shoot. To that spirited race of people I may + with propriety apply the elegant lines of a modern poet, on the 'facile + temper of the beauteous sex<a href="#note-571">[571]</a>:'— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Like birds new-caught, who flutter for a time, + And struggle with captivity in vain; + But by-and-by they rest, they smooth their plumes, + And to <i>new masters</i> sing their former notes<a href="#note-572">[572]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Surely such notes are much better than the querulous growlings of + suspicious Whigs and discontented Republicans. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + Kingsburgh conducted us in his boat across one of the lochs, as they + call them, or arms of the sea, which flow in upon all the coasts of + Sky,—to a mile beyond a place called <i>Grishinish</i>. Our horses had been + sent round by land to meet us. By this sail we saved eight miles of bad + riding. Dr. Johnson said, 'When we take into computation what we have + saved, and what we have gained, by this agreeable sail, it is a great + deal.' He observed, 'it is very disagreeable riding in Sky. The way is + so narrow, one only at a time can travel, so it is quite unsocial; and + you cannot indulge in meditation by yourself, because you must be always + attending to the steps which your horse takes.' This was a just and + clear description of its inconveniences. +</p> +<p> + The topick of emigration being again introduced<a href="#note-573">[573]</a>, Dr. Johnson said, + that 'a rapacious chief would make a wilderness of his estate.' Mr. + Donald M'Queen told us, that the oppression, which then made so much + noise, was owing to landlords listening to bad advice in the letting of + their lands; that interested and designed<a href="#note-574">[574]</a> people flattered them + with golden dreams of much higher rents than could reasonably be paid: + and that some of the gentlemen <i>tacksmen</i><a href="#note-575">[575]</a>, or upper tenants, were + themselves in part the occasion of the mischief, by over-rating the + farms of others. That many of the <i>tacksmen</i>, rather than comply with + exorbitant demands, had gone off to America, and impoverished the + country, by draining it of its wealth; and that their places were filled + by a number of poor people, who had lived under them, properly speaking, + as servants, paid by a certain proportion of the produce of the lands, + though called sub-tenants. I observed, that if the men of substance were + once banished from a Highland estate, it might probably be greatly + reduced in its value; for one bad year might ruin a set of poor tenants, + and men of any property would not settle in such a country, unless from + the temptation of getting land extremely cheap; for an inhabitant of any + good county in Britain, had better go to America than to the Highlands + or the Hebrides. Here, therefore, was a consideration that ought to + induce a Chief to act a more liberal part, from a mere motive of + interest, independent of the lofty and honourable principle of keeping a + clan together, to be in readiness to serve his king. I added, that I + could not help thinking a little arbitrary power in the sovereign, to + control the bad policy and greediness of the Chiefs, might sometimes be + of service. In France a Chief would not be permitted to force a number + of the king's subjects out of the country. Dr. Johnson concurred with + me, observing, that 'were an oppressive chieftain a subject of the + French king, he would probably be admonished by a <i>letter</i>.<a href="#note-576">[576]</a>' +</p> +<p> + During our sail, Dr. Johnson asked about the use of the dirk, with which + he imagined the Highlanders cut their meat. He was told, they had a + knife and fork besides, to eat with. He asked, how did the women do? and + was answered, some of them had a knife and fork too; but in general the + men, when they had cut their meat, handed their knives and forks to the + women, and they themselves eat with their fingers. The old tutor of + Macdonald always eat fish with his fingers, alledging that a knife and + fork gave it a bad taste. I took the liberty to observe to Dr. Johnson, + that he did so. 'Yes, said he; but it is because I am short-sighted, and + afraid of bones, for which reason I am not fond of eating many kinds of + fish, because I must use my fingers.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. M'Pherson's <i>Dissertations on Scottish Antiquities</i>, which he had + looked at when at Corrichatachin<a href="#note-577">[577]</a>, being mentioned, he remarked, + that 'you might read half an hour, and ask yourself what you had been + reading: there were so many words to so little matter, that there was no + getting through the book.' +</p> +<p> + As soon as we reached the shore, we took leave of Kingsburgh, and + mounted our horses. We passed through a wild moor, in many places so + soft that we were obliged to walk, which was very fatiguing to Dr. + Johnson. Once he had advanced on horseback to a very bad step. There + was a steep declivity on his left, to which he was so near, that there + was not room for him to dismount in the usual way. He tried to alight on + the other side, as if he had been a <i>young buck</i> indeed, but in the + attempt he fell at his length upon the ground; from which, however, he + got up immediately without being hurt. During this dreary ride, we were + sometimes relieved by a view of branches of the sea, that universal + medium of connection amongst mankind. A guide, who had been sent with us + from Kingsburgh, explored the way (much in the same manner as, I + suppose, is pursued in the wilds of America,) by observing certain marks + known only to the inhabitants. We arrived at Dunvegan late in the + afternoon. The great size of the castle, which is partly old and partly + new, and is built upon a rock close to the sea, while the land around it + presents nothing but wild, moorish, hilly, and craggy appearances, gave + a rude magnificence to the scene. Having dismounted, we ascended a + flight of steps, which was made by the late Macleod, for the + accommodation of persons coming to him by land, there formerly being, + for security, no other access to the castle but from the sea; so that + visitors who came by the land were under the necessity of getting into a + boat, and sailed round to the only place where it could be approached. + We were introduced into a stately dining-room, and received by Lady + Macleod, mother of the laird, who, with his friend Talisker, having been + detained on the road, did not arrive till some time after us. +</p> +<p> + We found the lady of the house a very polite and sensible woman, who had + lived for some time in London, and had there been in Dr. Johnson's + company. After we had dined, we repaired to the drawing-room, where some + of the young ladies of the family, with their mother, were at tea<a href="#note-578">[578]</a>. + This room had formerly been the bed-chamber of Sir Roderick Macleod, one + of the old Lairds; and he chose it, because, behind it, there was a + considerable cascade<a href="#note-579">[579]</a>, the sound of which disposed him to sleep. + Above his bed was this inscription: 'Sir Rorie M'Leod of Dunvegan, + Knight. GOD send good rest!' Rorie is the contraction of Roderick. He + was called Rorie <i>More</i>, that is, great Rorie, not from his size, but + from his spirit. Our entertainment here was in so elegant a style, and + reminded my fellow-traveller so much of England, that he became quite + joyous. He laughed, and said, 'Boswell, we came in at the wrong end of + this island.' 'Sir, (said I,) it was best to keep this for the last.' He + answered, 'I would have it both first and last.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_38"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. +</h2> +<p> + Dr. Johnson said in the morning, 'Is not this a fine lady<a href="#note-580">[580]</a>?' There + was not a word now of his 'impatience to be in civilized + life<a href="#note-581">[581]</a>;—though indeed I should beg pardon,—he found it here. We had + slept well, and lain long. After breakfast we surveyed the castle, and + the garden. Mr. Bethune, the parish minister,—Magnus M'Leod, of + Claggan, brother to Talisker, and M'Leod of Bay, two substantial + gentlemen of the clan, dined with us. We had admirable venison, generous + wine; in a word, all that a good table has. This was really the hall of + a chief. Lady M'Leod had been much obliged to my father, who had settled + by arbitration a variety of perplexed claims between her and her + relation, the Laird of Brodie, which she now repaid by particular + attention to me. M'Leod started the subject of making women do penance + in the church for fornication. JOHNSON. 'It is right, Sir. Infamy is + attached to the crime, by universal opinion, as soon as it is known. I + would not be the man who would discover it, if I alone knew it, for a + woman may reform; nor would I commend a parson who divulges a woman's + first offence; but being once divulged, it ought to be infamous. + Consider, of what importance to society the chastity of women is. Upon + that all the property in the world depends<a href="#note-582">[582]</a>. We hang a thief for + stealing a sheep; but the unchastity of a woman transfers sheep, and + farm and all, from the right owner. I have much more reverence for a + common prostitute than for a woman who conceals her guilt. The + prostitute is known. She cannot deceive: she cannot bring a strumpet + into the arms of an honest man, without his knowledge. BOSWELL. 'There + is, however, a great difference between the licentiousness of a single + woman, and that of a married woman.' JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir; there is a + great difference between stealing a shilling, and stealing a thousand + pounds; between simply taking a man's purse, and murdering him first, + and then taking it. But when one begins to be vicious, it is easy to go + on. Where single women are licentious, you rarely find faithful married + women.' BOSWELL. 'And yet we are told that in some nations in India, the + distinction is strictly observed.' JOHNSON. 'Nay, don't give us India. + That puts me in mind of Montesquieu, who is really a fellow of genius + too in many respects; whenever he wants to support a strange opinion, he + quotes you the practice of Japan or of some other distant country of + which he knows nothing. To support polygamy, he tells you of the island + of Formosa, where there are ten women born for one man<a href="#note-583">[583]</a>. He had but + to suppose another island, where there are ten men born for one woman, + and so make a marriage between them.<a href="#note-584">[584]</a>' At supper, Lady Macleod + mentioned Dr. Cadogan's book on the gout<a href="#note-585">[585]</a>. JOHNSON. 'It is a good + book in general, but a foolish one in particulars. It is good in + general, as recommending temperance and exercise, and cheerfulness. In + that respect it is only Dr. Cheyne's book told in a new way; and there + should come out such a book every thirty years, dressed in the mode of + the times. It is foolish, in maintaining that the gout is not + hereditary, and that one fit of it, when gone, is like a fever when + gone.' Lady Macleod objected that the author does not practise what he + teaches<a href="#note-586">[586]</a>. JOHNSON. 'I cannot help that, madam. That does not make + his book the worse. People are influenced more by what a man says, if + his practice is suitable to it,—because they are blockheads. The more + intellectual people are, the readier will they attend to what a man + tells them. If it is just, they will follow it, be his practice what it + will. No man practises so well as he writes. I have, all my life long, + been lying till noon<a href="#note-587">[587]</a>; yet I tell all young men, and tell them with + great sincerity, that nobody who does not rise early will ever do any + good. Only consider! You read a book; you are convinced by it; you do + not know the authour. Suppose you afterwards know him, and find that he + does not practise what he teaches; are you to give up your former + conviction? At this rate you would be kept in a state of equilibrium, + when reading every book, till you knew how the authour practised.<a href="#note-588">[588]</a>' + 'But,' said Lady M'Leod, 'you would think better of Dr. Cadogan, if he + acted according to his principles.' JOHNSON. 'Why, Madam, to be sure, a + man who acts in the face of light, is worse than a man who does not know + so much; yet I think no man should be the worse thought of for + publishing good principles. There is something noble in publishing + truth, though it condemns one's self.<a href="#note-589">[589]</a>' I expressed some surprize at + Cadogan's recommending good humour, as if it were quite in our own power + to attain it. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, a man grows better humoured as he + grows older. He improves by experience. When young, he thinks himself of + great consequence, and every thing of importance. As he advances in + life, he learns to think himself of no consequence, and little things of + little importance; and so he becomes more patient, and better pleased. + All good-humour and complaisance are acquired. Naturally a child seizes + directly what it sees, and thinks of pleasing itself only. By degrees, + it is taught to please others, and to prefer others; and that this will + ultimately produce the greatest happiness. If a man is not convinced of + that, he never will practise it. Common language speaks the truth as to + this: we say, a person is well <i>bred</i>. As it is said, that all material + motion is primarily in a right line, and is never <i>per circuitum</i>, never + in another form, unless by some particular cause; so it may be said + intellectual motion is.' Lady M'Leod asked, if no man was naturally + good? JOHNSON. 'No, Madam, no more than a wolf.' BOSWELL. 'Nor no woman, + Sir?' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir.<a href="#note-590">[590]</a>' Lady M'Leod started at this, saying, in a + low voice, 'This is worse than Swift.' +</p> +<p> + M'Leod of Ulinish had come in the afternoon. We were a jovial company at + supper. The Laird, surrounded by so many of his clan, was to me a + pleasing sight. They listened with wonder and pleasure, while Dr. + Johnson harangued. I am vexed that I cannot take down his full strain of + eloquence. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_39"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. +</h2> +<p> + The gentlemen of the clan went away early in the morning to the harbour + of Lochbradale, to take leave of some of their friends who were going to + America. It was a very wet day. We looked at Rorie More's horn, which is + a large cow's horn, with the mouth of it ornamented with silver + curiously carved. It holds rather more than a bottle and a half. Every + Laird of M'Leod, it is said, must, as a proof of his manhood, drink it + off full of claret, without laying it down. From Rorie More many of the + branches of the family are descended; in particular, the Talisker + branch; so that his name is much talked of. We also saw his bow, which + hardly any man now can bend, and his <i>Glaymore></i>, which was wielded with + both hands, and is of a prodigious size. We saw here some old pieces of + iron armour, immensely heavy. The broadsword now used, though called the + <i>Glaymore, (i.e.</i> the <i>great sword</i>) is much smaller than that used in + Rorie More's time. There is hardly a target now to be found in the + Highlands. After the disarming act<a href="#note-591">[591]</a>, they made them serve as covers + to their butter-milk barrels; a kind of change, like beating spears into + pruning-hooks<a href="#note-592">[592]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Sir George Mackenzie's Works (the folio edition) happened to lie in a + window in the dining room. I asked Dr. Johnson to look at the + <i>Characteres Advocatorum</i>. He allowed him power of mind, and that he + understood very well what he tells<a href="#note-593">[593]</a>; but said, that there was too + much declamation, and that the Latin was not correct. He found fault + with <i>appropinquabant</i><a href="#note-594">[594]</a>, in the character of Gilmour. I tried him + with the opposition between <i>gloria</i> and <i>palma</i>, in the comparison + between Gilmour and Nisbet, which Lord Hailes, in his <i>Catalogue of the + Lords of Session</i>, thinks difficult to be understood. The words are, + <i>'penes illum gloria, penes hunc palma</i><a href="#note-595">[595]</a>.' In a short <i>Account of + the Kirk of Scotland</i>, which I published some years ago, I applied these + words to the two contending parties, and explained them thus: 'The + popular party has most eloquence; Dr. Robertson's party most influence.' + I was very desirous to hear Dr. Johnson's explication. JOHNSON. 'I see + no difficulty. Gilmour was admired for his parts; Nisbet carried his + cause by his skill in law. <i>Palma</i> is victory.' I observed, that the + character of Nicholson, in this book resembled that of Burke: for it is + said, in one place, <i>'in omnes lusos & jocos se saepe resolvebat</i><a href="#note-596">[596]</a>;' + and, in another, <i>'sed accipitris more e conspectu aliquando astantium + sublimi se protrahens volatu, in praedam miro impetu descendebat<a href="#note-597">[597]</a>'.</i> + JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; I never heard Burke make a good joke in my + life<a href="#note-598">[598]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'But, Sir, you will allow he is a hawk.' Dr. + Johnson, thinking that I meant this of his joking, said, 'No, Sir, he is + not the hawk there. He is the beetle in the mire<a href="#note-599">[599]</a>.' I still adhered + to my metaphor,—'But he <i>soars</i> as the hawk.' JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir; but + he catches nothing.' M'Leod asked, what is the particular excellence of + Burke's eloquence? JOHNSON. 'Copiousness and fertility of allusion; a + power of diversifying his matter, by placing it in various relations. + Burke has great information, and great command of language; though, in + my opinion, it has not in every respect the highest elegance.' BOSWELL. + 'Do you think, Sir, that Burke has read Cicero much?' JOHNSON. 'I don't + believe it, Sir. Burke has great knowledge, great fluency of words, and + great promptness of ideas, so that he can speak with great illustration + on any subject that comes before him. He is neither like Cicero, nor + like Demosthenes<a href="#note-600">[600]</a>, nor like any one else, but speaks as well as + he can.' +</p> +<p> + In the 65th page of the first volume of Sir George Mackenzie, Dr. + Johnson pointed out a paragraph beginning with <i>Aristotle</i>, and told me + there was an error in the text, which he bade me try to discover. I was + lucky enough to hit it at once. As the passage is printed, it is said + that the devil answers <i>even</i> in <i>engines</i>. I corrected it to—<i>ever</i> in + <i>oenigmas</i>. 'Sir, (said he,) you are a good critick. This would have + been a great thing to do in the text of an ancient authour.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_40"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16. +</h2> +<p> + Last night much care was taken of Dr. Johnson, who was still distressed + by his cold. He had hitherto most strangely slept without a night-cap. + Miss M'Leod made him a large flannel one, and he was prevailed with to + drink a little brandy when he was going to bed. He has great virtue in + not drinking wine or any fermented liquor, because, as he acknowledged + to us, he could not do it in moderation<a href="#note-601">[601]</a>. Lady M'Leod would hardly + believe him, and said, 'I am sure, Sir, you would not carry it too far.' + JOHNSON. 'Nay, madam, it carried me. I took the opportunity of a long + illness to leave it off. It was then prescribed to me not to drink wine; + and, having broken off the habit, I have never returned to it<a href="#note-602">[602]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + In the argument on Tuesday night, about natural goodness, Dr. Johnson + denied that any child was better than another, but by difference of + instruction; though, in consequence of greater attention being paid to + instruction by one child than another, and of a variety of imperceptible + causes, such as instruction being counteracted by servants, a notion was + conceived, that of two children, equally well educated, one was + naturally much worse than another. He owned, this morning, that one + might have a greater aptitude to learn than another, and that we + inherit dispositions from our parents<a href="#note-603">[603]</a>. 'I inherited, (said he,) a + vile melancholy from my father, which has made me mad all my life, at + least not sober<a href="#note-604">[604]</a>.' Lady M'Leod wondered he should tell this. 'Madam, + (said I,) he knows that with that madness he is superior to other men.' +</p> +<p> + I have often been astonished with what exactness and perspicuity he will + explain the process of any art. He this morning explained to us all the + operation of coining, and, at night, all the operation of brewing, so + very clearly, that Mr. M'Queen said, when he heard the first, he thought + he had been bred in the Mint; when he heard the second, that he had been + bred a brewer. +</p> +<p> + I was elated by the thought of having been able to entice such a man to + this remote part of the world. A ludicrous, yet just image presented + itself to my mind, which I expressed to the company. I compared myself + to a dog who has got hold of a large piece of meat, and runs away with + it to a corner, where he may devour it in peace, without any fear of + others taking it from him. 'In London, Reynolds, Beauclerk, and all of + them, are contending who shall enjoy Dr. Johnson's conversation. We are + feasting upon it, undisturbed, at Dunvegan.' +</p> +<p> + It was still a storm of wind and rain. Dr. Johnson however walked out + with M'Leod, and saw Rorie More's cascade in full perfection. Colonel + M'Leod, instead of being all life and gaiety, as I have seen him, was at + present grave, and somewhat depressed by his anxious concern about + M'Leod's affairs, and by finding some gentlemen of the clan by no means + disposed to act a generous or affectionate part to their Chief in his + distress, but bargaining with him as with a stranger. However, he was + agreeable and polite, and Dr. Johnson said, he was a very pleasing man. + My fellow-traveller and I talked of going to Sweden<a href="#note-605">[605]</a>; and, while we + were settling our plan, I expressed a pleasure in the prospect of seeing + the king. JOHNSON. 'I doubt, Sir, if he would speak to us.' Colonel + M'Leod said, 'I am sure Mr. Boswell would speak to <i>him</i>.' But, seeing + me a little disconcerted by his remark, he politely added, 'and with + great propriety.' Here let me offer a short defence of that propensity + in my disposition, to which this gentleman alluded. It has procured me + much happiness. I hope it does not deserve so hard a name as either + forwardness or impudence. If I know myself, it is nothing more than an + eagerness to share the society of men distinguished either by their rank + or their talents, and a diligence to attain what I desire<a href="#note-606">[606]</a>. If a man + is praised for seeking knowledge, though mountains and seas are in his + way, may he not be pardoned, whose ardour, in the pursuit of the same + object, leads him to encounter difficulties as great, though of a + different kind? +</p> +<p> + After the ladies were gone from table, we talked of the Highlanders not + having sheets; and this led us to consider the advantage of wearing + linen. JOHNSON. 'All animal substances are less cleanly than vegetable. + Wool, of which flannel is made, is an animal substance; flannel + therefore is not so cleanly as linen. I remember I used to think tar + dirty; but when I knew it to be only a preparation of the juice of the + pine, I thought so no longer. It is not disagreeable to have the gum + that oozes from a plum-tree upon your fingers, because it is vegetable; + but if you have any candle-grease, any tallow upon your fingers, you are + uneasy till you rub it off. I have often thought, that if I kept a + seraglio, the ladies should all wear linen gowns,—or cotton; I mean + stuffs made of vegetable substances. I would have no silk; you cannot + tell when it is clean: It will be very nasty before it is perceived to + be so. Linen detects its own dirtiness.' +</p> +<p> + To hear the grave Dr. Samuel Johnson, 'that majestick teacher of moral + and religious wisdom,' while sitting solemn in an armchair in the Isle + of Sky, talk, <i>ex cathedra</i>, of his keeping a seraglio<a href="#note-607">[607]</a>, and + acknowledge that the supposition had <i>often</i> been in his thoughts, + struck me so forcibly with ludicrous contrast, that I could not but + laugh immoderately. He was too proud to submit, even for a moment, to be + the object of ridicule, and instantly retaliated with such keen + sarcastick wit, and such a variety of degrading images, of every one of + which I was the object, that, though I can bear such attacks as well as + most men, I yet found myself so much the sport of all the company, that + I would gladly expunge from my mind every trace of this severe retort. +</p> +<p> + Talking of our friend Langton's house in Lincolnshire, he said, 'the old + house of the family was burnt. A temporary building was erected in its + room; and to this day they have been always adding as the family + increased. It is like a shirt made for a man when he was a child, and + enlarged always as he grows older.' +</p> +<p> + We talked to-night of Luther's allowing the Landgrave of Hesse two + wives, and that it was with the consent of the wife to whom he was first + married. JOHNSON. 'There was no harm in this, so far as she was only + concerned, because <i>volenti non fit injuria</i>. But it was an offence + against the general order of society, and against the law of the Gospel, + by which one man and one woman are to be united. No man can have two + wives, but by preventing somebody else from having one.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_41"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. +</h2> +<p> + After dinner yesterday, we had a conversation upon cunning. M'Leod said + that he was not afraid of cunning people; but would let them play their + tricks about him like monkeys. 'But, (said I,) they'll scratch;' and Mr. + M'Queen added, 'they'll invent new tricks, as soon as you find out what + they do.' JOHNSON. 'Cunning has effect from the credulity of others, + rather than from the abilities of those who are cunning. It requires no + extraordinary talents to lie and deceive<a href="#note-608">[608]</a>.' This led us to consider + whether it did not require great abilities to be very wicked. JOHNSON. + 'It requires great abilities to have the <i>power</i> of being very wicked; + but not to <i>be</i> very wicked. A man who has the power, which great + abilities procure him, may use it well or ill; and it requires more + abilities to use it well, than to use it ill. Wickedness is always + easier than virtue; for it takes the short cut to every thing. It is + much easier to steal a hundred pounds, than to get it by labour, or any + other way. Consider only what act of wickedness requires great abilities + to commit it, when once the person who is to do it has the power; for + <i>there</i> is the distinction. It requires great abilities to conquer an + army, but none to massacre it after it is conquered.' +</p> +<p> + The weather this day was rather better than any that we had since we + came to Dunvegan. Mr. M'Queen had often mentioned a curious piece of + antiquity near this, which he called a temple of the Goddess ANAITIS. + Having often talked of going to see it, he and I set out after + breakfast, attended by his servant, a fellow quite like a savage. I must + observe here, that in Sky there seems to be much idleness; for men and + boys follow you, as colts follow passengers upon a road. The usual + figure of a Sky-boy, is a <i>lown</i> with bare legs and feet, a dirty + <i>kilt</i>, ragged coat and waistcoat, a bare head, and a stick in his hand, + which, I suppose, is partly to help the lazy rogue to walk, partly to + serve as a kind of a defensive weapon. We walked what is called two + miles, but is probably four, from the castle, till we came to the sacred + place. The country around is a black dreary moor on all sides, except to + the sea-coast, towards which there is a view through a valley; and the + farm of <i>Bay</i> shews some good land. The place itself is green ground, + being well drained by means of a deep glen on each side, in both of + which there runs a rivulet with a good quantity of water, forming + several cascades, which make a considerable appearance and sound. The + first thing we came to was an earthen mound, or dyke, extending from the + one precipice to the other. A little farther on was a strong stone-wall, + not high, but very thick, extending in the same manner. On the outside + of it were the ruins of two houses, one on each side of the entry or + gate to it. The wall is built all along of uncemented stones, but of so + large a size as to make a very firm and durable rampart. It has been + built all about the consecrated ground, except where the precipice is + steep enough to form an inclosure of itself. The sacred spot contains + more than two acres. There are within it the ruins of many houses, none + of them large,—a <i>cairn</i>,—and many graves marked by clusters of + stones. Mr. M'Queen insisted that the ruin of a small building, standing + east and west, was actually the temple of the Goddess ANAITIS, where her + statue was kept, and from whence processions were made to wash it in one + of the brooks. There is, it must be owned, a hollow road, visible for a + good way from the entrance; but Mr. M'Queen, with the keen eye of an + antiquary, traced it much farther than I could perceive it. There is not + above a foot and a half in height of the walls now remaining; and the + whole extent of the building was never, I imagine, greater than an + ordinary Highland house. Mr. M'Queen has collected a great deal of + learning on the subject of the temple of ANAITIS; and I had endeavoured, + in my <i>Journal</i>, to state such particulars as might give some idea of + it, and of the surrounding scenery; but from the great difficulty of + describing visible objects<a href="#note-609">[609]</a>, I found my account so unsatisfactory, + that my readers would probably have exclaimed +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'And write about it, <i>Goddess</i>, and about it<a href="#note-610">[610]</a>;' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + and therefore I have omitted it. +</p> +<p> + When we got home, and were again at table with Dr. Johnson, we first + talked of portraits. He agreed in thinking them valuable in families. I + wished to know which he preferred, fine portraits, or those of which the + merit was resemblance. JOHNSON. 'Sir, their chief excellence is being + like.' BOSWELL. 'Are you of that opinion as to the portraits of + ancestors, whom one has never seen?' JOHNSON. 'It then becomes of more + consequence that they should be like; and I would have them in the dress + of the times, which makes a piece of history. One should like to see how + <i>Rorie More</i> looked. Truth, Sir, is of the greatest value in these + things<a href="#note-611">[611]</a>.' Mr. M'Queen observed, that if you think it of no + consequence whether portraits are like, if they are but well painted, + you may be indifferent whether a piece of history is true or not, if + well told. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson said at breakfast to-day, 'that it was but of late that + historians bestowed pains and attention in consulting records, to attain + to accuracy<a href="#note-1">[1]</a>. Bacon, in writing his history of Henry VII, does not + seem to have consulted any, but to have just taken what he found in + other histories, and blended it with what he learnt by tradition.' He + agreed with me that there should be a chronicle kept in every + considerable family, to preserve the characters and transactions of + successive generations. +</p> +<p> + After dinner I started the subject of the temple of ANAITIS. Mr. M'Queen + had laid stress on the name given to the place by the country + people,—<i>Ainnit</i>; and added, 'I knew not what to make of this piece of + antiquity, till I met with the <i>Anaitidis delubrum</i> in Lydia, mentioned + by Pausanias and the elder Pliny.' Dr. Johnson, with his usual + acuteness, examined Mr. M'Queen as to the meaning of the word <i>Ainnit</i>, + in Erse; and it proved to be a <i>water-place</i>, or a place near water, + 'which,' said Mr. M'Queen, 'agrees with all the descriptions of the + temples of that goddess, which were situated near rivers, that there + might be water to wash the statue.' JOHNSON. 'Nay, Sir, the argument + from the name is gone. The name is exhausted by what we see. We have no + occasion to go to a distance for what we can pick up under our feet. Had + it been an accidental name, the similarity between it and Anaitis might + have had something in it; but it turns out to be a mere physiological + name.' Macleod said, Mr. M'Queen's knowledge of etymology had destroyed + his conjecture. JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir; Mr. M'Queen is like the eagle + mentioned by Waller, who was shot with an arrow feather'd from his own + wing<a href="#note-612">[612]</a>.' Mr. M'Queen would not, however, give up his conjecture. + JOHNSON. 'You have one possibility for you, and all possibilities + against you. It is possible it may be the temple of Anaitis. But it is + also possible that it may be a fortification; or it may be a place of + Christian worship, as the first Christians often chose remote and wild + places, to make an impression on the mind; or, if it was a heathen + temple, it may have been built near a river, for the purpose of + lustration; and there is such a multitude of divinities, to whom it may + have been dedicated, that the chance of its being a temple of <i>Anaitis</i> + is hardly any thing. It is like throwing a grain of sand upon the + sea-shore to-day, and thinking you may find it to-morrow. No, Sir, this + temple, like many an ill-built edifice, tumbles down before it is roofed + in.' In his triumph over the reverend antiquarian, he indulged himself + in a <i>conceit</i>; for, some vestige of the <i>altar</i> of the goddess being + much insisted on in support of the hypothesis, he said, 'Mr. M'Queen is + fighting <i>pro</i> aris <i>et focis'</i>. +</p> +<p> + It was wonderful how well time passed in a remote castle, and in dreary + weather. After supper, we talked of Pennant. It was objected that he was + superficial. Dr. Johnson defended him warmly<a href="#note-613">[613]</a>. He said, 'Pennant has + greater variety of enquiry than almost any man, and has told us more + than perhaps one in ten thousand could have done, in the time that he + took. He has not said what he was to tell; so you cannot find fault with + him, for what he has not told. If a man comes to look for fishes, you + cannot blame him if he does not attend to fowls.' 'But,' said Colonel + M'Leod, 'he mentions the unreasonable rise of rents in the Highlands, + and says, "the gentlemen are for emptying the bag, without filling + it<a href="#note-614">[614]</a>;" for that is the phrase he uses. Why does he not tell how to + fill it?' JOHNSON. 'Sir, there is no end of negative criticism. He tells + what he observes, and as much as he chooses. If he tells what is not + true, you may find fault with him; but, though he tells that the land is + not well cultivated, he is not obliged to tell how it may be well + cultivated. If I tell that many of the Highlanders go bare-footed, I am + not obliged to tell how they may get shoes. Pennant tells a fact. He + need go no farther, except he pleases. He exhausts nothing; and no + subject whatever has yet been exhausted. But Pennant has surely told a + great deal. Here is a man six feet high, and you are angry because he is + not seven.' Notwithstanding this eloquent <i>Oratio pro Pennantio</i>, which + they who have read this gentleman's <i>Tours</i>, and recollect the <i>Savage</i> + and the <i>Shopkeeper</i> at <i>Monboddo</i><a href="#note-615">[615]</a>, will probably impute to the + spirit of contradiction, I still think that he had better have given + more attention to fewer things, than have thrown together such a number + of imperfect accounts. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_42"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. +</h2> +<p> + Before breakfast, Dr. Johnson came up to my room to forbid me to mention + that this was his birthday; but I told him I had done it already; at + which he was displeased<a href="#note-616">[616]</a>; I suppose from wishing to have nothing + particular done on his account. Lady M'Leod and I got into a warm + dispute. She wanted to build a house upon a farm which she has taken, + about five miles from the castle, and to make gardens and other + ornaments there; all of which I approved of; but insisted that the seat + of the family should always be upon the rock of Dunvegan. JOHNSON. 'Ay, + in time we'll build all round this rock. You may make a very good house + at the farm; but it must not be such as to tempt the Laird of M'Leod to + go thither to reside. Most of the great families in England have a + secondary residence, which is called a jointure-house: let the new house + be of that kind.' The lady insisted that the rock was very inconvenient; + that there was no place near it where a good garden could be made; that + it must always be a rude place; that it was a <i>Herculean</i> labour to make + a dinner here. I was vexed to find the alloy of modern refinement in a + lady who had so much old family spirit. 'Madam, (said I,) if once you + quit this rock, there is no knowing where you may settle. You move five + miles first;—then to St. Andrews, as the late Laird did;—then to + Edinburgh;—and so on till you end at Hampstead, or in France. No, no; + keep to the rock: it is the very jewel of the estate. It looks as if it + had been let down from heaven by the four corners, to be the residence + of a Chief. Have all the comforts and conveniences of life upon it, but + never leave Rorie More's cascade.' 'But, (said she,) is it not enough if + we keep it? Must we never have more convenience than Rorie More had? he + had his beef brought to dinner in one basket, and his bread in another. + Why not as well be Rorie More all over, as live upon his rock? And + should not we tire, in looking perpetually on this rock? It is very well + for you, who have a fine place, and every thing easy, to talk thus, and + think of chaining honest folks to a rock. You would not live upon it + yourself.' 'Yes, Madam, (said I,) I would live upon it, were I Laird of + M'Leod, and should be unhappy if I were not upon it.' JOHNSON. (with a + strong voice, and most determined manner), 'Madam, rather than quit the + old rock, Boswell would live in the pit; he would make his bed in the + dungeon.' I felt a degree of elation, at finding my resolute feudal + enthusiasm thus confirmed by such a sanction. The lady was puzzled a + little. She still returned to her pretty farm,—rich ground,—fine + garden. 'Madam, (said Dr. Johnson,) were they in Asia, I would not leave + the rock.' My opinion on this subject is still the same. An ancient + family residence ought to be a primary object; and though the situation + of Dunvegan be such that little can be done here in gardening, or + pleasure-ground, yet, in addition to the veneration required by the + lapse of time, it has many circumstances of natural grandeur, suited to + the seat of a Highland Chief: it has the sea—islands—rocks,—hills, + —a noble cascade; and when the family is again in opulence, something + may be done by art. Mr. Donald M'Queen went away to-day, in order to + preach at Bracadale next day. We were so comfortably situated at + Dunvegan, that Dr. Johnson could hardly be moved from it. I proposed to + him that we should leave it on Monday. 'No, Sir, (said he,) I will not + go before Wednesday. I will have some more of this good<a href="#note-617">[617]</a>.' However, + as the weather was at this season so bad, and so very uncertain, and we + had a great deal to do yet, Mr. M'Queen and I prevailed with him to + agree to set out on Monday, if the day should be good. Mr. M'Queen, + though it was inconvenient for him to be absent from his harvest, + engaged to wait on Monday at Ulinish for us. When he was going away, Dr. + Johnson said, 'I shall ever retain a great regard for you<a href="#note-618">[618]</a>;' then + asked him if he had <i>The Rambler</i>. Mr. M'Queen said, 'No; but my brother + has it.' JOHNSON. 'Have you <i>The Idler</i>? M'QUEEN. 'No, Sir.' JOHNSON. + 'Then I will order one for you at Edinburgh, which you will keep in + remembrance of me.' Mr. M'Queen was much pleased with this. He expressed + to me, in the strongest terms, his admiration of Dr. Johnson's wonderful + knowledge, and every other quality for which he is distinguished. I + asked Mr. M'Queen, if he was satisfied with being a minister in Sky. He + said he was; but he owned that his forefathers having been so long + there, and his having been born there, made a chief ingredient in + forming his contentment. I should have mentioned that on our left hand, + between Portree and Dr. Macleod's house, Mr. M'Queen told me there had + been a college of the Knights Templars; that tradition said so; and that + there was a ruin remaining of their church, which had been burnt: but I + confess Dr. Johnson has weakened my belief in remote tradition. In the + dispute about <i>Anaitis</i>, Mr. M'Queen said, Asia Minor was peopled by + Scythians, and, as they were the ancestors of the Celts, the same + religion might be in Asia Minor and Sky. JOHNSON. 'Alas! Sir, what can a + nation that has not letters tell of its original. I have always + difficulty to be patient when I hear authours gravely quoted, as giving + accounts of savage nations, which accounts they had from the savages + themselves. What can the <i>M'Craas</i><a href="#note-619">[619]</a> tell about themselves a thousand + years ago? There is no tracing the connection of ancient nations, but by + language; and therefore I am always sorry when any language is lost, + because languages are the pedigree of nations<a href="#note-620">[620]</a>. If you find the same + language in distant countries, you may be sure that the inhabitants of + each have been the same people; that is to say, if you find the + languages a good deal the same; for a word here and there being the + same, will not do. Thus Butler, in his <i>Hudibras</i>, remembering that + <i>Penguin</i>, in the Straits of Magellan, signifies a bird with a white + head, and that the same word has, in Wales, the signification of a + white-headed wench, (<i>pen</i> head, and <i>guin</i> white,) by way of ridicule, + concludes that the people of those Straits are Welsh<a href="#note-621">[621]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + A young gentleman of the name of M'Lean, nephew to the Laird of the isle + of Muck, came this morning; and, just as we sat down to dinner, came the + Laird of the isle, of Muck himself, his lady, sister to Talisker, two + other ladies their relations, and a daughter of the late M'Leod of + Hamer, who wrote a treatise on the second sight, under the designation + of THEOPHILUS INSULANUS<a href="#note-622">[622]</a>. It was somewhat droll to hear this Laird + called by his title. <i>Muck</i> would have sounded ill; so he was called + <i>Isle of Muck</i>, which went off with great readiness. The name, as now + written, is unseemly, but it is not so bad in the original Erse, which + is <i>Mouach</i>, signifying the Sows' Island. Buchanan calls it INSULA + PORCORUM. It is so called from its form. Some call it Isle of <i>Monk</i>. + The Laird insists that this is the proper name. It was formerly + church-land belonging to Icolmkill, and a hermit lived in it. It is two + miles long, and about three quarters of a mile broad. The Laird said, he + had seven score of souls upon it. Last year he had eighty persons + inoculated, mostly children, but some of them eighteen years of age. He + agreed with the surgeon to come and do it, at half a crown a head. It is + very fertile in corn, of which they export some; and its coasts abound + in fish. A taylor comes there six times in a year. They get a good + blacksmith from the isle of Egg. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_43"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. +</h2> +<p> + It was rather worse weather than any that we had yet. At breakfast Dr. + Johnson said, 'Some cunning men choose fools for their wives, thinking + to manage them, but they always fail. There is a spaniel fool and a mule + fool. The spaniel fool may be made to do by beating. The mule fool will + neither do by words or blows; and the spaniel fool often turns mule at + last: and suppose a fool to be made do pretty well, you must have the + continual trouble of making her do. Depend upon it, no woman is the + worse for sense and knowledge.<a href="#note-623">[623]</a>' Whether afterwards he meant merely + to say a polite thing, or to give his opinion, I could not be sure; but + he added, 'Men know that women are an over-match for them, and therefore + they choose the weakest or most ignorant. If they did not think so, they + never could be afraid of women knowing as much as themselves.'<a href="#note-624">[624]</a> In + justice to the sex, I think it but candid to acknowledge, that, in a + subsequent conversation, he told me that he was serious in what he + had said. +</p> +<p> + He came to my room this morning before breakfast, to read my Journal, + which he has done all along. He often before said, 'I take great delight + in reading it.' To-day he said, 'You improve: it grows better and + better.' I observed, there was a danger of my getting a habit of writing + in a slovenly manner. 'Sir,' said he, 'it is not written in a slovenly + manner. It might be printed, were the subject fit for printing<a href="#note-625">[625]</a>.' + While Mr. Beaton preached to us in the dining-room, Dr. Johnson sat in + his own room, where I saw lying before him a volume of Lord Bacon's + works, <i>The Decay of Christian Piety</i>, Monboddo's <i>Origin of Language</i>, + and Sterne's <i>Sermons</i><a href="#note-626">[626]</a>. He asked me to-day how it happened that we + were so little together: I told him, my Journal took up much time. Yet, + on reflection, it appeared strange to me, that although I will run from + one end of London to another to pass an hour with him, I should omit to + seize any spare time to be in his company, when I am settled in the same + house with him. But my Journal is really a task of much time and labour, + and he forbids me to contract it. +</p> +<p> + I omitted to mention, in its place, that Dr. Johnson told Mr. M'Queen + that he had found the belief of the second sight universal in Sky, + except among the clergy, who seemed determined against it. I took the + liberty to observe to Mr. M'Queen, that the clergy were actuated by a + kind of vanity. 'The world, (say they,) takes us to be credulous men in + a remote corner. We'll shew them that we are more enlightened than they + think.' The worthy man said, that his disbelief of it was from his not + finding sufficient evidence; but I could perceive that he was prejudiced + against it<a href="#note-627">[627]</a>. +</p> +<p> + After dinner to-day, we talked of the extraordinary fact of Lady + Grange's being sent to St. Kilda, and confined there for several years, + without any means of relief<a href="#note-628">[628]</a>. Dr. Johnson said, if M'Leod would let + it be known that he had such a place for naughty ladies, he might make + it a very profitable island. We had, in the course of our tour, heard of + St. Kilda poetry. Dr. Johnson observed, 'it must be very poor, because + they have very few images.' BOSWELL. 'There may be a poetical genius + shewn in combining these, and in making poetry of them.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, + a man cannot make fire but in proportion as he has fuel. He cannot coin + guineas but in proportion as he has gold.' At tea he talked of his + intending to go to Italy in 1775. M'Leod said, he would like Paris + better. JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; there are none of the French literati now + alive, to visit whom I would cross a sea. I can find in Buffon's book + all that he can say<a href="#note-629">[629]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + After supper he said, 'I am sorry that prize-fighting is gone out<a href="#note-630">[630]</a>; + every art should be preserved, and the art of defence is surely + important. It is absurd that our soldiers should have swords, and not be + taught the use of them. Prize-fighting made people accustomed not to be + alarmed at seeing their own blood, or feeling a little pain from a + wound. I think the heavy <i>glaymore</i> was an ill-contrived weapon. A man + could only strike once with it. It employed both his hands, and he must + of course be soon fatigued with wielding it; so that if his antagonist + could only keep playing a while, he was sure of him. I would fight with + a dirk against Rorie More's sword. I could ward off a blow with a dirk, + and then run in upon my enemy. When within that heavy sword, I have him; + he is quite helpless, and I could stab him at my leisure, like a calf. + It is thought by sensible military men, that the English do not enough + avail themselves of their superior strength of body against the French; + for that must always have a great advantage in pushing with bayonets. I + have heard an officer say, that if women could be made to stand, they + would do as well as men in a mere interchange of bullets from a + distance: but, if a body of men should come close up to them, then to be + sure they must be overcome; now, (said he,) in the same manner the + weaker-bodied French must be overcome by our strong soldiers.' +</p> +<p> + The subject of duelling was introduced<a href="#note-631">[631]</a> JOHNSON. 'There is no case + in England where one or other of the combatants <i>must</i> die: if you have + overcome your adversary by disarming him, that is sufficient, though you + should not kill him; your honour, or the honour of your family, is + restored, as much as it can be by a duel. It is cowardly to force your + antagonist to renew the combat, when you know that you have the + advantage of him by superior skill. You might just as well go and cut + his throat while he is asleep in his bed. When a duel begins, it is + supposed there may be an equality; because it is not always skill that + prevails. It depends much on presence of mind; nay on accidents. The + wind may be in a man's face. He may fall. Many such things may decide + the superiority. A man is sufficiently punished, by being called out, + and subjected to the risk that is in a duel.' But on my suggesting that + the injured person is equally subjected to risk, he fairly owned he + could not explain the rationality of duelling. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_44"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. +</h2> +<p> + When I awaked, the storm was higher still. It abated about nine, and the + sun shone; but it rained again very soon, and it was not a day for + travelling. At breakfast, Dr. Johnson told us, 'there was once a pretty + good tavern in Catherine-street in the Strand, where very good company + met in an evening, and each man called for his own half-pint of wine, or + gill, if he pleased; they were frugal men, and nobody paid but for what + he himself drank. The house furnished no supper; but a woman attended + with mutton-pies, which any body might purchase. I was introduced to + this company by Cumming the Quaker<a href="#note-632">[632]</a>, and used to go there sometimes + when I drank wine. In the last age, when my mother lived in London, + there were two sets of people, those who gave the wall, and those who + took it; the peaceable and the quarrelsome. When I returned to + Lichfield, after having been in London, my mother asked me whether I was + one of those who gave the wall, or those who took it. Now, it is fixed + that every man keeps to the right; or, if one is taking the wall, + another yields it, and it is never a dispute<a href="#note-633">[633]</a>.' He was very severe + on a lady, whose name was mentioned. He said, he would have sent her to + St. Kilda. That she was as bad as negative badness could be, and stood + in the way of what was good: that insipid beauty would not go a great + way; and that such a woman might be cut out of a cabbage, if there was a + skilful artificer. +</p> +<p> + M'Leod was too late in coming to breakfast. Dr. Johnson said, laziness + was worse than the tooth-ach. BOSWELL. 'I cannot agree with you, Sir; a + bason of cold water or a horse whip will cure laziness.' JOHNSON. 'No, + Sir, it will only put off the fit; it will not cure the disease. I have + been trying to cure my laziness all my life, and could not do it.' + BOSWELL. 'But if a man does in a shorter time what might be the labour + of a life, there is nothing to be said against him.' JOHNSON (perceiving + at once that I alluded to him and his <i>Dictionary</i>). 'Suppose that + flattery to be true, the consequence would be, that the world would have + no right to censure a man; but that will not justify him to + himself<a href="#note-634">[634]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + After breakfast, he said to me, 'A Highland Chief should now endeavour + to do every thing to raise his rents, by means of the industry of his + people. Formerly, it was right for him to have his house full of idle + fellows; they were his defenders, his servants, his dependants, his + friends. Now they may be better employed. The system of things is now so + much altered, that the family cannot have influence but by riches, + because it has no longer the power of ancient feudal times. An + individual of a family may have it; but it cannot now belong to a + family, unless you could have a perpetuity of men with the same views. + M'Leod has four times the land that the Duke of Bedford has. I think, + with his spirit, he may in time make himself the greatest man in the + King's dominions; for land may always be improved to a certain degree. I + would never have any man sell land, to throw money into the funds, as is + often done, or to try any other species of trade. Depend upon it, this + rage of trade will destroy itself. You and I shall not see it; but the + time will come when there will be an end of it. Trade is like gaming. If + a whole company are gamesters, play must cease; for there is nothing to + be won. When all nations are traders, there is nothing to be gained by + trade<a href="#note-635">[635]</a>, and it will stop first where it is brought to the greatest + perfection. Then the proprietors of land only will be the great men.' I + observed, it was hard that M'Leod should find ingratitude in so many of + his people. JOHNSON. 'Sir, gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; + you do not find it among gross people.' I doubt of this. Nature seems to + have implanted gratitude in all living creatures<a href="#note-636">[636]</a>. The lion, + mentioned by Aulus Gellius, had it<a href="#note-637">[637]</a>. It appears to me that culture, + which brings luxury and selfishness with it, has a tendency rather to + weaken than promote this affection. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson said this morning, when talking of our setting out, that he + was in the state in which Lord Bacon represents kings. He desired the + end, but did not like the means<a href="#note-638">[638]</a>. He wished much to get home, but + was unwilling to travel in Sky. 'You are like kings too in this, Sir, + (said I,) that you must act under the direction of others.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_45"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21. +</h2> +<p> + The uncertainty of our present situation having prevented me from + receiving any letters from home for some time, I could not help being + uneasy. Dr. Johnson had an advantage over me, in this respect, he having + no wife or child to occasion anxious apprehensions in his mind<a href="#note-639">[639]</a>. It + was a good morning; so we resolved to set out. But, before quitting this + castle, where we have been so well entertained, let me give a short + description of it. +</p> +<p> + Along the edge of the rock, there are the remains of a wall, which is + now covered with ivy. A square court is formed by buildings of different + ages, particularly some towers, said to be of great antiquity; and at + one place there is a row of false cannon of stone<a href="#note-640">[640]</a>. There is a very + large unfinished pile, four stories high, which we were told was here + when <i>Leod</i>, the first of this family, came from the Isle of Man, + married the heiress of the M'Crails, the ancient possessors of Dunvegan, + and afterwards acquired by conquest as much land as he had got by + marriage. He surpassed the house of Austria; for he was <i>felix</i> both + <i>bella gerere</i> et <i>nubere</i><a href="#note-641">[641]</a>. John <i>Breck</i> M'Leod, the grandfather of + the late laird, began to repair the castle, or rather to complete it: + but he did not live to finish his undertaking<a href="#note-642">[642]</a>. Not doubting, + however, that he should do it, he, like those who have had their + epitaphs written before they died, ordered the following inscription, + composed by the minister of the parish, to be cut upon a broad stone + above one of the lower windows, where it still remains to celebrate what + was not done, and to serve as a memento of the uncertainty of life, and + the presumption of man:— +</p> +<p> + 'Joannes Macleod Beganoduni Dominus gentis suae Philarchus<a href="#note-643">[643]</a>, + Durinesiae Haraiae Vaternesiae, &c.: Baro D. Florae Macdonald + matrimoniali vinculo conjugatus turrem hanc Beganodunensem proavorum + habitaculum longe vetustissimum diu penitus labefectatam Anno aerae + vulgaris MDCLXXXVI. instauravit. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Quem stabilire juvat proavorum tecta vetusta, + Omne scelus fugiat, justitiamque colat. + Vertit in aerias turres magalia virtus, + Inque casas humiles tecta superba nefas.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + M'Leod and Talisker accompanied us. We passed by the parish church of + <i>Durinish</i>. The church-yard is not inclosed, but a pretty murmuring + brook runs along one side of it. In it is a pyramid erected to the + memory of Thomas Lord Lovat, by his son Lord Simon, who suffered on + Tower-hill<a href="#note-644">[644]</a>. It is of free-stone, and, I suppose, about thirty feet + high. There is an inscription on a piece of white marble inserted in it, + which I suspect to have been the composition of Lord Lovat himself, + being much in his pompous style:— +</p> +<p> + 'This pyramid was erected by SIMON LORD FRASER of LOVAT, in honour of + Lord THOMAS his Father, a Peer of Scotland, and Chief of the great and + ancient Clan of the FRASERS. Being attacked for his birthright by the + family of ATHOLL, then in power and favour with KING WILLIAM, yet, by + the valour and fidelity of his clan, and the assistance of the + CAMPBELLS, the old friends and allies of his family, he defended his + birthright with such greatness and fermety of soul, and such valour and + activity, that he was an honour to his name, and a good pattern to all + brave Chiefs of clans. He died in the month of May, 1699, in the 63rd + year of his age, in Dunvegan, the house of the LAIRD of MAC LEOD, whose + sister he had married: by whom he had the above SIMON LORD FRASER, and + several other children. And, for the great love he bore to the family of + MAC LEOD, he desired to be buried near his wife's relations, in the + place where two of her uncles lay. And his son LORD SIMON, to shew to + posterity his great affection for his mother's kindred, the brave MAC + LEODS, chooses rather to leave his father's bones with them, than carry + them to his own burial-place, near Lovat.' +</p> +<p> + I have preserved this inscription<a href="#note-645">[645]</a>, though of no great value, + thinking it characteristical of a man who has made some noise in the + world. Dr. Johnson said, it was poor stuff, such as Lord Lovat's butler + might have written. +</p> +<p> + I observed, in this church-yard, a parcel of people assembled at a + funeral, before the grave was dug. The coffin, with the corpse in it, + was placed on the ground, while the people alternately assisted in + making a grave. One man, at a little distance, was busy cutting a long + turf for it, with the crooked spade which is used in Sky; a very aukward + instrument. The iron part of it is like a plough-coulter. It has a rude + tree for a handle, in which a wooden pin is placed for the foot to press + upon. A traveller might, without further enquiry, have set this down as + the mode of burying in Sky. I was told, however, that the usual way is + to have a grave previously dug. +</p> +<p> + I observed to-day, that the common way of carrying home their grain here + is in loads on horseback. They have also a few sleds, or <i>cars</i>, as we + call them in Ayrshire, clumsily made, and rarely used<a href="#note-646">[646]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We got to Ulinish about six o'clock, and found a very good farm-house, + of two stories. Mr. M'Leod of Ulinish, the sheriff-substitute of the + island, was a plain honest gentleman, a good deal like an English + Justice of peace; not much given to talk, but sufficiently sagacious, + and somewhat droll. His daughter, though she was never out of Sky, was a + very well-bred woman. Our reverend friend, Mr. Donald M'Queen, kept his + appointment, and met us here. +</p> +<p> + Talking of Phipps's voyage to the North Pole, Dr. Johnson observed, that + it 'was conjectured that our former navigators have kept too near land, + and so have found the sea frozen far north, because the land hinders the + free motion of the tide; but, in the wide ocean, where the waves tumble + at their full convenience, it is imagined that the frost does not take + effect.'<a href="#note-647">[647]</a> +</p> +<a name="2H_4_46"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. +</h2> +<p> + In the morning I walked out, and saw a ship, the Margaret of Clyde, pass + by with a number of emigrants on board. It was a melancholy sight. After + breakfast, we went to see what was called a subterraneous house, about a + mile off. It was upon the side of a rising ground. It was discovered by + a fox's having taken up his abode in it, and in chasing him, they dug + into it. It was very narrow and low, and seemed about forty feet in + length. Near it, we found the foundations of several small huts, built + of stone. Mr. M'Queen, who is always for making every thing as ancient + as possible, boasted that it was the dwelling of some of the first + inhabitants of the island, and observed, what a curiosity it was to find + here a specimen of the houses of the <i>Aborigines</i>, which he believed + could be found no where else; and it was plain that they lived without + fire. Dr. Johnson remarked, that they who made this were not in the + rudest state; for that it was more difficult to make <i>it</i> than to build + a house; therefore certainly those who made it were in possession of + houses, and had this only as a hiding-place. It appeared to me, that the + vestiges of houses, just by it, confirmed Dr. Johnson's opinion. +</p> +<p> + From an old tower, near this place, is an extensive view of + Loch-Braccadil, and, at a distance, of the isles of Barra and South + Uist; and on the land-side, the <i>Cuillin</i>, a prodigious range of + mountains, capped with rocky pinnacles in a strange variety of shapes. + They resemble the mountains near Corté in Corsica, of which there is a + very good print. They make part of a great range for deer, which, though + entirely devoid of trees, is in these countries called a <i>forest</i>. +</p> +<p> + In the afternoon, Ulinish carried us in his boat to an island possessed + by him, where we saw an immense cave, much more deserving the title of + <i>antrum immane</i><a href="#note-648">[648]</a> than that of the Sybil described by Virgil, which I + likewise have visited. It is one hundred and eighty feet long, about + thirty feet broad, and at least thirty feet high. This cave, we were + told, had a remarkable echo; but we found none<a href="#note-649">[649]</a>. They said it was + owing to the great rains having made it damp. Such are the excuses by + which the exaggeration of Highland narratives is palliated. There is a + plentiful garden at Ulinish, (a great rarity in Sky,) and several trees; + and near the house is a hill, which has an Erse name, signifying, <i>'the + hill of strife'</i>, where, Mr. M'Queen informed us, justice was of old + administered. It is like the <i>mons placiti</i> of Scone, or those hills + which are called <i>laws</i><a href="#note-650">[650]</a>, such as Kelly <i>law</i>, North Berwick <i>law</i>, + and several others. It is singular that this spot should happen now to + be the sheriff's residence. +</p> +<p> + We had a very cheerful evening, and Dr. Johnson talked a good deal on + the subject of literature. Speaking of the noble family of Boyle, he + said, that all the Lord Orrerys, till the present, had been writers. + The first wrote several plays<a href="#note-651">[651]</a>; the second[652] was Bentley's + antagonist; the third<a href="#note-653">[653]</a> wrote the <i>Life of Swift</i>, and several other + things; his son Hamilton wrote some papers in the <i>Adventurer</i> and + <i>World</i>. He told us, he was well acquainted with Swift's Lord Orrery. He + said, he was a feebleminded man; that, on the publication of Dr. + Delany's <i>Remarks</i> on his book, he was so much alarmed that he was + afraid to read them. Dr. Johnson comforted him, by telling him they were + both in the right; that Delany had seen most of the good side of + Swift,—Lord Orrery most of the bad. M'Leod asked, if it was not wrong + in Orrery to expose the defects of a man with whom he lived in intimacy. + JOHNSON. 'Why no, Sir, after the man is dead; for then it is done + historically<a href="#note-654">[654]</a>.' He added, 'If Lord Orrery had been rich, he would + have been a very liberal patron. His conversation was like his writings, + neat and elegant, but without strength. He grasped at more than his + abilities could reach; tried to pass for a better talker, a better + writer, and a better thinker than he was<a href="#note-655">[655]</a>. There was a quarrel + between him and his father, in which his father was to blame; because it + arose from the son's not allowing his wife to keep company with his + father's mistress. The old lord shewed his resentment in his + will<a href="#note-656">[656]</a>,—leaving his library from his son, and assigning, as his + reason, that he could not make use of it.' +</p> +<p> + I mentioned the affectation of Orrery, in ending all his letters on the + <i>Life of Swift</i> in studied varieties of phrase<a href="#note-657">[657]</a>, and never in the + common mode of <i>'I am'</i>, &c., an observation which I remember to have + been made several years ago by old Mr. Sheridan. This species of + affectation in writing, as a foreign lady of distinguished talents once + remarked to me, is almost peculiar to the English. I took up a volume of + Dryden, containing the CONQUEST of GRANADA, and several other plays, of + which all the dedications had such studied conclusions. Dr. Johnson + said, such conclusions were more elegant, and in addressing persons of + high rank, (as when Dryden dedicated to the Duke of York<a href="#note-658">[658]</a>,) they + were likewise more respectful. I agreed that <i>there</i> it was much better: + it was making his escape from the Royal presence with a genteel sudden + timidity, in place of having the resolution to stand still, and make a + formal bow. +</p> +<p> + Lord Orrery's unkind treatment of his son in his will, led us to talk of + the dispositions a man should have when dying. I said, I did not see why + a man should act differently with respect to those of whom he thought + ill when in health, merely because he was dying. JOHNSON. 'I should not + scruple to speak against a party, when dying; but should not do it + against an individual. It is told of Sixtus Quintus, that on his + death-bed, in the intervals of his last pangs, he signed + death-warrants<a href="#note-659">[659]</a>.' Mr. M'Queen said, he should not do so; he would + have more tenderness of heart. JOHNSON. 'I believe I should not either; + but Mr. M'Queen and I are cowards<a href="#note-660">[660]</a>. It would not be from tenderness + of heart; for the heart is as tender when a man is in health as when he + is sick, though his resolution may be stronger<a href="#note-661">[661]</a>. Sixtus Quintus was + a sovereign as well as a priest; and, if the criminals deserved death, + he was doing his duty to the last. You would not think a judge died ill, + who should be carried off by an apoplectick fit while pronouncing + sentence of death. Consider a class of men whose business it is to + distribute death:—soldiers, who die scattering bullets. Nobody thinks + they die ill on that account.' +</p> +<p> + Talking of Biography, he said, he did not think that the life of any + literary man in England had been well written<a href="#note-662">[662]</a>. Beside the common + incidents of life, it should tell us his studies, his mode of living, + the means by which he attained to excellence, and his opinion of his own + works. He told us, he had sent Derrick to Dryden's relations, to gather + materials for his Life<a href="#note-663">[663]</a>; and he believed Derrick[664] had got all + that he himself should have got; but it was nothing. He added, he had a + kindness for Derrick, and was sorry he was dead. +</p> +<p> + His notion as to the poems published by Mr. M'Pherson, as the works of + Ossian, was not shaken here. Mr. M'Queen always evaded the point of + authenticity, saying only that Mr. M'Pherson's pieces fell far short of + those he knew in Erse, which were said to be Ossian's. JOHNSON. 'I hope + they do. I am not disputing that you may have poetry of great merit; but + that M'Pherson's is not a translation from ancient poetry. You do not + believe it. I say before you, you do not believe it, though you are very + willing that the world should believe it.' Mr. M'Queen made no answer + to this<a href="#note-665">[665]</a>. Dr. Johnson proceeded. 'I look upon M'Pherson's <i>Fingal</i> + to be as gross an imposition as ever the world was troubled with. Had it + been really an ancient work, a true specimen how men thought at that + time, it would have been a curiosity of the first rate. As a modern + production, it is nothing.' He said, he could never get the meaning of + an <i>Erse</i> song explained to him<a href="#note-666">[666]</a>. They told him, the chorus was + generally unmeaning. 'I take it, (said he,) Erse songs are like a song + which I remember: it was composed in Queen Elizabeth's time, on the Earl + of Essex: and the burthen was +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "Radaratoo, radarate, radara tadara tandore."' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'But surely,' said Mr. M'Queen, 'there were words to it, which had + meaning.' JOHNSON. 'Why, yes, Sir; I recollect a stanza, and you shall + have it:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "O! then bespoke the prentices all, + Living in London, both proper and tall, + For Essex's sake they would fight all. + Radaratoo, radarate, radara, tadara, tandore<a href="#note-667">[667]</a>."' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + When Mr. M'Queen began again to expatiate on the beauty of Ossian's + poetry, Dr. Johnson entered into no farther controversy, but, with a + pleasant smile, only cried, 'Ay, ay; <i>Radaratoo radarate'</i>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_47"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23. +</h2> +<p> + I took <i>Fingal</i> down to the parlour in the morning, and tried a test + proposed by Mr. Roderick M'Leod, son to Ulinish. Mr. M'Queen had said he + had some of the poem in the original. I desired him to mention any + passage in the printed book, of which he could repeat the original. He + pointed out one in page 50 of the quarto edition, and read the Erse, + while Mr. Roderick M'Leod and I looked on the English;—and Mr. M'Leod + said, that it was pretty like what Mr. M'Queen had recited. But when Mr. + M'Queen read a description of Cuchullin's sword in Erse, together with a + translation of it in English verse, by Sir James Foulis, Mr. M'Leod + said, that was much more like than Mr. M'Pherson's translation of the + former passage. Mr. M'Queen then repeated in Erse a description of one + of the horses in Cuchillin's car. Mr. M'Leod said, Mr. M'Pherson's + English was nothing like it. +</p> +<p> + When Dr. Johnson came down, I told him that I had now obtained some + evidence concerning <i>Fingal</i>; for that Mr. M'Queen had repeated a + passage in the original Erse, which Mr. M'Pherson's translation was + pretty like; and reminded him that he himself had once said, he did not + require Mr. M'Pherson's <i>Ossian</i> to be more like the original than + Pope's <i>Homer</i>. JOHNSON. 'Well, Sir, this is just what I always + maintained. He has found names, and stories, and phrases, nay, passages + in old songs, and with them has blended his own compositions, and so + made what he gives to the world as the translation of an ancient poem.' + If this was the case, I observed, it was wrong to publish it as a poem + in six books. JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir; and to ascribe it to a time too when + the Highlanders knew nothing of <i>books</i>, and nothing of <i>six</i>;—or + perhaps were got the length of counting six. We have been told, by + Condamine, of a nation that could count no more than four<a href="#note-668">[668]</a>. This + should be told to Monboddo; it would help him. There is as much charity + in helping a man down-hill, as in helping him up-hill.' BOSWELL. 'I + don't think there is as much charity.' JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir, if his + <i>tendency</i> be downwards. Till he is at the bottom he flounders; get him + once there, and he is quiet. Swift tells, that Stella had a trick, which + she learned from Addison, of encouraging a man in absurdity, instead of + endeavouring to extricate him<a href="#note-669">[669]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Mr. M'Queen's answers to the inquiries concerning <i>Ossian</i> were so + unsatisfactory, that I could not help observing, that, were he examined + in a court of justice, he would find himself under a necessity of being + more explicit. JOHNSON. 'Sir, he has told Blair a little too much, which + is published<a href="#note-670">[670]</a>; and he sticks to it. He is so much at the head of + things here, that he has never been accustomed to be closely examined; + and so he goes on quite smoothly.' BOSWELL. 'He has never had any body + to work<a href="#note-671">[671]</a> him.' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; and a man is seldom disposed to + work himself; though he ought to work himself, to be sure.' Mr. M'Queen + made no reply<a href="#note-672">[672]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Having talked of the strictness with which witnesses are examined in + courts of justice, Dr. Johnson told us, that Garrick, though accustomed + to face multitudes, when produced as a witness in Westminster-hall, was + so disconcerted by a new mode of public appearance, that he could not + understand what was asked<a href="#note-673">[673]</a>. It was a cause where an actor claimed a + <i>free benefit</i>; that is to say, a benefit without paying the expence of + the house; but the meaning of the term was disputed. Garrick was asked, + 'Sir, have you a free benefit?' 'Yes.' 'Upon what terms have you it?' + 'Upon-the terms-of-a free benefit.' He was dismissed as one from whom no + information could be obtained. Dr. Johnson is often too hard on our + friend Mr. Garrick. When I asked him why he did not mention him in the + Preface to his <i>Shakspeare</i><a href="#note-674">[674]</a> he said, 'Garrick has been liberally + paid for any thing he has done for Shakspeare. If I should praise him, I + should much more praise the nation who paid him. He has not made + Shakspeare better known<a href="#note-675">[675]</a>; he cannot illustrate Shakspeare; so I have + reasons enough against mentioning him, were reasons necessary. There + should be reasons <i>for</i> it.' I spoke of Mrs. Montague's very high + praises of Garrick<a href="#note-676">[676]</a>. JOHNSON. 'Sir, it is fit she should say so + much, and I should say nothing. Reynolds is fond of her book, and I + wonder at it; for neither I, nor Beauclerk, nor Mrs. Thrale, could get + through it<a href="#note-677">[677]</a>.' Last night Dr. Johnson gave us an account of the + whole process of tanning and of the nature of milk, and the various + operations upon it, as making whey, &c. His variety of information is + surprizing<a href="#note-678">[678]</a>; and it gives one much satisfaction to find such a man + bestowing his attention on the useful arts of life. Ulinish was much + struck with his knowledge; and said, 'He is a great orator, Sir; it is + musick to hear this man speak.' A strange thought struck me, to try if + he knew any thing of an art, or whatever it should be called, which is + no doubt very useful in life, but which lies far out of the way of a + philosopher and a poet; I mean the trade of a butcher. I enticed him + into the subject, by connecting it with the various researches into the + manners and customs of uncivilized nations, that have been made by our + late navigators into the South Seas. I began with observing, that Mr. + (now Sir Joseph) Banks tells us, that the art of slaughtering animals + was not known in Otaheité, for, instead of bleeding to death their + dogs, (a common food with them,) they strangle them. This he told me + himself; and I supposed that their hogs were killed in the same way. Dr. + Johnson said, 'This must be owing to their not having knives,—though + they have sharp stones with which they can cut a carcase in pieces + tolerably.' By degrees, he shewed that he knew something even of + butchery. 'Different animals (said he) are killed differently. An ox is + knocked down, and a calf stunned; but a sheep has its throat cut, + without any thing being done to stupify it. The butchers have no view to + the ease of the animals, but only to make them quiet, for their own + safety and convenience. A sheep can give them little trouble. Hales<a href="#note-679">[679]</a> + is of opinion, that every animal should be blooded, without having any + blow given to it, because it bleeds better.' BOSWELL. 'That would be + cruel.' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; there is not much pain, if the jugular vein + be properly cut.' Pursuing the subject, he said, the kennels of + Southwark ran with blood two or three days in the week; that he was + afraid there were slaughter-houses in more streets in London than one + supposes; (speaking with a kind of horrour of butchering;) and, yet he + added, 'any of us would kill a cow rather than not have beef.' I said we + <i>could</i> not. 'Yes, (said he,) any one may. The business of a butcher is + a trade indeed, that is to say, there is an apprenticeship served to it; + but it may be learnt in a month<a href="#note-680">[680]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + I mentioned a club in London at the Boar's Head in Eastcheap, the very + tavern<a href="#note-681">[681]</a> where Falstaff and his joyous companions met; the members of + which all assume Shakspeare's characters. One is Falstaff, another + Prince Henry, another Bardolph, and so on. JOHNSON. 'Don't be of it, + Sir. Now that you have a name, you must be careful to avoid many things, + not bad in themselves, but which will lessen your character<a href="#note-682">[682]</a>. This + every man who has a name must observe. A man who is not publickly known + may live in London as he pleases, without any notice being taken of him; + but it is wonderful how a person of any consequence is watched. There + was a member of parliament, who wanted to prepare himself to speak on a + question that was to come on in the House; and he and I were to talk it + over together. He did not wish it should be known that he talked with + me; so he would not let me come to his house, but came to mine. Some + time after he had made his speech in the house, Mrs. Cholmondeley<a href="#note-683">[683]</a>, + a very airy<a href="#note-684">[684]</a> lady, told me, 'Well, you could make nothing of him!' + naming the gentleman; which was a proof that he was watched. I had once + some business to do for government, and I went to Lord North's. + Precaution was taken that it should not be known. It was dark before I + went; yet a few days after I was told, 'Well, you have been with Lord + North.' That the door of the prime minister should be watched is not + strange; but that a member of parliament should be watched, or that my + door should be watched, is wonderful.' +</p> +<p> + We set out this morning on our way to Talisker, in Ulinish's boat, + having taken leave of him and his family. Mr. Donald M'Queen still + favoured us with his company, for which we were much obliged to him. As + we sailed along Dr. Johnson got into one of his fits of railing at the + Scots. He owned that they had been a very learned nation for a hundred + years, from about 1550 to about 1650; but that they afforded the only + instance of a people among whom the arts of civil life did not advance + in proportion with learning; that they had hardly any trade, any money, + or any elegance, before the Union; that it was strange that, with all + the advantages possessed by other nations, they had not any of those + conveniencies and embellishments which are the fruit of industry, till + they came in contact with a civilized people. 'We have taught you, (said + he,) and we'll do the same in time to all barbarous nations,—to the + Cherokees,—and at last to the Ouran-Outangs;' laughing with as much + glee as if Monboddo had been present. BOSWELL. 'We had wine before the + Union.' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; you had some weak stuff, the refuse of + France, which would not make you drunk.' BOSWELL. 'I assure you, Sir, + there was a great deal of drunkenness.' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; there were + people who died of dropsies, which they contracted in trying to get + drunk<a href="#note-685">[685]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + I must here glean some of his conversation at Ulinish, which I have + omitted. He repeated his remark, that a man in a ship was worse than a + man in a jail<a href="#note-686">[686]</a>. 'The man in a jail, (said he,) has more room, better + food, and commonly better company, and is in safety.' 'Ay; but, (said + Mr. M'Queen,) the man in the ship has the pleasing hope of getting to + shore.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, I am not talking of a man's getting to shore; but + of a man while he is in a ship: and then, I say, he is worse than a man + while he is in a jail. A man in a jail <i>may</i> have the <i>"pleasing hope"</i> + of getting out. A man confined for only a limited time, actually <i>has</i> + it.' M'Leod mentioned his schemes for carrying on fisheries with spirit, + and that he would wish to understand the construction of boats. I + suggested that he might go to a dock-yard and work, as Peter the Great + did. JOHNSON. 'Nay, Sir, he need not work. Peter the Great had not the + sense to see that the mere mechanical work may be done by any body, and + that there is the same art in constructing a vessel, whether the boards + are well or ill wrought. Sir Christopher Wren might as well have served + his time to a bricklayer, and first, indeed, to a brick-maker.' +</p> +<p> + There is a beautiful little island in the Loch of Dunvegan, called + <i>Isa</i>. M'Leod said, he would give it to Dr. Johnson, on condition of his + residing on it three months in the year; nay one month. Dr. Johnson was + highly amused with the fancy. I have seen him please himself with little + things, even with mere ideas like the present. He talked a great deal of + this island;—how he would build a house there,—how he would fortify + it,—how he would have cannon,—how he would plant,—how he would sally + out, and <i>take</i> the isle of Muck;—and then he laughed with uncommon + glee, and could hardly leave off. I have seen him do so at a small + matter that struck him, and was a sport to no one else<a href="#note-687">[687]</a>. Mr. Langton + told me, that one night he did so while the company were all grave about + him:—only Garrick, in his significant smart manner, darting his eyes + around, exclaimed, '<i>Very</i> jocose, to be sure!' M'Leod encouraged the + fancy of Doctor Johnson's becoming owner of an island; told him, that it + was the practice in this country to name every man by his lands; and + begged leave to drink to him in that mode: '<i>Island Isa</i>, your health!' + Ulinish, Talisker, Mr. M'Queen, and I, all joined in our different + manners, while Dr. Johnson bowed to each, with much good humour. +</p> +<p> + We had good weather, and a fine sail this day. The shore was varied with + hills, and rocks, and corn-fields, and bushes, which are here dignified + with the name of natural <i>wood</i>. We landed near the house of Ferneley, a + farm possessed by another gentleman of the name of M'Leod, who, + expecting our arrival, was waiting on the shore, with a horse for Dr. + Johnson. The rest of us walked. At dinner, I expressed to M'Leod the joy + which I had in seeing him on such cordial terms with his clan. + 'Government (said he) has deprived us of our ancient power; but it + cannot deprive us of our domestick satisfactions. I would rather drink + punch in one of their houses, (meaning the houses of his people,) than + be enabled by their hardships to have claret in my own.<a href="#note-688">[688]</a>' This + should be the sentiment of every Chieftain. All that he can get by + raising his rents, is more luxury in his own house. Is it not better to + share the profits of his estate, to a certain degree, with his kinsmen, + and thus have both social intercourse and patriarchal influence? +</p> +<p> + We had a very good ride, for about three miles, to Talisker, where + Colonel M'Leod introduced us to his lady. We found here Mr. Donald + M'Lean, the young Laird of <i>Col</i>, (nephew to Talisker,) to whom I + delivered the letter with which I had been favoured by his uncle, + Professor M'Leod, at Aberdeen<a href="#note-689">[689]</a>. He was a little lively young man. We + found he had been a good deal in England, studying farming, and was + resolved to improve the value of his father's lands, without oppressing + his tenants, or losing the ancient Highland fashions. +</p> +<p> + Talisker is a better place than one commonly finds in Sky. It is + situated in a rich bottom. Before it is a wide expanse of sea, on each + hand of which are immense rocks; and, at some distance in the sea, there + are three columnal rocks rising to sharp points. The billows break with + prodigious force and noise on the coast of Talisker<a href="#note-690">[690]</a>. There are here + a good many well-grown trees. Talisker is an extensive farm. The + possessor of it has, for several generations, been the next heir to + M'Leod, as there has been but one son always in that family. The court + before the house is most injudiciously paved with the round blueish-grey + pebbles which are found upon the sea-shore; so that you walk as if upon + cannon-balls driven into the ground. +</p> +<p> + After supper, I talked of the assiduity of the Scottish clergy, in + visiting and privately instructing their parishioners, and observed how + much in this they excelled the English clergy. Dr. Johnson would not let + this pass. He tried to turn it off, by saying, 'There are different ways + of instructing. Our clergy pray and preach.' M'Leod and I pressed the + subject, upon which he grew warm, and broke forth: 'I do not believe + your people are better instructed. If they are, it is the blind leading + the blind; for your clergy are not instructed themselves.' Thinking he + had gone a little too far, he checked himself, and added, 'When I talk + of the ignorance of your clergy, I talk of them as a body: I do not mean + that there are not individuals who are learned (looking at Mr. + M'Queen<a href="#note-691">[691]</a>). I suppose there are such among the clergy in Muscovy. The + clergy of England have produced the most valuable books in support of + religion, both in theory and practice. What have your clergy done, since + you sunk into presbyterianism? Can you name one book of any value, on a + religious subject, written by them<a href="#note-692">[692]</a>?' We were silent. 'I'll help + you. Forbes wrote very well; but I believe he wrote before episcopacy + was quite extinguished.' And then pausing a little, he said, 'Yes, you + have Wishart AGAINST Repentance<a href="#note-693">[693]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'But, Sir, we are not + contending for the superior learning of our clergy, but for their + superior assiduity.' He bore us down again, with thundering against + their ignorance, and said to me, 'I see you have not been well taught; + for you have not charity.' He had been in some measure forced into this + warmth, by the exulting air which I assumed; for, when he began, he + said, 'Since you <i>will</i> drive the nail!' He again thought of good Mr. + M'Queen, and, taking him by the hand, said, 'Sir, I did not mean any + disrespect to you<a href="#note-694">[694]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Here I must observe, that he conquered by deserting his ground, and not + meeting the argument as I had put it. The assiduity of the Scottish + clergy is certainly greater than that of the English. His taking up the + topick of their not having so much learning, was, though ingenious, yet + a fallacy in logick. It was as if there should be a dispute whether a + man's hair is well dressed, and Dr. Johnson should say, 'Sir, his hair + cannot be well dressed; for he has a dirty shirt. No man who has not + clean linen has his hair well dressed.' When some days afterwards he + read this passage, he said, 'No, Sir; I did not say that a man's hair + could not be well dressed because he has not clean linen, but because + he is bald.' +</p> +<p> + He used one argument against the Scottish clergy being learned, which I + doubt was not good. 'As we believe a man dead till we know that he is + alive; so we believe men ignorant till we know that they are learned.' + Now our maxim in law is, to presume a man alive, till we know he is + dead. However, indeed, it may be answered, that we must first know he + has lived; and that we have never known the learning of the Scottish + clergy. Mr. M'Queen, though he was of opinion that Dr. Johnson had + deserted the point really in dispute, was much pleased with what he + said, and owned to me, he thought it very just; and Mrs. M'Leod was so + much captivated by his eloquence, that she told me 'I was a good + advocate for a bad cause.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_48"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24. +</h2> +<p> + This was a good day. Dr. Johnson told us, at breakfast, that he rode + harder at a fox chace than any body<a href="#note-695">[695]</a>. 'The English (said he) are the + only nation who ride hard a-hunting. A Frenchman goes out, upon a + managed<a href="#note-696">[696]</a> horse, and capers in the field, and no more thinks of + leaping a hedge than of mounting a breach. Lord Powerscourt laid a + wager, in France, that he would ride a great many miles in a certain + short time. The French academicians set to work, and calculated that, + from the resistance of the air, it was impossible. His lordship however + performed it.' +</p> +<p> + Our money being nearly exhausted, we sent a bill for thirty pounds, + drawn on Sir William Forbes and Co.<a href="#note-697">[697]</a>, to Lochbraccadale, but our + messenger found it very difficult to procure cash for it; at length, + however, he got us value from the master of a vessel which was to carry + away some emigrants. There is a great scarcity of specie in Sky<a href="#note-698">[698]</a>. + Mr. M'Queen said he had the utmost difficulty to pay his servants' + wages, or to pay for any little thing which he has to buy. The rents are + paid in bills<a href="#note-699">[699]</a>, which the drovers give. The people consume a vast + deal of snuff and tobacco, for which they must pay ready money; and + pedlars, who come about selling goods, as there is not a shop in the + island, carry away the cash. If there were encouragement given to + fisheries and manufactures, there might be a circulation of money + introduced. I got one-and-twenty shillings in silver at Portree, which + was thought a wonderful store. +</p> +<p> + Talisker, Mr. M'Queen, and I, walked out, and looked at no less than + fifteen different waterfalls near the house, in the space of about a + quarter of a mile<a href="#note-700">[700]</a>. We also saw Cuchillin's well, said to have been + the favourite spring of that ancient hero. I drank of it. The water is + admirable. On the shore are many stones full of crystallizations in + the heart. +</p> +<p> + Though our obliging friend, Mr. M'Lean, was but the young laird, he had + the title of <i>Col</i> constantly given him. After dinner he and I walked to + the top of Prieshwell, a very high rocky hill, from whence there is a + view of Barra,—the Long Island,—Bernera,—the Loch of Dunvegan,—part + of Rum—part of Rasay, and a vast deal of the isle of Sky. Col, though + he had come into Sky with an intention to be at Dunvegan, and pass a + considerable time in the island, most politely resolved first to + conduct us to Mull, and then to return to Sky. This was a very fortunate + circumstance; for he planned an expedition for us of more variety than + merely going to Mull. He proposed we should see the islands of <i>Egg, + Muck, Col,</i> and <i>Tyr-yi</i>. In all these islands he could shew us every + thing worth seeing; and in Mull he said he should be as if at home, his + father having lands there, and he a farm. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson did not talk much to-day, but seemed intent in listening to + the schemes of future excursion, planned by Col. Dr. Birch<a href="#note-701">[701]</a>, + however, being mentioned, he said, he had more anecdotes than any man. I + said, Percy had a great many; that he flowed with them like one of the + brooks here. JOHNSON. 'If Percy is like one of the brooks here, Birch + was like the river Thames. Birch excelled Percy in that, as much as + Percy excels Goldsmith.' I mentioned Lord Hailes as a man of anecdote. + He was not pleased with him, for publishing only such memorials and + letters as were unfavourable for the Stuart family<a href="#note-702">[702]</a>. 'If, (said he,) + a man fairly warns you, "I am to give all the ill; do you find the + good;" he may: but if the object which he professes be to give a view of + a reign, let him tell all the truth. I would tell truth of the two + Georges, or of that scoundrel, King William<a href="#note-703">[703]</a>. Granger's + <i>Biographical History</i><a href="#note-704">[704]</a> is full of curious anecdote, but might have + been better done. The dog is a Whig. I do not like much to see a Whig in + any dress; but I hate to see a Whig in a parson's gown<a href="#note-705">[705]</a>.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_49"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25. +</h2> +<p> + It was resolved that we should set out, in order to return to Slate, to + be in readiness to take boat whenever there should be a fair wind. Dr. + Johnson remained in his chamber writing a letter, and it was long before + we could get him into motion. He did not come to breakfast, but had it + sent to him. When he had finished his letter, it was twelve o'clock, and + we should have set out at ten. When I went up to him, he said to me, 'Do + you remember a song which begins, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "Every island is a prison<a href="#note-706">[706]</a> + Strongly guarded by the sea; + Kings and princes, for that reason, + Prisoners are, as well as we?"' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + I suppose he had been thinking of our confined situation<a href="#note-707">[707]</a>. He would + fain have gone in a boat from hence, instead of riding back to Slate. A + scheme for it was proposed. He said, 'We'll not be driven tamely from + it:'-but it proved impracticable. +</p> +<p> + We took leave of M'Leod and Talisker, from whom we parted with regret. + Talisker, having been bred to physick, had a tincture of scholarship in + his conversation, which pleased Dr. Johnson, and he had some very good + books; and being a colonel in the Dutch service, he and his lady, in + consequence of having lived abroad, had introduced the ease and + politeness of the continent into this rude region. +</p> +<p> + Young Col was now our leader. Mr. M'Queen was to accompany us half a day + more. We stopped at a little hut, where we saw an old woman grinding + with the <i>quern</i>, the ancient Highland instrument, which it is said was + used by the Romans, but which, being very slow in its operation, is + almost entirely gone into disuse. +</p> +<p> + The walls of the cottages in Sky, instead of being one compacted mass + of stones, are often formed by two exterior surfaces of stone, filled up + with earth in the middle, which makes them very warm. The roof is + generally bad. They are thatched, sometimes with straw, sometimes with + heath, sometimes with fern. The thatch is secured by ropes of straw, or + of heath; and, to fix the ropes, there is a stone tied to the end of + each. These stones hang round the bottom of the roof, and make it look + like a lady's hair in papers; but I should think that, when there is + wind, they would come down, and knock people on the head. +</p> +<p> + We dined at the inn at Sconser, where I had the pleasure to find a + letter from my wife. Here we parted from our learned companion, Mr. + Donald M'Queen. Dr. Johnson took leave of him very affectionately, + saying, 'Dear Sir, do not forget me!' We settled, that he should write + an account of the Isle of Sky, which Dr. Johnson promised to revise. He + said, Mr. M'Queen should tell all that he could; distinguishing what he + himself knew, what was traditional, and what conjectural. +</p> +<p> + We sent our horses round a point of land, that we might shun some very + bad road; and resolved to go forward by sea. It was seven o'clock when + we got into our boat. We had many showers, and it soon grew pretty dark. + Dr. Johnson sat silent and patient. Once he said, as he looked on the + black coast of Sky,-black, as being composed of rocks seen in the + dusk,—'This is very solemn.' Our boatmen were rude singers, and seemed + so like wild Indians, that a very little imagination was necessary to + give one an impression of being upon an American river. We landed at + <i>Strolimus</i>, from whence we got a guide to walk before us, for two + miles, to <i>Corrichatachin</i>. Not being able to procure a horse for our + baggage, I took one portmanteau before me, and Joseph another. We had + but a single star to light us on our way. It was about eleven when we + arrived. We were most hospitably received by the master and mistress, + who were just going to bed, but, with unaffected ready kindness, made a + good fire, and at twelve o'clock at night had supper on the table. +</p> +<p> + James Macdonald, of <i>Knockow</i>, Kingsburgh's brother, whom we had seen at + Kingsburgh, was there. He shewed me a bond granted by the late Sir James + Macdonald, to old Kingsburgh, the preamble of which does so much honour + to the feelings of that much-lamented gentleman, that I thought it worth + transcribing. It was as follows:— +</p> +<p> + 'I, Sir James Macdonald, of Macdonald, Baronet, now, after arriving at + my perfect age, from the friendship I bear to Alexander Macdonald of + Kingsburgh, and in return for the long and faithful services done and + performed by him to my deceased father, and to myself during my + minority, when he was one of my Tutors and Curators; being resolved, now + that the said Alexander Macdonald is advanced in years, to contribute my + endeavours for making his old age placid and comfortable,'— +</p> +<p> + therefore he grants him an annuity of fifty pounds sterling. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson went to bed soon. When one bowl of punch was finished, I + rose, and was near the door, in my way up stairs to bed; but + Corrichatachin said, it was the first time Col had been in his house, + and he should have his bowl;-and would not I join in drinking it? The + heartiness of my honest landlord, and the desire of doing social honour + to our very obliging conductor, induced me to sit down again. Col's bowl + was finished; and by that time we were well warmed. A third bowl was + soon made, and that too was finished. We were cordial, and merry to a + high degree; but of what passed I have no recollection, with any + accuracy. I remember calling <i>Corrichatachin</i> by the familiar + appellation of <i>Corri</i>, which his friends do. A fourth bowl was made, by + which time Col, and young M'Kinnon, Corrichatachin's son, slipped away + to bed. I continued a little with Corri and Knockow; but at last I left + them. It was near five in the morning when I got to bed. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_50"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 +</h2> +<p> + I awaked at noon, with a severe head-ach. I was much vexed that I should + have been guilty of such a riot, and afraid of a reproof from Dr. + Johnson. I thought it very inconsistent with that conduct which I ought + to maintain, while the companion of the Rambler. About one he came into + my room, and accosted me, 'What, drunk yet?' His tone of voice was not + that of severe upbraiding; so I was relieved a little. 'Sir, (said I,) + they kept me up.' He answered, 'No, you kept them up, you drunken + dog:'-This he said with good-humoured <i>English</i> pleasantry. Soon + afterwards, Corrichatachin, Col, and other friends assembled round my + bed. Corri had a brandy-bottle and glass with him, and insisted I should + take a dram. 'Ay, said Dr. Johnson, fill him drunk again. Do it in the + morning, that we may laugh at him all day. It is a poor thing for a + fellow to get drunk at night, and sculk to bed, and let his friends have + no sport.' Finding him thus jocular, I became quite easy; and when I + offered to get up, he very good naturedly said, 'You need be in no such + hurry now<a href="#note-708">[708]</a>.' I took my host's advice, and drank some brandy, which I + found an effectual cure for my head-ach. When I rose, I went into Dr. + Johnson's room, and taking up Mrs. M'Kinnon's Prayer-book, I opened it + at the twentieth Sunday after Trinity, in the epistle for which I read, + 'And be not drunk with wine, wherein there is excess<a href="#note-709">[709]</a>.' Some would + have taken this as a divine interposition. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. M'Kinnon told us at dinner, that old Kingsburgh, her father, was + examined at Mugstot, by General Campbell, as to the particulars of the + dress of the person who had come to his house in woman's clothes along + with Miss Flora M'Donald; as the General had received intelligence of + that disguise. The particulars were taken down in writing, that it might + be seen how far they agreed with the dress of the <i>Irish girl</i> who went + with Miss Flora from the Long Island. Kingsburgh, she said, had but one + song, which he always sung when he was merry over a glass. She dictated + the words to me, which are foolish enough:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Green sleeves<a href="#note-710">[710]</a> and pudding pies, + Tell me where my mistress lies, + And I'll be with her before she rise, + Fiddle and aw' together. + + May our affairs abroad succeed, + And may our king come home with speed, + And all pretenders shake for dread, + And let <i>his</i> health go round. + + To all our injured friends in need, + This side and beyond the Tweed!— + Let all pretenders shake for dread, + And let <i>his</i> health go round. + Green sleeves,' &c. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + While the examination was going on, the present Talisker, who was there + as one of M'Leod's militia, could not resist the pleasantry of asking + Kingsburgh, in allusion to his only song, 'Had she <i>green sleeves</i>?' + Kingsburgh gave him no answer. Lady Margaret M'Donald was very angry at + Talisker for joking on such a serious occasion, as Kingsburgh was really + in danger of his life. Mrs. M'Kinnon added that Lady Margaret was quite + adored in Sky. That when she travelled through the island, the people + ran in crowds before her, and took the stones off the road, lest her + horse should stumble and she be hurt<a href="#note-711">[711]</a>. Her husband, Sir Alexander, + is also remembered with great regard. We were told that every week a + hogshead of claret was drunk at his table. +</p> +<p> + This was another day of wind and rain; but good cheer and good society + helped to beguile the time. I felt myself comfortable enough in the + afternoon. I then thought that my last night's riot was no more than + such a social excess as may happen without much moral blame; and + recollected that some physicians maintained, that a fever produced by it + was, upon the whole, good for health: so different are our reflections + on the same subject, at different periods; and such the excuses with + which we palliate what we know to be wrong. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_51"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. +</h2> +<p> + Mr. Donald M'Leod, our original guide, who had parted from us at + Dunvegan, joined us again to-day. The weather was still so bad that we + could not travel. I found a closet here, with a good many books, beside + those that were lying about. Dr. Johnson told me, he found a library in + his room at Talisker; and observed, that it was one of the remarkable + things of Sky, that there were so many books in it. +</p> +<p> + Though we had here great abundance of provisions, it is remarkable that + Corrichatachin has literally no garden: not even a turnip, a carrot, or + a cabbage. After dinner, we talked of the crooked spade used in Sky, + already described, and they maintained that it was better than the usual + garden-spade, and that there was an art in tossing it, by which those + who were accustomed to it could work very easily with it. 'Nay, (said + Dr. Johnson,) it may be useful in land where there are many stones to + raise; but it certainly is not a good instrument for digging good land. + A man may toss it, to be sure; but he will toss a light spade much + better: its weight makes it an incumbrance. A man <i>may</i> dig any land + with it; but he has no occasion for such a weight in digging good land. + You may take a field piece to shoot sparrows; but all the sparrows you + can bring home will not be worth the charge.' He was quite social and + easy amongst them; and, though he drank no fermented liquor, toasted + Highland beauties with great readiness. His conviviality engaged them so + much, that they seemed eager to shew their attention to him, and vied + with each other in crying out, with a strong Celtick pronunciation, + 'Toctor Shonson, Toctor Shonson, your health!' +</p> +<p> + This evening one of our married ladies, a lively pretty little woman, + good-humouredly sat down upon Dr. Johnson's knee, and, being encouraged + by some of the company, put her hands round his neck, and kissed him. + 'Do it again, (said he,) and let us see who will tire first.' He kept + her on his knee some time, while he and she drank tea. He was now like a + <i>buck</i><a href="#note-712">[712]</a> indeed. All the company were much entertained to find him so + easy and pleasant. To me it was highly comick, to see the grave + philosopher,—the Rambler,-toying with a Highland beauty<a href="#note-713">[713]</a>!—But what + could he do? He must have been surly, and weak too, had he not behaved + as he did. He would have been laughed at, and not more respected, though + less loved. +</p> +<p> + He read to-night, to himself, as he sat in company, a great deal of my + Journal, and said to me, 'The more I read of this, I think the more + highly of you.' The gentlemen sat a long time at their punch, after he + and I had retired to our chambers. The manner in which they were + attended struck me as singular:—The bell being broken, a smart lad lay + on a table in the corner of the room, ready to spring up and bring the + kettle, whenever it was wanted. They continued drinking, and singing + Erse songs, till near five in the morning, when they all came into my + room, where some of them had beds. Unluckily for me, they found a bottle + of punch in a corner, which they drank; and Corrichatachin went for + another, which they also drank. They made many apologies for disturbing + me. I told them, that, having been kept awake by their mirth, I had once + thoughts of getting up, and joining them again. Honest Corrichatachin + said, 'To have had you done so, I would have given a cow.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_52"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. +</h2> +<p> + The weather was worse than yesterday. I felt as if imprisoned. Dr. + Johnson said, it was irksome to be detained thus: yet he seemed to have + less uneasiness, or more patience, than I had. What made our situation + worse here was, that we had no rooms that we could command; for the good + people had no notion that a man could have any occasion but for a mere + sleeping-place; so, during the day, the bed chambers were common to all + the house. Servants eat in Dr. Johnson's; and mine was a kind of general + rendezvous of all under the roof, children and dogs not excepted. As the + gentlemen occupied the parlour, the ladies had no place to sit in, + during the day, but Dr. Johnson's room. I had always some quiet time for + writing in it, before he was up; and, by degrees, I accustomed the + ladies to let me sit in it after breakfast, at my <i>Journal</i>, without + minding me. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson was this morning for going to see as many islands as we + could; not recollecting the uncertainty of the season, which might + detain us in one place for many weeks. He said to me, 'I have more the + spirit of adventure than you.' For my part, I was anxious to get to + Mull, from whence we might almost any day reach the main land. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson mentioned, that the few ancient Irish gentlemen yet + remaining have the highest pride of family; that Mr. Sandford, a friend + of his, whose mother was Irish, told him, that O'Hara (who was true + Irish, both by father and mother) and he, and Mr. Ponsonby, son to the + Earl of Besborough, the greatest man of the three, but of an English + family, went to see one of those ancient Irish, and that he + distinguished them thus: 'O'Hara, you are welcome! Mr. Sandford, your + mother's son is welcome! Mr. Ponsonby, you may sit down.' +</p> +<p> + He talked both of threshing and thatching. He said, it was very + difficult to determine how to agree with a thresher. 'If you pay him by + the day's wages, he will thresh no more than he pleases; though to be + sure, the negligence of a thresher is more easily detected than that of + most labourers, because he must always make a sound while he works. If + you pay him by the piece, by the quantity of grain which he produces, he + will thresh only while the grain comes freely, and, though he leaves a + good deal in the ear, it is not worth while to thresh the straw over + again; nor can you fix him to do it sufficiently, because it is so + difficult to prove how much less a man threshes than he ought to do. + Here then is a dilemma: but, for my part, I would engage him by the day: + I would rather trust his idleness than his fraud.' He said, a roof + thatched with Lincolnshire reeds would last seventy years, as he was + informed when in that county; and that he told this in London to a great + thatcher, who said, he believed it might be true. Such are the pains + that Dr. Johnson takes to get the best information on every + subject<a href="#note-714">[714]</a>. +</p> +<p> + He proceeded:—'It is difficult for a farmer in England to find + day-labourers, because the lowest manufacturers can always get more than + a day-labourer. It is of no consequence how high the wages of + manufacturers are; but it would be of very bad consequence to raise the + wages of those who procure the immediate necessaries of life, for that + would raise the price of provisions. Here then is a problem for + politicians. It is not reasonable that the most useful body of men + should be the worst paid; yet it does not appear how it can be ordered + otherwise. It were to be wished, that a mode for its being otherwise + were found out. In the mean time, it is better to give temporary + assistance by charitable contributions to poor labourers, at times when + provisions are high, than to raise their wages; because, if wages are + once raised, they will never get down again<a href="#note-715">[715]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Happily the weather cleared up between one and two o'clock, and we got + ready to depart; but our kind host and hostess would not let us go + without taking a <i>snatch</i>, as they called it; which was in truth a very + good dinner. While the punch went round, Dr. Johnson kept a close + whispering conference with Mrs. M'Kinnon, which, however, was loud + enough to let us hear that the subject of it was the particulars of + Prince Charles's escape. The company were entertained and pleased to + observe it. Upon that subject, there was something congenial between the + soul of Dr. Samuel Johnson, and that of an isle of Sky farmer's wife. It + is curious to see people, how far so ever removed from each other in the + general system of their lives, come close together on a particular point + which is common to each. We were merry with Corrichatachin, on Dr. + Johnson's whispering with his wife. She, perceiving this, humourously + cried, 'I am in love with him. What is it to live and not to love?' Upon + her saying something, which I did not hear, or cannot recollect, he + seized her hand eagerly, and kissed it. +</p> +<p> + As we were going, the Scottish phrase of '<i>honest man</i>!' which is an + expression of kindness and regard, was again and again applied by the + company to Dr. Johnson. I was also treated with much civility; and I + must take some merit from my assiduous attention to him, and from my + contriving that he shall be easy wherever he goes, that he shall not be + asked twice to eat or drink any thing (which always disgusts him), that + he shall be provided with water at his meals, and many such little + things, which, if not attended to, would fret him. I also may be allowed + to claim some merit in leading the conversation: I do not mean leading, + as in an orchestra, by playing the first fiddle; but leading as one does + in examining a witness—starting topics, and making him pursue them. He + appears to me like a great mill, into which a subject is thrown to be + ground. It requires, indeed, fertile minds to furnish materials for this + mill. I regret whenever I see it unemployed; but sometimes I feel myself + quite barren, and have nothing to throw in. I know not if this mill be a + good figure; though Pope makes his mind a mill for turning verses<a href="#note-716">[716]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We set out about four. Young Corrichatachin went with us. We had a fine + evening, and arrived in good time at <i>Ostig</i>, the residence of Mr. + Martin M'Pherson, minister of Slate. It is a pretty good house, built by + his father, upon a farm near the church. We were received here with much + kindness by Mr. and Mrs. M'Pherson, and his sister, Miss M'Pherson, who + pleased Dr. Johnson much, by singing Erse songs, and playing on the + guittar. He afterwards sent her a present of his <i>Rasselas</i>. In his + bed-chamber was a press stored with books, Greek, Latin, French, and + English, most of which had belonged to the father of our host, the + learned Dr. M'Pherson; who, though his <i>Dissertations</i> have been + mentioned in a former page<a href="#note-717">[717]</a> as unsatisfactory, was a man of + distinguished talents. Dr. Johnson looked at a Latin paraphrase of the + song of Moses, written by him, and published in the <i>Scots Magazine</i> for + 1747, and said, 'It does him honour; he has a good deal of Latin, and + good Latin.' Dr. M'Pherson published also in the same magazine, June + 1739, an original Latin ode, which he wrote from the isle of Barra, + where he was minister for some years. It is very poetical, and exhibits + a striking proof how much all things depend upon comparison: for Barra, + it seems, appeared to him so much worse than Sky, his <i>natale + solum</i><a href="#note-718">[718]</a>, that he languished for its 'blessed mountains,' and thought + himself buried alive amongst barbarians where he was. My readers will + probably not be displeased to have a specimen of this ode:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Hei mihi! quantos patior dolores, + Dum procul specto juga ter beata; + Dum ferae Barrae steriles arenas + Solus oberro. + 'Ingemo, indignor, crucior, quod inter + Barbaros Thulen lateam colentes; + Torpeo languens, morior sepultus, + Carcere coeco.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + After wishing for wings to fly over to his dear country, which was in + his view, from what he calls <i>Thule</i>, as being the most western isle of + Scotland, except St. Kilda; after describing the pleasures of society, + and the miseries of solitude, he at last, with becoming propriety, has + recourse to the only sure relief of thinking men,—<i>Sursum + corda</i><a href="#note-719">[719]</a>—the hope of a better world, disposes his mind to + resignation:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Interim fiat, tua, rex, voluntas: + Erigor sursum quoties subit spes + Certa migrandi Solymam supernam, + Numinis aulam.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + He concludes in a noble strain of orthodox piety:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Vita tum demum vocitanda vita est. + Tum licet gratos socios habere, + Seraphim et sanctos TRIADEM verendam + Concelebrantes.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<a name="2H_4_53"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29<a href="#note-720">[720]</a>. +</h2> +<p> + After a very good sleep, I rose more refreshed than I had been for some + nights. We were now at but a little distance from the shore, and saw the + sea from our windows, which made our voyage seem nearer. Mr. M'Pherson's + manners and address pleased us much. He appeared to be a man of such + intelligence and taste as to be sensible of the extraordinary powers of + his illustrious guest. He said to me, 'Dr. Johnson is an honour to + mankind; and, if the expression may be used, is an honour to religion.' +</p> +<p> + Col, who had gone yesterday to pay a visit at Camuscross, joined us this + morning at breakfast. Some other gentlemen also came to enjoy the + entertainment of Dr. Johnson's conversation. The day was windy and + rainy, so that we had just seized a happy interval for our journey last + night. We had good entertainment here, better accommodation than at + Corrichatachin, and time enough to ourselves. The hours slipped along + imperceptibly. We talked of Shenstone. Dr. Johnson said he was a good + layer-out of land<a href="#note-721">[721]</a>, but would not allow him to approach excellence + as a poet. He said, he believed he had tried to read all his <i>Love + Pastorals</i>, but did not get through them. I repeated the stanza, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'She gazed as I slowly withdrew; + My path I could hardly discern; + So sweetly she bade me adieu, + I thought that she bade me return<a href="#note-722">[722]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + He said, 'That seems to be pretty.' I observed that Shenstone, from his + short maxims in prose, appeared to have some power of thinking; but Dr. + Johnson would not allow him that merit<a href="#note-723">[723]</a>. He agreed, however, with + Shenstone, that it was wrong in the brother of one of his correspondents + to burn his letters<a href="#note-724">[724]</a>: 'for, (said he,) Shenstone was a man whose + correspondence was an honour.' He was this afternoon full of critical + severity, and dealt about his censures on all sides. He said, Hammond's + <i>Love Elegies</i> were poor things<a href="#note-725">[725]</a>. He spoke contemptuously of our + lively and elegant, though too licentious, Lyrick bard, Hanbury + Williams, and said, 'he had no fame, but from boys who drank with + him<a href="#note-726">[726]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + While he was in this mood, I was unfortunate enough, simply perhaps, but + I could not help thinking, undeservedly, to come within 'the whiff and + wind of his fell sword<a href="#note-727">[727]</a>.' I asked him, if he had ever been + accustomed to wear a night-cap. He said 'No.' I asked, if it was best + not to wear one. JOHNSON. 'Sir, I had this custom by chance, and perhaps + no man shall ever know whether it is best to sleep with or without a + night-cap.' Soon afterwards he was laughing at some deficiency in the + Highlands, and said, 'One might as well go without shoes and stockings.' + Thinking to have a little hit at his own deficiency, I ventured to + add,———' or without a night-cap, Sir.' But I had better have been + silent; for he retorted directly. 'I do not see the connection there + (laughing). Nobody before was ever foolish enough to ask whether it was + best to wear a night-cap or not. This comes of being a little + wrong-headed.' He carried the company along with him: and yet the truth + is, that if he had always worn a night-cap, as is the common practice, + and found the Highlanders did not wear one, he would have wondered at + their barbarity; so that my hit was fair enough. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_54"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30. +</h2> +<p> + There was as great a storm of wind and rain as I have almost ever seen, + which necessarily confined us to the house; but we were fully + compensated by Dr. Johnson's conversation. He said, he did not grudge + Burke's being the first man in the House of Commons, for he was the + first man every where; but he grudged that a fellow who makes no figure + in company, and has a mind as narrow as the neck of a vinegar cruet, + should make a figure in the House of Commons, merely by having the + knowledge of a few forms, and being furnished with a little occasional + information<a href="#note-728">[728]</a>. He told us, the first time he saw Dr. Young was at the + house of Mr. Richardson, the author of <i>Clarissa</i>. He was sent for, that + the doctor might read to him his <i>Conjectures on original + Composition</i><a href="#note-729">[729]</a>, which he did, and Dr. Johnson made his remarks; and + he was surprized to find Young receive as novelties, what he thought + very common maxims. He said, he believed Young was not a great scholar, + nor had studied regularly the art of writing<a href="#note-730">[730]</a>; that there were very + fine things in his <i>Night Thoughts</i><a href="#note-731">[731]</a>, though you could not find + twenty lines together without some extravagance. He repeated two + passages from his <i>Love of Fame</i>,—the characters of Brunetta<a href="#note-732">[732]</a> and + Stella<a href="#note-733">[733]</a>, which he praised highly. He said Young pressed him much to + come to Wellwyn. He always intended it, but never went<a href="#note-734">[734]</a>. He was + sorry when Young died. The cause of quarrel between Young and his son, + he told us, was, that his son insisted Young should turn away a + clergyman's widow, who lived with him, and who, having acquired great + influence over the father, was saucy to the son. Dr. Johnson said, she + could not conceal her resentment at him, for saying to Young, that 'an + old man should not resign himself to the management of any body.' I + asked him, if there was any improper connection between them. 'No, Sir, + no more than between two statues. He was past fourscore, and she a very + coarse woman. She read to him, and I suppose made his coffee, and + frothed his chocolate, and did such things as an old man wishes to have + done for him.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Doddridge being mentioned, he observed that 'he was author of one of + the finest epigrams in the English language. It is in Orton's Life of + him.<a href="#note-735">[735]</a> The subject is his family motto,—<i>Dum vivimus, vivamus</i>; + which, in its primary signification, is, to be sure, not very suitable + to a Christian divine; but he paraphrased it thus: +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "Live, while you live, the <i>epicure</i> would say, + And seize the pleasures of the present day. + Live, while you live, the sacred <i>preacher</i> cries, + And give to GOD each moment as it flies. + Lord, in my views let both united be; + I live in <i>pleasure</i>, when I live to <i>thee</i>."' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + I asked if it was not strange that government should permit so many + infidel writings to pass without censure. JOHNSON. 'Sir, it is mighty + foolish. It is for want of knowing their own power. The present family + on the throne came to the crown against the will of nine tenths of the + people.<a href="#note-736">[736]</a> Whether those nine tenths were right or wrong, it is not + our business now to enquire. But such being the situation of the royal + family, they were glad to encourage all who would be their friends. Now + you know every bad man is a Whig; every man who has loose notions. The + church was all against this family. They were, as I say, glad to + encourage any friends; and therefore, since their accession, there is no + instance of any man being kept back on account of his bad principles; + and hence this inundation of impiety<a href="#note-737">[737]</a>.' I observed that Mr. Hume, + some of whose writings were very unfavourable to religion, was, however, + a Tory. JOHNSON. 'Sir, Hume is a Tory by chance<a href="#note-738">[738]</a> as being a + Scotchman; but not upon a principle of duty; for he has no principle. If + he is any thing, he is a Hobbist.' +</p> +<p> + There was something not quite serene in his humour to-night, after + supper; for he spoke of hastening away to London, without stopping much + at Edinburgh. I reminded him that he had General Oughton and many others + to see. JOHNSON. 'Nay, I shall neither go in jest, nor stay in jest. I + shall do what is fit.' BOSWELL. 'Ay, Sir, but all I desire is, that you + will let me tell you when it is fit.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, I shall not consult + you.' BOSWELL. 'If you are to run away from us, as soon as you get + loose, we will keep you confined in an island.' He was, however, on the + whole, very good company. Mr. Donald McLeod expressed very well the + gradual impression made by Dr. Johnson on those who are so fortunate as + to obtain his acquaintance. 'When you see him first, you are struck with + awful reverence;—then you admire him;—and then you love him + cordially.' +</p> +<p> + I read this evening some part of Voltaire's <i>History of the War</i> in + 1741<a href="#note-739">[739]</a>, and of Lord Kames against Hereditary Indefeasible Right. This + is a very slight circumstance, with which I should not trouble my + reader, but for the sake of observing that every man should keep minutes + of whatever he reads. Every circumstance of his studies should be + recorded; what books he has consulted; how much of them he has read; at + what times; how often the same authors; and what opinions he formed of + them, at different periods of his life. Such an account would much + illustrate the history of his mind.<a href="#note-740">[740]</a> +</p> +<a name="2H_4_55"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1. +</h2> +<p> + I shewed to Dr. Johnson verses in a magazine, on his <i>Dictionary</i>, + composed of uncommon words taken from it:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Little of <i>Anthropopathy</i><a href="#note-741">[741]</a> has he,' &c. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + He read a few of them, and said, 'I am not answerable for all the words + in my <i>Dictionary</i>'. I told him that Garrick kept a book of all who had + either praised or abused him. On the subject of his own reputation, he + said,' Now that I see it has been so current a topick, I wish I had done + so too; but it could not well be done now, as so many things are + scattered in newspapers.' He said he was angry at a boy of Oxford, who + wrote in his defence against Kenrick; because it was doing him hurt to + answer Kenrick. He was told afterwards, the boy was to come to him to + ask a favour. He first thought to treat him rudely, on account of his + meddling in that business; but then he considered, he had meant to do + him all the service in his power, and he took another resolution; he + told him he would do what he could for him, and did so; and the boy was + satisfied. He said, he did not know how his pamphlet was done, as he had + 'read very little of it. The boy made a good figure at Oxford, but + died.<a href="#note-742">[742]</a> He remarked, that attacks on authors did them much service. + 'A man who tells me my play is very bad, is less my enemy than he who + lets it die in silence. A man whose business it is to be talked of, is + much helped by being attacked.'<a href="#note-743">[743]</a> Garrick, I observed, had been often + so helped. JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir; though Garrick had more opportunities + than almost any man, to keep the publick in mind of him, by exhibiting + himself to such numbers, he would not have had so much reputation, had + he not been so much attacked. Every attack produces a defence; and so + attention is engaged. There is no sport in mere praise, when people are + all of a mind.' BOSWELL. 'Then Hume is not the worse for Beattie's + attack?<a href="#note-744">[744]</a>' JOHNSON. 'He is, because Beattie has confuted him. I do + not say, but that there may be some attacks which will hurt an author. + Though Hume suffered from Beattie, he was the better for other attacks.' + (He certainly could not include in that number those of Dr. Adams<a href="#note-745">[745]</a>, + and Mr. Tytler<a href="#note-746">[746]</a>.) BOSWELL. 'Goldsmith is the better for attacks.' + JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir; but he does not think so yet. When Goldsmith and I + published, each of us something, at the same time<a href="#note-747">[747]</a>, we were given to + understand that we might review each other. Goldsmith was for accepting + the offer. I said, No; set Reviewers at defiance. It was said to old + Bentley, upon the attacks against him, "Why, they'll write you down." + "No, Sir," he replied; "depend upon it, no man was ever written down but + by himself<a href="#note-748">[748]</a>." 'He observed to me afterwards, that the advantages + authors derived from attacks, were chiefly in subjects of taste, where + you cannot confute, as so much may be said on either side.<a href="#note-749">[749]</a> He told + me he did not know who was the authour of the <i>Adventures of a + Guinea</i><a href="#note-750">[750]</a>, but that the bookseller had sent the first volume to him + in manuscript, to have his opinion if it should be printed; and he + thought it should. +</p> +<p> + The weather being now somewhat better, Mr. James McDonald, factor to Sir + Alexander McDonald in Slate, insisted that all the company at Ostig + should go to the house at Armidale, which Sir Alexander had left, having + gone with his lady to Edinburgh, and be his guests, till we had an + opportunity of sailing to Mull. We accordingly got there to dinner; and + passed our day very cheerfully, being no less than fourteen in number. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_56"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2. +</h2> +<p> + Dr. Johnson said, that 'a Chief and his Lady should make their house + like a court. They should have a certain number of the gentlemen's + daughters to receive their education in the family, to learn pastry and + such things from the housekeeper, and manners from my lady. That was the + way in the great families in Wales; at Lady Salisbury's,<a href="#note-751">[751]</a> Mrs. + Thrale's grandmother, and at Lady Philips's.<a href="#note-752">[752]</a> I distinguish the + families by the ladies, as I speak of what was properly their province. + There were always six young ladies at Sir John Philips's: when one was + married, her place was filled up. There was a large school-room, where + they learnt needle-work and other things.' I observed, that, at some + courts in Germany, there were academies for the pages, who are the sons + of gentlemen, and receive their education without any expence to their + parents. Dr. Johnson said, that manners were best learned at those + courts.' You are admitted with great facility to the prince's company, + and yet must treat him with much respect. At a great court, you are at + such a distance that you get no good.' I said, 'Very true: a man sees + the court of Versailles, as if he saw it on a theatre.' He said, 'The + best book that ever was written upon good breeding, <i>Il Corteggiano</i>, by + Castiglione<a href="#note-753">[753]</a>, grew up at the little court of Urbino, and you should + read it.' I am glad always to have his opinion of books. At Mr. + McPherson's, he commended Whitby's <i>Commentary</i><a href="#note-754">[754]</a>, and said, he had + heard him called rather lax; but he did not perceive it. He had looked + at a novel, called <i>The Man of the World</i><a href="#note-755">[755]</a>, at Rasay, but thought + there was nothing in it. He said to-day, while reading my <i>Journal</i>, + 'This will be a great treasure to us some years hence.' +</p> +<p> + Talking of a very penurious gentleman of our acquaintance<a href="#note-756">[756]</a>, he + observed, that he exceeded <i>L'Avare</i> in the play<a href="#note-757">[757]</a>. I concurred with + him, and remarked that he would do well, if introduced in one of Foote's + farces; that the best way to get it done, would be to bring Foote to be + entertained at his house for a week, and then it would be <i>facit + indignatio</i><a href="#note-758">[758]</a>. JOHNSON. 'Sir, I wish he had him. I, who have eaten + his bread, will not give him to him; but I should be glad he came + honestly by him.' +</p> +<p> + He said, he was angry at Thrale, for sitting at General Oglethorpe's + without speaking. He censured a man for degrading himself to a + non-entity. I observed, that Goldsmith was on the other extreme; for he + spoke at all ventures.<a href="#note-759">[759]</a> JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir; Goldsmith, rather than + not speak, will talk of what he knows himself to be ignorant, which can + only end in exposing him.' 'I wonder, (said I,) if he feels that he + exposes himself. If he was with two taylors,' 'Or with two founders, + (said Dr. Johnson, interrupting me,) he would fall a talking on the + method of making cannon, though both of them would soon see that he did + not know what metal a cannon is made of.' We were very social and merry + in his room this forenoon. In the evening the company danced as usual. + We performed, with much activity, a dance which, I suppose, the + emigration from Sky has occasioned. They call it <i>America</i>. Each of the + couples, after the common <i>involutions</i> and <i>evolutions</i>, successively + whirls round in a circle, till all are in motion; and the dance seems + intended to shew how emigration catches, till a whole neighbourhood is + set afloat. Mrs. M'Kinnon told me, that last year when a ship sailed + from Portree for America, the people on shore were almost distracted + when they saw their relations go off, they lay down on the ground, + tumbled, and tore the grass with their teeth. This year there was not a + tear shed. The people on shore seemed to think that they would soon + follow. This indifference is a mortal sign for the country. +</p> +<p> + We danced to-night to the musick of the bagpipe, which made us beat the + ground with prodigious force. I thought it better to endeavour to + conciliate the kindness of the people of Sky, by joining heartily in + their amusements, than to play the abstract scholar. I looked on this + Tour to the Hebrides as a copartnership between Dr. Johnson and me. Each + was to do all he could to promote its success; and I have some reason to + flatter myself, that my gayer exertions were of service to us. Dr. + Johnson's immense fund of knowledge and wit was a wonderful source of + admiration and delight to them; but they had it only at times; and they + required to have the intervals agreeably filled up, and even little + elucidations of his learned text. I was also fortunate enough frequently + to draw him forth to talk, when he would otherwise have been silent. The + fountain was at times locked up, till I opened the spring. It was + curious to hear the Hebridians, when any dispute happened while he was + out of the room, saying, 'Stay till Dr. Johnson comes: say that + to <i>him!</i> +</p> +<p> + Yesterday, Dr. Johnson said, 'I cannot but laugh, to think of myself + roving among the Hebrides at sixty<a href="#note-760">[760]</a>. I wonder where I shall rove at + fourscore<a href="#note-761">[761]</a>!' This evening he disputed the truth of what is said, as + to the people of St. Kilda catching cold whenever strangers come. 'How + can there (said he) be a physical effect without a physical cause<a href="#note-762">[762]</a>?' + He added, laughing, 'the arrival of a ship full of strangers would kill + them; for, if one stranger gives them one cold, two strangers must give + them two colds; and so in proportion.' I wondered to hear him ridicule + this, as he had praised M'Aulay for putting it in his book: saying, that + it was manly in him to tell a fact, however strange, if he himself + believed it<a href="#note-763">[763]</a>. He said, the evidence was not adequate to the + improbability of the thing; that if a physician, rather disposed to be + incredulous, should go to St. Kilda, and report the fact, then he would + begin to look about him. They said, it was annually proved by M'Leod's + steward, on whose arrival all the inhabitants caught cold. He jocularly + remarked, 'the steward always comes to demand something from them; and + so they fall a coughing. I suppose the people in Sky all take a cold, + when—(naming a certain person<a href="#note-764">[764]</a>) comes.' They said, he came only in + summer. JOHNSON. 'That is out of tenderness to you. Bad weather and he, + at the same time, would be too much.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_57"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3. +</h2> +<p> + Joseph reported that the wind was still against us. Dr. Johnson said, 'A + wind, or not a wind? that is the question<a href="#note-765">[765]</a>;' for he can amuse + himself at times with a little play of words, or rather sentences. I + remember when he turned his cup at Aberbrothick, where we drank tea, he + muttered <i>Claudite jam rivos, pueri'</i><a href="#note-766">[766]</a>. I must again and again + apologize to fastidious readers, for recording such minute particulars. + They prove the scrupulous fidelity of my <i>Journal</i>. Dr. Johnson said it + was a very exact picture of a portion of his life. +</p> +<p> + While we were chatting in the indolent stile of men who were to stay + here all this day at least, we were suddenly roused at being told that + the wind was fair, that a little fleet of herring-busses was passing by + for Mull, and that Mr. Simpson's vessel was about to sail. Hugh + M'Donald, the skipper, came to us, and was impatient that we should get + ready, which we soon did. Dr. Johnson, with composure and solemnity, + repeated the observation of Epictetus, that, 'as man has the voyage of + death before him,—whatever may be his employment, he should be ready at + the master's call; and an old man should never be far from the shore, + lest he should not be able to get himself ready.' He rode, and I and the + other gentlemen walked, about an English mile to the shore, where the + vessel lay. Dr. Johnson said, he should never forget Sky, and returned + thanks for all civilities. We were carried to the vessel in a small boat + which she had, and we set sail very briskly about one o'clock. I was + much pleased with the motion for many hours. Dr. Johnson grew sick, and + retired under cover, as it rained a good deal. I kept above, that I + might have fresh air, and finding myself not affected by the motion of + the vessel, I exulted in being a stout seaman, while Dr. Johnson was + quite in a state of annihilation. But I was soon humbled; for after + imagining that I could go with ease to America or the East-Indies, I + became very sick, but kept above board, though it rained hard. +</p> +<p> + As we had been detained so long in Sky by bad weather, we gave up the + scheme that Col had planned for us of visiting several islands, and + contented ourselves with the prospect of seeing Mull, and Icolmkill and + Inchkenneth, which lie near to it. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Simpson was sanguine in his hopes for awhile, the wind being fair + for us. He said, he would land us at Icolmkill that night. But when the + wind failed, it was resolved we should make for the sound of Mull, and + land in the harbour of Tobermorie. We kept near the five herring vessels + for some time; but afterwards four of them got before us, and one little + wherry fell behind us. When we got in full view of the point of + Ardnamurchan, the wind changed, and was directly against our getting + into the Sound. We were then obliged to tack, and get forward in that + tedious manner. As we advanced, the storm grew greater, and the sea very + rough. Col then began to talk of making for Egg, or Canna, or his own + island. Our skipper said, he would get us into the Sound. Having + struggled for this a good while in vain, he said, he would push forward + till we were near the land of Mull, where we might cast anchor, and lie + till the morning; for although, before this, there had been a good moon, + and I had pretty distinctly seen not only the land of Mull, but up the + Sound, and the country of Morven as at one end of it, the night was now + grown very dark. Our crew consisted of one M'Donald, our skipper, and + two sailors, one of whom had but one eye: Mr. Simpson himself, Col, and + Hugh M'Donald his servant, all helped. Simpson said, he would willingly + go for Col, if young Col or his servant would undertake to pilot us to + a harbour; but, as the island is low land, it was dangerous to run upon + it in the dark. Col and his servant appeared a little dubious. The + scheme of running for Canna seemed then to be embraced; but Canna was + ten leagues off, all out of our way; and they were afraid to attempt the + harbour of Egg. All these different plans were successively in + agitation. The old skipper still tried to make for the land of Mull; but + then it was considered that there was no place there where we could + anchor in safety. Much time was lost in striving against the storm. At + last it became so rough, and threatened to be so much worse, that Col + and his servant took more courage, and said they would undertake to hit + one of the harbours in Col. 'Then let us run for it in GOD'S name,' said + the skipper; and instantly we turned towards it. The little wherry which + had fallen behind us had hard work. The master begged that, if we made + for Col, we should put out a light to him. Accordingly one of the + sailors waved a glowing peat for some time. The various difficulties + that were started, gave me a good deal of apprehension, from which I was + relieved, when I found we were to run for a harbour before the wind. But + my relief was but of short duration: for I soon heard that our sails + were very bad, and were in danger of being torn in pieces, in which case + we should be driven upon the rocky shore of Col. It was very dark, and + there was a heavy and incessant rain. The sparks of the burning peat + flew so much about, that I dreaded the vessel might take fire. Then, as + Col was a sportsman, and had powder on board, I figured that we might be + blown up. Simpson and he appeared a little frightened, which made me + more so; and the perpetual talking, or rather shouting, which was + carried on in Erse, alarmed me still more. A man is always suspicious of + what is saying in an unknown tongue; and, if fear be his passion at the + time, he grows more afraid. Our vessel often lay so much on one side, + that I trembled lest she should be overset, and indeed they told me + afterwards, that they had run her sometimes to within an inch of the + water, so anxious were they to make what haste they could before the + night should be worse. I now saw what I never saw before, a prodigious + sea, with immense billows coming upon a vessel, so as that it seemed + hardly possible to escape. There was something grandly horrible in the + sight. I am glad I have seen it once. Amidst all these terrifying + circumstances, I endeavoured to compose my mind. It was not easy to do + it; for all the stories that I had heard of the dangerous sailing among + the Hebrides, which is proverbial<a href="#note-767">[767]</a>, came full upon my recollection. + When I thought of those who were dearest to me, and would suffer + severely, should I be lost, I upbraided myself, as not having a + sufficient cause for putting myself in such danger. Piety afforded me + comfort; yet I was disturbed by the objections that have been made + against a particular providence, and by the arguments of those who + maintain that it is in vain to hope that the petitions of an individual, + or even of congregations, can have any influence with the Deity; + objections which have been often made, and which Dr. Hawkesworth has + lately revived, in his Preface to the <i>Voyages to the South Seas</i><a href="#note-768">[768]</a>; + but Dr. Ogden's excellent doctrine on the efficacy of intercession + prevailed. +</p> +<p> + It was half an hour after eleven before we set ourselves in the course + for Col. As I saw them all busy doing something, I asked Col, with much + earnestness, what I could do. He, with a happy readiness, put into my + hand a rope, which was fixed to the top of one of the masts, and told me + to hold it till he bade me pull. If I had considered the matter, I might + have seen that this could not be of the least service; but his object + was to keep me out of the way of those who were busy working the vessel, + and at the same time to divert my fear, by employing me, and making me + think that I was of use. Thus did I stand firm to my post, while the + wind and rain beat upon me, always expecting a call to pull my rope. + The man with one eye steered; old M'Donald, and Col and his servant, lay + upon the fore-castle, looking sharp out for the harbour. It was + necessary to carry much <i>cloth</i>, as they termed it, that is to say, much + sail, in order to keep the vessel off the shore of Col. This made + violent plunging in a rough sea. At last they spied the harbour of + Lochiern, and Col cried, 'Thank GOD, we are safe!' We ran up till we + were opposite to it, and soon afterwards we got into it, and + cast anchor. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson had all this time been quiet and unconcerned. He had lain + down on one of the beds, and having got free from sickness, was + satisfied. The truth is, he knew nothing of the danger we were in<a href="#note-769">[769]</a> + but, fearless and unconcerned, might have said, in the words which he + has chosen for the motto to his <i>Rambler</i>, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Quo me cunque rapit tempestas, deferor hospes.<a href="#note-770">[770]</a>' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Once, during the doubtful consultations, he asked whither we were going; + and upon being told that it was not certain whether to Mull or Col, he + cried, 'Col for my money!' I now went down, with Col and Mr. Simpson, to + visit him. He was lying in philosophick tranquillity with a greyhound of + Col's at his back, keeping him warm. Col is quite the <i>Juvenis qui + gaudet canibus</i><a href="#note-771">[771]</a>. He had, when we left Talisker, two greyhounds, + two terriers, a pointer, and a large Newfoundland water-dog. He lost one + of his terriers by the road, but had still five dogs with him. I was + very ill, and very desirous to get to shore. When I was told that we + could not land that night, as the storm had now increased, I looked so + miserably, as Col afterwards informed me, that what Shakspeare has made + the Frenchman say of the English soldiers, when scantily dieted, + <i>'Piteous they will look, like drowned mice!'</i><a href="#note-772">[772]</a> might, I believe, + have been well applied to me. There was in the harbour, before us, a + Campbelltown vessel, the Betty, Kenneth Morrison master, taking in + kelp, and bound for Ireland. We sent our boat to beg beds for two + gentlemen, and that the master would send his boat, which was larger + than ours. He accordingly did so, and Col and I were accommodated in his + vessel till the morning. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_58"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, OCTOBER 4. +</h2> +<p> + About eight o'clock we went in the boat to Mr. Simpson's vessel, and + took in Dr. Johnson. He was quite well, though he had tasted nothing but + a dish of tea since Saturday night. On our expressing some surprise at + this, he said, that, 'when he lodged in the Temple, and had no regular + system of life, he had fasted for two days at a time, during which he + had gone about visiting, though not at the hours of dinner or supper; + that he had drunk tea, but eaten no bread; that this was no intentional + fasting, but happened just in the course of a literary life.'<a href="#note-773">[773]</a> +</p> +<p> + There was a little miserable publick-house close upon the shore, to + which we should have gone, had we landed last night: but this morning + Col resolved to take us directly to the house of Captain Lauchlan + M'Lean, a descendant of his family, who had acquired a fortune in the + East-Indies, and taken a farm in Col<a href="#note-774">[774]</a>. We had about an English mile + to go to it. Col and Joseph, and some others, ran to some little horses, + called here <i>Shelties</i>, that were running wild on a heath, and catched + one of them. We had a saddle with us, which was clapped upon it, and a + straw halter was put on its head. Dr. Johnson was then mounted, and + Joseph very slowly and gravely led the horse. I said to Dr. Johnson, 'I + wish, Sir, <i>the Club</i> saw you in this attitude.<a href="#note-775">[775]</a>' +</p> +<p> + It was a very heavy rain, and I was wet to the skin. Captain M'Lean had + but a poor temporary house, or rather hut; however, it was a very good + haven to us. There was a blazing peat-fire, and Mrs. M'Lean, daughter of + the minister of the parish, got us tea. I felt still the motion of the + sea. Dr. Johnson said, it was not in imagination, but a continuation of + motion on the fluids, like that of the sea itself after the storm + is over. +</p> +<p> + There were some books on the board which served as a chimney-piece. Dr. + Johnson took up Burnet's <i>History of his own Times</i><a href="#note-776">[776]</a>. He said, 'The + first part of it is one of the most entertaining books in the English + language; it is quite dramatick: while he went about every where, saw + every where, and heard every where. By the first part, I mean so far as + it appears that Burnet himself was actually engaged in what he has told; + and this may be easily distinguished.' Captain M'Lean censured Burnet, + for his high praise of Lauderdale in a dedication<a href="#note-777">[777]</a>, when he shews + him in his history to have been so bad a man. JOHNSON. 'I do not myself + think that a man should say in a dedication what he could not say in a + history. However, allowance should be made; for there is a great + difference. The known style of a dedication is flattery: it professes + to flatter. There is the same difference between what a man says in a + dedication, and what he says in a history, as between a lawyer's + pleading a cause, and reporting it.' +</p> +<p> + The day passed away pleasantly enough. The wind became fair for Mull in + the evening, and Mr. Simpson resolved to sail next morning: but having + been thrown into the island of Col we were unwilling to leave it + unexamined, especially as we considered that the Campbelltown vessel + would sail for Mull in a day or two, and therefore we determined + to stay. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_59"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5. +</h2> +<p> + I rose, and wrote my <i>Journal</i> till about nine; and then went to Dr. + Johnson, who sat up in bed and talked and laughed. I said, it was + curious to look back ten years, to the time when we first thought of + visiting the Hebrides<a href="#note-778">[778]</a>. How distant and improbable the scheme then + appeared! Yet here we were actually among them. 'Sir, (said he,) people + may come to do any thing almost, by talking of it. I really believe, I + could talk myself into building a house upon island Isa<a href="#note-779">[779]</a>, though I + should probably never come back again to see it. I could easily persuade + Reynolds to do it; and there would be no great sin in persuading him to + do it. Sir, he would reason thus: "What will it cost me to be there once + in two or three summers? Why, perhaps, five hundred pounds; and what is + that, in comparison of having a fine retreat, to which a man can go, or + to which he can send a friend?" He would never find out that he may have + this within twenty miles of London. Then I would tell him, that he may + marry one of the Miss M'Leods, a lady of great family. Sir, it is + surprising how people will go to a distance for what they may have at + home. I knew a lady who came up from Lincolnshire to Knightsbridge with + one of her daughters, and gave five guineas a week for a lodging and a + warm bath; that is, mere warm water. <i>That</i>, you know, could not be had + in <i>Lincolnshire</i>! She said, it was made either too hot or too + cold there.' +</p> +<p> + After breakfast, Dr. Johnson and I, and Joseph, mounted horses, and Col + and the Captain walked with us about a short mile across the island. We + paid a visit to the Reverend Mr. Hector M'Lean. His parish consists of + the islands of Col and Tyr-yi. He was about seventy-seven years of age, + a decent ecclesiastick, dressed in a full suit of black clothes, and a + black wig. He appeared like a Dutch pastor, or one of the assembly of + divines at Westminster. Dr. Johnson observed to me afterwards, 'that he + was a fine old man, and was as well-dressed, and had as much dignity in + his appearance as the dean of a cathedral.' We were told, that he had a + valuable library, though but poor accommodation for it, being obliged to + keep his books in large chests. It was curious to see him and Dr. + Johnson together. Neither of them heard very distinctly; so each of them + talked in his own way, and at the same time. Mr. M'Lean said, he had a + confutation of Bayle, by Leibnitz. JOHNSON. 'A confutation of Bayle, + Sir! What part of Bayle do you mean? The greatest part of his writings + is not confutable: it is historical and critical.' Mr. M'Lean said, 'the + irreligious part;' and proceeded to talk of Leibnitz's controversy with + Clarke, calling Leibnitz a great man. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, Leibnitz + persisted in affirming that Newton called space <i>sensorium numinis</i>, + notwithstanding he was corrected, and desired to observe that Newton's + words were QUASI <i>sensorium numinis</i><a href="#note-780">[780]</a>. No, Sir; Leibnitz was as + paltry a fellow as I know. Out of respect to Queen Caroline, who + patronised him, Clarke treated him too well.<a href="#note-781">[781]</a>' During the time + that Dr. Johnson was thus going on, the old minister was standing with + his back to the fire, cresting up erect, pulling down the front of his + periwig, and talking what a great man Leibnitz was. To give an idea of + the scene, would require a page with two columns; but it ought rather to + be represented by two good players. The old gentleman said, Clarke was + very wicked, for going so much into the Arian system<a href="#note-782">[782]</a>. 'I will not + say he was wicked, said Dr. Johnson; he might be mistaken.' M'LEAN. 'He + was wicked, to shut his eyes against the Scriptures; and worthy men in + England have since confuted him to all intents and purposes.' JOHNSON. + 'I know not <i>who</i> has confuted him to <i>all intents and purposes</i>.' Here + again there was a double talking, each continuing to maintain his own + argument, without hearing exactly what the other said. +</p> +<p> + I regretted that Dr. Johnson did not practice the art of accommodating + himself to different sorts of people. Had he been softer with this + venerable old man, we might have had more conversation; but his forcible + spirit, and impetuosity of manner, may be said to spare neither sex nor + age. I have seen even Mrs. Thrale stunned; but I have often maintained, + that it is better he should retain his own manner<a href="#note-783">[783]</a>. Pliability of + address I conceive to be inconsistent with that majestick power of mind + which he possesses, and which produces such noble effects. A lofty oak + will not bend like a supple willow. +</p> +<p> + He told me afterwards, he liked firmness in an old man, and was pleased + to see Mr. M'Lean so orthodox. 'At his age, it is too late for a man to + be asking himself questions as to his belief<a href="#note-784">[784]</a>.' We rode to the + northern part of the island, where we saw the ruins of a church or + chapel<a href="#note-785">[785]</a>. We then proceeded to a place called Grissipol, or the + rough Pool. +</p> +<p> + At Grissipol we found a good farm house, belonging to the Laird of Col, + and possessed by Mr. M'Sweyn. On the beach here there is a singular + variety of curious stones. I picked up one very like a small cucumber. + By the by, Dr. Johnson told me, that Gay's line in <i>The Beggars Opera</i>, + 'As men should serve a cucumber<a href="#note-786">[786]</a>,' &c. has no waggish meaning, with + reference to men flinging away cucumbers as too <i>cooling</i>, which some + have thought; for it has been a common saying of physicians in England, + that a cucumber should be well sliced, and dressed with pepper and + vinegar, and then thrown out, as good for nothing. Mr. M'Sweyn's + predecessors had been in Sky from a very remote period, upon the estate + belonging to M'Leod; probably before M'Leod had it The name is certainly + Norwegian, from <i>Sueno</i>, King of Norway. The present Mr. M'Sweyn left + Sky upon the late M'Leod's raising his rents. He then got this farm + from Col. +</p> +<p> + He appeared to be near fourscore; but looked as fresh, and was as strong + as a man of fifty. His son Hugh looked older; and, as Dr. Johnson + observed, had more the manners of an old man than he. I had often heard + of such instances, but never saw one before. Mrs. M'Sweyn was a decent + old gentlewoman. She was dressed in tartan, and could speak nothing but + Erse. She said, she taught Sir James M'Donald Erse, and would teach me + soon. I could now sing a verse of the song <i>Hatyin foam'eri</i><a href="#note-787">[787]</a>, made + in honour of Allan, the famous Captain of Clanranald, who fell at + Sherrif-muir<a href="#note-788">[788]</a>; whose servant, who lay on the field watching his + master's dead body, being asked next day who that was, answered, 'He was + a man yesterday.' +</p> +<p> + We were entertained here with a primitive heartiness. Whiskey was served + round in a shell, according to the ancient Highland custom. Dr. Johnson + would not partake of it; but, being desirous to do honour to the modes + 'of other times,' drank some water out of the shell. +</p> +<p> + In the forenoon Dr. Johnson said, 'it would require great resignation to + live in one of these islands.' BOSWELL. 'I don't know, Sir; I have felt + myself at times in a state of almost mere physical existence, satisfied + to eat, drink, and sleep, and walk about, and enjoy my own thoughts; and + I can figure a continuation of this.' JOHNSON. 'Ay, Sir; but if you were + shut up here, your own thoughts would torment you. You would think of + Edinburgh or London, and that you could not be there.' +</p> +<p> + We set out after dinner for <i>Breacacha</i>, the family seat of the Laird of + Col, accompanied by the young laird, who had now got a horse, and by the + younger Mr. M'Sweyn, whose wife had gone thither before us, to prepare + every thing for our reception, the laird and his family being absent at + Aberdeen. It is called <i>Breacacha</i>, or the Spotted Field, because in + summer it is enamelled with clover and daisies, as young Col told me. We + passed by a place where there is a very large stone, I may call it a + <i>rock</i>;—'a vast weight for Ajax<a href="#note-789">[789]</a>.' The tradition is, that a giant + threw such another stone at his mistress, up to the top of a hill, at a + small distance; and that she in return, threw this mass down to + him<a href="#note-790">[790]</a>. It was all in sport. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Malo me petit lasciva puella<a href="#note-791">[791]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + As we advanced, we came to a large extent of plain ground. I had not + seen such a place for a long time. Col and I took a gallop upon it by + way of race. It was very refreshing to me, after having been so long + taking short steps in hilly countries. It was like stretching a man's + legs after being cramped in a short bed. We also passed close by a large + extent of sand-hills, near two miles square. Dr. Johnson said, 'he never + had the image before. It was horrible, if barrenness and danger could be + so.' I heard him, after we were in the house of <i>Breacacha</i>, repeating + to himself, as he walked about the room, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'And smother'd in the dusty whirlwind, dies<a href="#note-792">[792]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Probably he had been thinking of the whole of the simile in <i>Cato</i>, of + which that is the concluding line; the sandy desart had struck him so + strongly. The sand has of late been blown over a good deal of meadow, + and the people of the island say, that their fathers remembered much of + the space which is now covered with sand, to have been under + tillage<a href="#note-793">[793]</a>. Col's house is situated on a bay called <i>Breacacha</i> Bay. + We found here a neat new-built gentleman's house, better than any we had + been in since we were at Lord Errol's. Dr. Johnson relished it much at + first, but soon remarked to me, that 'there was nothing becoming a Chief + about it: it was a mere tradesman's box<a href="#note-794">[794]</a>.' He seemed quite at home, + and no longer found any difficulty in using the Highland address; for as + soon as we arrived, he said, with a spirited familiarity, 'Now, <i>Col</i>, + if you could get us a dish of tea.' Dr. Johnson and I had each an + excellent bed-chamber. We had a dispute which of us had the best + curtains. His were rather the best, being of linen; but I insisted that + my bed had the best posts, which was undeniable. 'Well, (said he,) if + you <i>have</i> the best <i>posts</i>, we will have you tied to them and whipped.' + I mention this slight circumstance, only to shew how ready he is, even + in mere trifles, to get the better of his antagonist, by placing him in + a ludicrous view. I have known him sometimes use the same art, when hard + pressed in serious disputation. Goldsmith, I remember, to retaliate for + many a severe defeat which he has suffered from him, applied to him a + lively saying in one of Cibber's comedies, which puts this part of his + character in a strong light.—'There is no arguing with Johnson; for, + <i>if his pistol misses fire, he knocks you down with the butt end of + it</i><a href="#note-795">[795]</a>.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_60"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6. +</h2> +<p> + After a sufficiency of sleep, we assembled at breakfast. We were just as + if in barracks. Every body was master. We went and viewed the old castle + of Col, which is not far from the present house, near the shore, and + founded on a rock. It has never been a large feudal residence, and has + nothing about it that requires a particular description. Like other old + inconvenient buildings of the same age, it exemplified Gray's + picturesque lines, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Huge<a href="#note-796">[796]</a> windows that exclude the light, + And passages that lead to nothing.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + It may however be worth mentioning, that on the second story we saw a + vault, which was, and still is, the family prison. There was a woman put + into it by the laird, for theft, within these ten years; and any + offender would be confined there yet; for, from the necessity of the + thing, as the island is remote from any power established by law, the + laird must exercise his jurisdiction to a certain degree. +</p> +<p> + We were shewn, in a corner of this vault, a hole, into which Col said + greater criminals used to be put. It was now filled up with rubbish of + different kinds. He said, it was of a great depth, 'Ay, (said Dr. + Johnson, smiling,) all such places, that <i>are filled up</i>, were of a + great depth.' He is very quick in shewing that he does not give credit + to careless or exaggerated accounts of things. After seeing the castle, + we looked at a small hut near it. It is called <i>Teigh Franchich, i.e.</i> + the Frenchman's House. Col could not tell us the history of it. A poor + man with a wife and children now lived in it. We went into it, and Dr. + Johnson gave them some charity. There was but one bed for all the + family, and the hut was very smoky. When he came out, he said to me, + <i>'Et hoc secundum sententiam philosophorum est esse beatus</i><a href="#note-797">[797]</a>.' + BOSWELL. 'The philosophers, when they placed happiness in a cottage, + supposed cleanliness and no smoke.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, they did not think + about either.' +</p> +<p> + We walked a little in the laird's garden, in which endeavours have been + used to rear some trees; but, as soon as they got above the surrounding + wall, they died. Dr. Johnson recommended sowing the seeds of hardy + trees, instead of planting. +</p> +<p> + Col and I rode out this morning, and viewed a part of the island. In the + course of our ride, we saw a turnip-field, which he had hoed with his + own hands. He first introduced this kind of husbandry into the Western + islands<a href="#note-798">[798]</a>. We also looked at an appearance of lead, which seemed very + promising. It has been long known; for I found letters to the late + laird, from Sir John Areskine and Sir Alexander Murray, respecting it. +</p> +<p> + After dinner came Mr. M'Lean, of Corneck, brother to Isle of Muck, who + is a cadet of the family of Col. He possesses the two ends of Col, which + belong to the Duke of Argyll. Corneck had lately taken a lease of them + at a very advanced rent, rather than let the Campbells get a footing in + the island, one of whom had offered nearly as much as he. Dr. Johnson + well observed, that, 'landlords err much when they calculate merely + what their land <i>may</i> yield. The rent must be in a proportionate ratio + of what the land may yield, and of the power of the tenant to make it + yield. A tenant cannot make by his land, but according to the corn and + cattle which he has. Suppose you should give him twice as much land as + he has, it does him no good, unless he gets also more stock. It is clear + then, that the Highland landlords, who let their substantial tenants + leave them, are infatuated; for the poor small tenants cannot give them + good rents, from the very nature of things. They have not the means of + raising more from their farms<a href="#note-799">[799]</a>.' Corneck, Dr. Johnson said, was the + most distinct man that he had met with in these isles: he did not shut + his eyes, or put his fingers in his ears, which he seemed to think was a + good deal the mode with most of the people whom we have seen of late. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_61"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7. +</h2> +<p> + Captain M'Lean joined us this morning at breakfast. There came on a + dreadful storm of wind and rain, which continued all day, and rather + increased at night. The wind was directly against our getting to Mull. + We were in a strange state of abstraction from the world: we could + neither hear from our friends, nor write to them. Col had brought Daille + <i>on the Fathers</i><a href="#note-800">[800]</a>, Lucas <i>on Happiness</i>[801], and More's + <i>Dialogues</i><a href="#note-802">[802]</a>, from the Reverend Mr. M'Lean's, and Burnet's <i>History + of his own Times</i>, from Captain M'Lean's; and he had of his own some + books of farming, and Gregory's <i>Geometry</i><a href="#note-803">[803]</a>. Dr. Johnson read a good + deal of Burnet, and of Gregory, and I observed he made some geometrical + notes in the end of his pocket-book. I read a little of Young's <i>Six + Weeks' Tour through the Southern Counties</i>; and Ovid's <i>Epistles</i>, which + I had bought at Inverness, and which helped to solace many a weary hour. +</p> +<p> + We were to have gone with Dr. Johnson this morning to see the mine; but + were prevented by the storm. While it was raging, he said, 'We may be + glad we are not <i>damnati ad metalla</i>.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_62"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8. +</h2> +<p> + Dr. Johnson appeared to-day very weary of our present confined + situation. He said, 'I want to be on the main land, and go on with + existence. This is a waste of life.' +</p> +<p> + I shall here insert, without regard to chronology, some of his + conversation at different times. +</p> +<p> + 'There was a man some time ago, who was well received for two years, + among the gentlemen of Northamptonshire, by calling himself my brother. + At last he grew so impudent as by his influence to get tenants turned + out of their farms. Allen the Printer<a href="#note-804">[804]</a>, who is of that county, came + to me, asking, with much appearance of doubtfulness, if I had a brother; + and upon being assured I had none alive, he told me of the imposition, + and immediately wrote to the country, and the fellow was dismissed. It + pleased me to hear that so much was got by using my name. It is not + every name that can carry double; do both for a man's self and his + brother (laughing). I should be glad to see the fellow. However, I could + have done nothing against him. A man can have no redress for his name + being used, or ridiculous stories being told of him in the newspapers, + except he can shew that he has suffered damage. Some years ago a foolish + piece was published, said to be written <i>by S. Johnson</i>. Some of my + friends wanted me to be very angry about this. I said, it would be in + vain; for the answer would be, "<i>S. Johnson</i> may be Simon Johnson, or + Simeon Johnson, or Solomon Johnson;" and even if the full name, Samuel + Johnson, had been used, it might be said; "it is not you; it is a much + cleverer fellow." +</p> +<p> + 'Beauclerk and I, and Langton, and Lady Sydney Beauclerk, mother to our + friend, were one day driving in a coach by Cuper's Gardens<a href="#note-805">[805]</a>, which + were then unoccupied. I, in sport, proposed that Beauclerk and Langton, + and myself should take them; and we amused ourselves with scheming how + we should all do our parts. Lady Sydney grew angry, and said, "an old + man should not put such things in young people's heads." She had no + notion of a joke, Sir; had come late into life, and had a mighty + unpliable understanding. +</p> +<p> + '<i>Carte's Life of the Duke of Ormond</i> is considered as a book of + authority; but it is ill-written. The matter is diffused in too many + words; there is no animation, no compression, no vigour. Two good + volumes in duodecimo might be made out of the two in folio<a href="#note-806">[806]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Talking of our confinement here, I observed, that our discontent and + impatience could not be considered as very unreasonable; for that we + were just in the state of which Seneca complains so grievously, while in + exile in Corsica<a href="#note-807">[807]</a>. 'Yes, (said Dr. Johnson,) and he was not farther + from home than we are.' The truth is, he was much nearer. +</p> +<p> + There was a good deal of rain to-day, and the wind was still contrary. + Corneck attended me, while I amused myself in examining a collection of + papers belonging to the family of Col. The first laird was a younger son + of the Chieftain M'Lean, and got the middle part of Col for his + patrimony. Dr. Johnson having given a very particular account<a href="#note-808">[808]</a> of + the connection between this family and a branch of the family of + Camerons, called M'Lonich, I shall only insert the following document, + (which I found in Col's cabinet,) as a proof of its continuance, even to + a late period:— +</p> +<center> + TO THE LAIRD OF COL. +</center> +<center> + 'DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'The long-standing tract of firm affectionate friendship 'twixt your + worthy predecessors and ours affords us such assurance, as that we may + have full relyance on your favour and undoubted friendship, in + recommending the bearer, Ewen Cameron, our cousin, son to the deceast + Dugall M'Connill of Innermaillie, sometime in Glenpean, to your favour + and conduct, who is a man of undoubted honesty and discretion, only + that he has the misfortune of being alledged to have been accessory to + the killing of one of M'Martin's family about fourteen years ago, upon + which alledgeance the M'Martins are now so sanguine on revenging, that + they are fully resolved for the deprivation of his life; to the + preventing of which you are relyed on by us, as the only fit instrument, + and a most capable person. Therefore your favour and protection is + expected and intreated, during his good behaviour; and failing of which + behaviour, you'll please to use him as a most insignificant + person deserves. +</p> +<p> + 'Sir, he had, upon the alledgeance foresaid, been transported, at + Lochiel's desire, to France, to gratify the M'Martins, and upon his + return home, about five years ago, married: But now he is so much + threatened by the M'Martins, that he is not secure enough to stay where + he is, being Ardmurchan, which occasions this trouble to you. Wishing + prosperity and happiness to attend still yourself, worthy Lady, and good + family, we are, in the most affectionate manner, +</p> +<p> + 'Dear Sir, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> +'Your most obliged, affectionate, + 'And most humble Servants, + 'DUGALL CAMERON, <i>of Strone</i>. + DUGALL CAMERON, <i>of Barr</i>. + DUGALL CAMERON, <i>of Inveriskvouilline</i>. + DUGALL CAMERON, <i>of Invinvalie</i>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'Strone, 11th March, 1737.' +</p> +<p> + Ewen Cameron was protected, and his son has now a farm from the Laird of + Col, in Mull. +</p> +<p> + The family of Col was very loyal in the time of the great Montrose<a href="#note-809">[809]</a>, + from whom I found two letters in his own handwriting. The first is + as follows:— +</p> +<center> + FOR MY VERY LOVING FRIEND THE LAIRD OF COALL. +</center> +<p> + 'Sir, +</p> +<p> + 'I must heartily thank you for all your willingness and good affection + to his Majesty's service, and particularly the sending alongs of your + son, to who I will heave ane particular respect, hopeing also that you + will still continue ane goode instrument for the advanceing ther of the + King's service, for which, and all your former loyal carriages, be + confident you shall find the effects of his Ma's favour, as they can be + witnessed you by +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Your very faithful friende, + 'MONTROSE.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'Strethearne, 20 Jan. 1646.' +</p> +<p> + The other is:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'FOR THE LAIRD OF COL. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<center> + 'SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'Having occasion to write to your fields, I cannot be forgetful of your + willingness and good affection to his Majesty's service. I acknowledge + to you, and thank you heartily for it, assuring, that in what lies in my + power, you shall find the good. Meanwhile, I shall expect that you will + continue your loyal endeavours, in wishing those slack people that are + about you, to appear more obedient than they do, and loyal in their + prince's service; whereby I assure you, you shall find me ever +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Your faithful friend, + 'MONTROSE<a href="#note-810">[810]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'Petty, 17 April, 1646.' +</p> +<p> + I found some uncouth lines on the death of the present laird's father, + intituled 'Nature's Elegy upon the death of Donald Maclean of Col.' They + are not worth insertion. I shall only give what is called his Epitaph, + which Dr. Johnson said, 'was not so very bad.' +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Nature's minion, Virtue's wonder, + Art's corrective here lyes under.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + I asked, what 'Art's corrective' meant. 'Why, Sir, (said he,) that the + laird was so exquisite, that he set art right, when she was wrong.' +</p> +<p> + I found several letters to the late Col, from my father's old companion + at Paris, Sir Hector M'Lean, one of which was written at the time of + settling the colony in Georgia<a href="#note-811">[811]</a>. It dissuades Col from letting + people go there, and assures him there will soon be an opportunity of + employing them better at home. Hence it appears that emigration from + the Highlands, though not in such numbers at a time as of late, has + always been practised. Dr. Johnson observed that 'the Lairds, instead of + improving their country, diminished their people.' +</p> +<p> + There are several districts of sandy desart in Col. There are + forty-eight lochs of fresh water; but many of them are very small,—meer + pools. About one half of them, however, have trout and eel. There is a + great number of horses in the island, mostly of a small size. Being + over-stocked, they sell some in Tir-yi, and on the main land. Their + black cattle, which are chiefly rough-haired, are reckoned remarkably + good. The climate being very mild in winter, they never put their beasts + in any house. The lakes are never frozen so as to bear a man; and snow + never lies above a few hours. They have a good many sheep, which they + eat mostly themselves, and sell but a few. They have goats in several + places. There are no foxes; no serpents, toads, or frogs, nor any + venomous creature. They have otters and mice here; but had no rats till + lately that an American vessel brought them. There is a rabbit-warren on + the north-east of the island, belonging to the Duke of Argyle. Young Col + intends to get some hares, of which there are none at present. There are + no black-cock, muir-fowl<a href="#note-812">[812]</a>, nor partridges; but there are snipe, + wild-duck, wild-geese, and swans, in winter; wild-pidgeons, plover, and + great number of starlings; of which I shot some, and found them pretty + good eating. Woodcocks come hither, though there is not a tree upon the + island. There are no rivers in Col; but only some brooks, in which there + is a great variety of fish. In the whole isle there are but three hills, + and none of them considerable for a Highland country. The people are + very industrious. Every man can tan. They get oak, and birch-bark, and + lime, from the main land. Some have pits; but they commonly use tubs. I + saw brogues<a href="#note-813">[813]</a> very well tanned; and every man can make them. They all + make candles of the tallow of their beasts, both moulded and dipped; and + they all make oil of the livers of fish. The little fish called Cuddies + produce a great deal. They sell some oil out of the island, and they use + it much for light in their houses, in little iron lamps, most of which + they have from England; but of late their own blacksmith makes them. He + is a good workman; but he has no employment in shoeing horses, for they + all go unshod here, except some of a better kind belonging to young Col, + which were now in Mull. There are two carpenters in Col; but most of the + inhabitants can do something as boat-carpenters. They can all dye. Heath + is used for yellow; and for red, a moss which grows on stones. They make + broad-cloth, and tartan, and linen, of their own wool and flax, + sufficient for their own use; as also stockings. Their bonnets come from + the mainland. Hard-ware and several small articles are brought annually + from Greenock, and sold in the only shop in the island, which is kept + near the house, or rather hut, used for publick worship, there being no + church in the island. The inhabitants of Col have increased considerably + within these thirty years, as appears from the parish registers. There + are but three considerable tacksmen on Col's part of the island<a href="#note-814">[814]</a>: + the rest is let to small tenants, some of whom pay so low a rent as + four, three, or even two guineas. The highest is seven pounds, paid by a + farmer, whose son goes yearly on foot to Aberdeen for education, and in + summer returns, and acts as a schoolmaster in Col. Dr. Johnson said, + 'There is something noble in a young man's walking two hundred miles and + back again, every year, for the sake of learning<a href="#note-815">[815]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + This day a number of people came to Col, with complaints of each others' + trespasses. Corneck, to prevent their being troublesome, told them, that + the lawyer from Edinburgh was here, and if they did not agree, he would + take them to task. They were alarmed at this; said, they had never been + used to go to law, and hoped Col would settle matters himself. In the + evening Corneck left us. +</p> +<p> + As, in our present confinement, any thing that had even the name of + curious was an object of attention, I proposed that Col should shew me + the great stone, mentioned in a former page<a href="#note-816">[816]</a>, as having been thrown + by a giant to the top of a mountain. Dr. Johnson, who did not like to be + left alone, said he would accompany us as far as riding was practicable. + We ascended a part of the hill on horseback, and Col and I scrambled up + the rest. A servant held our horses, and Dr. Johnson placed himself on + the ground, with his back against a large fragment of rock. The wind + being high, he let down the cocks of his hat, and tied it with his + handkerchief under his chin. While we were employed in examining the + stone, which did not repay our trouble in getting to it, he amused + himself with reading <i>Gataker on Lots and on the Christian Watch<a href="#note-817">[817]</a>,</i> + a very learned book, of the last age, which had been found in the garret + of Col's house, and which he said was a treasure here. When we descried + him from above, he had a most eremitical appearance; and on our return + told us, he had been so much engaged by Gataker, that he had never + missed us. His avidity for variety of books, while we were in Col, was + frequently expressed; and he often complained that so few were within + his reach. Upon which I observed to him, that it was strange he should + complain of want of books, when he could at any time make such + good ones. +</p> +<p> + We next proceeded to the lead mine. In our way we came to a strand of + some extent, where we were glad to take a gallop, in which my learned + friend joined with great alacrity. Dr. Johnson, mounted on a large bay + mare without shoes, and followed by a foal, which had some difficulty in + keeping up with him, was a singular spectacle. +</p> +<p> + After examining the mine, we returned through a very uncouth district, + full of sand hills; down which, though apparent precipices, our horses + carried us with safety, the sand always gently sliding away from their + feet. Vestiges of houses were pointed out to us, which Col, and two + others who had joined us, asserted had been overwhelmed with sand blown + over them. But, on going close to one of them, Dr. Johnson shewed the + absurdity of the notion, by remarking, that 'it was evidently only a + house abandoned, the stones of which had been taken away for other + purposes; for the large stones, which form the lower part of the walls, + were still standing higher than the sand. If <i>they</i> were not blown over, + it was clear nothing higher than they could be blown over.' This was + quite convincing to me; but it made not the least impression on Col and + the others, who were not to be argued out of a Highland tradition. +</p> +<p> + We did not sit down to dinner till between six and seven. We lived + plentifully here, and had a true welcome. In such a season good firing + was of no small importance. The peats were excellent, and burned + cheerfully. Those at Dunvegan, which were damp, Dr. Johnson called 'a + sullen fuel.' Here a Scottish phrase was singularly applied to him. One + of the company having remarked that he had gone out on a stormy evening, + and brought in a supply of peats from the stack, old Mr. M'Sweyn said, + 'that was <i>main honest</i><a href="#note-818">[818]</a>!' +</p> +<p> + Blenheim being occasionally mentioned, he told me he had never seen + it<a href="#note-819">[819]</a>: he had not gone formerly; and he would not go now, just as a + common spectator, for his money: he would not put it in the power of + some man about the Duke of Marlborough to say, 'Johnson was here; I knew + him, but I took no notice of him<a href="#note-820">[820]</a>.' He said, he should be very glad + to see it, if properly invited, which in all probability would never be + the case, as it was not worth his while to seek for it. I observed, that + he might be easily introduced there by a common friend of ours, nearly + related to the duke<a href="#note-821">[821]</a>. He answered, with an uncommon attention to + delicacy of feeling, 'I doubt whether our friend be on such a footing + with the duke as to carry any body there; and I would not give him the + uneasiness of seeing that I knew he was not, or even of being himself + reminded of it.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_63"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10. +</h2> +<p> + There was this day the most terrible storm of wind and rain that I ever + remember<a href="#note-822">[822]</a>. It made such an awful impression on us all, as to + produce, for some time, a kind of dismal quietness in the house. The day + was passed without much conversation: only, upon my observing that there + must be something bad in a man's mind, who does not like to give leases + to his tenants, but wishes to keep them in a perpetual wretched + dependance on his will, Dr. Johnson said, 'You are right: it is a man's + duty to extend comfort and security among as many people as he can. He + should not wish to have his tenants mere <i>Ephemerae</i>,—mere beings of an + hour<a href="#note-823">[823]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'But, Sir, if they have leases is there not some + danger that they may grow insolent? I remember you yourself once told + me, an English tenant was so independent, that, if provoked, he would + <i>throw</i> his rent at his landlord.' JOHNSON. 'Depend upon it, Sir, it is + the landlord's own fault, if it is thrown at him. A man may always keep + his tenants in dependence enough, though they have leases. He must be a + good tenant indeed, who will not fall behind in his rent, if his + landlord will let him; and if he does fall behind, his landlord has him + at his mercy. Indeed, the poor man is always much at the mercy of the + rich; no matter whether landlord or tenant. If the tenant lets his + landlord have a little rent beforehand, or has lent him money, then the + landlord is in his power. There cannot be a greater man than a tenant + who has lent money to his landlord; for he has under subjection the very + man to whom he should be subjected.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_64"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, OCTOBER II. +</h2> +<p> + We had some days ago engaged the Campbelltown vessel to carry us to + Mull, from the harbour where she lay. The morning was fine, and the wind + fair and moderate; so we hoped at length to get away. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. M'Sweyn, who officiated as our landlady here, had never been on the + main land. On hearing this, Dr. Johnson said to me, before her, 'That is + rather being behind-hand with life. I would at least go and see + Glenelg.' BOSWELL. 'You yourself, Sir, have never seen, till now, any + thing but your native island.' JOHNSON. 'But, Sir, by seeing London, I + have seen as much of life as the world can shew<a href="#note-824">[824]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'You + have not seen Pekin.' JOHNSON. 'What is Pekin? Ten thousand Londoners + would <i>drive</i> all the people of Pekin: they would drive them like deer.' +</p> +<p> + We set out about eleven for the harbour; but, before we reached it, so + violent a storm came on, that we were obliged again to take shelter in + the house of Captain M'Lean, where we dined, and passed the night. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_65"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12. +</h2> +<p> + After breakfast, we made a second attempt to get to the harbour; but + another storm soon convinced us that it would be in vain. Captain + M'Lean's house being in some confusion, on account of Mrs. M'Lean being + expected to lie-in, we resolved to go to Mr. M'Sweyn's, where we arrived + very wet, fatigued, and hungry. In this situation, we were somewhat + disconcerted by being told that we should have no dinner till late in + the evening, but should have tea in the mean time. Dr. Johnson opposed + this arrangement; but they persisted, and he took the tea very readily. + He said to me afterwards, 'You must consider, Sir, a dinner here is a + matter of great consequence. It is a thing to be first planned, and then + executed. I suppose the mutton was brought some miles off, from some + place where they knew there was a sheep killed.' +</p> +<p> + Talking of the good people with whom we were, he said, 'Life has not got + at all forward by a generation in M'Sweyn's family; for the son is + exactly formed upon the father. What the father says, the son says; and + what the father looks, the son looks.' +</p> +<p> + There being little conversation to-night, I must endeavour to recollect + what I may have omitted on former occasions. When I boasted, at Rasay, + of my independency of spirit, and that I could not be bribed, he said, + 'Yes, you may be bribed by flattery.' At the Reverend Mr. M'Lean's, Dr. + Johnson asked him, if the people of Col had any superstitions. He said, + 'No.' The cutting peats at the increase of the moon was mentioned as + one; but he would not allow it, saying, it was not a superstition, but a + whim. Dr. Johnson would not admit the distinction. There were many + superstitions, he maintained, not connected with religion; and this was + one of them<a href="#note-825">[825]</a>. On Monday we had a dispute at the Captain's, whether + sand-hills could be fixed down by art. Dr. Johnson said, 'How <i>the + devil</i> can you do it?' but instantly corrected himself, 'How can you do + it<a href="#note-826">[826]</a>?' I never before heard him use a phrase of that nature. +</p> +<p> + He has particularities which it is impossible to explain<a href="#note-827">[827]</a>. He never + wears a night-cap, as I have already mentioned; but he puts a + handkerchief on his head in the night. The day that we left Talisker, he + bade us ride on. He then turned the head of his horse back towards + Talisker, stopped for some time; then wheeled round to the same + direction with ours, and then came briskly after us. He sets open a + window in the coldest day or night, and stands before it. It may do with + his constitution; but most people, amongst whom I am one, would say, + with the frogs in the fable, 'This may be sport to you; but it is death + to us.' It is in vain to try to find a meaning in every one of his + particularities, which, I suppose, are mere habits, contracted by + chance; of which every man has some that are more or less remarkable. + His speaking to himself, or rather repeating, is a common habit with + studious men accustomed to deep thinking; and, in consequence of their + being thus rapt, they will even laugh by themselves, if the subject + which they are musing on is a merry one. Dr. Johnson is often uttering + pious ejaculations, when he appears to be talking to himself; for + sometimes his voice grows stronger, and parts of the Lord's Prayer are + heard<a href="#note-828">[828]</a>. I have sat beside him with more than ordinary reverence on + such occasions<a href="#note-829">[829]</a>. +</p> +<p> + In our Tour, I observed that he was disgusted whenever he met with + coarse manners. He said to me, 'I know not how it is, but I cannot bear + low life<a href="#note-830">[830]</a>: and I find others, who have as good a right as I to be + fastidious, bear it better, by having mixed more with different sorts of + men. You would think that I have mixed pretty well too.' +</p> +<p> + He read this day a good deal of my <i>Journal</i>, written in a small book + with which he had supplied me, and was pleased, for he said, 'I wish thy + books were twice as big.' He helped me to fill up blanks which I had + left in first writing it, when I was not quite sure of what he had said, + and he corrected any mistakes that I had made. 'They call me a scholar, + (said he,) and yet how very little literature is there in my + conversation.' BOSWELL. 'That, Sir, must be according to your company. + You would not give literature to those who cannot taste it. Stay till we + meet Lord Elibank.' +</p> +<p> + We had at last a good dinner, or rather supper, and were very well + satisfied with our entertainment. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_66"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13. +</h2> +<p> + Col called me up, with intelligence that it was a good day for a passage + to Mull; and just as we rose, a sailor from the vessel arrived for us. + We got all ready with dispatch. Dr. Johnson was displeased at my + bustling, and walking quickly up and down. He said, 'It does not hasten + us a bit. It is getting on horseback in a ship<a href="#note-831">[831]</a>. All boys do it; and + you are longer a boy than others.' He himself has no alertness, or + whatever it may be called; so he may dislike it, as <i>Oderunt hilarem + tristes<a href="#note-832">[832]</a>.</i> +</p> +<p> + Before we reached the harbour, the wind grew high again. However, the + small boat was waiting and took us on board. We remained for some time + in uncertainty what to do: at last it was determined, that, as a good + part of the day was over, and it was dangerous to be at sea at night, in + such a vessel, and such weather, we should not sail till the morning + tide, when the wind would probably be more gentle. We resolved not to go + ashore again, but lie here in readiness. Dr. Johnson and I had each a + bed in the cabin. Col sat at the fire in the fore-castle, with the + captain, and Joseph, and the rest. I eat some dry oatmeal, of which I + found a barrel in the cabin. I had not done this since I was a boy. Dr. + Johnson owned that he too was fond of it when a boy<a href="#note-833">[833]</a>; a circumstance + which I was highly pleased to hear from him, as it gave me an + opportunity of observing that, notwithstanding his joke on the article + of OATS<a href="#note-834">[834]</a>, he was himself a proof that this kind of <i>food</i> was not + peculiar to the people of Scotland. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_67"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14. +</h2> +<p> + When Dr. Johnson awaked this morning, he called <i>'Lanky!'</i> having, I + suppose, been thinking of Langton; but corrected himself instantly, and + cried, <i>'Bozzy!'</i> He has a way of contracting the names of his friends. + Goldsmith feels himself so important now, as to be displeased at it. I + remember one day, when Tom Davies was telling that Dr. Johnson said, We + are all in labour for a name to <i>Goldy's</i> play,' Goldsmith cried 'I have + often desired him not to call me <i>Goldy<a href="#note-835">[835]</a>.'</i> +</p> +<p> + Between six and seven we hauled our anchor, and set sail with a fair + breeze; and, after a pleasant voyage, we got safely and agreeably into + the harbour of Tobermorie, before the wind rose, which it always has + done, for some days, about noon. Tobermorie is an excellent harbour. + An island lies before it, and it is surrounded by a hilly theatre<a href="#note-836">[836]</a>. + The island is too low, otherwise this would be quite a secure port; but, + the island not being a sufficient protection, some storms blow very hard + here. Not long ago, fifteen vessels were blown from their moorings. + There are sometimes sixty or seventy sail here: to-day there were twelve + or fourteen vessels. To see such a fleet was the next thing to seeing a + town. The vessels were from different places; Clyde, Campbelltown, + Newcastle, &c. One was returning to Lancaster from Hamburgh. After + having been shut up so long in Col, the sight of such an assemblage of + moving habitations, containing such a variety of people, engaged in + different pursuits, gave me much gaiety of spirit. When we had landed, + Dr. Johnson said, 'Boswell is now all alive. He is like Antaeus; he gets + new vigour whenever he touches the ground.' I went to the top of a hill + fronting the harbour, from whence I had a good view of it. We had here a + tolerable inn. Dr. Johnson had owned to me this morning, that he was out + of humour. Indeed, he shewed it a good deal in the ship; for when I was + expressing my joy on the prospect of our landing in Mull, he said, he + had no joy, when he recollected that it would be five days before he + should get to the main land. I was afraid he would now take a sudden + resolution to give up seeing Icolmkill. A dish of tea, and some good + bread and butter, did him service, and his bad humour went off. I told + him, that I was diverted to hear all the people whom we had visited in + our tour, say, <i>'Honest man!</i> he's pleased with every thing; he's always + content!'—'Little do they know,' said I. He laughed, and said, 'You + rogue<a href="#note-837">[837]</a>!' +</p> +<p> + We sent to hire horses to carry us across the island of Mull to the + shore opposite to Inchkenneth, the residence of Sir Allan M'Lean, uncle + to young Col, and Chief of the M'Leans, to whose house we intended to go + the next day. Our friend Col went to visit his aunt, the wife of Dr. + Alexander M'Lean, a physician, who lives about a mile from Tobermorie. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson and I sat by ourselves at the inn, and talked a good deal. I + told him, that I had found, in Leandro Alberti's Description of Italy, + much of what Addison has given us in his <i>Remarks</i><a href="#note-838">[838]</a>. He said, 'The + collection of passages from the Classicks has been made by another + Italian: it is, however, impossible to detect a man as a plagiary in + such a case, because all who set about making such a collection must + find the same passages; but, if you find the same applications in + another book, then Addison's learning in his <i>Remarks</i> tumbles down. It + is a tedious book; and, if it were not attached to Addison's previous + reputation, one would not think much of it. Had he written nothing else, + his name would not have lived. Addison does not seem to have gone deep + in Italian literature: he shews nothing of it in his subsequent + writings. He shews a great deal of French learning. There is, perhaps, + more knowledge circulated in the French language than in any other<a href="#note-839">[839]</a>. + There is more original knowledge in English.' 'But the French (said I) + have the art of accommodating<a href="#note-840">[840]</a> literature.' JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir: we + have no such book as Moreri's <i>Dictionary</i><a href="#note-841">[841]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'Their + <i>Ana</i><a href="#note-842">[842]</a> are good.' JOHNSON. 'A few of them are good; but we have one + book of that kind better than any of them; Selden's <i>Table-talk</i>. As to + original literature, the French have a couple of tragick poets who go + round the world, Racine and Corneille, and one comick poet, Moliere.' + BOSWELL. 'They have Fenelon.' JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, <i>Telemachus</i> is pretty + well.' BOSWELL. 'And Voltaire, Sir.' JOHNSON. 'He has not stood his + trial yet. And what makes Voltaire chiefly circulate is collection; such + as his <i>Universal History</i>.' BOSWELL. 'What do you say to the Bishop of + Meaux?' JOHNSON. 'Sir, nobody reads him<a href="#note-843">[843]</a>.' He would not allow + Massilon and Bourdaloue to go round the world. In general, however, he + gave the French much praise for their industry. +</p> +<p> + He asked me whether he had mentioned, in any of the papers of the + <i>Rambler</i>, the description in Virgil of the entrance into Hell, with an + application to the press; 'for (said he) I do not much remember them.' I + told him, 'No.' Upon which he repeated it:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Vestibulum ante ipsum, primisque in faucibus orci, + Luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; + Pallentesque habitant Morbi, tristisque Senectus, + Et metus, et malesuada Fames, et turpis Egestas, + Terribiles visu formae; Lethumque, Laborque<a href="#note-844">[844]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'Now, (said he) almost all these apply exactly to an authour: all these + are the concomitants of a printing-house. I proposed to him to dictate + an essay on it, and offered to write it. He said, he would not do it + then, but perhaps would write one at some future period. +</p> +<p> + The Sunday evening that we sat by ourselves at Aberdeen, I asked him + several particulars of his life, from his early years, which he readily + told me; and I wrote them down before him. This day I proceeded in my + inquiries, also writing them in his presence. I have them on detached + sheets. I shall collect authentick materials for THE LIFE OF SAMUEL + JOHNSON, LL.D.; and, if I survive him, I shall be one who will most + faithfully do honour to his memory. I have now a vast treasure of his + conversation, at different times, since the year 1762<a href="#note-845">[845]</a>, when I first + obtained his acquaintance; and, by assiduous inquiry, I can make up for + not knowing him sooner<a href="#note-846">[846]</a>. +</p> +<p> + A Newcastle ship-master, who happened to be in the house, intruded + himself upon us. He was much in liquor, and talked nonsense about his + being a man for <i>Wilkes and Liberty</i>, and against the ministry. Dr. + Johnson was angry, that 'a fellow should come into <i>our</i> company, who + was fit for <i>no</i> company.' He left us soon. +</p> +<p> + Col returned from his aunt, and told us, she insisted that we should + come to her house that night. He introduced to us Mr. Campbell, the Duke + of Argyle's factor in Tyr-yi. He was a genteel, agreeable man. He was + going to Inverary, and promised to put letters into the post-office for + us<a href="#note-847">[847]</a>. I now found that Dr. Johnson's desire to get on the main land, + arose from his anxiety to have an opportunity of conveying letters to + his friends. +</p> +<p> + After dinner, we proceeded to Dr. M'Lean's, which was about a mile from + our inn. He was not at home, but we were received by his lady and + daughter, who entertained us so well, that Dr. Johnson seemed quite + happy. When we had supped, he asked me to give him some paper to write + letters. I begged he would write short ones, and not <i>expatiate</i>, as we + ought to set off early. He was irritated by this, and said, 'What must + be done; must be done: the thing is past a joke.' 'Nay, Sir, (said I,) + write as much as you please; but do not blame me, if we are kept six + days before we get to the main land. You were very impatient in the + morning: but no sooner do you find yourself in good quarters, than you + forget that you are to move.' I got him paper enough, and we parted in + good humour. +</p> +<p> + Let me now recollect whatever particulars I have omitted. In the morning + I said to him, before we landed at Tobermorie, 'We shall see Dr. M'Lean, + who has written <i>The History of the M'Leans'</i>. JOHNSON. 'I have no great + patience to stay to hear the history of the M'Leans. I would rather hear + the History of the Thrales.' When on Mull, I said, 'Well, Sir, this is + the fourth of the Hebrides that we have been upon.' JOHNSON. 'Nay, we + cannot boast of the number we have seen. We thought we should see many + more. We thought of sailing about easily from island to island; and so + we should, had we come at a better season<a href="#note-848">[848]</a>; but we, being wise men, + thought it would be summer all the year where <i>we</i> were. However, Sir, + we have seen enough to give us a pretty good notion of the system of + insular life.' +</p> +<p> + Let me not forget, that he sometimes amused himself with very slight + reading; from which, however, his conversation shewed that he contrived + to extract some benefit. At Captain M'Lean's he read a good deal in <i>The + Charmer</i>, a collection of songs<a href="#note-849">[849]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We this morning found that we could not proceed, there being a violent + storm of wind and rain, and the rivers being impassable. When I + expressed my discontent at our confinement, Dr. Johnson said, 'Now that + I have had an opportunity of writing to the main land, I am in no such + haste.' I was amused with his being so easily satisfied; for the truth + was, that the gentleman who was to convey our letters, as I was now + informed, was not to set out for Inverary for some time; so that it was + probable we should be there as soon as he: however, I did not undeceive + my friend, but suffered him to enjoy his fancy. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson asked, in the evening, to see Dr. M'Lean's books. He took + down Willis <i>de Anima Brutorum</i><a href="#note-850">[850]</a>, and pored over it a good deal. +</p> +<p> + Miss M'Lean produced some Erse poems by John M'Lean, who was a famous + bard in Mull, and had died only a few years ago. He could neither read + nor write. She read and translated two of them; one, a kind of elegy on + Sir John M'Lean's being obliged to fly his country in 1715; another, a + dialogue between two Roman Catholick young ladies, sisters, whether it + was better to be a nun or to marry. I could not perceive much poetical + imagery in the translation. Yet all of our company who understood Erse, + seemed charmed with the original. There may, perhaps, be some choice of + expression, and some excellence of arrangement, that cannot be shewn in + translation. +</p> +<p> + After we had exhausted the Erse poems, of which Dr. Johnson said + nothing, Miss M'Lean gave us several tunes on a spinnet, which, though + made so long ago as in 1667, was still very well toned. She sung along + with it. Dr. Johnson seemed pleased with the musick, though he owns he + neither likes it, nor has hardly any perception of it. At Mr. + M'Pherson's, in Slate, he told us, that 'he knew a drum from a trumpet, + and a bagpipe from a guittar, which was about the extent of his + knowledge of musick.' To-night he said, that, 'if he had learnt musick, + he should have been afraid he would have done nothing else but play. It + was a method of employing the mind without the labour of thinking at + all, and with some applause from a man's self<a href="#note-851">[851]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We had the musick of the bagpipe every day, at Armidale, Dunvegan, and + Col. Dr. Johnson appeared fond of it, and used often to stand for some + time with his ear close to the great drone. +</p> +<p> + The penurious gentleman of our acquaintance, formerly alluded to<a href="#note-852">[852]</a>, + afforded us a topick of conversation to-night. Dr. Johnson said, I ought + to write down a collection of the instances of his narrowness, as they + almost exceeded belief. Col told us, that O'Kane, the famous Irish + harper, was once at that gentleman's house. He could not find in his + heart to give him any money, but gave him a key for a harp, which was + finely ornamented with gold and silver, and with a precious stone, and + was worth eighty or a hundred guineas. He did not know the value of it; + and when he came to know it, he would fain have had it back; but O'Kane + took care that he should not. JOHNSON. 'They exaggerate the value; every + body is so desirous that he should be fleeced. I am very willing it + should be worth eighty or a hundred guineas; but I do not believe it.' + BOSWELL. 'I do not think O'Kane was obliged to give it back.' JOHNSON. + 'No, Sir. If a man with his eyes open, and without any means used to + deceive him, gives me a thing, I am not to let him have it again when he + grows wiser. I like to see how avarice defeats itself: how, when + avoiding to part with money, the miser gives something more valuable.' + Col said, the gentleman's relations were angry at his giving away the + harp-key, for it had been long in the family. JOHNSON. 'Sir, he values a + new guinea more than an old friend.' +</p> +<p> + Col also told us, that the same person having come up with a serjeant + and twenty men, working on the high road, he entered into discourse with + the serjeant, and then gave him sixpence for the men to drink. The + serjeant asked, 'Who is this fellow?'. Upon being informed, he said, 'If + I had known who he was, I should have thrown it in his face.' JOHNSON. + 'There is much want of sense in all this. He had no business to speak + with the serjeant. He might have been in haste, and trotted on. He has + not learnt to be a miser: I believe we must take him apprentice.' + BOSWELL. 'He would grudge giving half a guinea to be taught.' JOHNSON. + 'Nay, Sir, you must teach him <i>gratis</i>. You must give him an opportunity + to practice your precepts.' +</p> +<p> + Let me now go back, and glean <i>Johnsoniana</i>. The Saturday before we + sailed from Slate, I sat awhile in the afternoon, with Dr. Johnson in + his room, in a quiet serious frame. I observed, that hardly any man was + accurately prepared for dying; but almost every one left something + undone, something in confusion; that my father, indeed, told me he knew + one man, (Carlisle of Limekilns,) after whose death all his papers were + found in exact order; and nothing was omitted in his will. JOHNSON. + 'Sir, I had an uncle who died so; but such attention requires great + leisure, and great firmness of mind. If one was to think constantly of + death, the business of life would stand still. I am no friend to making + religion appear too hard. Many good people have done harm by giving + severe notions of it. In the same way, as to learning: I never frighten + young people with difficulties; on the contrary, I tell them that they + may very easily get as much as will do very well. I do not indeed tell + them that they will be <i>Bentleys</i>! +</p> +<p> + The night we rode to Col's house, I said, 'Lord Elibank is probably + wondering what is become of us.' JOHNSON. 'No, no; he is not thinking of + us.' BOSWELL. 'But recollect the warmth with which he wrote<a href="#note-853">[853]</a>. Are we + not to believe a man, when he says he has a great desire to see another? + Don't you believe that I was very impatient for your coming to + Scotland?' JOHNSON. 'Yes, Sir; I believe you were; and I was impatient + to come to you. A young man feels so, but seldom an old man.' I however + convinced him that Lord Elibank, who has much of the spirit of a young + man, might feel so. He asked me if our jaunt had answered expectation. I + said it had much exceeded it. I expected much difficulty with him, and + had not found it. 'And (he added) wherever we have come, we have been + received like princes in their progress.' +</p> +<p> + He said, he would not wish not to be disgusted in the Highlands; for + that would be to lose the power of distinguishing, and a man might then + lie down in the middle of them. He wished only to conceal his disgust. +</p> +<p> + At Captain M'Lean's, I mentioned Pope's friend, Spence. JOHNSON. 'He was + a weak conceited man<a href="#note-854">[854]</a>.' BOSWELL. 'A good scholar, Sir?' JOHNSON. + 'Why, no, Sir.' BOSWELL. 'He was a pretty scholar.' JOHNSON. 'You have + about reached him.' +</p> +<p> + Last night at the inn, when the factor in Tyr-yi spoke of his having + heard that a roof was put on some part of the buildings at Icolmkill, I + unluckily said, 'It will be fortunate if we find a cathedral with a roof + on it.' I said this from a foolish anxiety to engage Dr. Johnson's + curiosity more. He took me short at once. 'What, Sir? how can you talk + so? If we shall <i>find</i> a cathedral roofed! as if we were going to a + <i>terra incognita</i>; when every thing that is at Icolmkill is so well + known. You are like some New-England-men who came to the mouth of the + Thames. "Come, (say they,) let us go up and see what sort of inhabitants + there are here." They talked, Sir, as if they had been to go up the + Susquehannah, or any other American river.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_68"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16. +</h2> +<p> + This day there was a new moon, and the weather changed for the better. + Dr. Johnson said of Miss M'Lean, 'She is the most accomplished lady that + I have found in the Highlands. She knows French, musick, and drawing, + sews neatly, makes shellwork, and can milk cows; in short, she can do + every thing. She talks sensibly, and is the first person whom I have + found, that can translate Erse poetry literally<a href="#note-855">[855]</a>.' We set out, + mounted on little Mull horses. Mull corresponded exactly with the idea + which I had always had of it; a hilly country, diversified with heath + and grass, and many rivulets. Dr. Johnson was not in very good humour. + He said, it was a dreary country, much worse than Sky. I differed from + him. 'O, Sir, (said he,) a most dolorous country<a href="#note-856">[856]</a>!' +</p> +<p> + We had a very hard journey to-day. I had no bridle for my sheltie, but + only a halter; and Joseph rode without a saddle. At one place, a loch + having swelled over the road, we were obliged to plunge through pretty + deep water. Dr. Johnson observed, how helpless a man would be, were he + travelling here alone, and should meet with any accident; and said, 'he + longed to get to <i>a country of saddles and bridles</i>' He was more out of + humour to-day, than he has been in the course of our Tour, being fretted + to find that his little horse could scarcely support his weight; and + having suffered a loss, which, though small in itself, was of some + consequence to him, while travelling the rugged steeps of Mull, where he + was at times obliged to walk. The loss that I allude to was that of the + large oak-stick, which, as I formerly mentioned, he had brought with him + from London<a href="#note-857">[857]</a>. It was of great use to him in our wild peregrination; + for, ever since his last illness in 1766<a href="#note-858">[858]</a>, he has had a weakness in + his knees, and has not been able to walk easily. It had too the + properties of a measure; for one nail was driven into it at the length + of a foot; another at that of a yard. In return for the services it had + done him, he said, this morning he would make a present of it to some + Museum; but he little thought he was so soon to lose it. As he + preferred riding with a switch, it was entrusted to a fellow to be + delivered to our baggage-man, who followed us at some distance; but we + never saw it more. I could not persuade him out of a suspicion that it + had been stolen. 'No, no, my friend, (said he,) it is not to be expected + that any man in Mull, who has got it, will part with it. Consider, Sir, + the value of such a <i>piece of timber</i> here!' +</p> +<p> + As we travelled this forenoon, we met Dr. McLean, who expressed much + regret at his having been so unfortunate as to be absent while we were + at his house. +</p> +<p> + We were in hopes to get to Sir Allan Maclean's at Inchkenneth, to-night; + but the eight miles, of which our road was said to consist, were so very + long, that we did not reach the opposite coast of Mull till seven at + night, though we had set out about eleven in the forenoon; and when we + did arrive there, we found the wind strong against us. Col determined + that we should pass the night at M'Quarrie's, in the island of Ulva, + which lies between Mull and Inchkenneth; and a servant was sent forward + to the ferry, to secure the boat for us; but the boat was gone to the + Ulva side, and the wind was so high that the people could not hear him + call; and the night so dark that they could not see a signal. We should + have been in a very bad situation, had there not fortunately been lying + in the little sound of Ulva an Irish vessel, the Bonnetta, of + Londonderry, Captain M'Lure, master. He himself was at M'Quarrie's; but + his men obligingly came with their long-boat, and ferried us over. + M'Quarrie's house was mean; but we were agreeably surprized with the + appearance of the master, whom we found to be intelligent, polite, and + much a man of the world. Though his clan is not numerous, he is a very + ancient Chief, and has a burial place at Icolmkill. He told us, his + family had possessed Ulva for nine hundred years; but I was distressed + to hear that it was soon to be sold for payment of his debts. +</p> +<p> + Captain M'Lure, whom we found here, was of Scotch extraction, and + properly a McLeod, being descended of some of the M'Leods who went with + Sir Normand of Bernera to the battle of Worcester; and after the defeat + of the royalists, fled to Ireland, and, to conceal themselves, took a + different name. He told me, there was a great number of them about + Londonderry; some of good property. I said, they should now resume + their real name. The Laird of M'Leod should go over, and assemble them, + and make them all drink the large horn full<a href="#note-859">[859]</a>, and from that time + they should be M'Leods. The captain informed us, he had named his ship + the Bonnetta, out of gratitude to Providence; for once, when he was + sailing to America with a good number of passengers, the ship in which + he then sailed was becalmed for five weeks, and during all that time, + numbers of the fish Bonnetta swam close to her, and were caught for + food; he resolved therefore, that the ship he should next get, should be + called the Bonnetta. +</p> +<p> + M'Quarrie told us a strong instance of the second sight. He had gone to + Edinburgh, and taken a man-servant along with him. An old woman, who was + in the house, said one day, 'M'Quarrie will be at home to-morrow, and + will bring two gentlemen with him;' and she said, she saw his servant + return in red and green. He did come home next day. He had two gentlemen + with him; and his servant had a new red and green livery, which + M'Quarrie had bought for him at Edinburgh, upon a sudden thought, not + having the least intention when he left home to put his servant in + livery; so that the old woman could not have heard any previous mention + of it. This, he assured us, was a true story. +</p> +<p> + M'Quarrie insisted that the <i>Mercheta Mulierum</i>, mentioned in our old + charters, did really mean the privilege which a lord of the manor, or a + baron, had, to have the first night of all his vassals' wives. Dr. + Johnson said, the belief of such a custom having existed was also held + in England, where there is a tenure called <i>Borough English</i>, by which + the eldest child does not inherit, from a doubt of his being the son of + the tenant<a href="#note-860">[860]</a>. M'Quarrie told us, that still, on the marriage of each + of his tenants, a sheep is due to him; for which the composition is + fixed at five shillings<a href="#note-861">[861]</a>. I suppose, Ulva is the only place where + this custom remains. +</p> +<p> + Talking of the sale of an estate of an ancient family, which was said to + have been purchased much under its value by the confidential lawyer of + that family, and it being mentioned that the sale would probably be set + aside by a suit in equity, Dr. Johnson said, 'I am very willing that + this sale should be set aside, but I doubt much whether the suit will be + successful; for the argument for avoiding the sale is founded on vague + and indeterminate principles, as that the price was too low, and that + there was a great degree of confidence placed by the seller in the + person who became the purchaser. Now, how low should a price be? or what + degree of confidence should there be to make a bargain be set aside? a + bargain, which is a wager of skill between man and man. If, indeed, any + fraud can be proved, that will do.' +</p> +<p> + When Dr. Johnson and I were by ourselves at night, I observed of our + host, '<i>aspectum generosum habet;'—'et generosum animum</i>', he added. + For fear of being overheard in the small Highland houses, I often talked + to him in such Latin as I could speak, and with as much of the English + accent as I could assume, so as not to be understood, in case our + conversation should be too loud for the space. +</p> +<p> + We had each an elegant bed in the same room; and here it was that a + circumstance occurred, as to which he has been strangely misunderstood. + From his description of his chamber, it has erroneously been supposed, + that his bed being too short for him, his feet during the night were in + the mire; whereas he has only said, that when he undressed, he felt his + feet in the mire: that is, the clay-floor of the room, on which he stood + upon before he went into bed, was wet, in consequence of the windows + being broken, which let in the rain<a href="#note-862">[862]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_69"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17. +</h2> +<p> + Being informed that there was nothing worthy of observation in Ulva, we + took boat, and proceeded to Inchkenneth, where we were introduced by our + friend Col to Sir Allan M'Lean, the Chief of his clan, and to two young + ladies, his daughters. Inchkenneth is a pretty little island, a mile + long, and about half a mile broad, all good land<a href="#note-863">[863]</a>. +</p> +<p> + As we walked up from the shore, Dr. Johnson's heart was cheered by the + sight of a road marked with cart-wheels, as on the main land; a thing + which we had not seen for a long time. It gave us a pleasure similar to + that which a traveller feels, when, whilst wandering on what he fears is + a desert island, he perceives the print of human feet. Military men + acquire excellent habits of having all conveniences about them. Sir + Allan M'Lean, who had been long in the army, and had now a lease of the + island, had formed a commodious habitation, though it consisted but of a + few small buildings, only one story high<a href="#note-864">[864]</a>. He had, in his little + apartments, more things than I could enumerate in a page or two. +</p> +<p> + Among other agreeable circumstances, it was not the least, to find here + a parcel of the <i>Caledonian Mercury</i>, published since we left Edinburgh; + which I read with that pleasure which every man feels who has been for + some time secluded from the animated scenes of the busy world. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson found books here. He bade me buy Bishop Gastrell's + <i>Christian Institutes</i><a href="#note-865">[865]</a>, which was lying in the room. He said, 'I do + not like to read any thing on a Sunday, but what is theological; not + that I would scrupulously refuse to look at any thing which a friend + should shew me in a newspaper; but in general, I would read only what is + theological. I read just now some of Drummond's <i>Travels</i><a href="#note-866">[866]</a>, before I + perceived what books were here. I then took up Derham's + <i>Physico-Theology</i><a href="#note-867">[867]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Every particular concerning this island having been so well described by + Dr. Johnson, it would be superfluous in me to present the publick with + the observations that I made upon it, in my <i>Journal</i>. +</p> +<p> + I was quite easy with Sir Allan almost instantaneously. He knew the + great intimacy that had been between my father and his predecessor, Sir + Hector, and was himself of a very frank disposition. After dinner, Sir + Allan said he had got Dr. Campbell about an hundred subscribers to his + <i>Britannia Elucidata</i>, (a work since published under the title of <i>A + Political Survey of Great Britain</i><a href="#note-868">[868]</a>,) of whom he believed twenty + were dead, the publication having been so long delayed. JOHNSON. 'Sir, I + imagine the delay of publication is owing to this;—that, after + publication, there will be no more subscribers, and few will send the + additional guinea to get their books: in which they will be wrong; for + there will be a great deal of instruction in the work. I think highly of + Campbell<a href="#note-869">[869]</a>. In the first place, he has very good parts. In the second + place, he has very extensive reading; not, perhaps, what is properly + called learning, but history, politicks, and, in short, that popular + knowledge which makes a man very useful. In the third place, he has + learned much by what is called the <i>vox viva</i>. He talks with a great + many people.' +</p> +<p> + Speaking of this gentleman, at Rasay, he told us, that he one day called + on him, and they talked of Tull's <i>Husbandry</i><a href="#note-870">[870]</a>. Dr. Campbell said + something. Dr. Johnson began to dispute it. 'Come, (said Dr. Campbell,) + we do not want to get the better of one another: we want to encrease + each other's ideas.' Dr. Johnson took it in good part, and the + conversation then went on coolly and instructively. His candour in + relating this anecdote does him much credit, and his conduct on that + occasion proves how easily he could be persuaded to talk from a better + motive than 'for victory<a href="#note-871">[871]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson here shewed so much of the spirit of a Highlander, that he + won Sir Allan's heart: indeed, he has shewn it during the whole of our + Tour. One night, in Col, he strutted about the room with a broad sword + and target, and made a formidable appearance; and, another night, I took + the liberty to put a large blue bonnet on his head. His age, his size, + and his bushy grey wig, with this covering on it, presented the image + of a venerable <i>Senachi</i><a href="#note-872">[872]</a>: and, however unfavourable to the Lowland + Scots, he seemed much pleased to assume the appearance of an ancient + Caledonian. We only regretted that he could not be prevailed with to + partake of the social glass. One of his arguments against drinking, + appears to me not convincing. He urged, that 'in proportion as drinking + makes a man different from what he is before he has drunk, it is bad; + because it has so far affected his reason.' But may it not be answered, + that a man may be altered by it <i>for the better</i>; that his spirits may + be exhilarated, without his reason being affected<a href="#note-873">[873]</a>. On the general + subject of drinking, however, I do not mean positively to take the other + side. I am <i>dubius, non improbus</i>. +</p> +<p> + In the evening, Sir Allan informed us that it was the custom of his + house to have prayers every Sunday; and Miss M'Lean read the evening + service, in which we all joined. I then read Ogden's second and ninth + <i>Sermons on Prayer</i>, which, with their other distinguished excellence, + have the merit of being short. Dr. Johnson said, that it was the most + agreeable Sunday he had ever passed<a href="#note-874">[874]</a>; and it made such an impression + on his mind, that he afterwards wrote the following Latin verses upon + Inchkenneth<a href="#note-875">[875]</a>:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + INSULA SANCTI KENNETHI. + + Parva quidem regio, sed relligione priorum + Nota, Caledonias panditur inter aquas; + Voce ubi Cennethus populos domuisse feroces + Dicitur, et vanos dedocuisse deos. + Hue ego delatus placido per coerula cursu + Scire locum volui quid daret ille novi. + Illic Leniades humili regnabat in aula, + Leniades magnis nobilitatus avis: + Una duas habuit casa cum genitore puellas, + Quas Amor undarum fingeret esse deas: + Non tamen inculti gelidis latuere sub antris, + Accola Danubii qualia saevus habet; + Mollia non decrant vacuae solatia vitae, + Sive libros poscant otia, sive lyram. + Luxerat ilia dies, legis gens docta supernae + Spes hominum ac curas cum procul esse jubet, + Ponti inter strepitus sacri non munera cultus + Cessarunt; pietas hic quoque cura fuit: + Quid quod sacrifici versavit femina libros, + Legitimas faciunt pectora pura preces<a href="#note-876">[876]</a>. + Quo vagor ulterius? quod ubique requiritur hic est; + Hic secura quies, hic et honestus amor<a href="#note-877">[877]</a>. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<a name="2H_4_70"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, OCTOBER 18. +</h2> +<p> + We agreed to pass this day with Sir Allan, and he engaged to have every + thing in order for our voyage to-morrow. +</p> +<p> + Being now soon to be separated from our amiable friend young Col, his + merits were all remembered. At Ulva he had appeared in a new character, + having given us a good prescription for a cold. On my mentioning him + with warmth, Dr. Johnson said, 'Col does every thing for us: we will + erect a statue to Col.' 'Yes, said I, and we will have him with his + various attributes and characters, like Mercury, or any other of the + heathen gods. We will have him as a pilot; we will have him as a + fisherman, as a hunter, as a husbandman, as a physician.' +</p> +<p> + I this morning took a spade, and dug a little grave in the floor of a + ruined chapel<a href="#note-878">[878]</a>, near Sir Allan M'Lean's house, in which I buried + some human bones I found there. Dr. Johnson praised me for what I had + done, though he owned, he could not have done it. He shewed in the + chapel at Rasay<a href="#note-879">[879]</a> his horrour at dead men's bones. He shewed it again + at Col's house. In the Charter-room there was a remarkable large + shin-bone, which was said to have been a bone of <i>John Garve</i><a href="#note-880">[880]</a>, one + of the lairds. Dr. Johnson would not look at it; but started away. +</p> +<p> + At breakfast, I asked, 'What is the reason that we are angry at a + trader's having opulence<a href="#note-881">[881]</a>?' JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, the reason is, + (though I don't undertake to prove that there is a reason,) we see no + qualities in trade that should entitle a man to superiority. We are not + angry at a soldier's getting riches, because we see that he possesses + qualities which we have not. If a man returns from a battle, having lost + one hand, and with the other full of gold, we feel that he deserves the + gold; but we cannot think that a fellow, by sitting all day at a desk, + is entitled to get above us.' BOSWELL. 'But, Sir, may we not suppose a + merchant to be a man of an enlarged mind, such as Addison in the + <i>Spectator</i> describes Sir Andrew Freeport to have been?' JOHNSON. 'Why, + Sir, we may suppose any fictitious character. We may suppose a + philosophical day-labourer, who is happy in reflecting that, by his + labour, he contributes to the fertility of the earth, and to the support + of his fellow-creatures; but we find no such philosophical day-labourer. + A merchant may, perhaps, be a man of an enlarged mind; but there is + nothing in trade connected with an enlarged mind<a href="#note-882">[882]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + I mentioned that I had heard Dr. Solander say he was a Swedish + Laplander<a href="#note-883">[883]</a>. JOHNSON. 'Sir, I don't believe he is a Laplander. The + Laplanders are not much above four feet high. He is as tall as you; and + he has not the copper colour of a Laplander.' BOSWELL. 'But what motive + could he have to make himself a Laplander?' JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, he must + either mean the word Laplander in a very extensive sense, or may mean a + voluntary degradation of himself. "For all my being the great man that + you see me now, I was originally a Barbarian;" as if Burke should say, + "I came over a wild Irishman." Which he might say in his present state + of exaltation.' +</p> +<p> + Having expressed a desire to have an island like Inchkenneth, Dr. + Johnson set himself to think what would be necessary for a man in such a + situation. 'Sir, I should build me a fortification, if I came to live + here; for, if you have it not, what should hinder a parcel of ruffians + to land in the night, and carry off every thing you have in the house, + which, in a remote country, would be more valuable than cows and sheep? + add to all this the danger of having your throat cut.' BOSWELL. 'I would + have a large dog.' JOHNSON. 'So you may, Sir; but a large dog is of no + use but to alarm.' He, however, I apprehend, thinks too lightly of the + power of that animal. I have heard him say, that he is afraid of no dog. + 'He would take him up by the hinder legs, which would render him quite + helpless,—and then knock his head against a stone, and beat out his + brains.' Topham Beauclerk told me, that at his house in the country, two + large ferocious dogs were fighting. Dr. Johnson looked steadily at them + for a little while; and then, as one would separate two little boys, who + were foolishly hurting each other, he ran up to them, and cuffed their + heads till he drove them asunder<a href="#note-884">[884]</a>. But few men have his intrepidity, + Herculean strength, or presence of mind. Most thieves or robbers would + be afraid to encounter a mastiff. +</p> +<p> + I observed, that, when young Col talked of the lands belonging to his + family, he always said, '<i>my</i> lands<a href="#note-885">[885]</a>.' For this he had a plausible + pretence; for he told me, there has been a custom in this family, that + the laird resigns the estate to the eldest son when he comes of age, + reserving to himself only a certain life-rent. He said, it was a + voluntary custom; but I think I found an instance in the charter-room, + that there was such an obligation in a contract of marriage. If the + custom was voluntary, it was only curious; but if founded on obligation, + it might be dangerous; for I have been told, that in Otaheité, whenever + a child is born, (a son, I think,) the father loses his right to the + estate and honours, and that this unnatural, or rather absurd custom, + occasions the murder of many children. +</p> +<p> + Young Col told us he could run down a greyhound; 'for, (said he,) the + dog runs himself out of breath, by going too quick, and then I get up + with him<a href="#note-886">[886]</a>.' I accounted for his advantage over the dog, by remarking + that Col had the faculty of reason, and knew how to moderate his pace, + which the dog had not sense enough to do. Dr. Johnson said, 'He is a + noble animal. He is as complete an islander as the mind can figure. He + is a farmer, a sailor, a hunter, a fisher: he will run you down a dog: + if any man has a <i>tail</i><a href="#note-887">[887]</a>, it is Col. He is hospitable; and he has an + intrepidity of talk, whether he understands the subject or not. I regret + that he is not more intellectual.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson observed, that there was nothing of which he would not + undertake to persuade a Frenchman in a foreign country. 'I'll carry a + Frenchman to St. Paul's Church-yard, and I'll tell him, "by our law you + may walk half round the church; but, if you walk round the whole, you + will be punished capitally," and he will believe me at once. Now, no + Englishman would readily swallow such a thing: he would go and inquire + of somebody else<a href="#note-888">[888]</a>.' The Frenchman's credulity, I observed, must be + owing to his being accustomed to implicit submission; whereas every + Englishman reasons upon the laws of his country, and instructs his + representatives, who compose the legislature. This day was passed in + looking at a small island adjoining Inchkenneth, which afforded nothing + worthy of observation; and in such social and gay entertainments as our + little society could furnish. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_71"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19. +</h2> +<p> + After breakfast we took leave of the young ladies, and of our excellent + companion Col, to whom we had been so much obliged. He had now put us + under the care of his Chief; and was to hasten back to Sky. We parted + from him with very strong feelings of kindness and gratitude; and we + hoped to have had some future opportunity of proving to him the + sincerity of what we felt; but in the following year he was + unfortunately lost in the Sound between Ulva and Mull<a href="#note-889">[889]</a>; and this + imperfect memorial, joined to the high honour of being tenderly and + respectfully mentioned by Dr. Johnson, is the only return which the + uncertainty of human events has permitted us to make to this deserving + young man. +</p> +<p> + Sir Allan, who obligingly undertook to accompany us to Icolmkill<a href="#note-890">[890]</a>, + had a strong good boat, with four stout rowers. We coasted along Mull + till we reached <i>Gribon</i>, where is what is called Mackinnon's cave, + compared with which that at Ulinish<a href="#note-891">[891]</a> is inconsiderable. It is in a + rock of a great height, close to the sea. Upon the left of its entrance + there is a cascade, almost perpendicular from the top to the bottom of + the rock. There is a tradition that it was conducted thither + artificially, to supply the inhabitants of the cave with water. Dr. + Johnson gave no credit to this tradition. As, on the one hand, his faith + in the Christian religion is firmly founded upon good grounds; so, on + the other, he is incredulous when there is no sufficient reason for + belief<a href="#note-892">[892]</a>; being in this respect just the reverse of modern infidels, + who, however nice and scrupulous in weighing the evidences of religion, + are yet often so ready to believe the most absurd and improbable tales + of another nature, that Lord Hailes well observed, a good essay might be + written <i>Sur la crédulité des Incrédules</i>. +</p> +<p> + The height of this cave I cannot tell with any tolerable exactness; but + it seemed to be very lofty, and to be a pretty regular arch. We + penetrated, by candlelight, a great way; by our measurement, no less + than four hundred and eighty-five feet. Tradition says, that a piper and + twelve men once advanced into this cave, nobody can tell how far; and + never returned. At the distance to which we proceeded the air was quite + pure; for the candle burned freely, without the least appearance of the + flame growing globular; but as we had only one, we thought it dangerous + to venture farther, lest, should it have been extinguished, we should + have had no means of ascertaining whether we could remain without + danger. Dr. Johnson said, this was the greatest natural curiosity he had + ever seen. +</p> +<p> + We saw the island of Staffa, at no very great distance, but could not + land upon it, the surge was so high on its rocky coast<a href="#note-893">[893]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Sir Allan, anxious for the honour of Mull, was still talking of its + <i>woods</i>, and pointing them out to Dr. Johnson, as appearing at a + distance on the skirts of that island, as we sailed along. JOHNSON. + 'Sir, I saw at Tobermorie what they called a wood, which I unluckily + took for <i>heath</i>. If you shew me what I shall take for <i>furze</i>, it will + be something.' +</p> +<p> + In the afternoon we went ashore on the coast of Mull, and partook of a + cold repast, which we carried with us. We hoped to have procured some + rum or brandy for our boatmen and servants, from a publick-house near + where we landed; but unfortunately a funeral a few days before had + exhausted all their store<a href="#note-894">[894]</a>. Mr. Campbell, however, one of the Duke + of Argyle's tacksmen, who lived in the neighbourhood, on receiving a + message from Sir Allan, sent us a liberal supply. +</p> +<p> + We continued to coast along Mull, and passed by Nuns' Island, which, it + is said, belonged to the nuns of Icolmkill, and from which, we were + told, the stone for the buildings there was taken. As we sailed along by + moon-light, in a sea somewhat rough, and often between black and gloomy + rocks, Dr. Johnson said, 'If this be not <i>roving among the Hebrides</i>, + nothing is<a href="#note-895">[895]</a>. The repetition of words which he had so often + previously used, made a strong impression on my imagination; and, by a + natural course of thinking, led me to consider how our present + adventures would appear to me at a future period. +</p> +<p> + I have often experienced, that scenes through which a man has passed, + improve by lying in the memory: they grow mellow. <i>Acti labores sunt + jucundi</i><a href="#note-896">[896]</a>. This may be owing to comparing them with present listless + ease. Even harsh scenes acquire a softness by length of time<a href="#note-897">[897]</a>; and + some are like very loud sounds, which do not please, or at least do not + please so much, till you are removed to a certain distance. They may be + compared to strong coarse pictures, which will not bear to be viewed + near. Even pleasing scenes improve by time, and seem more exquisite in + recollection, than when they were present; if they have not faded to + dimness in the memory. Perhaps, there is so much evil in every human + enjoyment, when present,—so much dross mixed with it, that it requires + to be refined by time; and yet I do not see why time should not melt + away the good and the evil in equal proportions;—why the shade should + decay, and the light remain in preservation. +</p> +<p> + After a tedious sail, which, by our following various turnings of the + coast of Mull, was extended to about forty miles, it gave us no small + pleasure to perceive a light in the village at Icolmkill, in which + almost all the inhabitants of the island live, close to where the + ancient building stood. As we approached the shore, the tower of the + cathedral, just discernible in the air, was a picturesque object. +</p> +<p> + When we had landed upon the sacred place, which, as long as I can + remember, I had thought on with veneration, Dr. Johnson and I cordially + embraced. We had long talked of visiting Icolmkill; and, from the + lateness of the season, were at times very doubtful whether we should be + able to effect our purpose. To have seen it, even alone, would have + given me great satisfaction; but the venerable scene was rendered much + more pleasing by the company of my great and pious friend, who was no + less affected by it than I was; and who has described the impressions it + should make on the mind, with such strength of thought, and energy of + language, that I shall quote his words, as conveying my own sensations + much more forcibly than I am capable of doing:— +</p> +<p> + 'We were now treading that illustrious Island, which was once the + luminary of the Caledonian regions, whence savage clans and roving + barbarians derived the benefits of knowledge, and the blessings of + religion. To abstract the mind from all local emotion would be + impossible, if it were endeavoured, and would be foolish if it were + possible. Whatever withdraws us from the power of our senses, whatever + makes the past, the distant, or the future, predominate over the + present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings. Far from me, and + from my friends, be such frigid philosophy as may conduct us indifferent + and unmoved over any ground which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, + or virtue. That man is little to be envied, whose patriotism would not + gain force upon the plain of <i>Marathon</i>, or whose piety would not grow + warmer among the ruins of <i>Iona</i><a href="#note-898">[898]</a>!' +</p> +<p> + Upon hearing that Sir Allan M'Lean was arrived, the inhabitants, who + still consider themselves as the people of M'Lean, to whom the island + formerly belonged, though the Duke of Argyle has at present possession + of it, ran eagerly to him. +</p> +<p> + We were accommodated this night in a large barn, the island, affording + no lodging that we should have liked so well. Some good hay was strewed + at one end of it, to form a bed for us, upon which we lay with our + clothes on; and we were furnished with blankets from the village<a href="#note-899">[899]</a>. + Each of us had a portmanteau for a pillow. When I awaked in the morning, + and looked round me, I could not help smiling at the idea of the chief + of the M'Leans, the great English Moralist, and myself, lying thus + extended in such a situation. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_72"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20. +</h2> +<p> + Early in the morning we surveyed the remains of antiquity at this place, + accompanied by an illiterate fellow, as <i>Cicerone</i>, who called himself a + descendant of a cousin of Saint Columba, the founder of the religious + establishment here. As I knew that many persons had already examined + them, and as I saw Dr. Johnson inspecting and measuring several of the + ruins of which he has since given so full an account, my mind was + quiescent; and I resolved to stroll among them at my ease, to take no + trouble to investigate minutely, and only receive the general impression + of solemn antiquity, and the particular ideas of such objects as should + of themselves strike my attention. +</p> +<p> + We walked from the monastery of Nuns to the great church or cathedral, + as they call it, along an old broken causeway. They told us, that this + had been a street; and that there were good houses built on each side. + Dr. Johnson doubted if it was any thing more than a paved road for the + nuns. The convent of Monks, the great church, Oran's chapel, and four + other chapels, are still to be discerned. But I must own that Icolmkill + did not answer my expectations; for they were high, from what I had read + of it, and still more from what I had heard and thought of it, from my + earliest years. Dr. Johnson said, it came up to his expectations, + because he had taken his impression from an account of it subjoined to + Sacheverel's <i>History of the Isle of Man</i><a href="#note-900">[900]</a>, where it is said, there + is not much to be seen here. We were both disappointed, when we were + shewn what are called the monuments of the kings of Scotland, Ireland, + and Denmark, and of a King of France. There are only some grave-stones + flat on the earth, and we could see no inscriptions. How far short was + this of marble monuments, like those in Westminster Abbey, which I had + imagined here! The grave-stones of Sir Allan M'Lean's family, and of + that of M'Quarrie, had as good an appearance as the royal grave-stones; + if they were royal, we doubted. +</p> +<p> + My easiness to give credit to what I heard in the course of our Tour was + too great. Dr. Johnson's peculiar accuracy of investigation detected + much traditional fiction, and many gross mistakes. It is not to be + wondered at, that he was provoked by people carelessly telling him, with + the utmost readiness and confidence, what he found, on questioning them + a little more, was erroneous<a href="#note-901">[901]</a>. Of this there were innumerable + instances. +</p> +<p> + I left him and Sir Allan at breakfast in our barn, and stole back again + to the cathedral, to indulge in solitude and devout meditation<a href="#note-902">[902]</a>. + While contemplating the venerable ruins, I refleeted with much + satisfaction, that the solemn scenes of piety never lose their sanctity + and influence, though the cares and follies of life may prevent us from + visiting them, or may even make us fancy that their effects are only 'as + yesterday, when it is past<a href="#note-903">[903]</a>,' and never again to be perceived. I + hoped, that, ever after having been in this holy place, I should + maintain an exemplary conduct. One has a strange propensity to fix upon + some point of time from whence a better course of life may begin<a href="#note-904">[904]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Being desirous to visit the opposite shore of the island, where Saint + Columba is said to have landed, I procured a horse from one + M'Ginnis<a href="#note-905">[905]</a>, who ran along as my guide. The M'Ginnises are said to be + a branch of the clan of M'Lean. Sir Allan had been told that this man + had refused to send him some rum, at which the knight was in great + indignation. 'You rascal! (said he,) don't you know that I can hang you, + if I please?' Not adverting to the Chieftain's power over his clan, I + imagined that Sir Allan had known of some capital crime that the fellow + had committed, which he could discover, and so get him condemned; and + said, 'How so?' 'Why, (said Sir Allan,) are they not all my people?' + Sensible of my inadvertency, and most willing to contribute what I could + towards the continuation of feudal authority, 'Very true,' said I. Sir + Allan went on: 'Refuse to send rum to me, you rascal! Don't you know + that, if I order you to go and cut a man's throat, you are to do it?' + 'Yes, an't please your honour! and my own too, and hang myself too.' The + poor fellow denied that he had refused to send the rum. His making these + professions was not merely a pretence in presence of his Chief; for + after he and I were out of Sir Allan's hearing, he told me, 'Had he sent + his dog for the rum, I would have given it: I would cut my bones for + him.' It was very remarkable to find such an attachment to a Chief, + though he had then no connection with the island, and had not been there + for fourteen years. Sir Allan, by way of upbraiding the fellow, said, 'I + believe you are a <i>Campbell</i>.' +</p> +<p> + The place which I went to see is about two miles from the village. They + call it <i>Portawherry</i>, from the wherry in which Columba came; though, + when they shew the length of his vessel, as marked on the beach by two + heaps of stones, they say, 'Here is the length of the <i>Currach</i>', using + the Erse word. +</p> +<p> + Icolmkill is a fertile island. The inhabitants export some cattle and + grain; and I was told, they import nothing but iron and salt. They are + industrious, and make their own woollen and linen cloth; and they brew a + good deal of beer, which we did not find in any of the other + islands<a href="#note-906">[906]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We set sail again about mid-day, and in the evening landed on Mull, near + the house of the Reverend Mr. Neal M'Leod, who having been informed of + our coming, by a message from Sir Allan, came out to meet us. We were + this night very agreeably entertained at his house. Dr. Johnson observed + to me, that he was the cleanest-headed man that he had met with in the + Western islands. He seemed to be well acquainted with Dr. Johnson's + writings, and courteously said, 'I have been often obliged to you, + though I never had the pleasure of seeing you before.' +</p> +<p> + He told us, he had lived for some time in St. Kilda, under the tuition + of the minister or catechist there, and had there first read Horace and + Virgil. The scenes which they describe must have been a strong contrast + to the dreary waste around him. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_73"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21. +</h2> +<p> + This morning the subject of politicks was introduced. JOHNSON. 'Pulteney + was as paltry a fellow as could be<a href="#note-907">[907]</a>. He was a Whig, who pretended to + be honest; and you know it is ridiculous for a Whig to pretend to be + honest. He cannot hold it out<a href="#note-908">[908]</a>.' He called Mr. Pitt a meteor; Sir + Robert Walpole a fixed star<a href="#note-909">[909]</a>. He said, 'It is wonderful to think + that all the force of government was required to prevent Wilkes from + being chosen the chief magistrate of London<a href="#note-910">[910]</a>, though the liverymen + knew he would rob their shops,—knew he would debauch their + daughters<a href="#note-911">[911]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + BOSWELL. 'The History of England is so strange, that, if it were not so + well vouched as it is, it would hardly be credible.' +</p> +<p> + JOHNSON. 'Sir, if it were told as shortly, and with as little + preparation for introducing the different events, as the History of the + Jewish Kings, it would be equally liable to objections of + improbability.' Mr. M'Leod was much pleased with the justice and novelty + of the thought. Dr. Johnson illustrated what he had said, as follows: + 'Take, as an instance, Charles the First's concessions to his + parliament, which were greater and greater, in proportion as the + parliament grew more insolent, and less deserving of trust. Had these + concessions been related nakedly, without any detail of the + circumstances which generally led to them, they would not have been + believed.' +</p> +<p> + Sir Allan M'Lean bragged, that Scotland had the advantage of England, by + its having more water. JOHNSON. 'Sir, we would not have your water, to + take the vile bogs which produce it. You have too much! A man who is + drowned has more water than either of us;'—and then he laughed. (But + this was surely robust sophistry: for the people of taste in England, + who have seen Scotland, own that its variety of rivers and lakes makes + it naturally more beautiful than England, in that respect.) Pursuing his + victory over Sir Allan, he proceeded: 'Your country consists of two + things, stone and water. There is, indeed, a little earth above the + stone in some places, but a very little; and the stone is always + appearing. It is like a man in rags; the naked skin is still + peeping out.' +</p> +<p> + He took leave of Mr. M'Leod, saying, 'Sir, I thank you for your + entertainment, and your conversation.' +</p> +<p> + Mr. Campbell, who had been so polite yesterday, came this morning on + purpose to breakfast with us, and very obligingly furnished us with + horses to proceed on our journey to Mr. M'Lean's of <i>Lochbuy</i>, where we + were to pass the night. We dined at the house of Dr. Alexander M'Lean, + another physician in Mull, who was so much struck with the uncommon + conversation of Dr. Johnson, that he observed to me, 'This man is just a + <i>hogshead</i> of sense.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson said of the <i>Turkish Spy</i><a href="#note-912">[912]</a>, which lay in the room, that + it told nothing but what every body might have known at that time; and + that what was good in it, did not pay you for the trouble of reading + to find it. +</p> +<p> + After a very tedious ride, through what appeared to me the most gloomy + and desolate country I had ever beheld<a href="#note-913">[913]</a>, we arrived, between seven + and eight o'clock, at May, the seat of the Laird of <i>Lochbuy</i>. <i>Buy</i>, in + Erse, signifies yellow, and I at first imagined that the loch or branch + of the sea here, was thus denominated, in the same manner as the <i>Red + Sea</i>; but I afterwards learned that it derived its name from a hill + above it, which being of a yellowish hue has the epithet of <i>Buy</i>. +</p> +<p> + We had heard much of Lochbuy's being a great roaring braggadocio, a kind + of Sir John Falstaff, both in size and manners; but we found that they + had swelled him up to a fictitious size, and clothed him with imaginary + qualities. Col's idea of him was equally extravagant, though very + different: he told us he was quite a Don Quixote; and said, he would + give a great deal to sec him and Dr. Johnson together. The truth is, + that Lochbuy proved to be only a bluff, comely, noisy old gentleman, + proud of his hereditary consequence, and a very hearty and hospitable + landlord. Lady Lochbuy was sister to Sir Allan M'Lean, but much older. + He said to me, 'They are quite <i>Antediluvians</i>.' Being told that Dr. + Johnson did not hear well, Lochbuy bawled out to him, 'Are you of the + Johnstons of Glencro, or of Ardnamurchan<a href="#note-914">[914]</a>?' Dr. Johnson gave him a + significant look, but made no answer; and I told Lochbuy that he was not + Johns<i>ton</i>, but John<i>son</i>, and that he was an Englishman<a href="#note-915">[915]</a>. Lochbuy + some years ago tried to prove himself a weak man, liable to imposition, + or, as we term it in Scotland, a <i>facile</i> man, in order to set aside a + lease which he had granted; but failed in the attempt. On my mentioning + this circumstance to Dr. Johnson, he seemed much surprized that such a + suit was admitted by the Scottish law, and observed, that 'In England no + man is allowed to <i>stultify</i> himself<a href="#note-916">[916]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + Sir Allan, Lochbuy, and I, had the conversation chiefly to ourselves + to-night: Dr. Johnson, being extremely weary, went to bed soon + after supper. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_74"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22. +</h2> +<p> + Before Dr. Johnson came to breakfast, Lady Lochbuy said, 'he was a + <i>dungeon</i> of wit;' a very common phrase in Scotland to express a + profoundness of intellect, though he afterwards told me, that he never + had heard it. She proposed that he should have some cold sheep's-head + for breakfast. Sir Allan seemed displeased at his sister's vulgarity, + and wondered how such a thought should come into her head. From a + mischievous love of sport, I took the lady's part; and very gravely + said, 'I think it is but fair to give him an offer of it. If he does not + choose it, he may let it alone.' 'I think so,' said the lady, looking at + her brother with an air of victory. Sir Allan, finding the matter + desperate, strutted about the room, and took snuff. When Dr. Johnson + came in, she called to him, 'Do you choose any cold sheep's-head, Sir?' + 'No, MADAM,' said he, with a tone of surprise and anger<a href="#note-917">[917]</a>. 'It is + here, Sir,' said she, supposing he had refused it to save the trouble of + bringing it in. They thus went on at cross purposes, till he confirmed + his refusal in a manner not to be misunderstood; while I sat quietly by, + and enjoyed my success. +</p> +<p> + After breakfast, we surveyed the old castle, in the pit or dungeon of + which Lochbuy had some years before taken upon him to imprison several + persons<a href="#note-918">[918]</a>; and though he had been fined in a considerable sum by the + Court of Justiciary, he was so little affected by it, that while we were + examining the dungeon, he said to me, with a smile, 'Your father knows + something of this;' (alluding to my father's having sat as one of the + judges on his trial.) Sir Allan whispered me, that the laird could not + be persuaded that he had lost his heritable jurisdiction<a href="#note-919">[919]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We then set out for the ferry, by which we were to cross to the main + land of Argyleshire. Lochbuy and Sir Allan accompanied us. We were told + much of a war-saddle, on which this reputed Don Quixote used to be + mounted; but we did not see it, for the young laird had applied it to a + less noble purpose, having taken it to Falkirk fair <i>with a drove of + black cattle.</i> We bade adieu to Lochbuy, and to our very kind + conductor<a href="#note-920">[920]</a>, Sir Allan M'Lean, on the shore of Mull, and then got + into the ferry-boat, the bottom of which was strewed with branches of + trees or bushes, upon which we sat. We had a good day and a fine + passage, and in the evening landed at Oban, where we found a tolerable + inn. After having been so long confined at different times in islands, + from which it was always uncertain when we could get away, it was + comfortable to be now on the mainland, and to know that, if in health, + we might get to any place in Scotland or England in a certain number + of days. +</p> +<p> + Here we discovered from the conjectures which were formed, that the + people on the main land were entirely ignorant of our motions; for in a + Glasgow newspaper we found a paragraph, which, as it contains a just + and well-turned compliment to my illustrious friend, I shall + here insert:— +</p> +<p> + 'We are well assured that Dr. Johnson is confined by tempestuous weather + to the isle of Sky; it being unsafe to venture, in a small boat, upon + such a stormy surge as is very common there at this time of the year. + Such a philosopher, detained on an almost barren island, resembles a + whale left upon the strand. The latter will be welcome to every body, on + account of his oil, his bone, &c., and the other will charm his + companions, and the rude inhabitants, with his superior knowledge and + wisdom, calm resignation, and unbounded benevolence.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_75"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23. +</h2> +<p> + After a good night's rest, we breakfasted at our leisure. We talked of + Goldsmith's <i>Traveller</i>, of which Dr. Johnson spoke highly; and, while I + was helping him on with his great coat, he repeated from it the + character of the British nation, which he did with such energy, that the + tear started into his eye:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Stern o'er each bosom reason holds her state, + With daring aims irregularly great, + Pride in their port, defiance in their eye, + I see the lords of human kind pass by, + Intent on high designs, a thoughtful band, + By forms unfashion'd, fresh from nature's hand; + Fierce in their native hardiness of soul, + True to imagin'd right, above control, + While ev'n the peasant boasts these rights to scan, + And learns to venerate himself as man.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + We could get but one bridle here, which, according to the maxim <i>detur + digniori</i>, was appropriated to Dr. Johnson's sheltie. I and Joseph rode + with halters. We crossed in a ferry-boat a pretty wide lake<a href="#note-921">[921]</a>, and on + the farther side of it, close by the shore, found a hut for our inn. We + were much wet. I changed my clothes in part, and was at pains to get + myself well dried. Dr. Johnson resolutely kept on all his clothes, wet + as they were, letting them steam before the smoky turf fire. I thought + him in the wrong; but his firmness was, perhaps, a species of heroism. +</p> +<p> + I remember but little of our conversation. I mentioned Shenstone's + saying of Pope, that he had the art of condensing sense more than any + body<a href="#note-922">[922]</a>. Dr. Johnson said, 'It is not true, Sir. There is more sense + in a line of Cowley than in a page (or a sentence, or ten lines,—I am + not quite certain of the very phrase) of Pope.' He maintained that + Archibald, Duke of Argyle<a href="#note-923">[923]</a>, was a narrow man. I wondered at this; + and observed, that his building so great a house at Inverary was not + like a narrow man. 'Sir, (said he,) when a narrow man has resolved to + build a house, he builds it like another man. But Archibald, Duke of + Argyle, was narrow in his ordinary expences, in his quotidian + expences.' +</p> +<p> + The distinction is very just. It is in the ordinary expences of life + that a man's liberality or narrowness is to be discovered. I never heard + the word <i>quotidian</i> in this sense, and I imagined it to be a word of + Dr. Johnson's own fabrication; but I have since found it in <i>Young's + Night Thoughts</i>, (Night fifth,) +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Death's a destroyer of quotidian prey,' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + and in my friend's <i>Dictionary</i>, supported by the authorities of Charles + I. and Dr. Donne. +</p> +<p> + It rained very hard as we journied on after dinner. The roar of torrents + from the mountains, as we passed along in the dusk, and the other + circumstances attending our ride in the evening, have been mentioned + with so much animation by Dr. Johnson, that I shall not attempt to say + any thing on the subject<a href="#note-924">[924]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We got at night to Inverary, where we found an excellent inn. Even here, + Dr. Johnson would not change his wet clothes. +</p> +<p> + The prospect of good accommodation cheered us much. We supped well; and + after supper, Dr. Johnson, whom I had not seen taste any fermented + liquor during all our travels, called for a gill of whiskey. 'Come, + (said he,) let me know what it is that makes a Scotchman happy<a href="#note-925">[925]</a>!' He + drank it all but a drop, which I begged leave to pour into my glass, + that I might say we had drunk whisky together. I proposed Mrs. Thrale + should be our toast. He would not have <i>her</i> drunk in whisky, but rather + 'some insular lady;' so we drank one of the ladies whom we had lately + left. He owned to-night, that he got as good a room and bed as at an + English inn. +</p> +<p> + I had here the pleasure of finding a letter from home, which relieved me + from the anxiety I had suffered, in consequence of not having received + any account of my family for many weeks. I also found a letter from Mr. + Garrick, which was a regale<a href="#note-926">[926]</a> as agreeable as a pine-apple would be + in a desert<a href="#note-927">[927]</a>. He had favoured me with his correspondence for many + years; and when Dr. Johnson and I were at Inverness, I had written to + him as follows:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Inverness, + Sunday, 29 August, 1773. + + MY DEAR SIR, +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'Here I am, and Mr. Samuel Johnson actually with me. We were a night at + Fores, in coming to which, in the dusk of the evening, we passed over + the bleak and blasted heath where Macbeth met the witches<a href="#note-928">[928]</a>. Your old + preceptor<a href="#note-929">[929]</a> repeated, with much solemnity, the speech— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "How far is't called to Fores? What are these, + So wither'd and so wild in their attire," &c. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + This day we visited the ruins of Macbeth's castle at Inverness. I have + had great romantick satisfaction in seeing Johnson upon the classical + scenes of Shakspeare in Scotland; which I really looked upon as almost + as improbable as that "Birnam wood should come to Dunsinane<a href="#note-930">[930]</a>." + Indeed, as I have always been accustomed to view him as a permanent + London object, it would not be much more wonderful to me to see St. + Paul's Church moving along where we now are. As yet we have travelled + in post-chaises; but to-morrow we are to mount on horseback, and ascend + into the mountains by Fort Augustus, and so on to the ferry, where we + are to cross to Sky. We shall see that island fully, and then visit some + more of the Hebrides; after which we are to land in Argyleshire, proceed + by Glasgow to Auchinleck, repose there a competent time, and then return + to Edinburgh, from whence the Rambler will depart for old England again, + as soon as he finds it convenient. Hitherto we have had a very + prosperous expedition. I flatter myself, <i>servetur ad imum, qualis ab + incepto processerit</i><a href="#note-931">[931]</a>. He is in excellent spirits, and I have a rich + journal of his conversation. Look back, Davy<a href="#note-932">[932]</a>, to Litchfield,—run + up through the time that has elapsed since you first knew Mr. + Johnson,—and enjoy with me his present extraordinary Tour. I could not + resist the impulse of writing to you from this place. The situation of + the old castle corresponds exactly to Shakspeare's description. While we + were there to-day<a href="#note-933">[933]</a>, it happened oddly, that a raven perched upon one + of the chimney-tops, and croaked. Then I in my turn repeated— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "The raven himself is hoarse, + That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan, + Under my battlements." +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'I wish you had been with us. Think what enthusiastick happiness I shall + have to see Mr. Samuel Johnson walking among the romantick rocks and + woods of my ancestors at Auchinleck<a href="#note-934">[934]</a>! Write to me at Edinburgh. You + owe me his verses on great George and tuneful Cibber, and the bad verses + which led him to make his fine ones on Philips the musician<a href="#note-935">[935]</a>. Keep + your promise, and let me have them. I offer my very best compliments to + Mrs. Garrick, and ever am, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Your warm admirer and friend, + + 'JAMES BOSWELL.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + '<i>To David Garrick, Esq., London.</i>' +</p> +<p> + His answer was as follows:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Hampton, September 14, 1773. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<center> + 'DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'You stole away from London, and left us all in the lurch; for we + expected you one night at the club, and knew nothing of your departure. + Had I payed you what I owed you, for the book you bought for me, I + should only have grieved for the loss of your company, and slept with a + quiet conscience; but, wounded as it is, it must remain so till I see + you again, though I am sure our good friend Mr. Johnson will discharge + the debt for me, if you will let him. Your account of your journey to + <i>Fores</i>, the <i>raven</i>, <i>old castle</i>, &c., &c., made me half mad. Are you + not rather too late in the year for fine weather, which is the life and + soul of seeing places? I hope your pleasure will continue <i>qualis ab + incepto</i>, &c. +</p> +<p> + 'Your friend<a href="#note-936">[936]</a> ——— threatens me much. I only wish that he would + put his threats in execution, and, if he prints his play, I will forgive + him. I remember he complained to you, that his bookseller called for the + money for some copies of his ———, which I subscribed for, and that I + desired him to call again. The truth is, that my wife was not at + home<a href="#note-937">[937]</a>, and that for weeks together I have not ten shillings in my + pocket.—However, had it been otherwise, it was not so great a crime to + draw his poetical vengeance upon me. I despise all that he can do, and + am glad that I can so easily get rid of him and his ingratitude. I am + hardened both to abuse and ingratitude. +</p> +<p> + 'You, I am sure, will no more recommend your poetasters to my civility + and good offices. +</p> +<p> + 'Shall I recommend to you a play of Eschylus, (the Prometheus,) + published and translated by poor old Morell, who is a good scholar<a href="#note-938">[938]</a>, + and an acquaintance of mine? It will be but half a guinea, and your name + shall be put in the list I am making for him. You will be in very + good company. +</p> +<p> + 'Now for the Epitaphs! +</p> +<p> + [<i>These, together with the verses on George the Second, and Colley + Cibber, as his Poet Laureat, of which imperfect copies are gone about, + will appear in my Life of Dr. Johnson<a href="#note-939">[939]</a>.</i>] +</p> +<p> + 'I have no more paper, or I should have said more to you. My love<a href="#note-940">[940]</a> + and respects to Mr. Johnson. +</p> +<p> + 'Yours ever, +</p> +<center> + 'D. GARRICK.' +</center> +<p> + 'I can't write. I have the gout in my hand.' +</p> +<p> + '<i>To James Boswell, Esq., Edinburgh.</i>' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_76"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24. +</h2> +<p> + We passed the forenoon calmly and placidly. I prevailed on Dr. Johnson + to read aloud Ogden's sixth sermon on Prayer, which he did with a + distinct expression, and pleasing solemnity. He praised my favourite + preacher, his elegant language, and remarkable acuteness; and said, he + fought infidels with their own weapons. +</p> +<p> + As a specimen of Ogden's manner, I insert the following passage from the + sermon which Dr. Johnson now read. The preacher, after arguing against + that vain philosophy which maintains, in conformity with the hard + principle of eternal necessity, or unchangeable predetermination, that + the only effect of prayer for others, although we are exhorted to pray + for them, is to produce good dispositions in ourselves towards them; + thus expresses himself:— +</p> +<p> + 'A plain man may be apt to ask, But if this then, though enjoined in the + holy scriptures, is to be my real aim and intention, when I am taught to + pray for other persons, why is it that I do not plainly so express it? + Why is not the form of the petition brought nearer to the meaning? Give + them, say I to our heavenly father, what is good. But this, I am to + understand, will be as it will be, and is not for me to alter. What is + it then that I am doing? I am desiring to become charitable myself; and + why may I not plainly say so? Is there shame in it, or impiety? The wish + is laudable: why should I form designs to hide it? +</p> +<p> + 'Or is it, perhaps, better to be brought about by indirect means, and in + this artful manner? Alas! who is it that I would impose on? From whom + can it be, in this commerce, that I desire to hide any thing? When, as + my Saviour commands me, I have <i>entered into my closet, and shut my + door</i>, there are but two parties privy to my devotions, GOD and my own + heart; which of the two am I deceiving?' +</p> +<p> + He wished to have more books, and, upon inquiring if there were any in + the house, was told that a waiter had some, which were brought to him; + but I recollect none of them, except Hervey's <i>Meditations</i>. He thought + slightingly of this admired book. He treated it with ridicule, and would + not allow even the scene of the dying Husband and Father to be + pathetick<a href="#note-941">[941]</a>. I am not an impartial judge; for Hervey's <i>Meditations</i> + engaged my affections in my early years. He read a passage concerning + the moon, ludicrously, and shewed how easily he could, in the same + style, make reflections on that planet, the very reverse of + Hervey's<a href="#note-942">[942]</a>, representing her as treacherous to mankind. He did this + with much humour; but I have not preserved the particulars. He then + indulged a playful fancy, in making a <i>Meditation on a Pudding</i><a href="#note-943">[943]</a>, of + which I hastily wrote down, in his presence, the following note; which, + though imperfect, may serve to give my readers some idea of it. +</p> +<center> + MEDITATION ON A PUDDING. +</center> +<p> + 'Let us seriously reflect of what a pudding is composed. It is composed + of flour that once waved in the golden grain, and drank the dews of the + morning; of milk pressed from the swelling udder by the gentle hand of + the beauteous milk-maid, whose beauty and innocence might have + recommended a worse draught; who, while she stroked the udder, indulged + no ambitious thoughts of wandering in palaces, formed no plans for the + destruction of her fellow-creatures: milk, which is drawn from the cow, + that useful animal, that eats the grass of the field, and supplies us + with that which made the greatest part of the food of mankind in the age + which the poets have agreed to call golden. It is made with an egg, that + miracle of nature, which the theoretical Burnet<a href="#note-944">[944]</a> has compared to + creation. An egg contains water within its beautiful smooth surface; and + an unformed mass, by the incubation of the parent, becomes a regular + animal, furnished with bones and sinews, and covered with feathers. Let + us consider; can there be more wanting to complete the Meditation on a + Pudding? If more is wanting, more may be found. It contains salt, which + keeps the sea from putrefaction: salt, which is made the image of + intellectual excellence, contributes to the formation of a pudding.' +</p> +<p> + In a Magazine I found a saying of Dr. Johnson's, something to this + purpose; that the happiest part of a man's life is what he passes lying + awake in bed in the morning. I read it to him. He said, 'I may, perhaps, + have said this; for nobody, at times, talks more laxly than I do<a href="#note-945">[945]</a>.' + I ventured to suggest to him, that this was dangerous from one of his + authority. +</p> +<p> + I spoke of living in the country, and upon what footing one should be + with neighbours. I observed that some people were afraid of being on too + easy a footing with them, from an apprehension that their time would not + be their own. He made the obvious remark, that it depended much on what + kind of neighbours one has, whether it was desirable to be on an easy + footing with them, or not. I mentioned a certain baronet, who told me, + he never was happy in the country, till he was not on speaking terms + with his neighbours, which he contrived in different ways to bring + about. 'Lord —————(said he) stuck long; but at last the fellow + pounded my pigs, and then I got rid of him.' JOHNSON. 'Nay, Sir, My Lord + got rid of Sir John, and shewed how little he valued him, by putting his + pigs in the pound.' +</p> +<p> + I told Dr. Johnson I was in some difficulty how to act at Inverary. I + had reason to think that the Duchess of Argyle disliked me, on account + of my zeal in the Douglas cause<a href="#note-946">[946]</a>; but the Duke of Argyle had always + been pleased to treat me with great civility. They were now at the + castle, which is a very short walk from our inn; and the question was, + whether I should go and pay my respects there. Dr. Johnson, to whom I + had stated the case, was clear that I ought; but, in his usual way, he + was very shy of discovering a desire to be invited there himself. Though + from a conviction of the benefit of subordination<a href="#note-947">[947]</a> to society, he + has always shewn great respect to persons of high rank, when he happened + to be in their company, yet his pride of character has ever made him + guard against any appearance of courting the great. Besides, he was + impatient to go to Glasgow, where he expected letters. At the same time + he was, I believe, secretly not unwilling to have attention paid him by + so great a Chieftain, and so exalted a nobleman. He insisted that I + should not go to the castle this day before dinner, as it would look + like seeking an invitation. 'But, (said I,) if the Duke invites us to + dine with him to-morrow, shall we accept?' 'Yes, Sir;' I think he said, + 'to be sure.' But, he added, 'He won't ask us!' I mentioned, that I was + afraid my company might be disagreeable to the duchess. He treated this + objection with a manly disdain: '<i>That</i>, Sir, he must settle with his + wife.' We dined well. I went to the castle just about the time when I + supposed the ladies would be retired from dinner. I sent in my name; + and, being shewn in, found the amiable Duke sitting at the head of his + table with several gentlemen. I was most politely received, and gave his + grace some particulars of the curious journey which I had been making + with Dr. Johnson. When we rose from table, the Duke said to me, 'I hope + you and Dr. Johnson will dine with us to-morrow.' I thanked his grace; + but told him, my friend was in a great hurry to get back to London. The + Duke, with a kind complacency, said, 'He will stay one day; and I will + take care he shall see this place to advantage.' I said, I should be + sure to let him know his grace's invitation. As I was going away, the + Duke said, 'Mr. Boswell, won't you have some tea ?' I thought it best to + get over the meeting with the duchess this night; so respectfully + agreed. I was conducted to the drawing room by the Duke, who announced + my name; but the duchess, who was sitting with her daughter, Lady Betty + Hamilton<a href="#note-948">[948]</a>, and some other ladies, took not the least notice of me. I + should have been mortified at being thus coldly received by a lady of + whom I, with the rest of the world, have always entertained a very high + admiration, had I not been consoled by the obliging attention of + the Duke. +</p> +<p> + When I returned to the inn, I informed Dr. Johnson of the Duke of + Argyle's invitation, with which he was much pleased, and readily + accepted of it. We talked of a violent contest which was then carrying + on, with a view to the next general election for Ayrshire; where one of + the candidates, in order to undermine the old and established interest, + had artfully held himself out as a champion for the independency of the + county against aristocratick influence, and had persuaded several + gentlemen into a resolution to oppose every candidate who was supported + by peers<a href="#note-949">[949]</a>. 'Foolish fellows! (said Dr. Johnson), don't they see that + they are as much dependent upon the Peers one way as the other. The + Peers have but to <i>oppose</i> a candidate to ensure him success. It is said + the only way to make a pig go forward, is to pull him back by the tail. + These people must be treated like pigs.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_77"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, OCTOBER 25. +</h2> +<p> + My acquaintance, the Reverend Mr. John M'Aulay<a href="#note-950">[950]</a>, one of the + Ministers of Inverary, and brother to our good friend at Calder<a href="#note-951">[951]</a>, + came to us this morning, and accompanied us to the castle, where I + presented Dr. Johnson to the Duke of Argyle. We were shewn through the + house; and I never shall forget the impression made upon my fancy by + some of the ladies' maids tripping about in neat morning dresses. After + seeing for a long time little but rusticity, their lively manner, and + gay inviting appearance, pleased me so much, that I thought, for the + moment, I could have been a knight-errant for them<a href="#note-952">[952]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We then got into a low one-horse chair, ordered for us by the Duke, in + which we drove about the place. Dr. Johnson was much struck by the + grandeur and elegance of this princely seat. He thought, however, the + castle too low, and wished it had been a story higher. He said, 'What I + admire here, is the total defiance of expence.' I had a particular pride + in shewing him a great number of fine old trees, to compensate for the + nakedness which had made such an impression on him on the eastern coast + of Scotland. +</p> +<p> + When we came in, before dinner, we found the duke and some gentlemen in + the hall. Dr. Johnson took much notice of the large collection of arms, + which are excellently disposed there. I told what he had said to Sir + Alexander M'Donald, of his ancestors not suffering their arms to + rust<a href="#note-953">[953]</a>. 'Well, (said the doctor,) but let us be glad we live in times + when arms <i>may</i> rust. We can sit to-day at his grace's table, without + any risk of being attacked, and perhaps sitting down again wounded or + maimed.' The duke placed Dr. Johnson next himself at table. I was in + fine spirits; and though sensible that I had the misfortune of not being + in favour with the duchess, I was not in the least disconcerted, and + offered her grace some of the dish that was before me. It must be owned + that I was in the right to be quite unconcerned, if I could. I was the + Duke of Argyle's guest; and I had no reason to suppose that he adopted + the prejudices and resentments of the Duchess of Hamilton. +</p> +<p> + I knew it was the rule of modern high life not to drink to any body; but + that I might have the satisfaction for once to look the duchess in the + face, with a glass in my hand, I with a respectful air addressed + her,—'My Lady Duchess, I have the honour to drink your grace's good + health.' I repeated the words audibly, and with a steady countenance. + This was, perhaps, rather too much; but some allowance must be made for + human feelings. +</p> +<p> + The duchess was very attentive to Dr. Johnson. I know not how a <i>middle + state<a href="#note-954">[954]</a></i> came to be mentioned. Her grace wished to hear him on that + point. 'Madam, (said he,) your own relation, Mr. Archibald Campbell, can + tell you better about it than I can. He was a bishop of the nonjuring + communion, and wrote a book upon the subject<a href="#note-955">[955]</a>.' He engaged to get it + for her grace. He afterwards gave a full history of Mr. Archibald + Campbell, which I am sorry I do not recollect particularly. He said, Mr. + Campbell had been bred a violent Whig, but afterwards 'kept better + company, and became a Tory.' He said this with a smile, in pleasant + allusion, as I thought, to the opposition between his own political + principles and those of the duke's clan. He added that Mr. Campbell, + after the revolution, was thrown into gaol on account of his tenets; + but, on application by letter to the old Lord Townshend<a href="#note-956">[956]</a>, was + released; that he always spoke of his Lordship with great gratitude, + saying, 'though a <i>Whig</i>, he had humanity.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson and I passed some time together, in June 1784<a href="#note-957">[957]</a>, at + Pembroke College, Oxford, with the Reverend Dr. Adams, the master; and I + having expressed a regret that my note relative to Mr. Archibald + Campbell was imperfect, he was then so good as to write with his own + hand, on the blank page of my <i>Journal</i>, opposite to that which contains + what I have now mentioned, the following paragraph; which, however, is + not quite so full as the narrative he gave at Inverary:— +</p> +<p> + '<i>The Honourable</i> ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL <i>was, I believe, the Nephew<a href="#note-958">[958]</a> of + the Marquis of Argyle. He began life by engaging in Monmouth's + rebellion, and, to escape the law, lived some time in Surinam. When he + returned, he became zealous for episcopacy and monarchy; and at the + Revolution adhered not only to the Nonjurors, but to those who refused + to communicate with the Church of England, or to be present at any + worship where the usurper was mentioned as king. He was, I believe, more + than once apprehended in the reign of King William, and once at the + accession of George. He was the familiar friend of Hicks<a href="#note-959">[959]</a> and + Nelson<a href="#note-960">[960]</a>; a man of letters, but injudicious; and very curious and + inquisitive, but credulous. He lived<a href="#note-961">[961]</a> in 1743, or 44, about 75 years + old.'</i> The subject of luxury having been introduced, Dr. Johnson + defended it. 'We have now (said he) a splendid dinner before us; which + of all these dishes is unwholesome?' The duke asserted, that he had + observed the grandees of Spain diminished in their size by luxury. Dr. + Johnson politely refrained from opposing directly an observation which + the duke himself had made; but said, 'Man must be very different from + other animals, if he is diminished by good living; for the size of all + other animals is increased by it<a href="#note-962">[962]</a>.' I made some remark that seemed + to imply a belief in <i>second sight</i>. The duchess said, 'I fancy you will + be a <i>Methodist</i>.' This was the only sentence her grace deigned to utter + to me; and I take it for granted, she thought it a good hit on my + <i>credulity</i> in the Douglas cause. +</p> +<p> + A gentleman in company, after dinner, was desired by the duke to go to + another room, for a specimen of curious marble, which his grace wished + to shew us. He brought a wrong piece, upon which the duke sent him back + again. He could not refuse; but, to avoid any appearance of servility, + he whistled as he walked out of the room, to shew his independency. On + my mentioning this afterwards to Dr. Johnson, he said, it was a nice + trait of character. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson talked a great deal, and was so entertaining, that Lady + Betty Hamilton, after dinner, went and placed her chair close to his, + leaned upon the back of it, and listened eagerly. It would have made a + fine picture to have drawn the Sage and her at this time in their + several attitudes. He did not know, all the while, how much he was + honoured. I told him afterwards. I never saw him so gentle and + complaisant as this day. +</p> +<p> + We went to tea. The duke and I walked up and down the drawing-room, + conversing. The duchess still continued to shew the same marked coldness + for me; for which, though I suffered from it, I made every allowance, + considering the very warm part that I had taken for Douglas, in the + cause in which she thought her son deeply interested. Had not her grace + discovered some displeasure towards me, I should have suspected her of + insensibility or dissimulation. +</p> +<p> + Her grace made Dr. Johnson come and sit by her, and asked him why he + made his journey so late in the year. 'Why, madam, (said he,) you know + Mr. Boswell must attend the Court of Session, and it does not rise till + the twelfth of August.' She said, with some sharpness, 'I <i>know nothing</i> + of Mr. Boswell.' Poor Lady Lucy Douglas<a href="#note-963">[963]</a>, to whom I mentioned this, + observed, 'She knew <i>too much</i> of Mr. Boswell.' I shall make no remark + on her grace's speech. I indeed felt it as rather too severe; but when I + recollected that my punishment was inflicted by so dignified a beauty, I + had that kind of consolation which a man would feel who is strangled by + a <i>silken cord</i>. Dr. Johnson was all attention to her grace. He used + afterwards a droll expression, upon her enjoying the three titles of + Hamilton, Brandon, and Argyle<a href="#note-964">[964]</a>. Borrowing an image from the Turkish + empire, he called her a <i>Duchess</i> with <i>three tails</i>. +</p> +<p> + He was much pleased with our visit at the castle of Inverary. The Duke + of Argyle was exceedingly polite to him, and upon his complaining of the + shelties which he had hitherto ridden being too small for him, his grace + told him he should be provided with a good horse to carry him next day. +</p> +<p> + Mr. John M'Aulay passed the evening with us at our inn. When Dr. Johnson + spoke of people whose principles were good, but whose practice was + faulty, Mr. M'Aulay said, he had no notion of people being in earnest in + their good professions, whose practice was not suitable to them. The + Doctor grew warm, and said, 'Sir, you are so grossly ignorant of human + nature, as not to know that a man may be very sincere in good + principles, without having good practice<a href="#note-965">[965]</a>!' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson was unquestionably in the right; and whoever examines + himself candidly, will be satisfied of it, though the inconsistency + between principles and practice is greater in some men than in others. +</p> +<p> + I recollect very little of this night's conversation. I am sorry that + indolence came upon me towards the conclusion of our journey, so that I + did not write down what passed with the same assiduity as during the + greatest part of it. +</p> +<center> + TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26. +</center> +<p> + Mr. M'Aulay breakfasted with us, nothing hurt or dismayed by his last + night's correction. Being a man of good sense, he had a just admiration + of Dr. Johnson. +</p> +<p> + Either yesterday morning, or this, I communicated to Dr. Johnson, from + Mr. M'Aulay's information, the news that Dr. Beattie had got a pension + of two hundred pounds a year<a href="#note-966">[966]</a>. He sat up in his bed, clapped his + hands, and cried, 'O brave we<a href="#note-967">[967]</a>!'—a peculiar exclamation of his + when he rejoices<a href="#note-968">[968]</a>. +</p> +<p> + As we sat over our tea, Mr. Home's tragedy of <i>Douglas</i> was mentioned. I + put Dr. Johnson in mind, that once, in a coffee house at Oxford, he + called to old Mr. Sheridan, 'How came you, Sir, to give Home a gold + medal for writing that foolish play?' and defied Mr. Sheridan to shew + ten good lines in it. He did not insist they should be together; but + that there were not ten good lines in the whole play<a href="#note-969">[969]</a>. He now + persisted in this. I endeavoured to defend that pathetick and beautiful + tragedy, and repeated the following passage:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + —'Sincerity, + Thou first of virtues! let no mortal leave + Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, + And from the gulph of hell destruction cry, + To take dissimulation's winding way<a href="#note-970">[970]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + JOHNSON. 'That will not do, Sir. Nothing is good but what is consistent + with truth or probability, which this is not. Juvenal, indeed, gives us + a noble picture of inflexible virtue:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "Esto bonus miles, tutor bonus, arbiter idem + Integer: ambiguae si quando citabere testis, + Incertaeque rei, Phalaris licet imperet ut sis, + Falsus, et admoto dictet perjuria tauro, + Summum crede nefas animam praeferre pudori, + Et propter vitam vivendi perdere causas<a href="#note-2">[2]</a>."' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + He repeated the lines with great force and dignity; then + added, 'And, after this, comes Johnny Home, with his <i>earth + gaping</i>, and his <i>destruction crying</i>:—Pooh<a href="#note-971">[971]</a>!' +</p> +<p> + While we were lamenting the number of ruined religious buildings which + we had lately seen, I spoke with peculiar feeling of the miserable + neglect of the chapel belonging to the palace of Holyrood-house, in + which are deposited the remains of many of the Kings of Scotland, and + many of our nobility. I said, it was a disgrace to the country that it + was not repaired: and particularly complained that my friend Douglas, + the representative of a great house and proprietor of a vast estate, + should suffer the sacred spot where his mother lies interred, to be + unroofed, and exposed to all the inclemencies of the weather. Dr. + Johnson, who, I know not how, had formed an opinion on the Hamilton + side, in the Douglas cause, slily answered, 'Sir, Sir, don't be too + severe upon the gentleman; don't accuse him of want of filial piety! + Lady Jane Douglas was not <i>his</i> mother.' He roused my zeal so much that + I took the liberty to tell him he knew nothing of the cause: which I do + most seriously believe was the case<a href="#note-972">[972]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We were now 'in a country of bridles and saddles<a href="#note-973">[973]</a>,' and set out + fully equipped. The Duke of Argyle was obliging enough to mount Dr. + Johnson on a stately steed from his grace's stable. My friend was highly + pleased, and Joseph said, 'He now looks like a bishop.' +</p> +<p> + We dined at the inn at Tarbat, and at night came to Rosedow, the + beautiful seat of Sir James Colquhoun, on the banks of Lochlomond, where + I, and any friends whom I have introduced, have ever been received with + kind and elegant hospitality. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_78"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27. +</h2> +<p> + When I went into Dr. Johnson's room this morning, I observed to him how + wonderfully courteous he had been at Inveraray, and said, 'You were + quite a fine gentleman, when with the duchess.' He answered, in good + humour, 'Sir, I look upon myself as a very polite man:' and he was + right, in a proper manly sense of the word<a href="#note-974">[974]</a>. As an immediate proof + of it, let me observe, that he would not send back the Duke of Argyle's + horse without a letter of thanks, which I copied. +</p> +<center> + 'TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF ARGYLE. +</center> +<center> + 'MY LORD, +</center> +<p> + 'That kindness which disposed your grace to supply me with the horse, + which I have now returned, will make you pleased to hear that he has + carried me well. +</p> +<p> + 'By my diligence in the little commission with which I was honoured by + the duchess<a href="#note-975">[975]</a>, I will endeavour to shew how highly I value the + favours which I have received, and how much I desire to be thought, +</p> +<p> + 'My Lord, +</p> +<p> + 'Your Grace's most obedient, +</p> +<p> + 'And most humble servant, +</p> +<center> + 'SAM. JOHNSON.' +</center> +<p> + 'Rosedow, Oct. 29, 1773.' +</p> +<p> + The duke was so attentive to his respectable<a href="#note-976">[976]</a> guest, that on the + same day, he wrote him an answer, which was received at Auchinleck:— +</p> +<center> + 'TO DR. JOHNSON, AUCHINLECK, AYRSHIRE. +</center> +<p> + 'SIR, 'I am glad to hear your journey from this place was not + unpleasant, in regard to your horse. I wish I could have supplied you + with good weather, which I am afraid you felt the want of. +</p> +<p> + 'The Duchess of Argyle desires her compliments to you, and is much + obliged to you for remembering her commission. +</p> +<p> + 'I am, Sir, +</p> +<p> + 'Your most obedient humble servant, +</p> +<center> + 'ARGYLE.' +</center> +<p> + 'Inveraray, Oct. 29, 1773.' +</p> +<p> + I am happy to insert every memorial of the honour done to my great + friend. Indeed, I was at all times desirous to preserve the letters + which he received from eminent persons, of which, as of all other + papers, he was very negligent; and I once proposed to him, that they + should be committed to my care, as his <i>Custos Rotulorum</i>. I wish he had + complied with my request, as by that means many valuable writings might + have been preserved, that are now lost<a href="#note-977">[977]</a>. +</p> +<p> + After breakfast, Dr. Johnson and I were furnished with a boat, and + sailed about upon Lochlomond, and landed on some of the islands which + are interspersed<a href="#note-978">[978]</a>. He was much pleased with the scene, which is so + well known by the accounts of various travellers, that it is unnecessary + for me to attempt any description of it. +</p> +<p> + I recollect none of his conversation, except that, when talking of + dress, he said, 'Sir, were I to have any thing fine, it should be very + fine. Were I to wear a ring, it should not be a bauble, but a stone of + great value. Were I to wear a laced or embroidered waistcoat, it should + be very rich. I had once a very rich laced waistcoat, which I wore the + first night of my tragedy<a href="#note-979">[979]</a>.' Lady Helen Colquhoun being a very + pious woman, the conversation, after dinner, took a religious turn. Her + ladyship defended the presbyterian mode of publick worship; upon which + Dr. Johnson delivered those excellent arguments for a form of prayer + which he has introduced into his <i>Journey</i><a href="#note-980">[980]</a>. I am myself fully + convinced that a form of prayer for publick worship is in general most + decent and edifying. <i>Solennia verba</i> have a kind of prescriptive + sanctity, and make a deeper impression on the mind than extemporaneous + effusions, in which, as we know not what they are to be, we cannot + readily acquiesce. Yet I would allow also of a certain portion of + extempore address, as occasion may require. This is the practice of the + French Protestant churches. And although the office of forming + supplications to the throne of Heaven is, in my mind, too great a trust + to be indiscriminately committed to the discretion of every minister, I + do not mean to deny that sincere devotion may be experienced when + joining in prayer with those who use no Liturgy. +</p> +<p> + We were favoured with Sir James Colquhoun's coach to convey us in the + evening to Cameron, the seat of Commissary Smollet<a href="#note-981">[981]</a>. Our + satisfaction of finding ourselves again in a comfortable carriage was + very great. We had a pleasing conviction of the commodiousness of + civilization, and heartily laughed at the ravings of those absurd + visionaries who have attempted to persuade us of the superior advantages + of a <i>state of nature</i><a href="#note-982">[982]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smollet was a man of considerable learning, with abundance of animal + spirits; so that he was a very good companion for Dr. Johnson, who said + to me, 'We have had more solid talk here than at any place where we + have been.' +</p> +<p> + I remember Dr. Johnson gave us this evening an able and eloquent + discourse on the <i>Origin of Evil</i><a href="#note-983">[983]</a>, and on the consistency of moral + evil with the power and goodness of GOD. He shewed us how it arose from + our free agency, an extinction of which would be a still greater evil + than any we experience. I know not that he said any thing absolutely + new, but he said a great deal wonderfully well; and perceiving us to be + delighted and satisfied, he concluded his harangue with an air of + benevolent triumph over an objection which has distressed many worthy + minds: 'This then is the answer to the question, <i>Pothen to Kakon</i>?' + Mrs. Smollet whispered me, that it was the best sermon she had ever + heard. Much do I upbraid myself for having neglected to preserve it. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_79"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28. +</h2> +<p> + Mr. Smollet pleased Dr. Johnson, by producing a collection of + newspapers in the time of the Usurpation, from which it appeared that + all sorts of crimes were very frequent during that horrible anarchy. By + the side of the high road to Glasgow, at some distance from his house, + he had erected a pillar to the memory of his ingenious kinsman, Dr. + Smollet; and he consulted Dr. Johnson as to an inscription for it. Lord + Kames, who, though he had a great store of knowledge, with much + ingenuity, and uncommon activity of mind, was no profound scholar, had + it seems recommended an English inscription<a href="#note-984">[984]</a>. Dr. Johnson treated + this with great contempt, saying, 'An English inscription would be a + disgrace to Dr. Smollet<a href="#note-985">[985]</a>;' and, in answer to what Lord Kames had + urged, as to the advantage of its being in English, because it would be + generally understood, I observed, that all to whom Dr. Smollet's merit + could be an object of respect and imitation, would understand it as well + in Latin; and that surely it was not meant for the Highland drovers, or + other such people, who pass and repass that way. +</p> +<p> + We were then shewn a Latin inscription, proposed for this monument. Dr. + Johnson sat down with an ardent and liberal earnestness to revise it, + and greatly improved it by several additions and variations. I + unfortunately did not take a copy of it, as it originally stood; but I + have happily preserved every fragment of what Dr. Johnson wrote:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Quisquis ades, viator<a href="#note-986">[986]</a>, + Vel mente felix, vel studiis cultus, + Immorare paululum memoriae + TOBIAE SMOLLET, M.D. + Viri iis virtutibus + Quas in homine et cive + Et laudes, et imiteris, + + Postquam mira— + Se —— + + Tali tantoque viro, suo patrueli, + + Hanc columnam, + Amoris eheu! inane monumentum, + In ipsis Leviniae ripis, + Quas primis infans vagitibus personuit, + Versiculisque jam fere moriturus illustravit<a href="#note-987">[987]</a>, + Ponendam curavit<a href="#note-988">[988]</a>. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + We had this morning a singular proof of Dr. Johnson's quick and + retentive memory. Hay's translation of <i>Martial</i> was lying in a window. + I said, I thought it was pretty well done, and shewed him a particular + epigram, I think, of ten, but am certain of eight, lines. He read it, + and tossed away the book, saying—'No, it is not pretty well.' As I + persisted in my opinion, he said, 'Why, Sir, the original is + thus,'—(and he repeated it;) 'and this man's translation is thus,'—and + then he repeated that also, exactly, though he had never seen it before, + and read it over only once, and that too, without any intention of + getting it by heart<a href="#note-989">[989]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Here a post-chaise, which I had ordered from Glasgow, came for us, and + we drove on in high spirits. We stopped at Dunbarton, and though the + approach to the castle there is very steep, Dr. Johnson ascended it with + alacrity, and surveyed all that was to be seen. During the whole of our + Tour he shewed uncommon spirit, could not bear to be treated like an old + or infirm man, and was very unwilling to accept of any assistance, + insomuch that, at our landing at Icolmkill, when Sir Allan M'Lean and I + submitted to be carried on men's shoulders from the boat to the shore, + as it could not be brought quite close to land, he sprang into the sea, + and waded vigorously out. On our arrival at the Saracen's Head Inn, at + Glasgow, I was made happy by good accounts from home; and Dr. Johnson, + who had not received a single letter since we left Aberdeen<a href="#note-990">[990]</a>, found + here a great many, the perusal of which entertained him much. He enjoyed + in imagination the comforts which we could now command, and seemed to be + in high glee. I remember, he put a leg up on each side of the grate, and + said, with a mock solemnity, by way of soliloquy, but loud enough for me + to hear it, 'Here am I, an ENGLISH man, sitting by a <i>coal</i> fire.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_80"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29. +</h2> +<p> + The professors<a href="#note-991">[991]</a> of the University being informed of our arrival, Dr. + Stevenson, Dr. Reid<a href="#note-992">[992]</a>, and Mr. Anderson breakfasted with us. Mr. + Anderson accompanied us while Dr. Johnson viewed this beautiful city. He + had told me, that one day in London, when Dr. Adam Smith was boasting of + it, he turned to him and said, 'Pray, Sir, have you ever seen + Brentford<a href="#note-993">[993]</a>?' This was surely a strong instance of his impatience, + and spirit of contradiction. I put him in mind of it to-day, while he + expressed his admiration of the elegant buildings, and whispered him, + 'Don't you feel some remorse<a href="#note-994">[994]</a>?' +</p> +<p> + We were received in the college by a number of the professors, who + shewed all due respect to Dr. Johnson; and then we paid a visit to the + principal, Dr. Leechman<a href="#note-995">[995]</a>, at his own house, where Dr. Johnson had + the satisfaction of being told that his name had been gratefully + celebrated in one of the parochial congregations in the Highlands, as + the person to whose influence it was chiefly owing that the New + Testament was allowed to be translated into the Erse language. It seems + some political members of the Society in Scotland for propagating + Christian Knowledge had opposed this pious undertaking, as tending to + preserve the distinction between the Highlanders and Lowlanders. Dr. + Johnson wrote a long letter upon the subject to a friend, which being + shewn to them, made them ashamed, and afraid of being publickly exposed; + so they were forced to a compliance. It is now in my possession, and is, + perhaps, one of the best productions of his masterly pen<a href="#note-996">[996]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Professors Reid and Anderson, and the two Messieurs Foulis, the Elzevirs + of Glasgow, dined and drank tea with us at our inn, after which the + professors went away; and I, having a letter to write, left my + fellow-traveller with Messieurs Foulis. Though good and ingenious men, + they had that unsettled speculative mode of conversation which is + offensive to a man regularly taught at an English school and university. + I found that, instead of listening to the dictates of the Sage, they + had teazed him with questions and doubtful disputations. He came in a + flutter to me, and desired I might come back again, for he could not + bear these men. 'O ho! Sir, (said I,) you are flying to me for refuge!' + He never, in any situation, was at a loss for a ready repartee. He + answered, with a quick vivacity, 'It is of two evils choosing the + least.' I was delighted with this flash bursting from the cloud which + hung upon his mind, closed my letter directly, and joined the company. +</p> +<p> + We supped at Professor Anderson's. The general impression upon my memory + is, that we had not much conversation at Glasgow, where the professors, + like their brethren at Aberdeen<a href="#note-997">[997]</a>, did not venture to expose + themselves much to the battery of cannon which they knew might play upon + them<a href="#note-998">[998]</a>. Dr. Johnson, who was fully conscious of his own superior + powers, afterwards praised Principal Robertson for his caution in this + respect<a href="#note-999">[999]</a>. He said to me, 'Robertson, Sir, was in the right. + Robertson is a man of eminence, and the head of a college at Edinburgh. + He had a character to maintain, and did well not to risk its being + lessened.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_81"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30. +</h2> +<p> + We set out towards Ayrshire. I sent Joseph on to Loudoun, with a + message, that, if the Earl was at home, Dr. Johnson and I would have the + honour to dine with him. Joseph met us on the road, and reported that + the Earl '<i>jumped for joy,</i>' and said, 'I shall be very happy to see + them.' We were received with a most pleasing courtesy by his Lordship, + and by the Countess his mother, who, in her ninety-fifth year, had all + her faculties quite unimpaired<a href="#note-1000">[1000]</a>. This was a very cheering sight to + Dr. Johnson, who had an extraordinary desire for long life. Her + ladyship was sensible and well-informed, and had seen a great deal of + the world. Her lord had held several high offices, and she was sister to + the great Earl of Stair<a href="#note-1001">[1001]</a>. +</p> +<p> + I cannot here refrain from paying a just tribute to the character of + John Earl of Loudoun, who did more service to the county of Ayr in + general, as well as to the individuals in it, than any man we have ever + had. It is painful to think that he met with much ingratitude from + persons both in high and low rank: but such was his temper, such his + knowledge of 'base mankind<a href="#note-1002">[1002]</a>,' that, as if he had expected no other + return, his mind was never soured, and he retained his good-humour and + benevolence to the last. The tenderness of his heart was proved in + 1745-6, when he had an important command in the Highlands, and behaved + with a generous humanity to the unfortunate. I cannot figure a more + honest politician; for, though his interest in our county was great, and + generally successful, he not only did not deceive by fallacious + promises, but was anxious that people should not deceive themselves by + too sanguine expectations. His kind and dutiful attention to his mother + was unremitted. At his house was true hospitality; a plain but a + plentiful table; and every guest, being left at perfect freedom, felt + himself quite easy and happy. While I live, I shall honour the memory of + this amiable man<a href="#note-1003">[1003]</a>. +</p> +<p> + At night, we advanced a few miles farther, to the house of Mr. Campbell + of Treesbank, who was married to one of my wife's sisters, and were + entertained very agreeably by a worthy couple. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_82"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31. +</h2> +<p> + We reposed here in tranquillity. Dr. Johnson was pleased to find a + numerous and excellent collection of books, which had mostly belonged to + the Reverend Mr. John Campbell, brother of our host. I was desirous to + have procured for my fellow-traveller, to-day, the company of Sir John + Cuninghame, of Caprington, whose castle was but two miles from us. He + was a very distinguished scholar, was long abroad, and during part of + the time lived much with the learned Cuninghame<a href="#note-1004">[1004]</a>, the opponent of + Bentley as a critick upon Horace. He wrote Latin with great elegance, + and, what is very remarkable, read Homer and Ariosto through every year. + I wrote to him to request he would come to us; but unfortunately he was + prevented by indisposition. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_83"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1. +</h2> +<p> + Though Dr. Johnson was lazy, and averse to move, I insisted that he + should go with me, and pay a visit to the Countess of Eglintoune, mother + of the late and present earl. I assured him, he would find himself amply + recompensed for the trouble; and he yielded to my solicitations, though + with some unwillingness. We were well mounted, and had not many miles to + ride. He talked of the attention that is necessary in order to + distribute our charity judiciously. 'If thoughtlessly done, we may + neglect the most deserving objects; and, as every man has but a certain + proportion to give, if it is lavished upon those who first present + themselves, there may be nothing left for such as have a better claim. A + man should first relieve those who are nearly connected with him, by + whatever tie; and then, if he has any thing to spare, may extend his + bounty to a wider circle.<a href="#note-1005">[1005]</a>' +</p> +<p> + As we passed very near the castle of Dundonald, which was one of the + many residences of the kings of Scotland, and in which Robert the Second + lived and died, Dr. Johnson wished to survey it particularly. It stands + on a beautiful rising ground, which is seen at a great distance on + several quarters, and from whence there is an extensive prospect of the + rich district of Cuninghame, the western sea, the isle of Arran, and a + part of the northern coast of Ireland. It has long been unroofed; and, + though of considerable size, we could not, by any power of imagination, + figure it as having been a suitable habitation for majesty<a href="#note-1006">[1006]</a>. Dr. + Johnson, to irritate my <i>old Scottish</i><a href="#note-1007">[1007]</a> enthusiasm, was very + jocular on the homely accommodation of 'King <i>Bob</i>,' and roared and + laughed till the ruins echoed. +</p> +<p> + Lady Eglintoune, though she was now in her eighty-fifth year, and had + lived in the retirement of the country for almost half a century, was + still a very agreeable woman. She was of the noble house of Kennedy, and + had all the elevation which the consciousness of such birth inspires. + Her figure was majestick, her manners high-bred, her reading extensive, + and her conversation elegant. She had been the admiration of the gay + circles of life, and the patroness of poets<a href="#note-1008">[1008]</a>. Dr. Johnson was + delighted with his reception here. Her principles in church and state + were congenial with his. She knew all his merit, and had heard much of + him from her son, Earl Alexander<a href="#note-1009">[1009]</a>, who loved to cultivate the + acquaintance of men of talents, in every department. +</p> +<p> + All who knew his lordship, will allow that his understanding and + accomplishments were of no ordinary rate. From the gay habits which he + had early acquired, he spent too much of his time with men, and in + pursuits far beneath such a mind as his. He afterwards became sensible + of it, and turned his thoughts to objects of importance; but was cut off + in the prime of his life. I cannot speak, but with emotions of the most + affectionate regret, of one, in whose company many of my early days were + passed, and to whose kindness I was much indebted. +</p> +<p> + Often must I have occasion to upbraid myself, that soon after our return + to the main land, I allowed indolence to prevail over me so much, as to + shrink from the labour of continuing my journal with the same minuteness + as before; sheltering myself in the thought, that we had done with the + Hebrides; and not considering, that Dr. Johnson's Memorabilia were + likely to be more valuable when we were restored to a more polished + society. Much has thus been irrecoverably lost. +</p> +<p> + In the course of our conversation this day, it came out, that Lady + Eglintoune was married the year before Dr. Johnson was born; upon which + she graciously said to him, that she might have been his mother; and + that she now adopted him; and when we were going away, she embraced him, + saying, 'My dear son, farewell<a href="#note-1010">[1010]</a>!' My friend was much pleased with + this day's entertainment, and owned that I had done well to force + him out. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_84"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2. +</h2> +<p> + We were now in a country not only '<i>of saddles and bridles</i><a href="#note-1011">[1011]</a>,' but + of post-chaises; and having ordered one from Kilmarnock, we got to + Auchinleck<a href="#note-1012">[1012]</a> before dinner. +</p> +<p> + My father was not quite a year and a half older than Dr. Johnson; but + his conscientious discharge of his laborious duty as a judge in + Scotland, where the law proceedings are almost all in writing,—a severe + complaint which ended in his death,—and the loss of my mother, a woman + of almost unexampled piety and goodness,—had before this time in some + degree affected his spirits<a href="#note-1013">[1013]</a>, and rendered him less disposed to + exert his faculties: for he had originally a very strong mind, and + cheerful temper. He assured me, he never had felt one moment of what is + called low spirits, or uneasiness, without a real cause. He had a great + many good stories, which he told uncommonly well, and he was remarkable + for 'humour, <i>incolumi gravitate</i><a href="#note-1014">[1014]</a>,' as Lord Monboddo used to + characterise it. His age, his office, and his character, had long given + him an acknowledged claim to great attention, in whatever company he + was; and he could ill brook any diminution of it. He was as sanguine a + Whig and Presbyterian, as Dr. Johnson was a Tory and Church of England + man: and as he had not much leisure to be informed of Dr. Johnson's + great merits by reading his works, he had a partial and unfavourable + notion of him, founded on his supposed political tenets; which were so + discordant to his own, that instead of speaking of him with that respect + to which he was entitled, he used to call him 'a <i>Jacobite fellow</i>.' + Knowing all this, I should not have ventured to bring them together, had + not my father, out of kindness to me, desired me to invite Dr. Johnson + to his house. +</p> +<p> + I was very anxious that all should be well; and begged of my friend to + avoid three topicks, as to which they differed very widely; Whiggism, + Presbyterianism, and—Sir John Pringle.<a href="#note-1015">[1015]</a> He said courteously, 'I + shall certainly not talk on subjects which I am told are disagreeable to + a gentleman under whose roof I am; especially, I shall not do so to + <i>your father</i>.' +</p> +<p> + Our first day went off very smoothly. It rained, and we could not get + out; but my father shewed Dr. Johnson his library, which in curious + editions of the Greek and Roman classicks, is, I suppose, not excelled + by any private collection in Great Britain. My father had studied at + Leyden, and been very intimate with the Gronovii, and other learned men + there. He was a sound scholar, and, in particular, had collated + manuscripts and different editions of <i>Anacreon</i>, and others of the + Greek Lyrick poets, with great care; so that my friend and he had much + matter for conversation, without touching on the fatal topicks of + difference. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson found here Baxter's <i>Anacreon</i><a href="#note-1016">[1016]</a>, which he told me he + had long enquired for in vain, and began to suspect there was no such + book. Baxter was the keen antagonist of Barnes<a href="#note-1017">[1017]</a>. His life is in + the <i>Biographia Britannica</i><a href="#note-1018">[1018]</a>. My father has written many notes on + this book, and Dr. Johnson and I talked of having it reprinted. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_85"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3. +</h2> +<p> + It rained all day, and gave Dr. Johnson an impression of that + incommodiousness of climate in the west, of which he has taken notice in + his <i>Journey</i><a href="#note-1019">[1019]</a>; but, being well accommodated, and furnished with + variety of books, he was not dissatisfied. +</p> +<p> + Some gentlemen of the neighbourhood came to visit my father; but there + was little conversation. One of them asked Dr. Johnson how he liked the + Highlands. The question seemed to irritate him, for he answered, 'How, + Sir, can you ask me what obliges me to speak unfavourably of a country + where I have been hospitably entertained? Who <i>can</i> like the + Highlands<a href="#note-1020">[1020]</a>? I like the inhabitants very well[1021].' The gentleman + asked no more questions. +</p> +<p> + Let me now make up for the present neglect, by again gleaning from the + past. At Lord Monboddo's, after the conversation upon the decrease of + learning in England, his Lordship mentioned <i>Hermes</i>, by Mr. Harris of + Salisbury<a href="#note-1022">[1022]</a>, as the work of a living authour, for whom he had a + great respect. Dr. Johnson said nothing at the time; but when we were in + our post-chaise, he told me, he thought Harris 'a coxcomb.' This he + said of him, not as a man, but as an authour<a href="#note-1023">[1023]</a>; and I give his + opinions of men and books, faithfully, whether they agree with my own or + not. I do admit, that there always appeared to me something of + affectation in Mr. Harris's manner of writing; something of a habit of + clothing plain thoughts in analytick and categorical formality. But all + his writings are imbued with learning; and all breathe that philanthropy + and amiable disposition, which distinguished him as a man<a href="#note-1024">[1024]</a>. +</p> +<p> + At another time, during our Tour, he drew the character of a rapacious + Highland Chief<a href="#note-1025">[1025]</a> with the strength of Theophrastus or la Bruyère; + concluding with these words:—'Sir, he has no more the soul of a Chief, + than an attorney who has twenty houses in a street, and considers how + much he can make by them.' +</p> +<p> + He this day, when we were by ourselves, observed, how common it was for + people to talk from books; to retail the sentiment's of others, and not + their own; in short, to converse without any originality of thinking. He + was pleased to say, 'You and I do not talk from books<a href="#note-1026">[1026]</a>.' +</p> +<a name="2H_4_86"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4. +</h2> +<p> + I was glad to have at length a very fine day, on which I could shew Dr. + Johnson the <i>Place</i> of my family, which he has honoured with so much + attention in his <i>Journey</i>. He is, however, mistaken in thinking that + the Celtick name, <i>Auchinleck</i>, has no relation to the natural + appearance of it. I believe every Celtick name of a place will be found + very descriptive. <i>Auchinleck</i> does not signify a <i>stony field</i>, as he + has said, but a <i>field of flag stones</i>; and this place has a number of + rocks, which abound in strata of that kind. The 'sullen dignity of the + old castle,' as he has forcibly expressed it, delighted him + exceedingly.<a href="#note-1027">[1027]</a> On one side of the rock on which its ruins stand, + runs the river Lugar, which is here of considerable breadth, and is + bordered by other high rocks, shaded with wood. On the other side runs a + brook, skirted in the same manner, but on a smaller scale. I cannot + figure a more romantick scene. +</p> +<p> + I felt myself elated here, and expatiated to my illustrious Mentor on + the antiquity and honourable alliances of my family, and on the merits + of its founder, Thomas Boswell, who was highly favoured by his + sovereign, James IV. of Scotland, and fell with him at the battle of + Flodden-field<a href="#note-1028">[1028]</a>; and in the glow of what, I am sensible, will, in a + commercial age, be considered as genealogical enthusiasm, did not omit + to mention what I was sure my friend would not think lightly of, my + relation<a href="#note-1029">[1029]</a> to the Royal Personage, whose liberality, on his + accession to the throne, had given him comfort and independence<a href="#note-1030">[1030]</a>. + I have, in a former page<a href="#note-1031">[1031]</a>, acknowledged my pride of ancient blood, + in which I was encouraged by Dr. Johnson: my readers therefore will not + be surprised at my having indulged it on this occasion. +</p> +<p> + Not far from the old castle is a spot of consecrated earth, on which may + be traced the foundations of an ancient chapel, dedicated to St. + Vincent, and where in old times 'was the place of graves' for the + family. It grieves me to think that the remains of sanctity here, which + were considerable, were dragged away, and employed in building a part of + the house of Auchinleck, of the middle age; which was the family + residence, till my father erected that 'elegant modern mansion,' of + which Dr. Johnson speaks so handsomely. Perhaps this chapel may one day + be restored. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson was pleased when I shewed him some venerable old trees, + under the shade of which my ancestors had walked. He exhorted me to + plant assiduously<a href="#note-1032">[1032]</a>, as my father had done to a great extent. +</p> +<p> + As I wandered with my reverend friend in the groves of Auchinleck, I + told him, that, if I survived him, it was my intention to erect a + monument to him here, among scenes which, in my mind, were all + classical; for in my youth I had appropriated to them many of the + descriptions of the Roman poets. He could not bear to have death + presented to him in any shape; for his constitutional melancholy made + the king of terrours more frightful. He turned off the subject, saying, + 'Sir, I hope to see your grand-children!' +</p> +<p> + This forenoon he observed some cattle without horns, of which he has + taken notice in his <i>Journey</i><a href="#note-1033">[1033]</a>, and seems undecided whether they be + of a particular race. His doubts appear to have had no foundation; for + my respectable neighbour, Mr. Fairlie, who, with all his attention to + agriculture, finds time both for the classicks and his friends, assures + me they are a distinct species, and that, when any of their calves have + horns, a mixture of breed can be traced. In confirmation of his opinion, + he pointed out to me the following passage in Tacitus,—'<i>Ne armentis + quidem suus honor, aut gloria frontis</i><a href="#note-1034">[1034]</a>;' (<i>De mor. Germ. § 5</i>) + which he wondered had escaped Dr. Johnson. +</p> +<p> + On the front of the house of Auchinleck is this inscription:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Quod petis, hic est; + Est Ulubris; animus si te non deficit aequus<a href="#note-1035">[1035]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + It is characteristick of the founder; but the <i>animus aequus</i> is, alas! + not inheritable, nor the subject of devise. He always talked to me as if + it were in a man's own power to attain it; but Dr. Johnson told me that + he owned to him, when they were alone, his persuasion that it was in a + great measure constitutional, or the effect of causes which do not + depend on ourselves, and that Horace boasts too much, when he says, + <i>aequum mi animum ipse parabo</i><a href="#note-1036">[1036]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_87"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5. +</h2> +<p> + The Reverend Mr. Dun, our parish minister, who had dined with us + yesterday, with some other company, insisted that Dr. Johnson and I + should dine with him to-day. This gave me an opportunity to shew my + friend the road to the church, made by my father at a great expence, for + above three miles, on his own estate, through a range of well enclosed + farms, with a row of trees on each side of it. He called it the <i>Via + sacra</i>, and was very fond of it.<a href="#note-1037">[1037]</a>Dr. Johnson, though he held + notions far distant from those of the Presbyterian clergy, yet could + associate on good terms with them. He indeed occasionally attacked + them. One of them discovered a narrowness of information concerning the + dignitaries of the Church of England, among whom may be found men of the + greatest learning, virtue, and piety, and of a truly apostolic + character. He talked before Dr. Johnson, of fat bishops and drowsy + deans; and, in short, seemed to believe the illiberal and profane + scoffings of professed satyrists, or vulgar railers. Dr. Johnson was so + highly offended, that he said to him, 'Sir, you know no more of our + Church than a Hottentot<a href="#note-1038">[1038]</a>.' I was sorry that he brought this + upon himself. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_88"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6. +</h2> +<p> + I cannot be certain, whether it was on this day, or a former, that Dr. + Johnson and my father came in collision. If I recollect right, the + contest began while my father was shewing him his collection of medals; + and Oliver Cromwell's coin unfortunately introduced Charles the First, + and Toryism. They became exceedingly warm, and violent, and I was very + much distressed by being present at such an altercation between two men, + both of whom I reverenced; yet I durst not interfere. It would certainly + be very unbecoming in me to exhibit my honoured father, and my respected + friend, as intellectual gladiators, for the entertainment of the + publick: and therefore I suppress what would, I dare say, make an + interesting scene in this dramatick sketch,—this account of the + transit of Johnson over the Caledonian Hemisphere<a href="#note-1039">[1039]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Yet I think I may, without impropriety, mention one circumstance, as an + instance of my father's address. Dr. Johnson challenged him, as he did + us all at Talisker<a href="#note-1040">[1040]</a>, to point out any theological works of merit + written by Presbyterian ministers in Scotland. My father, whose studies + did not lie much in that way, owned to me afterwards, that he was + somewhat at a loss how to answer, but that luckily he recollected having + read in catalogues the title of <i>Durham on the Galatians</i>; upon which he + boldly said, 'Pray, Sir, have you read Mr. Durham's excellent commentary + on the Galatians?' 'No, Sir,' said Dr. Johnson. By this lucky thought my + father kept him at bay, and for some time enjoyed his triumph<a href="#note-1041">[1041]</a>; but + his antagonist soon made a retort, which I forbear to mention. +</p> +<p> + In the course of their altercation, Whiggism and Presbyterianism, + Toryism and Episcopacy, were terribly buffeted. My worthy hereditary + friend, Sir John Pringle, never having been mentioned, happily escaped + without a bruise. +</p> +<p> + My father's opinion of Dr. Johnson may be conjectured from the name he + afterwards gave him, which was URSA MAJOR<a href="#note-1042">[1042]</a>. But it is not true, as + has been reported, that it was in consequence of my saying that he was a + <i>constellation</i><a href="#note-1043">[1043]</a> of genius and literature. It was a sly abrupt + expression to one of his brethren on the bench of the Court of Session, + in which Dr. Johnson was then standing; but it was not said in + his hearing. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_89"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7. +</h2> +<p> + My father and I went to publick worship in our parish-church, in which I + regretted that Dr. Johnson would not join us; for, though we have there + no form of prayer, nor magnificent solemnity, yet, as GOD is worshipped + in spirit and in truth, and the same doctrines preached as in the Church + of England, my friend would certainly have shewn more liberality, had he + attended. I doubt not, however, but he employed his time in private to + very good purpose. His uniform and fervent piety was manifested on many + occasions during our Tour, which I have not mentioned. His reason for + not joining in Presbyterian worship has been recorded in a former + page<a href="#note-1044">[1044]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_90"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8. +</h2> +<p> + Notwithstanding the altercation that had passed, my father, who had the + dignified courtesy of an old Baron, was very civil to Dr. Johnson, and + politely attended him to the post-chaise, which was to convey us to + Edinburgh<a href="#note-1045">[1045]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Thus they parted. They are now in another, and a higher, state of + existence: and as they were both worthy Christian men, I trust they have + met in happiness. But I must observe, in justice to my friend's + political principles, and my own, that they have met in a place where + there is no room for <i>Whiggism</i><a href="#note-1046">[1046]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We came at night to a good inn at Hamilton. I recollect no more. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_91"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9. +</h2> +<p> + I wished to have shewn Dr. Johnson the Duke of Hamilton's house, + commonly called the <i>Palace</i> of Hamilton, which is close by the town. It + is an object which, having been pointed out to me as a splendid edifice, + from my earliest years, in travelling between Auchinleck and Edinburgh, + has still great grandeur in my imagination. My friend consented to stop, + and view the outside of it, but could not be persuaded to go into it. +</p> +<p> + We arrived this night at Edinburgh, after an absence of eighty-three + days. For five weeks together, of the tempestuous season, there had been + no account received of us. I cannot express how happy I was on finding + myself again at home. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_92"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10. +</h2> +<p> + Old Mr. Drummond, the bookseller<a href="#note-1047">[1047]</a>, came to breakfast. Dr. Johnson + and he had not met for ten years. There was respect on his side, and + kindness on Dr. Johnson's. Soon afterwards Lord Elibank came in, and was + much pleased at seeing Dr. Johnson in Scotland. His lordship said, + 'hardly any thing seemed to him more improbable.' Dr. Johnson had a + very high opinion of him. Speaking of him to me, he characterized him + thus: 'Lord Elibank has read a great deal. It is true, I can find in + books all that he has read; but he has a great deal of what is in books, + proved by the test of real life.' Indeed, there have been few men whose + conversation discovered more knowledge enlivened by fancy. He published + several small pieces of distinguished merit; and has left some in + manuscript, in particular an account of the expedition against + Carthagena, in which he served as an officer in the army. His writings + deserve to be collected. He was the early patron of Dr. Robertson, the + historian, and Mr. Home, the tragick poet; who, when they were ministers + of country parishes, lived near his seat. He told me, 'I saw these lads + had talents, and they were much with me.' I hope they will pay a + grateful tribute to his memory<a href="#note-1048">[1048]</a>. +</p> +<p> + The morning was chiefly taken up by Dr. Johnson's giving him an account + of our Tour. The subject of difference in political principles was + introduced. JOHNSON. 'It is much increased by opposition. There was a + violent Whig, with whom I used to contend with great eagerness. After + his death I felt my Toryism much abated.' I suppose he meant Mr. + Walmsley of Lichfield, whose character he has drawn so well in his <i>Life + of Edmund Smith</i><a href="#note-1049">[1049]</a>. Mr. Nairne[1050] came in, and he and I + accompanied Dr. Johnson to Edinburgh Castle, which he owned was 'a great + place.' But I must mention, as a striking instance of that spirit of + contradiction to which he had a strong propensity, when Lord Elibank was + some days after talking of it with the natural elation of a Scotchman, + or of any man who is proud of a stately fortress in his own country, Dr. + Johnson affected to despise it, observing that 'it would make a good + <i>prison</i> in ENGLAND.' +</p> +<p> + Lest it should be supposed that I have suppressed one of his sallies + against my country, it may not be improper here to correct a mistaken + account that has been circulated, as to his conversation this day. It + has been said, that being desired to attend to the noble prospect from + the Castle-hill, he replied, 'Sir, the noblest prospect that a Scotchman + ever sees, is the high road that leads him to London.' This lively + sarcasm was thrown out at a tavern<a href="#note-1051">[1051]</a> in London, in my presence, many + years before. +</p> +<p> + We had with us to-day at dinner, at my house, the Lady Dowager Colvill, + and Lady Anne Erskine, sisters of the Earl of Kelly<a href="#note-1052">[1052]</a>; the + Honourable Archibald Erskine, who has now succeeded to that title; Lord + Elibank; the Reverend Dr. Blair; Mr. Tytler, the acute vindicator of + Mary Queen of Scots<a href="#note-1053">[1053]</a>, and some other friends[1054]. +</p> +<p> + <i>Fingal</i> being talked of, Dr. Johnson, who used to boast that he had, + from the first, resisted both Ossian<a href="#note-1055">[1055]</a> and the Giants of + Patagonia<a href="#note-1056">[1056]</a>, averred his positive disbelief of its authenticity. + Lord Elibank said, 'I am sure it is not M'Pherson's. Mr. Johnson, I keep + company a great deal with you; it is known I do. I may borrow from you + better things than I can say myself, and give them as my own; but, if I + should, every body will know whose they are.' The Doctor was not + softened by this compliment. He denied merit to <i>Fingal</i>, supposing it + to be the production of a man who has had the advantages that the + present age affords; and said, 'nothing is more easy than to write + enough in that style if once you begin<a href="#note-1057">[1057]</a>.'[1058]One gentleman in + company<a href="#note-1059">[1059]</a> expressing his opinion 'that <i>Fingal</i> was certainly + genuine, for that he had heard a great part of it repeated in the + original,' Dr. Johnson indignantly asked him whether he understood the + original; to which an answer being given in the negative, 'Why then, + (said Dr. Johnson,) we see to what <i>this</i> testimony comes:—thus it is.' +</p> +<p> + I mentioned this as a remarkable proof how liable the mind of man is to + credulity, when not guarded by such strict examination as that which Dr. + Johnson habitually practised.<a href="#note-1060">[1060]</a>The talents and integrity of the + gentleman who made the remark, are unquestionable; yet, had not Dr. + Johnson made him advert to the consideration, that he who does not + understand a language, cannot know that something which is recited to + him is in that language, he might have believed, and reported to this + hour, that he had 'heard a great part of <i>Fingal</i> repeated in the + original.' +</p> +<p> + For the satisfaction of those on the north of the Tweed, who may think + Dr. Johnson's account of Caledonian credulity and inaccuracy too + strong,<a href="#note-1061">[1061]</a> it is but fair to add, that he admitted the same kind of + ready belief might be found in his own country. 'He would undertake, (he + said) to write an epick poem on the story of <i>Robin Hood</i>,<a href="#note-1062">[1062]</a> and + half England, to whom the names and places he should mention in it are + familiar, would believe and declare they had heard it from their + earliest years.' +</p> +<p> + One of his objections to the authenticity of <i>Fingal</i>, during the + conversation at Ulinish,<a href="#note-1063">[1063]</a> is omitted in my <i>Journal</i>, but I + perfectly recollect it. 'Why is not the original deposited in some + publick library, instead of exhibiting attestations of its + existence?<a href="#note-1064">[1064]</a> Suppose there were a question in a court of justice, + whether a man be dead or alive: You aver he is alive, and you bring + fifty witnesses to swear it: I answer, "Why do you not produce the + man?"' This is an argument founded upon one of the first principles of + the <i>law of evidence</i>, which <i>Gilbert</i><a href="#note-1065">[1065]</a> would have held to be + irrefragable. +</p> +<p> + I do not think it incumbent on me to give any precise decided opinion + upon this question, as to which I believe more than some, and less than + others.<a href="#note-1066">[1066]</a> +</p> +<p> + The subject appears to have now become very uninteresting to the + publick. That <i>Fingal</i> is not from beginning to end a translation from + the Gallick, but that <i>some</i> passages have been supplied by the editor + to connect the whole, I have heard admitted by very warm advocates for + its authenticity. If this be the case, why are not these distinctly + ascertained? Antiquaries, and admirers of the work, may complain, that + they are in a situation similar to that of the unhappy gentleman, whose + wife informed him, on her death-bed, that one of their reputed children + was not his; and, when he eagerly begged her to declare which of them it + was, she answered, '<i>That</i> you shall never know;' and expired, leaving + him in irremediable doubt as to them all. +</p> +<p> + I beg leave now to say something upon <i>second sight</i>, of which I have + related two instances,<a href="#note-1067">[1067]</a> as they impressed my mind at the time. I + own, I returned from the Hebrides with a considerable degree of faith in + the many stories of that kind which I heard with a too easy + acquiescence, without any close examination of the evidence: but, since + that time, my belief in those stories has been much weakened,<a href="#note-1068">[1068]</a> by + reflecting on the careless inaccuracy of narrative in common matters, + from which we may certainly conclude that there may be the same in what + is more extraordinary. It is but just, however, to add, that the belief + in second sight is not peculiar to the Highlands and Isles.<a href="#note-1069">[1069]</a> +</p> +<p> + Some years after our Tour, a cause<a href="#note-1070">[1070]</a> was tried in the Court of + Session, where the principal fact to be ascertained was, whether a + ship-master, who used to frequent the Western Highlands and Isles, was + drowned in one particular year, or in the year after. A great number of + witnesses from those parts were examined on each side, and swore + directly contrary to each other, upon this simple question. One of them, + a very respectable Chieftain, who told me a story of second sight, which + I have not mentioned, but which I too implicitly believed, had in this + case, previous to this publick examination, not only said, but attested + under his hand, that he had seen the ship-master in the year subsequent + to that in which the court was finally satisfied he was drowned. When + interrogated with the strictness of judicial inquiry, and under the awe + of an oath, he recollected himself better, and retracted what he had + formerly asserted, apologising for his inaccuracy, by telling the + judges, 'A man will <i>say</i> what he will not <i>swear</i>.' By many he was much + censured, and it was maintained that every gentleman would be as + attentive to truth without the sanction of an oath, as with it. Dr. + Johnson, though he himself was distinguished at all times by a + scrupulous adherence to truth, controverted this proposition; and as a + proof that this was not, though it ought to be, the case, urged the very + different decisions of elections under Mr. Grenville's Act,<a href="#note-1071">[1071]</a> from + those formerly made. 'Gentlemen will not pronounce upon oath what they + would have said, and voted in the house, without that sanction.' +</p> +<p> + However difficult it may be for men who believe in preternatural + communications, in modern times, to satisfy those who are of a different + opinion, they may easily refute the doctrine of their opponents, who + impute a belief in <i>second sight</i> to <i>superstition</i>. To entertain a + visionary notion that one sees a distant or future event, may be called + <i>superstition</i>: but the correspondence of the fact or event with such an + impression on the fancy, though certainly very wonderful, <i>if proved</i>, + has no more connection with superstition, than magnetism or electricity. +</p> +<p> + After dinner, various topicks were discussed; but I recollect only one + particular. Dr. Johnson compared the different talents of Garrick and + Foote,<a href="#note-1072">[1072]</a> as companions, and gave Garrick greatly the preference for + elegance, though he allowed Foote extraordinary powers of entertainment. + He said, 'Garrick is restrained by some principle; but Foote has the + advantage of an unlimited range. Garrick has some delicacy of feeling; + it is possible to put him out; you may get the better of him; but Foote + is the most incompressible fellow that I ever knew; when you have driven + him into a corner, and think you are sure of him, he runs through + between your legs, or jumps over your head, and makes his escape.' +</p> +<p> + Dr. Erskine<a href="#note-1073">[1073]</a> and Mr. Robert Walker, two very respectable ministers + of Edinburgh, supped with us, as did the Reverend Dr. Webster.<a href="#note-1074">[1074]</a> The + conversation turned on the Moravian missions, and on the Methodists. Dr. + Johnson observed in general, that missionaries were too sanguine in + their accounts of their success among savages, and that much of what + they tell is not to be believed. He owned that the Methodists had done + good; had spread religious impressions among the vulgar part of + mankind:<a href="#note-1075">[1075]</a> but, he said, they had great bitterness against other + Christians, and that he never could get a Methodist to explain in what + he excelled others; that it always ended in the indispensible necessity + of hearing one of their preachers.<a href="#note-1076">[1076]</a> +</p> +<a name="2H_4_93"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11. +</h2> +<p> + Principal Robertson came to us as we sat at breakfast, he advanced to + Dr. Johnson, repeating a line of Virgil, which I forget. I + suppose, either +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Post varios casus, per tot discrimina rerum<a href="#note-1077">[1077]</a>— +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + or +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + —multum ille et terris jactatus, et alto<a href="#note-1078">[1078]</a>. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Every body had accosted us with some studied compliment on our return. + Dr. Johnson said, 'I am really ashamed of the congratulations which we + receive. We are addressed as if we had made a voyage to Nova Zembla, and + suffered five persecutions in Japan<a href="#note-1079">[1079]</a>.' And he afterwards remarked, + that, 'to see a man come up with a formal air and a Latin line, when we + had no fatigue and no danger, was provoking<a href="#note-1080">[1080]</a>.' I told him, he was + not sensible of the danger, having lain under cover in the boat during + the storm<a href="#note-1081">[1081]</a>: he was like the chicken, that hides its head under its + wing, and then thinks itself safe. +</p> +<p> + Lord Elibank came to us, as did Sir William Forbes. The rash attempt in + 1745 being mentioned, I observed, that it would make a fine piece of + History. Dr. Johnson said it would.<a href="#note-1082">[1082]</a> Lord Elibank doubted whether + any man of this age could give it impartially. JOHNSON. 'A man, by + talking with those of different sides, who were actors in it, and + putting down all that he hears, may in time collect the materials of a + good narrative. You are to consider, all history was at first oral. I + suppose Voltaire was fifty years<a href="#note-1083">[1083]</a> in collecting his <i>Louis XIV</i>. + which he did in the way that I am proposing.' ROBERTSON. 'He did so. He + lived much with all the great people who were concerned in that reign, + and heard them talk of everything: and then either took Mr. Boswell's + way, of writing down what he heard, or, which is as good, preserved it + in his memory; for he has a wonderful memory.' With the leave, however, + of this elegant historian, no man's memory can preserve facts or sayings + with such fidelity as may be done by writing them down when they are + recent. Dr. Robertson said, 'it was now full time to make such a + collection as Dr. Johnson suggested; for many of the people who were + then in arms, were dropping off; and both Whigs and Jacobites were now + come to talk with moderation.' Lord Elibank said to him, 'Mr. Robertson, + the first thing that gave me a high opinion of you, was your saying in + the <i>Select Society</i><a href="#note-1084">[1084]</a>, while parties ran high, soon after the year + 1745, that you did not think worse of a man's moral character for his + having been in rebellion. This was venturing to utter a liberal + sentiment, while both sides had a detestation of each other.' Dr. + Johnson observed, that being in rebellion from a notion of another's + right, was not connected with depravity; and that we had this proof of + it, that all mankind applauded the pardoning of rebels; which they would + not do in the case of robbers and murderers. He said, with a smile, that + 'he wondered that the phrase of <i>unnatural</i> rebellion should be so much + used, for that all rebellion was natural to man.' +</p> +<hr> +<p> + As I kept no Journal of anything that passed after this morning, I + shall, from memory, group together this and the other days, till that on + which Dr. Johnson departed for London. They were in all nine days; on + which he dined at Lady Colvill's, Lord Hailes's, Sir Adolphus Oughton's, + Sir Alexander Dick's, Principal Robertson's, Mr. M'Laurin's<a href="#note-1085">[1085]</a>, and + thrice at Lord Elibank's seat in the country, where we also passed two + nights<a href="#note-1086">[1086]</a>. He supped at the Honourable Alexander Gordon's[1087], now + one of our judges, by the title of Lord Rockville; at Mr. Nairne's, now + also one of our judges, by the title of Lord Dunsinan; at Dr. Blair's, + and Mr. Tytler's; and at my house thrice, one evening with a numerous + company, chiefly gentlemen of the law; another with Mr. Menzies of + Culdares, and Lord Monboddo, who disengaged himself on purpose to meet + him; and the evening on which we returned from Lord Elibank's, he supped + with my wife and me by ourselves<a href="#note-1088">[1088]</a>. +</p> +<p> + He breakfasted at Dr. Webster's, at old Mr. Drummond's, and at Dr. + Blacklock's; and spent one forenoon at my uncle Dr. Boswell's<a href="#note-1089">[1089]</a>, who + shewed him his curious museum; and, as he was an elegant scholar, and a + physician bred in the school of Boerhaave<a href="#note-1090">[1090]</a>, Dr. Johnson was pleased + with his company. On the mornings when he breakfasted at my house, he + had, from ten o'clock till one or two, a constant levee of various + persons, of very different characters and descriptions. I could not + attend him, being obliged to be in the Court of Session; but my wife was + so good as to devote the greater part of the morning to the endless task + of pouring out tea for my friend and his visitors. +</p> +<p> + Such was the disposition of his time at Edinburgh. He said one evening + to me, in a fit of languor, 'Sir, we have been harassed by invitations.' + I acquiesced. 'Ay, Sir,' he replied; but how much worse would it have + been, if we had been neglected<a href="#note-1091">[1091]</a>?' +</p> +<p> + From what has been recorded in this <i>Journal</i>, it may well be supposed + that a variety of admirable conversation has been lost, by my neglect to + preserve it. I shall endeavour to recollect some of it, as well as + I can. +</p> +<p> + At Lady Colvill's, to whom I am proud to introduce any stranger of + eminence, that he may see what dignity and grace is to be found in + Scotland, an officer observed, that he had heard Lord Mansfield was not + a great English lawyer. JOHNSON. 'Why, Sir, supposing Lord Mansfield not + to have the splendid talents which he possesses, he must be a great + English lawyer, from having been so long at the bar, and having passed + through so many of the great offices of the law. Sir, you may as well + maintain that a carrier, who has driven a packhorse between Edinburgh + and Berwick for thirty years, does not know the road, as that Lord + Mansfield does not know the law of England<a href="#note-1092">[1092]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + At Mr. Nairne's, he drew the character of Richardson, the authour of + <i>Clarissa</i>, with a strong yet delicate pencil. I lament much that I have + not preserved it; I only remember that he expressed a high opinion of + his talents and virtues; but observed, that 'his perpetual study was to + ward off petty inconveniences, and procure petty pleasures; that his + love of continual superiority was such, that he took care to be always + surrounded by women<a href="#note-1093">[1093]</a>, who listened to him implicitly, and did not + venture to controvert his opinions; and that his desire of distinction + was so great, that he used to give large vails to the Speaker Onslow's + servants, that they might treat him with respect.' +</p> +<p> + On the same evening, he would not allow that the private life of a + Judge, in England, was required to be so strictly decorous as I + supposed. 'Why then, Sir, (said I,) according to your account, an + English judge may just live like a gentleman.' JOHNSON. 'Yes, + Sir<a href="#note-1094">[1094]</a>,—if he <i>can</i>.' +</p> +<p> + At Mr. Tytler's, I happened to tell that one evening, a great many years + ago, when Dr. Hugh Blair and I were sitting together in the pit of + Drury-lane play-house, in a wild freak of youthful extravagance, I + entertained the audience <i>prodigiously</i><a href="#note-1095">[1095]</a>, by imitating the lowing + of a cow. A little while after I had told this story, I differed from + Dr. Johnson, I suppose too confidently, upon some point, which I now + forget. He did not spare me. 'Nay, Sir, (said he,) if you cannot talk + better as a man, I'd have you bellow like a cow<a href="#note-1096">[1096]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + At Dr. Webster's, he said, that he believed hardly any man died without + affectation. This remark appears to me to be well founded, and will + account for many of the celebrated death-bed sayings which are + recorded<a href="#note-1097">[1097]</a>. +</p> +<p> + On one of the evenings at my house, when he told that Lord Lovat boasted + to an English nobleman, that though he had not his wealth, he had two + thousand men whom he could at any time call into the field, the + Honourable Alexander Gordon observed, that those two thousand men + brought him to the block. 'True, Sir, (said Dr. Johnson:) but you may + just as well argue, concerning a man who has fallen over a precipice to + which he has walked too near,—"His two legs brought him to that," is he + not the better for having two legs?' +</p> +<p> + At Dr. Blair's I left him, in order to attend a consultation, during + which he and his amiable host were by themselves. I returned to supper, + at which were Principal Robertson, Mr. Nairne, and some other gentlemen. + Dr. Robertson and Dr. Blair, I remember, talked well upon + subordination<a href="#note-1098">[1098]</a> and government; and, as my friend and I were walking + home, he said to me, 'Sir, these two doctors are good men, and wise + men<a href="#note-1099">[1099]</a>.' I begged of Dr. Blair to recollect what he could of the long + conversation that passed between Dr. Johnson and him alone, this + evening, and he obligingly wrote to me as follows:— +</p> +<p> + '<i>March</i> 3, 1785. +</p> +<center> + 'DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + '—As so many years have intervened, since I chanced to have that + conversation with Dr. Johnson in my house, to which you refer, I have + forgotten most of what then passed, but remember that I was both + instructed and entertained by it. Among other subjects, the discourse + happening to turn on modern Latin poets, the Dr. expressed a very + favourable opinion of Buchanan, and instantly repeated, from beginning + to end, an ode of his, intituled <i>Calendae Maiae</i>, (the eleventh in his + <i>Miscellaneorum Liber</i>), beginning with these words, '<i>Salvete sacris + deliciis sacrae</i>,' with which I had formerly been unacquainted; but upon + perusing it, the praise which he bestowed upon it, as one of the + happiest of Buchanan's poetical compositions, appeared to me very just. + He also repeated to me a Latin ode he had composed in one of the western + islands, from which he had lately returned. We had much discourse + concerning his excursion to those islands, with which he expressed + himself as having been highly pleased; talked in a favourable manner of + the hospitality of the inhabitants; and particularly spoke much of his + happiness in having you for his companion; and said, that the longer he + knew you, he loved and esteemed you the more. This conversation passed + in the interval between tea and supper, when we were by ourselves. You, + and the rest of the company who were with us at supper, have often taken + notice that he was uncommonly bland and gay that evening, and gave much + pleasure to all who were present. This is all that I can recollect + distinctly of that long conversation. +</p> +<p> + 'Your's sincerely, +</p> +<center> + 'HUGH BLAIR.' +</center> +<p> + At Lord Hailes's, we spent a most agreeable day; but again I must lament + that I was so indolent as to let almost all that passed evaporate into + oblivion. Dr. Johnson observed there, that 'it is wonderful how ignorant + many officers of the army are, considering how much leisure they have + for study, and the acquisition of knowledge<a href="#note-1100">[1100]</a>.' I hope he was + mistaken; for he maintained that many of them were ignorant of things + belonging immediately to their own profession; 'for instance, many + cannot tell how far a musket will carry a bullet;' in proof of which, I + suppose, he mentioned some particular person, for Lord Hailes, from whom + I solicited what he could recollect of that day, writes to me as + follows:— +</p> +<p> + 'As to Dr. Johnson's observation about the ignorance of officers, in the + length that a musket will carry, my brother, Colonel Dalrymple, was + present, and he thought that the doctor was either mistaken, by putting + the question wrong, or that he had conversed on the subject with some + person out of service. +</p> +<p> + 'Was it upon that occasion that he expressed no curiosity to see the + room at Dumfermline, where Charles I. was born? "I know that he was + born, (said he;) no matter where."—Did he envy us the birth-place of + the king?' +</p> +<p> + Near the end of his <i>Journey</i>, Dr. Johnson has given liberal praise to + Mr. Braidwood's academy for the deaf and dumb<a href="#note-1101">[1101]</a>. When he visited it, + a circumstance occurred which was truly characteristical of our great + Lexicographer. 'Pray, (said he,) can they pronounce any <i>long</i> words?' + Mr. Braidwood informed him they could. Upon which Dr. Johnson wrote one + of his <i>sesquipedalia verba</i><a href="#note-1102">[1102]</a>, which was pronounced by the + scholars, and he was satisfied. My readers may perhaps wish to know what + the word was; but I cannot gratify their curiosity. Mr. Braidwood told + me, it remained long in his school, but had been lost before I made my + inquiry<a href="#note-1103">[1103]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson one day visited the Court of Session<a href="#note-1104">[1104]</a>. He thought the + mode of pleading there too vehement, and too much addressed to the + passions of the judges. 'This (said he) is not the Areopagus.' +</p> +<p> + At old Mr. Drummond's, Sir John Dalrymple quaintly said, the two noblest + animals in the world were, a Scotch Highlander and an English + sailor<a href="#note-1105">[1105]</a>. 'Why, Sir, (said Dr. Johnson,) I shall say nothing as to + the Scotch Highlander; but as to the English Sailor, I cannot agree with + you.' Sir John said, he was generous in giving away his money.' JOHNSON. + 'Sir, he throws away his money, without thought, and without merit. I do + not call a tree generous, that sheds its fruit at every breeze.' Sir + John having affected to complain of the attacks made upon his + <i>Memoirs</i><a href="#note-1106">[1106]</a>, Dr. Johnson said, 'Nay, Sir, do not complain. It is + advantageous to an authour, that his book should be attacked as well as + praised. Fame is a shuttlecock. If it be struck only at one end of the + room, it will soon fall to the ground. To keep it up, it must be struck + at both ends<a href="#note-1107">[1107]</a>.' Often have I reflected on this since; and, instead + of being angry at many of those who have written against me, have smiled + to think that they were unintentionally subservient to my fame, by using + a battledoor to make me <i>virum volitare per ora</i><a href="#note-1108">[1108]</a>. +</p> +<p> + At Sir Alexander Dick's, from that absence of mind to which every man is + at times subject, I told, in a blundering manner, Lady Eglingtoune's + complimentary adoption of Dr. Johnson as her son; for I unfortunately + stated that her ladyship adopted him as her son, in consequence of her + having been married the year <i>after</i> he was born. Dr. Johnson instantly + corrected me. 'Sir, don't you perceive that you are defaming the + countess? For, supposing me to be her son, and that she was not married + till the year after my birth, I must have been her <i>natural</i> son.' A + young lady of quality, who was present, very handsomely said, 'Might not + the son have justified the fault?' My friend was much flattered by this + compliment, which he never forgot. When in more than ordinary spirits, + and talking of his journey in Scotland, he has called to me, 'Boswell, + what was it that the young lady of quality said of me at Sir Alexander + Dick's ?' Nobody will doubt that I was happy in repeating it. +</p> +<p> + My illustrious friend, being now desirous to be again in the great + theatre of life and animated exertion, took a place in the coach, which + was to set out for London on Monday the 22nd of November<a href="#note-1109">[1109]</a>. Sir John + Dalrymple pressed him to come on the Saturday before, to his house at + Cranston, which being twelve miles from Edinburgh, upon the middle road + to Newcastle, (Dr. Johnson had come to Edinburgh by Berwick, and along + the naked coast<a href="#note-1110">[1110]</a>,) it would make his journey easier, as the coach + would take him up at a more seasonable hour than that at which it sets + out. Sir John, I perceived, was ambitious of having such a guest; but, + as I was well assured, that at this very time he had joined with some of + his prejudiced countrymen in railing at Dr. Johnson<a href="#note-1111">[1111]</a>, and had said, + he 'wondered how any gentleman of Scotland could keep company with him,' + I thought he did not deserve the honour: yet, as it might be a + convenience to Dr. Johnson, I contrived that he should accept the + invitation, and engaged to conduct him. I resolved that, on our way to + Sir John's, we should make a little circuit by Roslin Castle, and + Hawthornden, and wished to set out soon after breakfast; but young Mr. + Tytler came to shew Dr. Johnson some essays which he had written; and my + great friend, who was exceedingly obliging when thus consulted<a href="#note-1112">[1112]</a>, + was detained so long, that it was, I believe, one o'clock before we got + into our post-chaise. I found that we should be too late for dinner at + Sir John Dalrymple's, to which we were engaged: but I would by no means + lose the pleasure of seeing my friend at Hawthornden,—of seeing <i>Sam + Johnson</i> at the very spot where <i>Ben Jonson</i> visited the learned and + poetical Drummond<a href="#note-1113">[1113]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We surveyed Roslin Castle, the romantick scene around it, and the + beautiful Gothick chapel<a href="#note-1114">[1114]</a>, and dined and drank tea at the inn; + after which we proceeded to Hawthornden, and viewed the caves; and I + all the while had <i>Rare Ben</i><a href="#note-1115">[1115]</a> in my mind, and was pleased to think + that this place was now visited by another celebrated wit of England. +</p> +<p> + By this time 'the waning night was growing old,' and we were yet several + miles from Sir John Dalrymple's. Dr. Johnson did not seem much troubled + at our having treated the baronet with so little attention to + politeness; but when I talked of the grievous disappointment it must + have been to him that we did not come to the <i>feast</i> that he had + prepared for us, (for he told us he had killed a seven-year old sheep on + purpose,) my friend got into a merry mood, and jocularly said, 'I dare + say, Sir, he has been very sadly distressed: Nay, we do not know but the + consequence may have been fatal. Let me try to describe his situation in + his own historical style, I have as good a right to make him think and + talk, as he has to tell us how people thought and talked a hundred years + ago, of which he has no evidence. All history, so far as it is not + supported by contemporary evidence, is romance<a href="#note-1116">[1116]</a>—Stay now.—Let us + consider!' He then (heartily laughing all the while) proceeded in his + imitation, I am sure to the following effect, though now, at the + distance of almost twelve years, I cannot pretend to recollect all the + precise words:— +</p> +<p> + 'Dinner being ready, he wondered that his guests were not yet come. + His wonder was soon succeeded by impatience. He walked about the + room in anxious agitation; sometimes he looked at his watch, sometimes + he looked out at the window with an eager gaze of expectation, + and revolved in his mind the various accidents of human life. His + family beheld him with mute concern. "Surely (said he, with a sigh,) + they will not fail me." The mind of man can bear a certain pressure; + but there is a point when it can bear no more. A rope was in his view, + and he died a Roman death<a href="#note-1117">[1117]</a>. +</p> +<p> + It was very late before we reached the seat of Sir John Dalrymple, who, + certainly with some reason, was not in very good humour. Our + conversation was not brilliant. We supped, and went to bed in ancient + rooms, which would have better suited the climate of Italy in summer, + than that of Scotland in the month of November. +</p> +<p> + I recollect no conversation of the next day, worth preserving, except + one saying of Dr. Johnson, which will be a valuable text for many decent + old dowagers, and other good company, in various circles to descant + upon. He said, 'I am sorry I have not learnt to play at cards. It is + very useful in life: it generates kindness, and consolidates + society<a href="#note-1118">[1118]</a>.' He certainly could not mean deep play. +</p> +<p> + My friend and I thought we should be more comfortable at the inn at + Blackshields, two miles farther on. We therefore went thither in the + evening, and he was very entertaining; but I have preserved nothing but + the pleasing remembrance, and his verses on George the Second and + Cibber<a href="#note-1119">[1119]</a>, and his epitaph on Parnell[1120], which he was then so + good as to dictate to me. We breakfasted together next morning, and then + the coach came, and took him up. He had, as one of his companions in it, + as far as Newcastle, the worthy and ingenious Dr. Hope, botanical + professor at Edinburgh. Both Dr. Johnson and he used to speak of their + good fortune in thus accidentally meeting; for they had much instructive + conversation, which is always a most valuable enjoyment, and, when found + where it is not expected, is peculiarly relished. +</p> +<p> + I have now completed my account of our Tour to the Hebrides. I have + brought Dr. Johnson down to Scotland, and seen him into the coach which + in a few hours carried him back into England. He said to me often, that + the time he spent in this Tour was the pleasantest part of his + life<a href="#note-1121">[1121]</a>, and asked me if I would lose the recollection of it for five + hundred pounds. I answered I would not; and he applauded my setting such + a value on an accession of new images in my mind<a href="#note-1122">[1122]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Had it not been for me, I am persuaded Dr. Johnson never would have + undertaken such a journey; and I must be allowed to assume some merit + from having been the cause that our language has been enriched with such + a book as that which he published on his return; a book which I never + read but with the utmost admiration, as I had such opportunities of + knowing from what very meagre materials it was composed. +</p> +<p> + But my praise may be supposed partial; and therefore I shall insert two + testimonies, not liable to that objection, both written by gentlemen of + Scotland, to whose opinions I am confident the highest respect will be + paid, Lord Hailes<a href="#note-1123">[1123]</a>, and Mr. Dempster[1124]. 'TO JAMES +</p> +<center> + BOSWELL, ESQ. +</center> +<center> + 'SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'I have received much pleasure and much instruction, from perusing <i>The + Journey to the Hebrides</i>. +</p> +<p> + 'I admire the elegance and variety of description, and the lively + picture of men and manners. I always approve of the moral, often of the + political, reflections. I love the benevolence of the authour. +</p> +<p> + 'They who search for faults, may possibly find them in this, as well as + in every other work of literature. +</p> +<p> + 'For example, the friends of the old family say that <i>the aera of + planting</i> is placed too late, at the Union of the two kingdoms<a href="#note-1125">[1125]</a>. I + am known to be no friend of the old family; yet I would place the aera + of planting at the Restoration; after the murder of Charles I. had been + expiated in the anarchy which succeeded it. +</p> +<p> + 'Before the Restoration, few trees were planted, unless by the + monastick drones: their successors, (and worthy patriots they were,) the + barons, first cut down the trees, and then sold the estates. The + gentleman at St. Andrews, who said that there were but two trees in + Fife<a href="#note-1126">[1126]</a>, ought to have added, that the elms of Balmerino[1127] were + sold within these twenty years, to make pumps for the fire-engines. +</p> +<p> + 'In J. Major de <i>Gestis Scotorum</i>, L. i. C. 2. last edition, there is a + singular passage:— +</p> +<p> + '"Davidi Cranstoneo conterraneo, dum de prima theologiae licentia foret, + duo ei consocii et familiares, et mei cum eo in artibus auditores, + scilicet Jacobus Almain Senonensis, et Petrus Bruxcellensis, + Praedicatoris ordinis, in Sorbonae curia die Sorbonico commilitonibus + suis publice objecerunt, <i>quod pane avenaceo plebeii Scoti</i>, sicut a + quodam religioso intellexerant, <i>vescebantur, ut virum, quem cholericum + noverant, honestis salibus tentarent, qui hoc inficiari tanquam patriae + dedecus nisus est</i>." +</p> +<p> + 'Pray introduce our countryman, Mr. Licentiate David Cranston, to + the acquaintance of Mr. Johnson. +</p> +<p> + 'The syllogism seems to have been this: +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'They who feed on oatmeal are barbarians; + But the Scots feed on oatmeal: + Ergo— +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + The licentiate denied the <i>minor</i>, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + I am, Sir, + Your most obedient servant, + 'DAV. DALRYMPLE.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'Newhailes, 6th Feb. 1775.' +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + To JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ., EDINBURGH. + Dunnichen, 16th February, 1775. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<center> + 'MY DEAR BOSWELL, +</center> +<p> + 'I cannot omit a moment to return you my best thanks for the + entertainment you have furnished me, my family, and guests, by the + perusal of Dr. Johnson's <i>Journey to the Western Islands</i>; and now for + my sentiments of it. I was well entertained. His descriptions are + accurate and vivid. He carried me on the Tour along with him. I am + pleased with the justice he has done to your humour and vivacity. "The + noise of the wind being all its own," is a <i>bon-mot</i>, that it would have + been a pity to have omitted, and a robbery not to have ascribed to its + author<a href="#note-1128">[1128]</a>. +</p> +<p> + 'There is nothing in the book, from beginning to end, that a Scotchman + need to take amiss<a href="#note-1129">[1129]</a>. What he says of the country is true, and his + observations on the people are what must naturally occur to a sensible, + observing, and reflecting inhabitant of a <i>convenient</i> Metropolis, where + a man on thirty pounds a year may be better accommodated with all the + little wants of life, than <i>Col.</i> or <i>Sir Allan</i>. He reasons candidly + about the <i>second sight</i>; but I wish he had enquired more, before he + ventured to say he even doubted of the possibility of such an unusual + and useless deviation from all the known laws of nature<a href="#note-1130">[1130]</a>. The + notion of the second sight I consider as a remnant of superstitious + ignorance and credulity, which a philosopher will set down as such, till + the contrary is clearly proved, and then it will be classed among the + other certain, though unaccountable parts of our nature, like + dreams<a href="#note-1131">[1131]</a>, and-I do not know what. 'In regard to the language, it + has the merit of being all his own. Many words of foreign extraction are + used, where, I believe, common ones would do as well, especially on + familiar occasions. Yet I believe he could not express himself so + forcibly in any other stile. I am charmed with his researches concerning + the Erse language, and the antiquity of their manuscripts. I am quite + convinced; and I shall rank <i>Ossian</i>, and his <i>Fingals</i> and <i>Oscars</i>, + amongst the Nursery Tales, not the true history of our country, in all + time to come. +</p> +<p> + 'Upon the whole, the book cannot displease, for it has no pretensions. + The author neither says he is a Geographer, nor an Antiquarian, nor very + learned in the History of Scotland, nor a Naturalist, nor a + Fossilist<a href="#note-1132">[1132]</a>. The manners of the people, and the face of the country, + are all he attempts to describe, or seems to have thought of. Much were + it to be wished, that they who have travelled into more remote, and of + course, more curious, regions, had all possessed his good sense. Of the + state of learning, his observations on Glasgow University<a href="#note-1133">[1133]</a> shew he + has formed a very sound judgement. He understands our climate too, and + he has accurately observed the changes, however slow and imperceptible + to us, which Scotland has undergone, in consequence of the blessings of + liberty and internal peace. I could have drawn my pen through the story + of the old woman at St. Andrews, being the only silly thing in the + book<a href="#note-1134">[1134]</a>. He has taken the opportunity of ingrafting into the work + several good observations, which I dare say he had made upon men and + things, before he set foot on Scotch ground, by which it is considerably + enriched<a href="#note-1135">[1135]</a>. A long journey, like a tall May-pole, though not very + beautiful itself, yet is pretty enough, when ornamented with flowers and + garlands; it furnishes a sort of cloak-pins for hanging the furniture of + your mind upon; and whoever sets out upon a journey, without furnishing + his mind previously with much study and useful knowledge, erects a + May-pole in December, and puts up very useless cloak-pins<a href="#note-1136">[1136]</a>. +</p> +<p> + 'I hope the book will induce many of his countrymen to make the same + jaunt, and help to intermix the more liberal part of them still more + with us, and perhaps abate somewhat of that virulent antipathy which + many of them entertain against the Scotch: who certainly would never + have formed those <i>combinations</i><a href="#note-1137">[1137]</a> which he takes notice of, more + than their ancestors, had they not been necessary for their mutual + safety, at least for their success, in a country where they are treated + as foreigners. They would find us not deficient, at least in point of + hospitality, and they would be ashamed ever after to abuse us in + the mass. +</p> +<p> + 'So much for the Tour. I have now, for the first time in my life, passed + a winter in the country; and never did three months roll on with more + swiftness and satisfaction. I used not only to wonder at, but pity, + those whose lot condemned them to winter any where but in either of the + capitals. But every place has its charms to a cheerful mind. I am busy + planting and taking measures for opening the summer campaign in farming; + and I find I have an excellent resource, when revolutions in politicks + perhaps, and revolutions of the sun for certain, will make it decent for + me to retreat behind the ranks of the more forward in life. +</p> +<p> + 'I am glad to hear the last was a very busy week with you. I see you as + counsel in some causes which must have opened a charming field for your + humourous vein. As it is more uncommon, so I verily believe it is more + useful than the more serious exercise of reason; and, to a man who is to + appear in publick, more eclat is to be gained, sometimes more money too, + by a <i>bon-mot</i>, than a learned speech. It is the fund of natural humour + which Lord North possesses, that makes him so much the favourite of the + house, and so able, because so amiable, a leader of a party<a href="#note-1138">[1138]</a>. +</p> +<p> + 'I have now finished <i>my</i> Tour of <i>Seven Pages</i>. In what remains, I beg + leave to offer my compliments, and those of <i>ma tres chere femme</i>, to + you and Mrs. Boswell. Pray unbend the busy brow, and frolick a little in + a letter to, +</p> +<p> + 'My dear Boswell, +</p> +<p> + 'Your affectionate friend, +</p> +<center> + 'GEORGE DEMPSTER<a href="#note-1139">[1139]</a>.' +</center> +<p> + I shall also present the publick with a correspondence with the Laird + of Rasay, concerning a passage in the <i>Journey to the</i> Western Islands, + which shews Dr. Johnson in a very amiable light. +</p> +<p> + 'To JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ. +</p> +<p> + 'Rasay, April 10th, 1775. +</p> +<center> + 'DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'I take this occasion of returning you my most hearty thanks for the + civilities shewn to my daughter by you and Mrs. Boswell. Yet, though she + has informed me that I am under this obligation, I should very probably + have deferred troubling you with making my acknowledgments at present, + if I had not seen Dr. Johnson's <i>Journey to the Western Isles</i>, in which + he has been pleased to make a very friendly mention of my family, for + which I am surely obliged to him, as being more than an equivalent for + the reception you and he met with. Yet there is one paragraph I should + have been glad he had omitted, which I am sure was owing to + misinformation; that is, that I had acknowledged McLeod to be my chief, + though my ancestors disputed the pre-eminence for a long tract of time. +</p> +<p> + 'I never had occasion to enter seriously on this argument with the + present laird or his grandfather, nor could I have any temptation to + such a renunciation from either of them. I acknowledge, the benefit of + being chief of a clan is in our days of very little significancy, and to + trace out the progress of this honour to the founder of a family, of any + standing, would perhaps be a matter of some difficulty. +</p> +<p> + 'The true state of the present case is this: the McLeod family consists + of two different branches; the M'Leods of Lewis, of which I am + descended, and the M'Leods of Harris. And though the former have lost a + very extensive estate by forfeiture in king James the Sixth's time, + there are still several respectable families of it existing, who would + justly blame me for such an unmeaning cession, when they all acknowledge + me head of that family; which though in fact it be but an ideal point of + honour, is not hitherto so far disregarded in our country, but it would + determine some of my friends to look on me as a much smaller man than + either they or myself judge me at present to be. I will, therefore, ask + it as a favour of you to acquaint the Doctor with the difficulty he has + brought me to. In travelling among rival clans, such a silly tale as + this might easily be whispered into the ear of a passing stranger; but + as it has no foundation in fact, I hope the Doctor will be so good as to + take his own way in undeceiving the publick, I principally mean my + friends and connections, who will be first angry at me, and next sorry + to find such an instance of my littleness recorded in a book which has a + very fair chance of being much read. I expect you will let me know what + he will write you in return, and we here beg to make offer to you and + Mrs. Boswell of our most respectful compliments. +</p> +<p> + 'I am, +</p> +<p> + 'Dear Sir, +</p> +<p> + 'Your most obedient humble servant, +</p> +<center> + 'JOHN M'LEOD.' +</center> +<hr> +<center> + 'TO THE LAIRD OF RASAY. +</center> +<p> + 'London, May 8, 1775. +</p> +<center> + 'DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'The day before yesterday I had the honour to receive your letter, and I + immediately communicated it to Dr. Johnson. He said he loved your + spirit, and was exceedingly sorry that he had been the cause of the + smallest uneasiness to you. There is not a more candid man in the world + than he is, when properly addressed, as you will see from his letter to + you, which I now enclose. He has allowed me to take a copy of it, and he + says you may read it to your clan, or publish it if you please. Be + assured, Sir, that I shall take care of what he has entrusted to me, + which is to have an acknowledgement of his errour inserted in the + Edinburgh newspapers. You will, I dare say, be fully satisfied with Dr. + Johnson's behaviour. He is desirous to know that you are; and therefore + when you have read his acknowledgement in the papers, I beg you may + write to me; and if you choose it, I am persuaded a letter from you to + the Doctor also will be taken kind. I shall be at Edinburgh the week + after next. +</p> +<p> + 'Any civilities which my wife and I had in our power to shew to your + daughter, Miss M'Leod, were due to her own merit, and were well repaid + by her agreeable company. But I am sure I should be a very unworthy man + if I did not wish to shew a grateful sense of the hospitable and genteel + manner in which you were pleased to treat me. Be assured, my dear Sir, + that I shall never forget your goodness, and the happy hours which I + spent in Rasay. +</p> +<p> + 'You and Dr. M'Leod were both so obliging as to promise me an account in + writing, of all the particulars which each of you remember, concerning + the transactions of 1745-6. Pray do not forget this, and be as minute + and full as you can; put down every thing; I have a great curiosity to + know as much as I can, authentically. +</p> +<p> + 'I beg that you may present my best respects to Lady Rasay, my + compliments to your young family, and to Dr. M'Leod; and my hearty good + wishes to Malcolm, with whom I hope again to shake hands cordially. I + have the honour to be, +</p> +<p> + 'Dear Sir, +</p> +<p> + 'Your obliged and faithful humble servant, +</p> +<p> + 'JAMES BOSWELL.' ADVERTISEMENT, written by Dr. Johnson, and inserted + by his desire in the Edinburgh newspapers:—Referred to in the foregoing + letter<a href="#note-1140">[1140]</a>. +</p> +<p> + <i>'THE authour of the</i> Journey to the Western Islands, <i>having related + that the M'Leods of Rasay acknowledge the chieftainship or superiority + of the M'Leods of Sky, finds that he has been misinformed or mistaken. + He means in a future edition to correct his errour<a href="#note-1141">[1141]</a>, and wishes to + be told of more, if more have been discovered.'</i> +</p> +<p> + Dr. Johnson's letter was as follows:— +</p> +<p> + 'To THE LAIRD OF RASAY. +</p> +<center> + 'DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'Mr. Boswell has this day shewn me a letter, in which you complain of a + passage in <i>The Journey to the Hebrides.</i> My meaning is mistaken. I did + not intend to say that you had personally made any cession of the rights + of your house, or any acknowledgement of the superiority of M'Leod of + Dunvegan. I only designed to express what I thought generally + admitted,—that the house of Rasay allowed the superiority of the house + of Dunvegan. Even this I now find to be erroneous, and will therefore + omit or retract it in the next edition. +</p> +<p> + 'Though what I had said had been true, if it had been disagreeable to + you, I should have wished it unsaid; for it is not my business to adjust + precedence. As it is mistaken, I find myself disposed to correct, both + by my respect for you, and my reverence for truth. 'As I know not when + the book will be reprinted, I have desired Mr. Boswell to anticipate the + correction in the Edinburgh papers. This is all that can be done. +</p> +<p> + 'I hope I may now venture to desire that my compliments may be made, and + my gratitude expressed, to Lady Rasay, Mr. Malcolm M'Leod, Mr. Donald + M'Queen, and all the gentlemen and all the ladies whom I saw in the + island of Rasay; a place which I remember with too much pleasure and too + much kindness, not to be sorry that my ignorance, or hasty persuasion, + should, for a single moment, have violated its tranquillity. +</p> +<p> + 'I beg you all to forgive an undesigned and involuntary injury, and to + consider me as, +</p> +<p> + 'Sir, your most obliged, +</p> +<p> + 'And most humble servant, +</p> +<center> + 'SAM. JOHNSON<a href="#note-1142">[1142]</a>.' +</center> +<p> + 'London, May 6, 1775.' +</p> +<p> + It would be improper for me to boast of my own labours; but I cannot + refrain from publishing such praise as I received from such a man as Sir + William Forbes, of Pitsligo, after the perusal of the original + manuscript of my <i>Journal</i><a href="#note-1143">[1143]</a>. +</p> +<p> + 'To JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ. +</p> +<p> + 'Edinburgh, March 7, 1777. +</p> +<p> + 'My DEAR SIR, +</p> +<p> + 'I ought to have thanked you sooner, for your very obliging letter, and + for the singular confidence you are pleased to place in me, when you + trust me with such a curious and valuable deposit as the papers you + have sent me<a href="#note-1144">[1144]</a>. Be assured I have a due sense of this favour, and + shall faithfully and carefully return them to you. You may rely that I + shall neither copy any part, nor permit the papers to be seen. +</p> +<p> + 'They contain a curious picture of society, and form a journal on the + most instructive plan that can possibly be thought of; for I am not sure + that an ordinary observer would become so well acquainted either with + Dr. Johnson, or with the manners of the Hebrides, by a personal + intercourse, as by a perusal of your <i>Journal</i>. +</p> +<p> + 'I am, very truly, +</p> +<p> + 'Dear Sir, +</p> +<p> + 'Your most obedient, +</p> +<p> + 'And affectionate humble servant, +</p> +<center> + 'WILLIAM FORBES.' +</center> +<p> + When I consider how many of the persons mentioned in this Tour + are now gone to 'that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no + traveller returns<a href="#note-1145">[1145]</a>,' I feel an impression at once awful and + tender.—<i>Requiescant in pace!</i> +</p> +<p> + It may be objected by some persons, as it has been by one of my friends, + that he who has the power of thus exhibiting an exact transcript of + conversations is not a desirable member of society. I repeat the answer + which I made to that friend:—'Few, very few, need be afraid that their + sayings will be recorded. Can it be imagined that I would take the + trouble to gather what grows on every hedge, because I have collected + such fruits as the <i>Nonpareil</i> and the BON CHRETIEN<a href="#note-1146">[1146]</a>?' +</p> +<p> + On the other hand, how useful is such a faculty, if well exercised! To + it we owe all those interesting apophthegms and <i>memorabilia</i> of the + ancients, which Plutarch, Xenophon, and Valerius Maximus, have + transmitted to us. To it we owe all those instructive and entertaining + collections which the French have made under the title of <i>Ana</i>, affixed + to some celebrated name. To it we owe the <i>Table-Talk</i> of Selden<a href="#note-1147">[1147]</a>, + the <i>Conversation</i> between Ben Jonson and Drummond of Hawthornden, + Spence's <i>Anecdotes</i> of Pope<a href="#note-1148">[1148]</a>, and other valuable remains in our + own language. How delighted should we have been, if thus introduced into + the company of Shakspeare and of Dryden<a href="#note-1149">[1149]</a>, of whom we know scarcely + any thing but their admirable writings! What pleasure would it have + given us, to have known their petty habits, their characteristick + manners, their modes of composition, and their genuine opinion of + preceding writers and of their contemporaries! All these are now + irrecoverably lost. Considering how many of the strongest and most + brilliant effusions of exalted intellect must have perished, how much is + it to be regretted that all men of distinguished wisdom and wit have not + been attended by friends, of taste enough to relish, and abilities + enough to register their conversation; +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Vixere fortes ante Agamemnona + Multi, sed omnes illacrymabiles + Urgentur, ignotique longa + Nocte, carent quia vate sacro<a href="#note-1150">[1150]</a>.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + They whose inferiour exertions are recorded, as serving to explain or + illustrate the sayings of such men, may be proud of being thus + associated, and of their names being transmitted to posterity, by being + appended to an illustrious character. +</p> +<p> + Before I conclude, I think it proper to say, that I have + suppressed<a href="#note-1151">[1151]</a> every thing which I thought could <i>really</i> hurt any + one now living. Vanity and self-conceit indeed may sometimes suffer. + With respect to what <i>is</i> related, I considered it my duty to 'extenuate + nothing, nor set down aught in malice<a href="#note-1152">[1152]</a>;' and with those lighter + strokes of Dr. Johnson's satire, proceeding from a warmth and quickness + of imagination, not from any malevolence of heart, and which, on account + of their excellence, could not be omitted, I trust that they who are the + subject of them have good sense and good temper enough not to be + displeased. +</p> +<p> + I have only to add, that I shall ever reflect with great pleasure on a + Tour, which has been the means of preserving so much of the enlightened + and instructive conversation of one whose virtues will, I hope, ever be + an object of imitation, and whose powers of mind were so extraordinary, + that ages may revolve before such a man shall again appear. +</p> +<a name="2HAPP94"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + APPENDIX. +</h2> +<p> + No. I. +</p> +<p> + <i>In justice to the ingenious</i> DR. BLACKLOCK, <i>I publish the following + letter from him, relative to a passage in p. 47.</i> +</p> +<center> + 'TO JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ. +</center> +<center> + 'DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'Having lately had the pleasure of reading your account of the journey + which you took with Dr. Samuel Johnson to the Western Isles, I take the + liberty of transmitting my ideas of the conversation which happened + between the doctor and myself concerning Lexicography and Poetry, which, + as it is a little different from the delineation exhibited in the former + edition of your <i>Journal</i>, cannot, I hope, be unacceptable; particularly + since I have been informed that a second edition of that work is now in + contemplation, if not in execution: and I am still more strongly tempted + to encourage that hope, from considering that, if every one concerned in + the conversations related, were to send you what they can recollect of + these colloquial entertainments, many curious and interesting + particulars might be recovered, which the most assiduous attention could + not observe, nor the most tenacious memory retain. A little reflection, + Sir, will convince you, that there is not an axiom in Euclid more + intuitive nor more evident than the doctor's assertion that poetry was + of much easier execution than lexicography. Any mind therefore endowed + with common sense, must have been extremely absent from itself, if it + discovered the least astonishment from hearing that a poem might be + written with much more facility than the same quantity of a dictionary. +</p> +<p> + 'The real cause of my surprise was what appeared to me much more + paradoxical, that he could write a sheet of dictionary <i>with as much + pleasure</i> as a sheet of poetry. He acknowledged, indeed, that the latter + was much easier than the former. For in the one case, books and a desk + were requisite; in the other, you might compose when lying in bed, or + walking in the fields, &c. He did not, however, descend to explain, nor + to this moment can I comprehend, how the labours of a mere Philologist, + in the most refined sense of that term, could give equal pleasure with + the exercise of a mind replete with elevated conceptions and pathetic + ideas, while taste, fancy, and intellect were deeply enamoured of + nature, and in full exertion. You may likewise, perhaps, remember, that + when I complained of the ground which Scepticism in religion and morals + was continually gaining, it did not appear to be on my own account, as + my private opinions upon these important subjects had long been + inflexibly determined. What I then deplored, and still deplore, was the + unhappy influence which that gloomy hesitation had, not only upon + particular characters, but even upon life in general; as being equally + the bane of action in our present state, and of such consolations as we + might derive from the hopes of a future. +</p> +<p> + 'I have the pleasure of remaining with sincere esteem and respect, +</p> +<p> + 'Dear Sir, +</p> +<p> + 'Your most obedient humble servant, +</p> +<center> + 'THOMAS BLACKLOCK.' +</center> +<p> + 'Edinburgh, Nov. 12, 1785.' +</p> +<p> + I am very happy to find that Dr. Blacklock's apparent uneasiness on the + subject of Scepticism was not on his own account, (as I supposed) but + from a benevolent concern for the happiness of mankind. With respect, + however, to the question concerning poetry, and composing a dictionary, + I am confident that my state of Dr. Johnson's position is accurate. One + may misconceive the motive by which a person is induced to discuss a + particular topick (as in the case of Dr. Blacklock's speaking of + Scepticism); but an assertion, like that made by Dr. Johnson, cannot be + easily mistaken. And indeed it seems not very probable, that he who so + pathetically laments the <i>drudgery</i><a href="#note-1153">[1153]</a> to which the unhappy + lexicographer is doomed, and is known to have written his splendid + imitation of <i>Juvenal</i> with astonishing rapidity<a href="#note-1154">[1154]</a>, should have had + 'as much pleasure in writing a sheet of a dictionary as a sheet of + poetry<a href="#note-1155">[1155]</a>.' Nor can I concur with the ingenious writer of the + foregoing letter, in thinking it an axiom as evident as any in Euclid, + that 'poetry is of easier execution than lexicography.' I have no doubt + that Bailey<a href="#note-1156">[1156]</a>, and the 'mighty blunderbuss of law[1157],' Jacob, + wrote ten pages of their respective <i>Dictionaries</i> with more ease than + they could have written five pages of poetry. +</p> +<p> + If this book should again be reprinted, I shall with the utmost + readiness correct any errours I may have committed, in stating + conversations, provided it can be clearly shewn to me that I have been + inaccurate. But I am slow to believe, (as I have elsewhere + observed<a href="#note-1158">[1158]</a>) that any man's memory, at the distance of several years, + can preserve facts or sayings with such fidelity as may be done by + writing them down when they are recent: and I beg it may be remembered, + that it is not upon <i>memory</i>, but upon what was <i>written at the time</i>, + that the authenticity of my <i>Journal</i> rests. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + No. II. +</p> +<p> + Verses written by Sir Alexander (now Lord) Macdonald; addressed and + presented to Dr. Johnson, at Armidale in the Isle of Sky<a href="#note-1159">[1159]</a>. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Viator, o qui nostra per aequora + Visurus agros Skiaticos venis, + En te salutantes tributim + Undique conglomerantur oris. + + Donaldiani,—quotquot in insulis + Compescit arctis limitibus mare; + Alitque jamdudum, ac alendos + Piscibus indigenas fovebit. + + Ciere fluctus siste, Procelliger, + Nec tu laborans perge, precor, ratis, + Ne conjugem plangat marita, + Ne doleat soboles parentem. + + Nec te vicissim poeniteat virum + Luxisse;—vestro scimus ut aestuant + In corde luctantes dolores, + Cum feriant inopina corpus. + + Quidni! peremptum clade tuentibus + Plus semper illo qui moritur pati + Datur, doloris dum profundos + Pervia mens aperit recessus. + + Valete luctus;—hinc lacrymabiles + Arcete visus:—ibimus, ibimus + Superbienti qua theatro + Fingaliae memorantur aulae. + + Illustris hospes! mox spatiabere + Qua mens ruinae ducta meatibus + Gaudebit explorare coetus, + Buccina qua cecinit triumphos; + + Audin? resurgens spirat anhelitu + Dux usitato, suscitat efficax + Poeta manes, ingruitque + Vi solitâ redivivus horror. + + Ahaena quassans tela gravi manu + Sic ibat atrox Ossiani pater: + Quiescat urnâ, stet fidelis + Phersonius vigil ad favillam. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<a name="2H_4_95"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + <i>Preparing for the Press, in one Volume Quarto</i>, +</h2> +<center> + THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D. +</center> +<center> + BY <i>JAMES BOSWELL</i>, ESQ. +</center> +<p> + Mr. Boswell has been collecting materials for this work for more than + twenty years, during which he was honoured with the intimate friendship + of Dr. Johnson; to whose memory he is ambitious to erect a literary + monument, worthy of so great an authour, and so excellent a man. Dr. + Johnson was well informed of his design, and obligingly communicated to + him several curious particulars. With these will be interwoven the most + authentick accounts that can be obtained from those who knew him best; + many sketches of his conversation on a multiplicity of subjects, with + various persons, some of them the most eminent of the age; a great + number of letters from him at different periods, and several original + pieces dictated by him to Mr. Boswell, distinguished by that peculiar + energy, which marked every emanation of his mind. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Boswell takes this opportunity of gratefully acknowledging the many + valuable communications which he has received to enable him to render + his <i>Life of Dr. Johnson</i> more complete. His thanks are particularly due + to the Rev. Dr. Adams, the Rev. Dr. Taylor, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Mr. + Langton, Dr. Brocklesby, the Rev. Thomas Warton, Mr. Hector of + Birmingham, Mrs. Porter, and Miss Seward. +</p> +<p> + He has already obtained a large collection of Dr. Johnson's letters to + his friends, and shall be much obliged for such others as yet remain in + private hands; which he is the more desirous of collecting, as all the + letters of that great man, which he has yet seen, are written with + peculiar precision and elegance; and he is confident that the + publication of the whole of Dr. Johnson's epistolary correspondence + will do him the highest honour. +</p> +<a name="2HAPP96"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + APPENDIX A. +</h2> +<p> + (<i>Page</i> 80.) +</p> +<p> + As no one reads Warburton now—I bought the five volumes of his + <i>Divine Legation</i> in excellent condition, bound in calf, for ten pence—one + or two extracts from his writing may be of interest. His Dedication + of that work to the Free-Thinkers is as vigorous as it is abusive. It has + such passages as the following:—'Low and mean as your buffoonery is, + it is yet to the level of the people:' p. xi. 'I have now done with + your buffoonery, which, like chewed bullets, is against the law of arms; + and come next to your scurrilities, those stink-pots of your offensive + war.' <i>Ib. p. xxii</i>. On page xl. he returns again to their '<i>cold</i> + buffoonery.' In the Appendix to vol. v, p. 414, he thus wittily replies + to Lowth, who had maintained that 'idolatry was punished under the + DOMINION of Melchisedec'(p. 409):—'Melchisedec's story is a short + one; he is just brought into the scene to <i>bless</i> Abraham in his return + from conquest. This promises but ill. Had this <i>King and Priest of + Salem</i> been brought in <i>cursing</i>, it had had a better appearance: for, I + think, punishment for opinions which generally ends in a <i>fagot</i> always + begins with a <i>curse</i>. But we may be misled perhaps by a wrong translation. + The Hebrew word to <i>bless</i> signifies likewise to <i>curse</i>, and under + the management of an intolerant priest good things easily run into their + contraries. What follows is his taking <i>tythes</i> from Abraham. Nor will + this serve our purpose, unless we interpret these <i>tythes</i> into <i>fines for + non-conformity</i>; and then by the <i>blessing</i> we can easily understand + <i>absolution</i>. We have seen much stranger things done with the <i>Hebrew + verity</i>. If this be not allowed, I do not see how we can elicit fire and + fagot from this adventure; for I think there is no inseparable connexion + between <i>tythes</i> and <i>persecution</i> but in the ideas of a Quaker.—And + so much for King Melchisedec. But the learned <i>Professor</i>, who + has been hardily brought up in the keen atmosphere of WHOLESOME + SEVERITIES and early taught to distinguish between <i>de facto</i> and <i>de + jure</i>, thought it 'needless to enquire into <i>facts</i>, when he was secure + of the <i>right</i>'. +</p> +<p> + This 'keen atmosphere of wholesome severities' reappears by the + way in Mason's continuation of Gray's Ode to Vicissitude:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'That breathes the keen yet wholesome air + Of rugged penury.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + And later in the first book of Wordsworth's <i>Excursion</i> + (ed. 1857, vi. 29):— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'The keen, the wholesome air of poverty.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Johnson said of Warburton: 'His abilities gave him an haughty confidence, + which he disdained to conceal or mollify; and his impatience + of opposition disposed him to treat his adversaries with such contemptuous + superiority as made his readers commonly his enemies, and + excited against the advocate the wishes of some who favoured the cause. + He seems to have adopted the Roman Emperour's determination, + <i>oderint dum metuant</i>; he used no allurements of gentle language, but + wished to compel rather than persuade.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, viii. 288. + See <i>ante</i>, ii. 36, and iv. 46. +</p> +<hr> +<a name="2HAPP97"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + APPENDIX B. +</h2> +<p> + (<i>Page</i> 158.) +</p> +<p> + Johnson's Ode written in Sky was thus translated by Lord + Houghton:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Where constant mist enshrouds the rocks, + Shattered in earth's primeval shocks, + And niggard Nature ever mocks + The labourer's toil, + I roam through clans of savage men, + Untamed by arts, untaught by pen; + Or cower within some squalid den + O'er reeking soil. + + Through paths that halt from stone to stone, + Amid the din of tongues unknown, + One image haunts my soul alone, + Thine, gentle Thrale! + Soothes she, I ask, her spouse's care? + Does mother-love its charge prepare? + Stores she her mind with knowledge rare, + Or lively tale? +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> +Forget me not! thy faith I claim, + Holding a faith that cannot die, + That fills with thy benignant name + These shores of Sky.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Hayward's <i>Piozzi</i>, i. 29. +</p> +<hr> +<a name="2HAPP98"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + APPENDIX C. +</h2> +<p> + (<i>Page</i> 307.) +</p> +<p> + Johnson's use of the word <i>big</i>, where he says 'I wish thy books were + twice as big,' enables me to explain a passage in <i>The Life of Johnson + (ante</i>, iii. 348) which had long puzzled me. Boswell there represents + him as saying:—'A man who loses at play, or who runs out his fortune at + court, makes his estate less, in hopes of making it <i>bigger</i>.' Boswell + adds in a parenthesis:—'I am sure of this word, which was often used by + him.' He had been criticised by a writer in the <i>Gent. Mag</i>. 1785, p. + 968, who quoting from the text the words 'a <i>big</i> book,' says:—'Mr. + Boswell has made his friend (as in a few other passages) guilty of a + <i>Scotticism</i>. An Englishman reads and writes a <i>large</i> book, and wears a + <i>great</i> (not a <i>big</i> or <i>bag</i>) coat.' When Boswell came to publish <i>The + Life of Johnson</i>, he took the opportunity to justify himself, though he + did not care to refer directly to his anonymous critic. This + explanation I discovered too late to insert in the text. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_99"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + A JOURNEY +</h2> +<center> + INTO +</center> +<center> + NORTH WALES, +</center> +<center> + IN +</center> +<center> + THE YEAR 1774.<a href="#note-1160">[1160]</a> +</center> +<center> + TUESDAY, JULY 5. +</center> +<p> + We left Streatham 11 a.m. + Price of four horses 2s. a mile. +</p> +<center> + JULY 6. +</center> +<p> + Barnet 1.40 p.m. + On the road I read Tully's <i>Epistles</i>. + At night at Dunstable. + To Lichfield, 83 miles. + To the Swan<a href="#note-1161">[1161]</a>. +</p> +<center> + JULY 7. +</center> +<p> + To Mrs. Porter's<a href="#note-1162">[1162]</a>. + To the Cathedral. + To Mrs. Aston's. + To Mr. Green's. + Mr. Green's Museum was much admired, and + Mr. Newton's china. +</p> +<center> + JULY 8. +</center> +<p> + To Mr. Newton's. To Mrs. Cobb's. + Dr. Darwin's<a href="#note-1163">[1163]</a>. I went again to Mrs. Aston's. She was sorry to part. +</p> +<center> + JULY 9. +</center> +<p> + Breakfasted at Mr. Garrick's. + Visited Miss Vyse<a href="#note-1164">[1164]</a>. + Miss Seward. + Went to Dr. Taylor's. + I read a little on the road in Tully's <i>Epistles</i> and <i>Martial</i>. + Mart. 8th, 44, 'lino pro limo<a href="#note-1165">[1165]</a>.' +</p> +<center> + JULY 10. +</center> +<p> + Morning, at church. Company at dinner. +</p> +<center> + JULY 11. +</center> +<p> + At Ham<a href="#note-1166">[1166]</a>. At Oakover. I was less pleased with Ham than when I saw it + first, but my friends were much delighted. +</p> +<center> + JULY 12. +</center> +<p> + At Chatsworth. The Water willow. The cascade shot out from many spouts. + The fountains<a href="#note-1167">[1167]</a>. The water tree[1168]. The smooth floors in the + highest rooms. Atlas, fifteen hands inch and half<a href="#note-1169">[1169]</a>. +</p> +<p> + River running through the park. The porticoes on the sides support two + galleries for the first floor. +</p> +<p> + My friends were not struck with the house. It fell below my ideas of the + furniture. The staircase is in the corner of the house. The hall in the + corner the grandest room, though only a room of passage. +</p> +<p> + On the ground-floor, only the chapel and breakfast-room, and a small + library; the rest, servants' rooms and offices<a href="#note-1170">[1170]</a>. +</p> +<p> + A bad inn. +</p> +<center> + JULY 13. +</center> +<p> + At Matlock. +</p> +<center> + JULY 14. +</center> +<p> + At dinner at Oakover; too deaf to hear, or much converse. Mrs. Gell. +</p> +<p> + The chapel at Oakover. The wood of the pews grossly painted. I could not + read the epitaph. Would learn the old hands. +</p> +<center> + JULY 15. +</center> +<p> + At Ashbourn. Mrs. Diot and her daughters came in the morning. Mr. Diot + dined with us. We visited Mr. Flint. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + [Greek: To proton Moros, to de deuteron ei en Erasmos, + To triton ek Mouson stemma Mikullos echei.][1171] +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<center> + JULY 16. +</center> +<p> + At Dovedale, with Mr. Langley<a href="#note-1172">[1172]</a> and Mr. Flint. It is a place that + deserves a visit; but did not answer my expectation. The river is small, + the rocks are grand. Reynard's Hall is a cave very high in the rock; it + goes backward several yards, perhaps eight. To the left is a small + opening, through which I crept, and found another cavern, perhaps four + yards square; at the back was a breach yet smaller, which I could not + easily have entered, and, wanting light, did not inspect. +</p> +<p> + I was in a cave yet higher, called Reynard's Kitchen. There is a rock + called the Church, in which I saw no resemblance that could justify + the name. +</p> +<p> + Dovedale is about two miles long. We walked towards the head of the + Dove, which is said to rise about five miles above two caves called the + Dog-holes, at the end of Dovedale. +</p> +<p> + In one place, where the rocks approached, I proposed to build an arch + from rock to rock over the stream, with a summer-house upon it. +</p> +<p> + The water murmured pleasantly among the stones. +</p> +<p> + I thought that the heat and exercise mended my hearing. I bore the + fatigue of the walk, which was very laborious, without inconvenience. +</p> +<p> + There were with us Gilpin<a href="#note-1173">[1173]</a> and Parker[1174]. Having heard of this + place before, I had formed some imperfect idea, to which it did not + answer. Brown<a href="#note-1175">[1175]</a> says he was disappointed. I certainly expected a + larger river where I found only a clear quick brook. I believe I had + imaged a valley enclosed by rocks, and terminated by a broad expanse + of water. +</p> +<p> + He that has seen Dovedale has no need to visit the Highlands. +</p> +<p> + In the afternoon we visited old Mrs. Dale. +</p> +<center> + JULY 17. +</center> +<p> + Sunday morning, at church. +</p> +<p> + Afternoon, at Mr. Diot's. +</p> +<center> + JULY 18. +</center> +<p> + Dined at Mr. Gell's<a href="#note-1176">[1176]</a>. +</p> +<center> + JULY 19. +</center> +<p> + We went to Kedleston<a href="#note-1177">[1177]</a> to see Lord Scarsdale's new house, which is + very costly, but ill contrived. The hall is very stately, lighted by + three skylights; it has two rows of marble pillars, dug, as I hear from + Langley, in a quarry of Northamptonshire; the pillars are very large and + massy, and take up too much room; they were better away. Behind the hall + is a circular saloon, useless, and therefore ill contrived. +</p> +<p> + The corridors that join the wings to the body are mere passages through + segments of circles. The state bed-chamber was very richly furnished. + The dining parlour was more splendid with gilt plate than any that I + have seen. There were many pictures. The grandeur was all below. The + bedchambers were small, low, dark, and fitter for a prison than a house + of splendour. The kitchen has an opening into the gallery, by which its + heat and its fumes are dispersed over the house. There seemed in the + whole more cost than judgment. +</p> +<p> + We went then to the silk mill at Derby<a href="#note-1178">[1178]</a>, where I remarked a + particular manner of propagating motion from a horizontal to a + vertical wheel. +</p> +<p> + We were desired to leave the men only two shillings. Mr. Thrale's bill + at the inn for dinner was eighteen shillings and tenpence. +</p> +<p> + At night I went to Mr. Langley's, Mrs. Wood's, Captain Astle, &c. +</p> +<center> + JULY 20. +</center> +<p> + We left Ashbourn and went to Buxton, thence to Pool's Hole, which is + narrow at first, but then rises into a high arch; but is so obstructed + with crags, that it is difficult to walk in it. There are two ways to + the end, which is, they say, six hundred and fifty yards from the mouth. + They take passengers up the higher way, and bring them back the lower. + The higher way was so difficult and dangerous, that, having tried it, I + desisted. I found no level part. +</p> +<p> + At night we came to Macclesfield, a very large town in Cheshire, little + known. It has a silk mill: it has a handsome church, which, however, is + but a chapel, for the town belongs to some parish of another name<a href="#note-1179">[1179]</a>, + as Stourbridge lately did to Old Swinford. +</p> +<p> + Macclesfield has a town-hall, and is, I suppose, a corporate town. +</p> +<center> + JULY 21. +</center> +<p> + We came to Congleton, where there is likewise a silk mill. Then to + Middlewich, a mean old town, without any manufacture, but, I think, a + Corporation. Thence we proceeded to Namptwich, an old town: from the + inn, I saw scarcely any but black timber houses. I tasted the brine + water, which contains much more salt than the sea water. By slow + evaporation, they make large crystals of salt; by quick boiling, small + granulations. It seemed to have no other preparation. +</p> +<p> + At evening we came to Combermere<a href="#note-1180">[1180]</a>, so called from a wide lake. +</p> +<center> + JULY 22. +</center> +<p> + We went upon the Mere. I pulled a bulrush of about ten feet. I saw no + convenient boats upon the Mere. +</p> +<center> + JULY 23. +</center> +<p> + We visited Lord Kilmorey's house<a href="#note-1181">[1181]</a>. It is large and convenient, with + many rooms, none of which are magnificently spacious. The furniture was + not splendid. The bed-curtains were guarded<a href="#note-1182">[1182]</a>. Lord Kilmorey shewed + the place with too much exultation. He has no park, and little + water<a href="#note-1183">[1183]</a>. +</p> +<center> + JULY 24. +</center> +<p> + We went to a chapel, built by Sir Lynch Cotton for his tenants. It is + consecrated, and therefore, I suppose, endowed. It is neat and plain. + The Communion plate is handsome. It has iron pales and gates of great + elegance, brought from Lleweney, 'for Robert has laid all open<a href="#note-1184">[1184]</a>.' +</p> +<p> + We saw Hawkestone, the seat of Sir Rowland Hill, and were conducted by + Miss Hill over a large tract of rocks and woods; a region abounding with + striking scenes and terrifick grandeur. We were always on the brink of a + precipice, or at the foot of a lofty rock; but the steeps were seldom + naked: in many places, oaks of uncommon magnitude shot up from the + crannies of stone; and where there were not tall trees, there were + underwoods and bushes. +</p> +<p> + Round the rocks is a narrow patch cut upon the stone, which is very + frequently hewn into steps; but art has proceeded no further than to + make the succession of wonders safely accessible. The whole circuit is + somewhat laborious; it is terminated by a grotto cut in a rock to a + great extent, with many windings, and supported by pillars, not hewn + into regularity, but such as imitate the sports of nature, by asperities + and protuberances. +</p> +<p> + The place is without any dampness, and would afford an habitation not + uncomfortable. There were from space to space seats in the rock. Though + it wants water, it excels Dovedale by the extent of its prospects, the + awfulness of its shades, the horrors of its precipices, the verdure of + its hollows, and the loftiness of its rocks: the ideas which it forces + upon the mind are, the sublime, the dreadful, and the vast. Above is + inaccessible altitude, below is horrible profundity. But it excels the + garden of Ilam only in extent. +</p> +<p> + Ilam has grandeur, tempered with softness; the walker congratulates his + own arrival at the place, and is grieved to think that he must ever + leave it. As he looks up to the rocks, his thoughts are elevated; as he + turns his eyes on the vallies, he is composed and soothed. +</p> +<p> + He that mounts the precipices at Hawkestone, wonders how he came + thither, and doubts how he shall return. His walk is an adventure, and + his departure an escape. He has not the tranquillity, but the horror, of + solitude; a kind of turbulent pleasure, between fright and admiration. +</p> +<p> + Ilam is the fit abode of pastoral virtue, and might properly diffuse its + shades over Nymphs and Swains. Hawkestone can have no fitter inhabitants + than giants of mighty bone and bold emprise<a href="#note-1185">[1185]</a>; men of lawless + courage and heroic violence. Hawkestone should be described by Milton, + and Ilam by Parnel. +</p> +<p> + Miss Hill shewed the whole succession of wonders with great civility. + The house was magnificent, compared with the rank of the owner. +</p> +<center> + JULY 26. +</center> +<p> + We left Combermere, where we have been treated with great civility. Sir + L. is gross, the lady weak and ignorant. The house is spacious, but not + magnificent; built at different times, with different materials; part is + of timber, part of stone or brick, plastered and painted to look like + timber. It is the best house that I ever saw of that kind. +</p> +<p> + The Mere, or Lake, is large, with a small island, on which there is a + summer-house, shaded with great trees; some were hollow, and have seats + in their trunks. +</p> +<p> + In the afternoon we came to West-Chester; (my father went to the fair, + when I had the small-pox). We walked round the walls, which are + compleat, and contain one mile three quarters, and one hundred and one + yards; within them are many gardens: they are very high, and two may + walk very commodiously side by side. On the inside is a rail. There are + towers from space to space, not very frequent, and, I think, not all + compleat<a href="#note-1186">[1186]</a>. +</p> +<center> + JULY 27. +</center> +<p> + We staid at Chester and saw the Cathedral, which is not of the first + rank. The Castle. In one of the rooms the Assizes are held, and the + refectory of the Old Abbey, of which part is a grammar school. The + master seemed glad to see me. The cloister is very solemn; over it are + chambers in which the singing men live. +</p> +<p> + In one part of the street was a subterranean arch, very strongly built; + in another, what they called, I believe rightly, a Roman hypocaust. +</p> +<p> + Chester has many curiosities. +</p> +<center> + JULY 28. +</center> +<p> + We entered Wales, dined at Mold, and came to Lleweney<a href="#note-1187">[1187]</a>. +</p> +<center> + JULY 29. +</center> +<p> + We were at Lleweney. +</p> +<p> + In the lawn at Lleweney is a spring of fine water, which rises above the + surface into a stone basin, from which it runs to waste, in a continual + stream, through a pipe. +</p> +<p> + There are very large trees. +</p> +<p> + The Hall at Lleweney is forty feet long, and twenty-eight broad. The + gallery one hundred and twenty feet long, (all paved.) The Library + forty-two feet long, and twenty-eight broad. The Dining-parlours + thirty-six feet long, and twenty-six broad. +</p> +<p> + It is partly sashed, and partly has casements. +</p> +<center> + JULY 30. +</center> +<p> + We went to Bâch y Graig, where we found an old house, built 1567, in an + uncommon and incommodious form. My Mistress<a href="#note-1188">[1188]</a> chattered about + tiring, but I prevailed on her to go to the top. The floors have been + stolen: the windows are stopped. +</p> +<p> + The house was less than I seemed to expect; the river Clwyd is a brook + with a bridge of one arch, about one third of a mile. +</p> +<p> + The woods<a href="#note-1189">[1189]</a> have many trees, generally young; but some which seem to + decay. They have been lopped. The house never had a garden. The addition + of another story would make an useful house, but it cannot be great. + Some buildings which Clough, the founder, intended for warehouses, would + make store-chambers and servants' rooms<a href="#note-1190">[1190]</a>. The ground seems to be + good. I wish it well. +</p> +<p> + JULY 31. We went to church at St. Asaph. The Cathedral, though not + large, has something of dignity and grandeur. The cross aisle is very + short. It has scarcely any monuments. The Quire has, I think, thirty-two + stalls of antique workmanship. On the backs were CANONICUS, PREBEND, + CANCELLARIUS, THESAURARIUS, PRAECENTOR. The constitution I do not know, + but it has all the usual titles and dignities. The service was sung only + in the Psalms and Hymns. +</p> +<p> + The Bishop was very civil<a href="#note-1191">[1191]</a>. We went to his palace, which is but + mean. They have a library, and design a room. There lived Lloyd<a href="#note-1192">[1192]</a> + and Dodwell<a href="#note-1193">[1193]</a>. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 1. +</center> +<p> + We visited Denbigh, and the remains of its Castle. +</p> +<p> + The town consists of one main street, and some that cross it, which I + have not seen. The chief street ascends with a quick rise for a great + length: the houses are built, some with rough stone, some with brick, + and a few are of timber. +</p> +<p> + The Castle, with its whole enclosure, has been a prodigious pile; it is + now so ruined, that the form of the inhabited part cannot easily + be traced. +</p> +<p> + There are, as in all old buildings, said to be extensive vaults, which + the ruins of the upper works cover and conceal, but into which boys + sometimes find a way. To clear all passages, and trace the whole of what + remains, would require much labour and expense. We saw a Church, which + was once the Chapel of the Castle, but is used by the town: it is + dedicated to St. Hilary, and has an income of about— +</p> +<p> + At a small distance is the ruin of a Church said to have been begun by + the great Earl of Leicester<a href="#note-1194">[1194]</a>, and left unfinished at his death. One + side, and I think the east end, are yet standing. There was a stone in + the wall, over the door-way, which it was said would fall and crush the + best scholar in the diocese. One Price would not pass under it<a href="#note-1195">[1195]</a>. + They have taken it down. +</p> +<p> + We then saw the Chapel of Lleweney, founded by one of the Salusburies: + it is very compleat: the monumental stones lie in the ground. A chimney + has been added to it, but it is otherwise not much injured, and might be + easily repaired. +</p> +<p> + We went to the parish Church of Denbigh, which, being near a mile from + the town, is only used when the parish officers are chosen. +</p> +<p> + In the Chapel, on Sundays, the service is read thrice, the second time + only in English, the first and third in Welsh. The Bishop came to survey + the Castle, and visited likewise St. Hilary's Chapel, which is that + which the town uses. The hay-barn, built with brick pillars from space + to space, and covered with a roof. A more<a href="#note-1196">[1196]</a> elegant and lofty Hovel. +</p> +<p> + The rivers here, are mere torrents which are suddenly swelled by the + rain to great breadth and great violence, but have very little constant + stream; such are the Clwyd and the Elwy. There are yet no mountains. The + ground is beautifully embellished with woods, and diversified by + inequalities. +</p> +<p> + In the parish church of Denbigh is a bas relief of Lloyd the antiquary, + who was before Camden. He is kneeling at his prayers<a href="#note-1197">[1197]</a>. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 2. +</center> +<p> + We rode to a summer-house of Mr. Cotton, which has a very extensive + prospect; it is meanly built, and unskilfully disposed. +</p> +<p> + We went to Dymerchion Church, where the old clerk acknowledged his + Mistress. It is the parish church of Bâch y Graig. A mean fabrick: Mr. + Salusbury<a href="#note-1198">[1198]</a> was buried in it. Bâch y Graig has fourteen seats + in it. +</p> +<p> + As we rode by, I looked at the house again. We saw Llannerch, a house + not mean, with a small park very well watered. There was an avenue of + oaks, which, in a foolish compliance with the present mode, has been cut + down<a href="#note-1199">[1199]</a>. A few are yet standing. The owner's name is Davies. +</p> +<p> + The way lay through pleasant lanes, and overlooked a region beautifully + diversified with trees and grass<a href="#note-1200">[1200]</a>. +</p> +<p> + At Dymerchion Church there is English service only once a month. This is + about twenty miles from the English border. +</p> +<p> + The old clerk had great appearance of joy at the sight of his Mistress, + and foolishly said, that he was now willing to die. He had only a crown + given him by my Mistress<a href="#note-1201">[1201]</a>. +</p> +<p> + At Dymerchion Church the texts on the walls are in Welsh. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 3. +</center> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + We went in the coach to Holywell. + Talk with Mistress about flattery<a href="#note-1202">[1202]</a>. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Holywell is a market town, neither very small nor mean. The spring + called Winifred's Well is very clear, and so copious, that it yields one + hundred tuns of water in a minute. It is all at once a very great + stream, which, within perhaps thirty yards of its eruption, turns a + mill, and in a course of two miles, eighteen mills more. In descent, it + is very quick. It then falls into the sea. The well is covered by a + lofty circular arch, supported by pillars; and over this arch is an old + chapel, now a school. The chancel is separated by a wall. The bath is + completely and indecently open. A woman bathed while we all looked on. +</p> +<p> + In the Church, which makes a good appearance, and is surrounded by + galleries to receive a numerous congregation, we were present while a + child was christened in Welsh. +</p> +<p> + We went down by the stream to see a prospect, in which I had no part. We + then saw a brass work, where the lapis calaminaris<a href="#note-1203">[1203]</a> is gathered, + broken, washed from the earth and the lead, though how the lead was + separated I did not see; then calcined, afterwards ground fine, and then + mixed by fire with the copper. +</p> +<p> + We saw several strong fires with melting pots, but the construction of + the fire-places I did not learn. +</p> +<p> + At a copper-work which receives its pigs of copper, I think, from + Warrington, we saw a plate of copper put hot between steel rollers, and + spread thin; I know not whether the upper roller was set to a certain + distance, as I suppose, or acted only by its weight. +</p> +<p> + At an iron-work I saw round bars formed by a knotched hammer and anvil. + There I saw a bar of about half an inch, or more, square cut with shears + worked by water, and then beaten hot into a thinner bar. The hammers all + worked, as they were, by water, acting upon small bodies, moved very + quick, as quick as by the hand. +</p> +<p> + I then saw wire drawn, and gave a shilling. I have enlarged my + notions<a href="#note-1204">[1204]</a>, though not being able to see the movements, and having + not time to peep closely, I know less than I might. I was less weary, + and had better breath, as I walked farther. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 4. +</center> +<p> + Ruthin Castle is still a very noble ruin; all the walls still remain, so + that a compleat platform, and elevations, not very imperfect, may be + taken. It encloses a square of about thirty yards. The middle space was + always open. +</p> +<p> + The wall is, I believe, about thirty feet high, very thick, flanked with + six round towers, each about eighteen feet, or less, in diameter. Only + one tower had a chimney, so that there was<a href="#note-1205">[1205]</a> commodity of living. It + was only a place of strength. The garrison had, perhaps, tents in + the area. +</p> +<p> + Stapylton's house is pretty<a href="#note-1206">[1206]</a>: there are pleasing shades about it, + with a constant spring that supplies a cold bath. We then went to see + a Cascade. +</p> +<p> + I trudged unwillingly, and was not sorry to find it dry. The water was, + however, turned on, and produced a very striking cataract. They are paid + an hundred pounds a year for permission to divert the stream to the + mines. The river, for such it may be termed<a href="#note-1207">[1207]</a>, rises from a single + spring, which, like that of Winifred's, is covered with a building. +</p> +<p> + We called then at another house belonging to Mr. Lloyd, which made a + handsome appearance. This country seems full of very splendid houses. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Thrale lost her purse. She expressed so much uneasiness, that I + concluded the sum to be very great; but when I heard of only seven + guineas, I was glad to find that she had so much sensibility of money. +</p> +<p> + I could not drink this day either coffee or tea after dinner. I know not + when I missed before. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 5. +</center> +<p> + Last night my sleep was remarkably quiet. I know not whether by fatigue + in walking, or by forbearance of tea<a href="#note-1208">[1208]</a>. +</p> +<p> + I gave the ipecacuanha<a href="#note-1209">[1209]</a>. Vin. emet. had failed; so had tartar emet. +</p> +<p> + I dined at Mr. Myddleton's, of Gwaynynog. The house was a gentleman's + house, below the second rate, perhaps below the third, built of stone + roughly cut. The rooms were low, and the passage above stairs gloomy, + but the furniture was good. The table was well supplied, except that the + fruit was bad. It was truly the dinner of a country gentleman. Two + tables were filled with company, not inelegant. +</p> +<p> + After dinner, the talk was of preserving the Welsh language. I offered + them a scheme. Poor Evan Evans was mentioned, as incorrigibly addicted + to strong drink. Worthington<a href="#note-1210">[1210]</a> was commended. Myddleton is the only + man, who, in Wales, has talked to me of literature. I wish he were truly + zealous. I recommended the republication of David ap Rhees's + Welsh Grammar. +</p> +<p> + Two sheets of <i>Hebrides</i> came to me for correction to-day, F.G.<a href="#note-1211">[1211]</a> +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 6. +</center> +<p> + I corrected the two sheets. My sleep last night was disturbed. +</p> +<p> + Washing at Chester and here, 5<i>s</i>. 1<i>d</i>. +</p> +<p> + I did not read. +</p> +<p> + I saw to-day more of the out-houses at Lleweney. It is, in the whole, a + very spacious house. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 7. +</center> +<p> + I was at Church at Bodfari. There was a service used for a sick woman, + not canonically, but such as I have heard, I think, formerly at + Lichfield, taken out of the visitation. +</p> +<p> + The Church is mean, but has a square tower for the bells, rather too + stately for the Church. +</p> +<center> + OBSERVATIONS. +</center> +<p> + Dixit injustus, Ps. 36, has no relation to the English<a href="#note-1212">[1212]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Preserve us, Lord, has the name of Robert Wisedome, 1618.—Barker's + <i>Bible</i><a href="#note-1213">[1213]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Battologiam ab iteratione, recte distinguit Erasmus.—<i>Mod. Orandi + Deum</i>, p. 56-144<a href="#note-1214">[1214]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Southwell's Thoughts of his own death<a href="#note-1215">[1215]</a>. +</p> +<p> + Baudius on Erasmus<a href="#note-1216">[1216]</a>. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 8. +</center> +<p> + The Bishop and much company dined at Lleweney. Talk of Greek—and of the + army<a href="#note-1217">[1217]</a>. The Duke of Marlborough's officers useless. Read + <i>Phocylidis</i><a href="#note-1218">[1218]</a>, distinguished the paragraphs. I looked in Leland: an + unpleasant book of mere hints. +</p> +<p> + Lichfield School, ten pounds; and five pounds from the Hospital<a href="#note-1219">[1219]</a>. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 10. +</center> +<p> + At Lloyd's, of Maesmynnan; a good house, and a very large walled garden. + I read Windus's Account of his <i>Journey to Mequinez</i>, and of Stewart's + Embassy<a href="#note-1220">[1220]</a>. I had read in the morning Wasse's <i>Greek Trochaics to + Bentley</i>. They appeared inelegant, and made with difficulty. The Latin + Elegy contains only common-place, hastily expressed, so far as I have + read, for it is long. They seem to be the verses of a scholar, who has + no practice of writing. The Greek I did not always fully understand. I + am in doubt about the sixth and last paragraphs, perhaps they are not + printed right, for [Greek: eutokon] perhaps [Greek: eustochon.] q? +</p> +<p> + The following days I read here and there. The <i>Bibliotheca Literaria</i> + was so little supplied with papers that could interest curiosity, that + it could not hope for long continuance<a href="#note-1221">[1221]</a>. Wasse, the chief + contributor, was an unpolished scholar, who, with much literature, had + no art or elegance of diction, at least in English. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 14. +</center> +<p> + At Bodfari I heard the second lesson read, and the sermon preached in + Welsh. The text was pronounced both in Welsh and English. The sound of + the Welsh, in a continued discourse, is not unpleasant. +</p> +<p> + [Greek: Brosis oligae][1222]. +</p> +<p> + The letter of Chrysostom, against transubstantiation. Erasmus to the + Nuns, full of mystick notions and allegories. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 15. +</center> +<p> + Imbecillitas genuum non sine aliquantulo doloris inter ambulandum quem a + prandio magis sensi<a href="#note-1223">[1223]</a>. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 18. +</center> +<p> + We left Lleweney, and went forwards on our journey. +</p> +<p> + We came to Abergeley, a mean town, in which little but Welsh is spoken, + and divine service is seldom performed in English. +</p> +<p> + Our way then lay to the sea-side, at the foot of a mountain, called + Penmaen Rhôs. Here the way was so steep, that we walked on the lower + edge of the hill, to meet the coach, that went upon a road higher on the + hill. Our walk was not long, nor unpleasant: the longer I walk, the less + I feel its inconvenience. As I grow warm, my breath mends, and I think + my limbs grow pliable. +</p> +<p> + We then came to Conway Ferry, and passed in small boats, with some + passengers from the stage coach, among whom were an Irish gentlewoman, + with two maids, and three little children, of which, the youngest was + only a few months old. The tide did not serve the large ferry-boat, and + therefore our coach could not very soon follow us. We were, therefore, + to stay at the Inn. It is now the day of the Race at Conway, and the + town was so full of company, that no money could purchase lodgings. We + were not very readily supplied with cold dinner. We would have staid at + Conway if we could have found entertainment, for we were afraid of + passing Penmaen Mawr, over which lay our way to Bangor, but by bright + daylight, and the delay of our coach made our departure necessarily + late. There was, however, no stay on any other terms, than of sitting up + all night. +</p> +<p> + The poor Irish lady was still more distressed. Her children wanted rest. + She would have been content with one bed, but, for a time, none could be + had. Mrs. Thrale gave her what help she could. At last two gentlemen + were persuaded to yield up their room, with two beds, for which she gave + half a guinea. Our coach was at last brought, and we set out with some + anxiety, but we came to Penmaen Mawr by daylight; and found a way, + lately made, very easy, and very safe.<a href="#note-1224">[1224]</a> It was cut smooth, and + enclosed between parallel walls; the outer of which secures the + passenger from the precipice, which is deep and dreadful. This wall is + here and there broken, by mischievous wantonness.<a href="#note-1225">[1225]</a> The inner wall + preserves the road from the loose stones, which the shattered steep + above it would pour down. That side of the mountain seems to have a + surface of loose stones, which every accident may crumble. The old road + was higher, and must have been very formidable. The sea beats at the + bottom of the way. +</p> +<p> + At evening the moon shone eminently bright; and our thoughts of danger + being now past, the rest of our journey was very pleasant. At an hour + somewhat late, we came to Bangor, where we found a very mean inn, and + had some difficulty to obtain lodging. I lay in a room, where the other + bed had two men. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 19. +</center> +<p> + We obtained boats to convey us to Anglesey, and saw Lord Bulkeley's + House, and Beaumaris Castle. +</p> +<p> + I was accosted by Mr. Lloyd, the Schoolmaster of Beaumaris, who had seen + me at University College; and he, with Mr. Roberts, the Register of + Bangor, whose boat we borrowed, accompanied us. Lord Bulkeley's house + is very mean, but his garden garden is spacious, and shady with large + trees and smaller interspersed. The walks are straight, and cross each + other, with no variety of plan; but they have a pleasing coolness, and + solemn gloom, and extend to a great length. +</p> +<p> + The castle is a mighty pile; the outward wall has fifteen round towers, + besides square towers at the angles. There is then a void space between + the wall and the Castle, which has an area enclosed with a wall, which + again has towers, larger than those of the outer wall. The towers of the + inner Castle are, I think, eight. There is likewise a Chapel entire, + built upon an arch as I suppose, and beautifully arched with a stone + roof, which is yet unbroken. The entrance into the Chapel is about eight + or nine feet high, and was, I suppose, higher, when there was no rubbish + in the area. +</p> +<p> + This Castle corresponds with all the representations of romancing + narratives. Here is not wanting the private passage, the dark cavity, + the deep dungeon, or the lofty tower. We did not discover the Well. This + is the most compleat view that I have yet had of an old Castle.<a href="#note-1226">[1226]</a> It + had a moat. +</p> +<p> + The Towers. +</p> +<p> + We went to Bangor. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 20. +</center> +<p> + We went by water from Bangor to Caernarvon, where we met Paoli and Sir + Thomas Wynne. Meeting by chance with one Troughton,<a href="#note-1227">[1227]</a> an intelligent + and loquacious wanderer, Mr. Thrale invited him to dinner. He attended + us to the Castle, an edifice of stupendous magnitude and strength; it + has in it all that we observed at Beaumaris, and much greater + dimensions: many of the smaller rooms floored with stone are entire; of + the larger rooms, the beams and planks are all left: this is the state + of all buildings left to time. We mounted the Eagle Tower by one hundred + and sixty-nine steps, each of ten inches. We did not find the Well; nor + did I trace the Moat; but moats there were, I believe, to all castles on + the plain, which not only hindered access, but prevented mines. We saw + but a very small part of this mighty ruin, and in all these old + buildings, the subterraneous works are concealed by the rubbish. +</p> +<p> + To survey this place would take much time: I did not think there had + been such buildings; it surpassed my ideas. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 21. +</center> +<p> + We were at Church; the service in the town is always English; at the + parish Church at a small distance, always Welsh. The town has by + degrees, I suppose, been brought nearer to the sea side. +</p> +<p> + We received an invitation to Dr. Worthington. We then went to dinner at + Sir Thomas Wynne's,—the dinner mean, Sir Thomas civil, his Lady + nothing.<a href="#note-1228">[1228]</a> Paoli civil. +</p> +<p> + We supped with Colonel Wynne's Lady, who lives in one of the towers of + the Castle. +</p> +<p> + I have not been very well. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 22. +</center> +<p> + We went to visit Bodville, the place where Mrs. Thrale was born; and the + Churches called Tydweilliog and Llangwinodyl, which she holds by + impropriation. +</p> +<p> + We had an invitation to the house of Mr. Griffiths of Bryn o dol, where + we found a small neat new built house, with square rooms: the walls are + of unhewn stone, and therefore thick; for the stones not fitting with + exactness, are not strong without great thickness. He had planted a + great deal of young wood in walks. Fruit trees do not thrive; but having + grown a few years, reach some barren stratum and wither. +</p> +<p> + We found Mr. Griffiths not at home; but the provisions were good. Mr. + Griffiths came home the next day. He married a lady who has a house and + estate at [Llanver], over against Anglesea, and near Caernarvon, where + she is more disposed, as it seems, to reside than at Bryn o dol. +</p> +<p> + I read Lloyd's account of Mona, which he proves to be Anglesea. +</p> +<p> + In our way to Bryn o dol, we saw at Llanerk a Church built crosswise, + very spacious and magnificent for this country. We could not see the + Parson, and could get no intelligence about it. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 24. +</center> +<p> + We went to see Bodville. Mrs. Thrale remembered the rooms, and wandered + over them with recollection of her childhood. This species of pleasure + is always melancholy. The walk was cut down, and the pond was dry. + Nothing was better.<a href="#note-1229">[1229]</a> +</p> +<p> + We surveyed the Churches, which are mean, and neglected to a degree + scarcely imaginable. They have no pavement, and the earth is full of + holes. The seats are rude benches; the Altars have no rails. One of them + has a breach in the roof. On the desk, I think, of each lay a folio + Welsh Bible of the black letter, which the curate cannot easily + read.<a href="#note-1230">[1230]</a> +</p> +<p> + Mr. Thrale purposes to beautify the Churches, and if he prospers, will + probably restore the tithes. The two parishes are, Llangwinodyl and + Tydweilliog.<a href="#note-1231">[1231]</a> The Methodists are here very prevalent. A better + church will impress the people with more reverence of publick worship. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Thrale visited a house where she had been used to drink milk, which + was left, with an estate of two hundred pounds a year, by one Lloyd, to + a married woman who lived with him. +</p> +<p> + We went to Pwllheli, a mean old town, at the extremity of the country. + Here we bought something, to remember the place. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 25. +</center> +<p> + We returned to Caernarvon, where we ate with Mrs. Wynne. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 26. +</center> +<p> + We visited, with Mrs. Wynne, Llyn Badarn and Llyn Beris, two lakes, + joined by a narrow strait. They are formed by the waters which fall from + Snowdon and the opposite mountains. On the side of Snowdon are the + remains of a large fort, to which we climbed with great labour. I was + breathless and harassed. The Lakes have no great breadth, so that the + boat is always near one bank or the other. +</p> +<p> + <i>Note</i>. Queeny's goats, one hundred and forty-nine, I think.<a href="#note-1232">[1232]</a> +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 27. +</center> +<p> + We returned to Bangor, where Mr. Thrale was lodged at Mr. Roberts's, the + Register. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 28. +</center> +<p> + We went to worship at the Cathedral. The quire is mean, the service was + not well read. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 29. +</center> +<p> + We came to Mr. Myddelton's, of Gwaynynog, to the first place, as my + Mistress observed, where we have been welcome. +</p> +<p> + <i>Note</i>. On the day when we visited Bodville, we turned to the house of + Mr. Griffiths, of Kefnamwycllh, a gentleman of large fortune, remarkable + for having made great and sudden improvements in his seat and estate. He + has enclosed a large garden with a brick wall. He is considered as a man + of great accomplishments. He was educated in literature at the + University, and served some time in the army, then quitted his + commission, and retired to his lands. He is accounted a good man, and + endeavours to bring the people to church. +</p> +<p> + In our way from Bangor to Conway, we passed again the new road upon the + edge of Penmaen Mawr, which would be very tremendous, but that the wall + shuts out the idea of danger. In the wall are several breaches, made, as + Mr. Thrale very reasonably conjectures, by fragments of rocks which roll + down the mountain, broken perhaps by frost, or worn through by rain. +</p> +<p> + We then viewed Conway. +</p> +<p> + To spare the horses at Penmaen Rhôs, between Conway and St. Asaph, we + sent the coach over the road across the mountain with Mrs. Thrale, who + had been tired with a walk sometime before; and I, with Mr. Thrale and + Miss, walked along the edge, where the path is very narrow, and much + encumbered by little loose stones, which had fallen down, as we thought, + upon the way since we passed it before. +</p> +<p> + At Conway we took a short survey of the Castle, which afforded us + nothing new. It is larger than that of Beaumaris, and less than that of + Caernarvon. It is built upon a rock so high and steep, that it is even + now very difficult of access. We found a round pit, which was called the + Well; it is now almost filled, and therefore dry. We found the Well in + no other castle. There are some remains of leaden pipes at Caernarvon, + which, I suppose, only conveyed water from one part of the building to + another. Had the garrison had no other supply, the Welsh, who must know + where the pipes were laid, could easily have cut them. +</p> +<center> + AUGUST 29. +</center> +<p> + We came to the house of Mr. Myddelton, (on Monday,) where we staid to + September 6, and were very kindly entertained. How we spent our time, I + am not very able to tell<a href="#note-1233">[1233]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We saw the wood, which is diversified and romantick. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 4, SUNDAY. +</center> +<p> + We dined with Mr. Myddelton, the clergyman, at Denbigh, where I saw the + harvest-men very decently dressed, after the afternoon service, standing + to be hired. On other days, they stand at about four in the morning. + They are hired from day to day. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 6. +</center> +<p> + We lay at Wrexham; a busy, extensive, and well built town. It has a very + large and magnificent Church. It has a famous fair. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 7. +</center> +<p> + We came to Chirk Castle. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 8, THURSDAY. +</center> +<p> + We came to the house of Dr. Worthington<a href="#note-1234">[1234]</a>, at Llanrhaiadr. Our + entertainment was poor, though his house was not bad. The situation is + very pleasant, by the side of a small river, of which the bank rises + high on the other side, shaded by gradual rows of trees. The gloom, the + stream, and the silence, generate thoughtfulness. The town is old, and + very mean, but has, I think, a market. In this house, the Welsh + translation of the Old Testament was made. The Welsh singing Psalms were + written by Archdeacon Price. They are not considered as elegant, but as + very literal, and accurate. +</p> +<p> + We came to Llanrhaiadr, through Oswestry; a town not very little, nor + very mean. The church, which I saw only at a distance, seems to be an + edifice much too good for the present state of the place. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 9. +</center> +<p> + We visited the waterfall, which is very high, and in rainy weather very + copious. There is a reservoir made to supply it. In its fall, it has + perforated a rock. There is a room built for entertainment. There was + some difficulty in climbing to a near view. Lord Lyttelton<a href="#note-1235">[1235]</a> came + near it, and turned back. +</p> +<p> + When we came back, we took some cold meat, and notwithstanding the + Doctor's importunities, went that day to Shrewsbury. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 10. +</center> +<p> + I sent for Gwynn<a href="#note-1236">[1236]</a>, and he shewed us the town. The walls are + broken, and narrower than those of Chester. The town is large, and has + many gentlemen's houses, but the streets are narrow. I saw Taylor's + library. We walked in the Quarry; a very pleasant walk by the + river.<a href="#note-1237">[1237]</a> Our inn was not bad. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 11. +</center> +<p> + Sunday. We were at St. Chads, a very large and luminous Church. We were + on the Castle Hill. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 12. +</center> +<p> + We called on Dr. Adams,<a href="#note-1238">[1238]</a> and travelled towards Worcester, through + Wenlock; a very mean place, though a borough. At noon, we came to + Bridgenorth, and walked about the town, of which one part stands on a + high rock; and part very low, by the river. There is an old tower, + which, being crooked, leans so much, that it is frightful to pass by it. +</p> +<p> + In the afternoon we came through Kinver, a town in Staffordshire; neat + and closely built. I believe it has only one street. +</p> +<p> + The road was so steep and miry, that we were forced to stop at + Hartlebury, where we had a very neat inn, though it made a very poor + appearance. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 13. +</center> +<p> + We came to Lord Sandys's, at Ombersley, where we were treated with great + civility.<a href="#note-1239">[1239]</a> +</p> +<p> + The house is large. The hall is a very noble room. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 15. +</center> +<p> + We went to Worcester, a very splendid city. The Cathedral is very noble, + with many remarkable monuments. The library is in the Chapter House. On + the table lay the <i>Nuremberg Chronicle</i>, I think, of the first edition. + We went to the china warehouse. The Cathedral has a cloister. The long + aisle is, in my opinion, neither so wide nor so high as that of + Lichfield. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 16. +</center> +<p> + We went to Hagley, where we were disappointed of the respect and + kindness that we expected<a href="#note-1240">[1240]</a>. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 17. +</center> +<p> + We saw the house and park, which equalled my expectation. The house is + one square mass. The offices are below. The rooms of elegance on the + first floor, with two stories of bedchambers, very well disposed above + it. The bedchambers have low windows, which abates the dignity of the + house. The park has one artificial ruin<a href="#note-1241">[1241]</a>, and wants water; there + is, however, one temporary cascade. From the farthest hill there is a + very wide prospect. +</p> +<p> + I went to church. The church is, externally, very mean, and is therefore + diligently hidden by a plantation. There are in it several modern + monuments of the Lytteltons. +</p> +<p> + There dined with us, Lord Dudley, and Sir Edward Lyttelton, of + Staffordshire, and his Lady. They were all persons of agreeable + conversation. +</p> +<p> + I found time to reflect on my birthday, and offered a prayer, which I + hope was heard. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 19. +</center> +<p> + We made haste away from a place, where all were offended<a href="#note-1242">[1242]</a>. In the + way we visited the Leasowes<a href="#note-1243">[1243]</a>. It was rain, yet we visited all the + waterfalls. There are, in one place, fourteen falls in a short line. It + is the next place to Ham Gardens<a href="#note-1244">[1244]</a>. Poor Shenstone never tasted his + pension. It is not very well proved that any pension was obtained for + him. I am afraid that he died of misery<a href="#note-1245">[1245]</a>. +</p> +<p> + We came to Birmingham, and I sent for Wheeler, whom I found well. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 20. +</center> +<p> + We breakfasted with Wheeler,<a href="#note-1246">[1246]</a> and visited the manufacture of Papier + Maché. The paper which they use is smooth whited brown; the varnish is + polished with rotten stone. Wheeler gave me a tea-board. We then went to + Boulton's,<a href="#note-1247">[1247]</a> who, with great civility, led us through his shops. I + could not distinctly see his enginery. +</p> +<p> + Twelve dozen of buttons for three shillings.<a href="#note-1248">[1248]</a> Spoons struck at + once. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 21. +</center> +<p> + Wheeler came to us again. +</p> +<p> + We came easily to Woodstock. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 22. +</center> +<p> + We saw Blenheim and Woodstock Park.<a href="#note-1249">[1249]</a> The Park contains two thousand + five hundred acres; about four square miles. It has red deer. Mr. + Bryant<a href="#note-1250">[1250]</a> shewed me the Library with great civility. <i>Durandi + Rationale</i>, 1459<a href="#note-1251">[1251]</a>. Lascaris' <i>Grammar</i> of the first edition, well + printed, but much less than later editions<a href="#note-1252">[1252]</a>. The first + <i>Batrachomyomachia</i><a href="#note-1253">[1253]</a>. +</p> +<p> + The Duke sent Mr. Thrale partridges and fruit. +</p> +<p> + At night we came to Oxford. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 23. +</center> +<p> + We visited Mr. Coulson<a href="#note-1254">[1254]</a>. The Ladies wandered about the University. +</p> +<center> + SEPTEMBER 24. +</center> +<p> + We dine with Mr. Coulson. Vansittart<a href="#note-1255">[1255]</a> told me his distemper. +</p> +<p> + Afterwards we were at Burke's, where we heard of the dissolution of the + Parliament. We went home<a href="#note-1256">[1256]</a>. +</p> +<a name="2HFOO100"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + FOOTNOTES: +</h2> +<p> + <a name="note-1">[1]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 434, note 1, and iii. 209. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-2">[2]</a> His <i>Account of Corsica</i>, published in 1768. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-3">[3]</a> Horace Walpole wrote on Nov.6, 1769 (<i>Letters</i>, v. 200):—'I found + Paoli last week at Court. The King and Queen both took great notice of + him. He has just made a tour to Bath, Oxford, &c., and was everywhere + received with much distinction.' See <i>ante</i>, ii. 71. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-4">[4]</a> Boswell, when in London, was 'his constant guest.' Ante, iii 35. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-5">[5]</a> Boswell's son James says that 'in 1785 Mr. Malone was shewn at Mr. + Baldwin's printing-house a sheet of the <i>Tour to the Hebrides</i> + which contained Johnson's character. He was so much struck with the + spirit and fidelity of the portrait that he requested to be introduced + to its writer. From this period a friendship took place between them, + which ripened into the strictest and most cordial intimacy. After Mr. + Boswell's death in 1795 Mr. Malone continued to shew every mark of + affectionate attention towards his family.' <i>Gent. Mag.</i> 1813, p. 518. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-6">[6]</a> Malone began his edition of <i>Shakespeare</i> in 1782; he brought it out + in 1790. Prior's <i>Malone</i>, pp. 98, 166. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-7">[7]</a> Boswell in the 'Advertisement' to the second edition, dated Dec. 20, + 1785, says that 'the whole of the first impression has been sold in a + few weeks.' Three editions were published within a year, but the fourth + was not issued till 1807. A German translation was published in Lübeck + in 1787. I believe that in no language has a translation been published + of the <i>Life of Johnson</i>. Johnson was indeed, as Boswell often calls + him, 'a trueborn Englishman'—so English that foreigners could neither + understand him nor relish his <i>Life</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-8">[8]</a> The man thus described is James I. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-9">[9]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 450 and ii. 291. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-10">[10]</a> <i>A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland</i>. Johnson's <i>Works</i> + ix. 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-11">[11]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 450. On a copy of Martin in the Advocates' Library + [Edinburgh] I found the following note in the handwriting of Mr. + Boswell:—'This very book accompanied Mr. Samuel Johnson and me in our + Tour to the Hebrides.' UPCOTT. Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 267. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-12">[12]</a> Macbeth, act i. sc. 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-13">[13]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 24, and <i>post</i>, Nov. 10. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-14">[14]</a> Our friend Edmund Burke, who by this time had received some pretty + severe strokes from Dr. Johnson, on account of the unhappy difference in + their politicks, upon my repeating this passage to him, exclaimed 'Oil + of vitriol !' BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-15">[15]</a> <i>Psalms</i>, cxli. 5. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-16">[16]</a> 'We all love Beattie,' he had said. <i>Ante</i>, ii. 148. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-17">[17]</a> This, I find, is a Scotticism. I should have said, 'It will not be + long before we shall be at Marischal College.' BOSWELL. In spite of this + warning Sir Walter Scott fell into the same error. 'The light foot of + Mordaunt was not long of bearing him to Jarlok [Jarlshof].' <i>Pirate</i>, + ch. viii. CROKER. Beattie was Professor of Moral Philosophy and Logic in + Marischal College. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-18">[18]</a> 'Nil mihi rescribas; attamen ipse veni.' Ovid, <i>Heroides</i>, i. 2. + Boswell liked to display such classical learning as he had. When he + visited Eton in 1789 he writes, 'I was asked by the Head-master to dine + at the Fellows' table, and made a creditable figure. I certainly have + the art of making the most of what I have. How should one who has had + only a Scotch education be quite at home at Eton? I had my classical + quotations very ready.' <i>Letters of Boswell</i>, p. 308. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-19">[19]</a> Gray, Johnson writes (<i>Works</i>, viii. 479), visited Scotland in + 1765. 'He naturally contracted a friendship with Dr. Beattie, whom he + found a poet,' &c. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-20">[20]</a> <i>Post</i>, Sept. 12. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-21">[21]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 274. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-22">[22]</a> Afterwards Lord Stowell. He, his brother Lord Eldon, and Chambers + were all Newcastle men. See <i>ante</i>, i. 462, for an anecdote of the + journey and for a note on 'the Commons.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-23">[23]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 453. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-24">[24]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. III. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-25">[25]</a> Baretti, in a MS. note on <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 309, says:—'The + most unaccountable part of Johnson's character was his total ignorance + of the character of his most familiar acquaintance.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-26">[26]</a> Lord Pembroke said once to me at Wilton, with a happy pleasantry, + and some truth, that 'Dr. Johnson's sayings would not appear so + extraordinary, were it not for his <i>bow-wow way</i>:' but I admit the truth + of this only on some occasions. The <i>Messiah</i>, played upon the + <i>Canterbury organ</i>, is more sublime than when played upon an inferior + instrument, but very slight musick will seem grand, when conveyed to the + ear through that majestick medium. <i>While therefore Dr. Johnson's + sayings are read, let his manner be taken along with them</i>. Let it, + however, be observed, that the sayings themselves are generally great; + that, though he might be an ordinary composer at times, he was for the + most part a Handel. BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 326, 371, and under + Aug. 29, 1783. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-27">[27]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 42. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-28">[28]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 41. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-29">[29]</a> Such they appeared to me; but since the first edition, Sir Joshua + Reynolds has observed to me, 'that Dr. Johnson's extraordinary gestures + were only habits, in which he indulged himself at certain times. When in + company, where he was not free, or when engaged earnestly in + conversation, he never gave way to such habits, which proves that they + were not involuntary.' I still however think, that these gestures were + involuntary; for surely had not that been the case, he would have + restrained them in the publick streets. BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, i. 144. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-30">[30]</a> By an Act of the 7th of George I. for encouraging the consumption + of raw silk and mohair, buttons and button-holes made of cloth, serge, + and other stuffs were prohibited. In 1738 a petition was presented to + Parliament stating that 'in evasion of this Act buttons and button-holes + were made of horse-hair to the impoverishing of many thousands and + prejudice of the woollen manufactures.' An Act was brought in to + prohibit the use of horse-hair, and was only thrown out on the third + reading. <i>Parl. Hist.</i> x. 787. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-31">[31]</a> Boswell wrote to Erskine on Dec. 8, 1761: 'I, James Boswell Esq., + who "am happily possessed of a facility of manners"—to use the very + words of Mr. Professor [Adam] Smith, which upon honour were addressed to + me.' <i>Boswell and Erskine Corres</i>. ed. 1879, p. 26. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-32">[32]</a> <i>Post</i>, Oct. 16. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-33">[33]</a> <i>Hamlet</i>, act iii, sc. 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-34">[34]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv., March 21, 1783. Johnson is often reproached with + his dislike of the Scotch, though much of it was assumed; but no one + blames Hume's dislike of the English, though it was deep and real. On + Feb. 21, 1770, he wrote:—'Our Government is too perfect in point of + liberty for so rude a beast as an Englishman; who is a man, a bad animal + too, corrupted by above a century of licentiousness.' J. H. Burton's + <i>Hume</i>, ii. 434. Dr. Burton writes of the English as 'a people Hume so + heartily disliked.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 433. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-35">[35]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 15. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-36">[36]</a> The term <i>John Bull</i> came into the English language in 1712, when + Dr. Arbuthnot wrote <i>The History of John Bull</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-37">[37]</a> Boswell in three other places so describes Johnson. See <i>ante</i>, + i.129, note 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-38">[38]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i.467. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-39">[39]</a> 'All nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.' <i>Rev</i>. vii.9. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-40">[40]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 376 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-41">[41]</a> In Cockburn's <i>Life of Jeffrey</i>, i.157, there is a description of + Edinburgh, towards the close of the century, 'the last purely Scotch age + that Scotland was destined to see. Almost the whole official state, as + settled at the Union, survived; and all graced the capital, unconscious + of the economical scythe which has since mowed it down. All our nobility + had not then fled. The lawyers, instead of disturbing good company by + professional matter, were remarkably free of this vulgarity; and being + trained to take difference of opinion easily, and to conduct discussions + with forbearance, were, without undue obtrusion, the most cheerful + people that were to be met with. Philosophy had become indigenous in the + place, and all classes, even in their gayest hours, were proud of the + presence of its cultivators. And all this was still a Scotch scene. The + whole country had not begun to be absorbed in the ocean of London. + According to the modern rate of travelling [written in 1852] the + capitals of Scotland and of England were then about 2400 miles asunder. + Edinburgh was still more distant in its style and habits. It had then + its own independent tastes, and ideas, and pursuits.' Scotland at this + time was distinguished by the liberality of mind of its leading + clergymen, which was due, according to Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. p 57), to + the fact that the Professor of Theology under whom they had studied was + 'dull and Dutch and prolix.' 'There was one advantage,' he says, + 'attending the lectures of a dull professor—viz., that he could form no + school, and the students were left entirely to themselves, and naturally + formed opinions far more liberal than those they got from the + Professor.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-42">[42]</a> Chambers (<i>Traditions of Edinburgh</i>, ed. 1825, ii.297) says that + 'the very spot which Johnson's armchair occupied is pointed out by the + modern possessors.' The inn was called 'The White Horse.' 'It derives + its name from having been the resort of the Hanoverian faction, the + White Horse being the crest of Hanover.' Murray's <i>Guide to Scotland</i>, + ed. 1867, p. 111. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-43">[43]</a> Boswell writing of Scotland says:—'In the last age it was the + common practice in the best families for all the company to eat milk, or + pudding, or any other dish that is eat with a spoon, not by distributing + the contents of the dish into small plates round the table, but by every + person dipping his spoon into the large platter; and when the fashion of + having a small plate for each guest was brought from the continent by a + young gentleman returned from his travels, a good old inflexible + neighbour in the country said, "he did not see anything he had learnt + but to take his broth twice." Nay, in our own remembrance, the use of a + carving knife was considered as a novelty; and a gentleman of ancient + family and good literature used to rate his son, a friend of mine, for + introducing such a foppish superfluity.'—<i>London Mag</i>. 1778, p.199. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-44">[44]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 403. Johnson, in describing Sir A. Macdonald's + house in Sky, said:—'The Lady had not the common decencies of her + tea-table; we picked up our sugar with our fingers.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i.138. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-45">[45]</a> Chambers says that 'James's Court, till the building of the New + Town, was inhabited by a select set of gentlemen. They kept a clerk to + record their names and their proceedings, had a scavenger of their own, + and had balls and assemblies among themselves.' Paoli was Boswell's + guest there in 1771. <i>Traditions of Edinburgh</i>, i. 219. It was burnt + down in 1857. Murray's <i>Guide to Scotland</i>, ed. 1883, p.49. Johnson + wrote:—'Boswell has very handsome and spacious rooms, level with the + ground on one side of the house, and on the other four stories high.' + <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 109. Dr. J.H. Burton says that Hume occupied them + just before Boswell. He continues:—'Of the first impression made on a + stranger at that period when entering such a house, a vivid description + is given by Sir Walter Scott in <i>Guy Mannering</i>; and in Counsellor + Pleydell's library, with its collection of books, and the prospect from + the window, we have probably an accurate picture of the room in which + Hume spent his studious hours.' <i>Life of Hume</i>, ii. 137, 431. At + Johnson's visit Hume was living in his new house in the street which was + humorously named after him, St. David Street. <i>Ib</i>. p. 436. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-46">[46]</a> The English servant-girl in <i>Humphry Clinker</i> (Letter of July 18), + after describing how the filth is thus thrown out, says:—'The maid + calls <i>gardy loo</i> to the passengers, which signifies <i>Lord have mercy + upon you!</i>' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-47">[47]</a> Wesley, when at Edinburgh in May, 1761, writes:—'How can it be + suffered that all manner of filth should still be thrown even into this + street [High Street] continually? How long shall the capital city of + Scotland, yea, and the chief street of it, stink worse than a common + sewer?' Wesley's <i>Journal</i>, iii. 52. Baretti (<i>Journey from London to + Genoa</i>, ii.255) says that this was the universal practice in Madrid in + 1760. He was driven out of that town earlier than he had intended to + leave it by the dreadful stench. A few years after his visit the King + made a reform, so that it became 'one of the cleanest towns in Europe.' + <i>Ib</i>. p 258. Smollett in <i>Humphry Clinker</i> makes Matthew Bramble say + (Letter of July 18):—'The inhabitants of Edinburgh are apt to imagine + the disgust that we avow is little better than affectation.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-48">[48]</a> 'Most of their buildings are very mean; and the whole town bears + some resemblance to the old part of Birmingham.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 109. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-49">[49]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 313. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-50">[50]</a> Miss Burney, describing her first sight of Johnson, says:—'Upon + asking my father why he had not prepared us for such uncouth, untoward + strangeness, he laughed heartily, and said he had entirely forgotten + that the same impression had been at first made upon himself; but had + been lost even on the second interview.' <i>Memoirs of Dr. Burney</i>, ii.91. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-51">[51]</a> See <i>post</i>, Aug. 22. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-52">[52]</a> see <i>ante</i>, iii. 216. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-53">[53]</a> Boswell writes, in his <i>Hypochondriacks</i>:—'Naturally somewhat + singular, independent of any additions which affectation and vanity may + perhaps have made, I resolved to have a more pleasing species of + marriage than common, and bargained with my bride that I should not be + bound to live with her longer than I really inclined; and that whenever + I tired of her domestic society I should be at liberty to give it up. + Eleven years have elapsed, and I have never yet wished to take advantage + of my stipulated privilege.' <i>London Mag</i>. 1781, p.136. See <i>ante</i>, ii. + 140, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-54">[54]</a> Sir Walter Scott was two years old this day. He was born in a house + at the head of the College Wynd. When Johnson and Boswell returned to + Edinburgh Jeffrey was a baby there seventeen days old. Some seventeen or + eighteen years later 'he had the honour of assisting to carry the + biographer of Johnson, in a state of great intoxication, to bed. For + this he was rewarded next morning by Mr. Boswell clapping his head, and + telling him that he was a very promising lad, and that if "you go on as + you've begun, you may live to be a Bozzy yourself yet."' Cockburn's + <i>Jeffrey</i>, i. 33. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-55">[55]</a> He was one of Boswell's executors, and as such was in part + responsible for the destruction of his manuscripts. <i>Ante</i>, iii. 301, + note i. It is to his <i>Life of Dr. Beattie</i> that Scott alludes in the + Introduction to the fourth Canto of <i>Marmion</i>:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Scarce had lamented Forbes paid + The tribute to his Minstrel's shade; + The tale of friendship scarce was told, + Ere the narrator's heart was cold— + Far may we search before we find + A heart so manly and so kind.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + It is only of late years that <i>Forbes</i> has generally ceased to be a + dissyllable. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-56">[56]</a> The saint's name of <i>Veronica</i> was introduced into our family + through my great grandmother Veronica, Countess of Kincardine, a Dutch + lady of the noble house of Sommelsdyck, of which there is a full account + in Bayle's <i>Dictionary</i>. The family had once a princely right in + Surinam. The governour of that settlement was appointed by the States + General, the town of Amsterdam, and Sommelsdyck. The States General have + acquired Sommelsdyck's right; but the family has still great dignity and + opulence, and by intermarriages is connected with many other noble + families. When I was at the Hague, I was received with all the affection + of kindred. The present Sommelsdyck has an important charge in the + Republick, and is as worthy a man as lives. He has honoured me with his + correspondence for these twenty years. My great grandfather, the husband + of Countess Veronica, was Alexander, Earl of Kincardine, that eminent + <i>Royalist</i> whose character is given by Burnet in his <i>History of his own + Times</i>. From him the blood of <i>Bruce</i> flows in my veins. Of such + ancestry who would not be proud? And, as <i>Nihil est, nisi hoc sciat + alter</i>, is peculiarly true of genealogy, who would not be glad to seize + a fair opportunity to let it be known. BOSWELL. Boswell visited Holland + in 1763. <i>Ante</i>, i. 473. Burnet says that 'the Earl was both the wisest + and the worthiest man that belonged to his country, and fit for + governing any affairs but his own; which he by a wrong turn, and by his + love for the public, neglected to his ruin. His thoughts went slow and + his words came much slower; but a deep judgment appeared in everything + he said or did. I may be, perhaps, inclined to carry his character too + far; for he was the first man that entered into friendship with me.' + Burnet's <i>History</i>, ed. 1818, i. III. 'The ninth Earl succeeded as fifth + Earl of Elgin and thus united the two dignities.' Burke's <i>Peerage</i>. + Boswell's quotation is from Persius, <i>Satires</i>, i. 27: 'Scire tuum nihil + est, nisi te scire hoc sciat alter.' It is the motto to <i>The + Spectator</i>, No. 379. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-57">[57]</a> She died four months after her father. I cannot find that she + received this additional fortune. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-58">[58]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 47. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-59">[59]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 5, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-60">[60]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 231. Johnson (<i>Works</i>, ix. 33) speaks of 'the + general dissatisfaction which is now driving the Highlanders into the + other hemisphere.' This dissatisfaction chiefly arose from the fact that + the chiefs were 'gradually degenerating from patriarchal rulers to + rapacious landlords.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 86. 'That the people may not fly from the + increase of rent I know not whether the general good does not require + that the landlords be, for a time, restrained in their demands, and kept + quiet by pensions proportionate to their loss.... It affords a + legislator little self-applause to consider, that where there was + formerly an insurrection there is now a wilderness.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 94. 'As + the world has been let in upon the people, they have heard of happier + climates and less arbitrary government.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 128. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-61">[61]</a> 'To a man that ranges the streets of London, where he is tempted to + contrive wants for the pleasure of supplying them, a shop affords no + image worthy of attention; but in an island it turns the balance of + existence between good and evil. To live in perpetual want of little + things is a state, not indeed of torture, but of constant vexation. I + have in Sky had some difficulty to find ink for a letter; and if a woman + breaks her needle, the work is at a stop.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 127. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-62">[62]</a> 'It was demolished in 1822.' Chambers's <i>Traditions of Edinburgh</i>, + i. 215. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-63">[63]</a> 'The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of + isles be glad thereof.' <i>Psalms</i>, xcvii.1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-64">[64]</a> A brief memoir of Mr. Carre is given in Forbes's <i>Life of Beattie</i>, + Appendix Z. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-65">[65]</a> It was his daughter who gave the name to the new street in which + Hume had taken a house by chalking on his wall ST. DAVID STREET. 'Hume's + "lass," judging that it was not meant in honour or reverence, ran into + the house much excited, to tell her master how he was made game of. + "Never mind, lassie," he said; "many a better man has been made a saint + of before."' J.H. Burton's <i>Hume</i>, ii. 436. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-66">[66]</a> The House of Lords reversed the decision of the Court of Session in + this cause. See <i>ante</i>, ii.50, 230. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-67">[67]</a> Ogden was Woodwardian Professor at Cambridge. The sermons were + published in 1770. Boswell mentions them so often that in Rowlandson's + caricatures of the tour he is commonly represented as having them in his + hand or pocket. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 248. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-68">[68]</a> 'Talking of the eminent writers in Queen Anne's reign, Johnson + observed, "I think Dr. Arbuthnot the first man among them.'" <i>Ante</i>, + i. 425. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-69">[69]</a> 'We found that by the interposition of some invisible friend + lodgings had been provided for us at the house of one of the professors, + whose easy civility quickly made us forget that we were strangers.' + <i>Works</i>, ix. 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-70">[70]</a> He is referring to Beattie's <i>Essay on Truth</i>. See <i>post</i>, Oct. 1, + and <i>ante</i>, ii. 201. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-71">[71]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 443, where Johnson, again speaking of Hume, and + perhaps of Gibbon, says:—'When a man voluntarily engages in an + important controversy, he is to do all he can to lessen his antagonist, + because authority from personal respect has much weight with most + people, and often more than reasoning.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-72">[72]</a> Johnson, in his Dictionary, calls <i>bubble</i> 'a cant [slang] word.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-73">[73]</a> Boswell wrote to Temple in 1768:—'David [Hume] is really amiable: + I always regret to him his unlucky principles, and he smiles at my + faith; but I have a hope which he has not, or pretends not to have. So + who has the best of it, my reverend friend?' <i>Letters of Boswell</i>, + p.151. Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. pp. 274-5) says:—'Mr. Hume gave both + elegant dinners and suppers, and the best claret, and, which was best of + all, he furnished the entertainment with the most instructive and + pleasing conversation, for he assembled whosoever were most knowing and + agreeable among either the laity or clergy. For innocent mirth and + agreeable raillery I never knew his match....He took much to the company + of the younger clergy, not from a wish to bring them over to his + opinions, for he never attempted to overturn any man's principles, but + they best understood his notions, and could furnish him with literary + conversation.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-74">[74]</a> No doubt they were destroyed with Boswell's other papers. <i>Ante</i>, + iii.301, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-75">[75]</a> This letter, though shattered by the sharp shot of Dr. <i>Horne</i> of + <i>Oxford's</i> wit, in the character of <i>One of the People called + Christians</i>, is still prefixed to Mr. Hume's excellent <i>History of + England</i>, like a poor invalid on the piquet guard, or like a list of + quack medicines sold by the same bookseller, by whom a work of whatever + nature is published; for it has no connection with his <i>History</i>, let it + have what it may with what are called his <i>Philosophical</i> Works. A + worthy friend of mine in London was lately consulted by a lady of + quality, of most distinguished merit, what was the best History of + England for her son to read. My friend recommended Hume's. But, upon + recollecting that its usher was a superlative panegyrick on one, who + endeavoured to sap the credit of our holy religion, he revoked his + recommendation. I am really sorry for this ostentatious <i>alliance</i>; + because I admire <i>The Theory of Moral Sentiments</i>, and value the + greatest part of <i>An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of + Nations</i>. Why should such a writer be so forgetful of human comfort, as + to give any countenance to that dreary infidelity which would make us + poor indeed?' ['makes me poor indeed.' <i>Othello</i>, act iii. sc.3]. + BOSWELL. Dr. Horne's book is entitled, <i>A Letter to Adam Smith, LL.D., + On the Life, Death, and Philosophy of his Friend David Hume, Esq. By one + of the People called Christians</i>. Its chief wit is in the Preface. The + bookseller mentioned in this note was perhaps Francis Newbery, who + succeeded his father, Goldsmith's publisher, as a dealer in quack + medicines and books. They dealt in 'over thirty different nostrums,' and + published books of every nature. Of the father Johnson said:—'Newbery + is an extraordinary man, for I know not whether he has read or written + most books.' He is the original of 'Jack Whirler' in <i>The Idler</i>, No. + 19. <i>A Bookseller of the Last Century</i>, pp. 22, 73. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-76">[76]</a> Hume says that his first work, his <i>Treatise of Human Nature</i>, + 'fell <i>dead-born from the press.' Auto.</i> p.3. His <i>Enquiry concerning + Human Understanding</i> 'was entirely overlooked and neglected.' <i>Ib</i>. p.4. + His <i>Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals</i> 'came unnoticed and + unobserved into the world.' <i>Ib</i>. p.5. The first volume of his <i>History + of England</i> certainly met with numerous assailants; but 'after the first + ebullitions of their fury were over, what was still more mortifying, the + book seemed to sink into oblivion. Mr. Millar told me,' he continues, + 'that in a twelvemonth he sold only forty-five copies of it...I was I + confess, discouraged, and had not the war at that time been breaking out + between France and England, I had certainly retired to some provincial + town of the former kingdom, have changed my name, and never more have + returned to my native country.' <i>Ib</i>. p.6. Only one of his works, his + <i>Political Discourses</i>, was 'successful on the first publication.' <i>Ib</i>. + p.5. By the time he was turned fifty, however, his books were selling + very well, and he had become 'not only independent but opulent.' Ib. p. + 8. A few weeks before he died he wrote: 'I see many symptoms of my + literary reputation's breaking out at last with additional lustre.' + <i>Ib</i>. p.10. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-77">[77]</a> <i>Psalms</i>, cxix. 99. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-78">[78]</a> We learn, <i>post</i>, Oct. 29, that Robertson was cautious in his talk, + though we see here that he had much more courage than the professors of + Aberdeen or Glasgow. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-79">[79]</a> This was one of the points upon which Dr. Johnson was strangely + heterodox. For, surely, Mr. Burke, with his other remarkable qualities, + is also distinguished for his wit, and for wit of all kinds too: not + merely that power of language which Pope chooses to denominate wit:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + (True wit is Nature to advantage drest; + What oft was thought, but ne'er so well exprest.) +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + [Pope's Essay on Criticism, ii. 297.] but surprising allusions, + brilliant sallies of vivacity, and pleasant conceits. His speeches in + parliament are strewed with them. Take, for instance, the variety which + he has given in his wide range, yet exact detail, when exhibiting his + Reform Bill. And his conversation abounds in wit. Let me put down a + specimen. I told him, I had seen, at a <i>Blue stocking</i> assembly, a + number of ladies sitting round a worthy and tall friend of ours, + listening to his literature. 'Ay, (said he) like maids round a + May-pole.' I told him, I had found out a perfect definition of human + nature, as distinguished from the animal. An ancient philosopher said, + Man was 'a two-legged animal without feathers,' upon which his rival + Sage had a Cock plucked bare, and set him down in the school before all + the disciples, as a 'Philosophick Man.' Dr. Franklin said, Man was 'a + tool-making animal,' which is very well; for no animal but man makes a + thing, by means of which he can make another thing. But this applies to + very few of the species. My definition of <i>Man</i> is, 'a Cooking animal.' + The beasts have memory, judgment, and all the faculties and passions of + our mind in a certain degree; but no beast is a cook. The trick of the + monkey using the cat's paw to roast a chestnut, is only a piece of + shrewd malice in that <i>turpissima bestia</i>, which humbles us so sadly by + its similarity to us. Man alone can dress a good dish; and every man + whatever is more or less a cook, in seasoning what he himself eats. Your + definition is good, said Mr. Burke, and I now see the full force of the + common proverb, 'There is <i>reason</i> in roasting of eggs.' When Mr. + Wilkes, in his days of tumultuous opposition, was borne upon the + shoulders of the mob, Mr. Burke (as Mr. Wilkes told me himself, with + classical admiration,) applied to him what <i>Horace</i> says of <i>Pindar</i>, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + ...<i>numeris</i>que fertur + LEGE <i>solutis</i>. [<i>Odes</i>, iv. 2. 11.] +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Sir Joshua Reynolds, who agrees with me entirely as to Mr. Burke's. + fertility of wit, said, that this was 'dignifying a pun.' He also + observed, that he has often heard Burke say, in the course of an + evening, ten good things, each of which would have served a noted wit + (whom he named) to live upon for a twelvemonth. I find, since the former + edition, that some persons have objected to the instances which I have + given of Mr. Burke's wit, as not doing justice to my very ingenious + friend; the specimens produced having, it is alleged, more of conceit + than real wit, and being merely sportive sallies of the moment, not + justifying the encomium which, they think with me, he undoubtedly + merits. I was well aware, how hazardous it was to exhibit particular + instances of wit, which is of so airy and spiritual a nature as often to + elude the hand that attempts to grasp it. The excellence and efficacy of + a <i>bon mot</i> depend frequently so much on the occasion on which it is + spoken, on the particular manner of the speaker, on the person to whom + it is applied, the previous introduction, and a thousand minute + particulars which cannot be easily enumerated, that it is always + dangerous to detach a witty saying from the group to which it belongs, + and to set it before the eye of the spectator, divested of those + concomitant circumstances, which gave it animation, mellowness, and + relief. I ventured, however, at all hazards, to put down the first + instances that occurred to me, as proofs of Mr. Burke's lively and + brilliant fancy; but am very sensible that his numerous friends could + have suggested many of a superior quality. Indeed, the being in company + with him, for a single day, is sufficient to shew that what I have + asserted is well founded; and it was only necessary to have appealed to + all who know him intimately, for a complete refutation of the heterodox + opinion entertained by Dr. Johnson on this subject. <i>He</i> allowed Mr. + Burke, as the reader will find hereafter [<i>post</i>. Sept.15 and 30], to be + a man of consummate and unrivalled abilities in every light except that + now under consideration; and the variety of his allusions, and splendour + of his imagery, have made such an impression on <i>all the rest</i> of the + world, that superficial observers are apt to overlook his other merits, + and to suppose that <i>wit</i> is his chief and most prominent excellence; + when in fact it is only one of the many talents that he possesses, which + are so various and extraordinary, that it is very difficult to ascertain + precisely the rank and value of each. BOSWELL. For Malone's share in + this note, see <i>ante</i>, iii. 323, note 2. For Burke's Economical Reform + Bill, which was brought in on Feb. 11, 1780, see Prior's <i>Burke</i>, p.184. + For <i>Blue Stocking</i>, see <i>ante</i>, iv. 108. The 'tall friend of ours' was + Mr. Langton (<i>ante</i>, i. 336). For Franklin's definition, see <i>ante</i>, + iii. 245, and for Burke's classical pun, <i>ib</i>. p. 323. For Burke's + 'talent of wit,' see <i>ante</i>, i. 453, iii. 323, iv. May 15, 1784, and + <i>post</i>, Sept. 15. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-80">[80]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 27, where Burke said:—'It is enough for me to have + rung the bell to him [Johnson].' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-81">[81]</a> See <i>ante</i>, vol. iv, May 15, 1784. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-82">[82]</a> Prior (<i>Life of Burke</i>, pp.31, 36) says that 'from the first his + destination was the Bar.' His name was entered at the Middle Temple in + 1747, but he was never called. Why he gave up the profession his + biographer cannot tell. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-83">[83]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 437, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-84">[84]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 78, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-85">[85]</a> That cannot be said now, after the flagrant part which Mr. <i>John + Wesley</i> took against our American brethren, when, in his own name, he + threw amongst his enthusiastick flock, the very individual combustibles + of Dr. <i>Johnson's Taxation no Tyranny</i>; and after the intolerant spirit + which he manifested against our fellow-christians of the Roman Catholick + Communion, for which that able champion, Father <i>O'Leary</i>, has given him + so hearty a drubbing. But I should think myself very unworthy, if I did + not at the same time acknowledge Mr. John Wesley's merit, as a veteran + 'Soldier of Jesus Christ' [2 <i>Timothy</i>, ii. 3], who has, I do believe, + 'turned many from darkness into light, and from the power of <i>Satan</i> to + the living GOD' [<i>Acts</i>, xxvi. 18]. BOSWELL. Wesley wrote on Nov. 11, + 1775 (<i>Journal</i>, iv. 56), 'I made some additions to the <i>Calm Address to + our American Colonies</i>. Need any one ask from what motive this was + wrote? Let him look round; England is in a flame! a flame of malice and + rage against the King, and almost all that are in authority under him. I + labour to put out this flame.' He wrote a few days later:—'As to + reviewers, news-writers, <i>London Magazines</i>, and all that kind of + gentlemen, they behave just as I expected they would. And let them lick + up Mr. Toplady's spittle still; a champion worthy of their cause.' + <i>Journal</i>, p. 58. In a letter published in Jan. 1780, he said:—'I + insist upon it, that no government, not Roman Catholic, ought to + tolerate men of the Roman Catholic persuasion. They ought not to be + tolerated by any government, Protestant, Mahometan, or Pagan.' To this + the Rev. Arthur O'Leary replied with great wit and force, in a pamphlet + entitled, <i>Remarks on the Rev. Mr. Wesley's Letters</i>. Dublin, 1780. + Wesley (<i>Journal</i>, iv. 365) mentions meeting O'Leary, and says:—'He + seems not to be wanting either in sense or learning.' Johnson wrote to + Wesley on Feb. 6, 1776 (Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 475), 'I have thanks to + return you for the addition of your important suffrage to my argument on + the American question. To have gained such a mind as yours may justly + confirm me in my own opinion. What effect my paper has upon the public, + I know not; but I have no reason to be discouraged. The lecturer was + surely in the right, who, though he saw his audience slinking away, + refused to quit the chair while Plato staid.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-86">[86]</a> 'Powerful preacher as he was,' writes Southey, 'he had neither + strength nor acuteness of intellect, and his written compositions are + nearly worthless.' Southey's <i>Wesley,</i> i. 323. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 79. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-87">[87]</a> Mr. Burke. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 222, 285, note 3, and iii. 45. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-88">[88]</a> If due attention were paid to this observation, there would be more + virtue, even in politicks. What Dr. Johnson justly condemned, has, I am + sorry to say, greatly increased in the present reign. At the distance of + four years from this conversation, 21st February, 1777, My Lord + Archbishop of York, in his 'sermon before the Society for the + Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts,' thus indignantly describes + the then state of parties:—'Parties once had a <i>principle</i> belonging + to them, absurd perhaps, and indefensible, but still carrying a notion + of <i>duty</i>, by which honest minds might easily be caught. 'But there are + now <i>combinations</i> of <i>individuals</i>, who, instead of being the sons and + servants of the community, make a league for advancing their <i>private + interests</i>. It is their business to hold high the notion of <i>political + honour</i>. I believe and trust, it is not injurious to say, that such a + bond is no better than that by which the lowest and wickedest + combinations are held together; and that it denotes the last stage of + political depravity.' To find a thought, which just shewed itself to us + from the mind of <i>Johnson</i>, thus appearing again at such a distance of + time, and without any communication between them, enlarged to full + growth in the mind of <i>Markham</i>, is a curious object of philosophical + contemplation.—That two such great and luminous minds should have been + so dark in one corner,—that <i>they</i> should have held it to be 'Wicked + rebellion in the British subjects established in America, to resist the + abject condition of holding all their property at the mercy of British + subjects remaining at home, while their allegiance to our common Lord + the King was to be preserved inviolate,—is a striking proof to me, + either that 'He who sitteth in Heaven' [<i>Psalms</i>, ii.4] scorns the + loftiness of human pride,—or that the evil spirit, whose personal + existence I strongly believe, and even in this age am confirmed in that + belief by a <i>Fell</i>, nay, by a <i>Hurd</i>, has more power than some choose to + allow. BOSWELL. Horace Walpole writing on June 10, 1778, after censuring + Robertson for sneering at Las Casas, continues:—'Could Archbishop + Markham in a Sermon before the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel + by fire and sword paint charity in more contemptuous terms? It is a + Christian age.' <i>Letters</i>, vii.81. It was Archbishop Markham to whom + Johnson made the famous bow; <i>ante</i>, vol. iv, just before April 10, + 1783. John Fell published in 1779 <i>Demoniacs; an Enquiry into the + Heathen and Scripture Doctrine of Daemons</i>. For Hurd see <i>ante</i>, under + June 9,1784. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-89">[89]</a> See Forster's <i>Essays</i>, ii 304-9. Mr. Forster often quotes Cooke in + his <i>Life of Goldsmith</i>. He describes him (i. 58) as 'a <i>young</i> Irish + law student who had chambers near Goldsmith in the temple.' Goldsmith + did not reside in the temple till 1763 (<i>ib</i>. p.336), and Cooke was old + enough to have published his <i>Hesiod</i> in 1728, and to have found a place + in <i>The Dunciad</i> (ii. 138). See Elwin and Courthope's <i>Pope</i>, x. 212, + for his correspondence with Pope. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-90">[90]</a> It may be observed, that I sometimes call my great friend, <i>Mr</i>. + Johnson, sometimes <i>Dr</i>. Johnson: though he had at this time a doctor's + degree from Trinity College, Dublin. The University of Oxford afterwards + conferred it upon him by a diploma, in very honourable terms. It was + some time before I could bring myself to call him Doctor; but, as he has + been long known by that title, I shall give it to him in the rest of + this Journal. BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, i. 488, note 3, and ii. 332, note I. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-91">[91]</a> In <i>The Idler</i>, No. viii, Johnson has the following fling at + tragedians. He had mentioned the terror struck into our soldiers by the + Indian war-cry, and he continues:—'I am of opinion that by a proper + mixture of asses, bulls, turkeys, geese, and tragedians a noise might be + procured equally horrid with the war-cry.' See <i>ante</i>, ii.92. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-92">[92]</a> <i>Tom Jones</i>, Bk. xvi. chap. 5. Mme. Necker in a letter to Garrick + said:—'Nos acteurs se métamorphosent assez bien, mais Monsieur Garrick + fait autre chose; il nous métamorphose tous dans le caractère qu'il a + revêtu; <i>nous sommes remplis de terreur avec Hamlet</i>,' &c. <i>Garrick + Corres</i>. ii. 627. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-93">[93]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 432, and ii. 278. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-94">[94]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 11. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-95">[95]</a> Euphan M'Cullan (not Eupham Macallan) is mentioned in Dalrymple's + [Lord Hailes] <i>Remarks on the History of Scotland</i>, p. 254. She + maintained that 'she seldom ever prayed but she got a positive answer.' + The minister of her parish was ill. 'She prayed, and got an answer that + for a year's time he should be spared; and after the year's end he fell + sick again.' 'I went,' said she, 'to pray yet again for his life; but + the Lord left me not an mouse's likeness (a proverbial expression, + meaning <i>to reprove with such severity that the person reproved shrinks + and becomes abashed</i>), and said, 'Beast that thou art! shall I keep my + servant in pain for thy sake?' And when I said, 'Lord, what then shall I + do?' He answered me, 'He was but a reed that I spoke through, and I will + provide another reed to speak through.' Dalrymple points out that it was + a belief in these 'answers from the Lord' that led John Balfour and his + comrades to murder Archbishop Sharp. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-96">[96]</a> R. Chambers, in his <i>Traditions</i>, speaking of the time of Johnson's + visit, says (i. 21) on the authority of 'an ancient native of Edinburgh + that people all knew each other by sight. The appearance of a new face + upon the streets was at once remarked, and numbers busied themselves in + finding out who and what the stranger was.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-97">[97]</a> It was on this visit to the parliament-house, that Mr. Henry + Erskine (brother of Lord Erskine), after being presented to Dr. Johnson + by Mr. Boswell, and having made his bow, slipped a shilling into + Boswell's hand, whispering that it was for the sight of his <i>bear</i>.WALTER SCOTT. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-98">[98]</a> This is one of the Libraries entitled to a copy of every new work + published in the United Kingdom. Hume held the office of librarian at a + salary of £40 a year from 1752 to 1757. J.H. Burton's <i>Hume</i>, i.367, 373. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-99">[99]</a> The Edinburgh oyster-cellars were called <i>laigh shops</i>. Chambers's + <i>Traditions</i>, ii. 268. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-100">[100]</a> This word is commonly used to signify <i>sullenly, gloomily</i>; and in + that sense alone it appears in Dr. Johnson's <i>Dictionary</i>. I suppose he + meant by it, 'with an <i>obstinate resolution</i>, similar to that of a + sullen man.' BOSWELL. Southey wrote to Scott:—'Give me more lays, and + correct them at leisure for after editions—not laboriously, but when + the amendment comes naturally and unsought for. It never does to sit + down doggedly to <i>correct</i>.' Southey's <i>Life</i>, iii. 126. See <i>ante</i>, i. + 332, for the influence of seasons on composition. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-101">[101]</a> Boswell, <i>post</i>, Nov. 1, writes of '<i>old Scottish</i> enthusiasm,' + again italicising these two words. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-102">[102]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 410. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-103">[103]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 354. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-104">[104]</a> Cockburn (<i>Life of Jeffrey</i>, i. 182) writing of the beginning of + this century, describes how the General Assembly 'met in those days, as + it had done for about 200 years, in one of the aisles of the then grey + and venerable cathedral of St. Giles. That plain, square, galleried + apartment was admirably suited for the purpose; and it was more + interesting from the men who had acted in it, and the scenes it had + witnessed, than any other existing room in Scotland. It had beheld the + best exertions of the best men in the kingdom ever since the year 1640. + Yet was it obliterated in the year 1830 with as much indifference as if + it had been of yesterday; and for no reason except a childish desire for + new walls and change.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-105">[105]</a> I have hitherto called him Dr. William Robertson, to distinguish + him from Dr. James Robertson, who is soon to make his appearance. But + <i>Principal</i>, from his being the head of our college, is his usual + designation, and is shorter: so I shall use it hereafter. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-106">[106]</a> The dirtiness of the Scotch churches is taken off in <i>The Tale of + a Tub</i>, sect. xi:—'Neither was it possible for the united rhetoric of + mankind to prevail with Jack to make himself clean again.' In <i>Humphry + Clinker</i> (Letter of Aug. 8) we are told that 'the good people of + Edinburgh no longer think dirt and cobwebs essential to the house of + God.' Bishop Horne (<i>Essays and Thoughts</i>, p. 45) mentioning 'the maxim + laid down in a neighbouring kingdom that <i>cleanliness is not essential + to devotion</i>,' continues, 'A Church of England lady once offered to + attend the Kirk there, if she might be permitted to have the pew swept + and lined. "The pew swept and lined!" said Mess John's wife, "my husband + would think it downright popery."' In 1787 he wrote that there are + country churches in England 'where, perhaps, three or four noble + families attend divine service, which are suffered year after year to be + in a condition in which not one of those families would suffer the worst + room in their house to continue for a week.' <i>Essays and Thoughts</i>, + p. 271. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-107">[107]</a> 'Hume recommended Fergusson's friends to prevail on him to + suppress the work as likely to be injurious to his reputation.' When it + had great success he said that his opinion remained the same. He had + heard Helvetius and Saurin say that they had told Montesquieu that he + ought to suppress his <i>Esprit des Lois</i>. They were still convinced that + their advice was right. J. H. Burton's <i>Hume</i>, ii. 385-7. It was at + Fergusson's house thirteen years later that Walter Scott, a lad of + fifteen, saw Burns shed tears over a print by Bunbury of a soldier lying + dead on the snow. Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, i. 185. See <i>ib</i>. vii. 61, for an + anecdote of Fergusson. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-108">[108]</a> They were pulled down in 1789. Murray's <i>Handbook for Scotland</i>, + ed. 1883, p. 60. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-109">[109]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 128. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-110">[110]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 357, and <i>post</i>, Johnson's <i>Tour into Wales</i>, + Aug. 1, 1774. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-111">[111]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'There where no statesman buys, + no bishop sells; + A virtuous palace where no + monarch dwells.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>An Epitaph</i>. Hamilton's Poems, ed. 1760, p. 260. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 150. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-112">[112]</a> The stanza from which he took this line is, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'But then rose up all Edinburgh, + They rose up by thousands three; + A cowardly Scot came John behind, + And ran him through the fair body!' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-113">[113]</a> Johnson described her as 'an old lady, who talks broad Scotch with + a paralytick voice, and is scarce understood by her own countrymen.' + <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i.109. Lord Shelburne says that 'her husband, the last + Duke, could neither read nor write without great difficulty.' + Fitzmaurice's <i>Shelburne</i>, i. 11. Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. p. 107) says + that in 1745 he heard her say:—'I have sworn to be Duchess of Douglas + or never to mount a marriage bed.' She married the Duke in 1758. R. + Chambers wrote in 1825:—'It is a curious fact that sixty years ago + there was scarcely a close in the High Street but what had as many noble + inhabitants as are at this day to be found in the whole town.' + <i>Traditions of Edinburgh</i>, ed. 1825, i. 72. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-114">[114]</a> See ante, ii. 154, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-115">[115]</a> Lord Chesterfield wrote from London on Dec. 16, 1760 (<i>Misc. + Works</i>, iv. 291):—'I question whether you will ever see my friend + George Faulkner in Ireland again, he is become so great and considerable + a man here in the republic of letters; he has a constant table open to + all men of wit and learning, and to those sometimes who have neither. I + have been able to get him to dine with me but twice.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-116">[116]</a> Dr. Johnson one evening roundly asserted in his rough way that + "Swift was a shallow fellow; a very shallow fellow." Mr. Sheridan + replied warmly but modestly, "Pardon me, Sir, for differing from you, + but I always thought the Dean a very clear writer." Johnson vociferated + "All shallows are clear."' <i>Town and Country Mag</i>. Sept. 1769. <i>Notes + and Queries</i>, Jan. 1855, p. 62. See <i>ante</i>, iv. 61. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-117">[117]</a> '<i>The Memoirs of Scriblerus</i>,' says Johnson (<i>Works</i>, viii. 298), + 'seem to be the production of Arbuthnot, with a few touches, perhaps, by + Pope.' Swift also was concerned in it. Johnson goes on to shew why 'this + joint production of three great writers has never obtained any notice + from mankind.' Arbuthnot was the author of <i>John Bull</i>. Swift wrote to + Stella on May 10, 1712:—'I hope you read <i>John Bull</i>. It was a Scotch + gentleman, a friend of mine, that wrote it; but they put it upon me.' + See <i>ante</i>, i. 425. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-118">[118]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 452, and ii. 318. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-119">[119]</a> Horace, <i>Satires</i>. I. iii. 19. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-120">[120]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 396, and ii. 298. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-121">[121]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 74. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-122">[122]</a> 'At supper there was such conflux of company that I could scarcely + support the tumult. I have never been well in the whole journey, and am + very easily disordered.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 109. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-123">[123]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 17, and under June 9, 1784. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-124">[124]</a> Johnson was thinking of Sir Matthew Hale for one. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-125">[125]</a> 'It is supposed that there were no executions for witchcraft in + England subsequently to the year 1682; but the Statute of I James I, c. + 12, so minute in its enactments against witches, was not repealed till + the 9 Geo. II, c. 5. In Scotland, so late as the year 1722, when the + local jurisdictions were still hereditary [see <i>post</i>, Sept. 11], the + sheriff of Sutherlandshire condemned a witch to death.' <i>Penny Cyclo</i>. + xxvii. 490. In the Bishopric of Wurtzburg, so late as 1750, a nun was + burnt for witchcraft: 'Cette malheureuse fille soutint opiniâtrément + qu'elle était sorcière.... Elle était folle, ses juges furent imbécilles + et barbares.' Voltaire's <i>Works</i>, ed. 1819, xxvi. 285. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-126">[126]</a> A Dane wrote to Garrick from Copenhagen on Dec. 23, 1769:—'There + is some of our retinue who, not understanding a word of your language, + mimic your gesture and your action: so great an impression did it make + upon their minds, the scene of daggers has been repeated in dumb show a + hundred times, and those most ignorant of the English idiom can cry out + with rapture, "A horse, a horse; my kingdom for a horse!"' <i>Garrick + Corres.</i> i. 375. See <i>ante</i>, vol. iv. under Sept. 30, 1783 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-127">[127]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 466. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-128">[128]</a> Johnson, in the preface to his <i>Dictionary</i> (<i>Works</i>, v. 43), + after stating what he had at first planned, continues:—'But these were + the dreams of a poet doomed at last to wake a lexicographer.' See + <i>ante</i>, i. 189, note 2, and May I, 1783. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-129">[129]</a> See his letter on this subject in the APPENDIX. BOSWELL. He had + been tutor to Hume's nephew and was one of Hume's friends. J.H Burton's + <i>Hume</i>, ii. 399. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-130">[130]</a> By the Baron d'Holbach. Voltaire (<i>Works</i>, xii. 212) describes + this book as 'Une <i>Philippique</i> contre Dieu.' He wrote to M. + Saurin:—'Ce maudit livre du Système de la Nature est un péché contre + nature. Je vous sais bien bon gré de réprouver l'athéisme et d'aimer ce + vers: "Si Dieu n'existait pas, il faudrait l'inventer." Je suis rarement + content de mes vers, mais j'avoue que j'ai une tendresse de père pour + celui-là.' <i>Ib</i>. v. 418. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-131">[131]</a> One of Garrick's correspondents speaks of 'the sneer of one of + Johnson's ghastly smiles.' <i>Garrick Corres</i>. i. 334. 'Ghastly smile' is + borrowed from <i>Paradise Lost</i>, ii. 846. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-132">[132]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 212. In Chambers's <i>Traditions of Edinburgh</i>, ii. + 158, is given a comic poem entitled <i>The Court of Session Garland</i>, + written by Boswell, with the help, it was said, of Maclaurin. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-133">[133]</a> Dr. John Gregory, Professor of Medicine in the University of + Edinburgh, died on Feb. 10 of this year. It was his eldest son James who + met Johnson. 'This learned family has given sixteen professors to + British Universities.' Chalmers's <i>Biog. Dict.</i> xvi. 289. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-134">[134]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 257, note 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-135">[135]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 228. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-136">[136]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 196. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-137">[137]</a> In the original, <i>cursed the form that</i>, + &c. Johnson's <i>Works</i>, i.21. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-138">[138]</a> Mistress of Edward IV. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-139">[139]</a> Mistress of Louis XIV. BOSWELL. Voltaire, speaking of the King and + Mlle. de La Vallière (not Valiere, as Lord Hailes wrote her name), + says:—'Il goûta avec elle le bonheur rare d'être aimé uniquement pour + lui-même.' <i>Siècle de Louis XIV</i>, ch. 25. He describes her penitence in + a fine passage. <i>Ib.</i> ch. 26. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-140">[140]</a> Malone, in a note on the <i>Life of Boswell</i> under 1749, says that + 'this lady was not the celebrated Lady Vane, whose memoirs were given to + the public by Dr. Smollett [in <i>Peregrine Pickle</i>], but Anne Vane, who + was mistress to Frederick Prince of Wales, and died in 1736, not long + before Johnson settled in London.' She is mentioned in a note to Horace + Walpole's <i>Letters</i>, 1. cxxxvi. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-141">[141]</a> Catharine Sedley, the mistress of James II, is described by + Macaulay, <i>Hist of Eng.</i> ed. 1874, ii. 323. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-142">[142]</a> Dr. A Carlyle (<i>Auto.</i> p. 114) tells how in 1745 he found + 'Professor Maclaurin busy on the walls on the south side of Edinburgh, + endeavoring to make them more defensible [against the Pretender]. He had + even erected some small cannon.' See <i>ante</i>, iii, 15, for a ridiculous + story told of him by Goldsmith. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-143">[143]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Crudelis ubique +Luctus, ubique pavor, et plurima + mortis imago:' + 'grim grief on every side, +And fear on every side there is, + and many-faced is death.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Morris, Virgil <i>Aeneids</i>, ii. 368. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-144">[144]</a> Mr. Maclaurin's epitaph, as engraved on a marble tomb-stone, in the + Grey-Friars church-yard, Edinburgh:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Infra situs est + COLIN MACLAURIN, + Mathes. olim in Acad. Edin. Prof. + Electus ipso Newtono suadente. + H.L.P.F. + Non ut nomini paterno consulat, + Nam tali auxilio nil eget; + Sed ut in hoc infelici campo, + Ubi luctus regnant et pavor, + Mortalibus prorsus non absit solatium; + Hujus enim scripta evolve, + Mentemque tantarum rerum capacem + Corpori caduco superstitem crede. + + BOSWELL. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + <a name="note-145">[145]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 437, and <i>post</i>, p. 72. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-146">[146]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'What is't to us, if taxes rise or fall, + Thanks to our fortune we pay none at all. + + No statesman e'er will find it worth his pains + To tax our labours and excise our brains. + Burthens like these vile earthly buildings bear, + No tribute's laid on <i>Castles</i> in the <i>Air</i>' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Churchill's <i>Poems, Night,</i> ed. 1766, i. 89. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-147">[147]</a> Pitt, in 1784, laid a tax of ten shillings a year on every horse + 'kept for the saddle, or to be put in carriages used solely for + pleasure.'<i>Parl. Hist.</i> xxiv. 1028. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-148">[148]</a> In 1763 he published the following description of himself in his + <i>Correspondence with Erskine</i>, ed. 1879, p.36. 'The author of the <i>Ode + to Tragedy</i> is a most excellent man; he is of an ancient family in the + west of Scotland, upon which he values himself not a little. At his + nativity there appeared omens of his future greatness. His parts are + bright; and his education has been good. He has travelled in + post-chaises miles without number. He is fond of seeing much of the + world. He eats of every good dish, especially apple-pie. He drinks old + hock. He has a very fine temper. He is somewhat of an humorist, and a + little tinctured with pride. He has a good manly countenance, and he + owns himself to be amorous. He has infinite vivacity, yet is observed at + times to have a melancholy cast. He is rather fat than lean, rather + short than tall, rather young than old.' He is oddly enough described in + Arighi's <i>Histoire de Pascal Paoli</i>, i. 231, 'En traversant la + Mediterranée sur de frêles navires pour venir s'asseoir au foyer de la + nationalité Corse, des hommes <i>graves</i> tels que Boswel et Volney + obéissaient sans doute à un sentiment bien plus élevé qu'au besoin + vulgaire d'une puérile curiosité' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-149">[149]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 400. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-150">[150]</a> For <i>respectable</i>, see <i>ante</i>, iii. 241, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-151">[151]</a> Boswell, in the last of his <i>Hypochondriacks</i>, says:—'I perceive + that my essays are not so lively as I expected they would be, but they + are more learned. And I beg I may not be charged with excessive + arrogance when I venture to say that they contain a considerable portion + of original thinking.'<i>London Mag</i>. 1783, p. 124. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-152">[152]</a> Burns, in <i>The Author's Earnest Cry and Prayer</i>, says:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'But could I like Montgomeries fight, + Or gab like Boswell.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Boswell and Burns were born within a few miles of each other, Boswell + being the elder by eighteen years. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> +<a name="note-153">[153]</a> + 'For pointed satire I would Buckhurst choose, + The best good man, with the worst-natured muse.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Rochester's <i>Imitations of Horace, Sat</i>. i. 10. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-154">[154]</a> Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. i. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 278, where he wrote to + Boswell:—'I have endeavoured to do you some justice in the first + paragraph [of the <i>Journey</i>].' The day before he started for Scotland he + wrote to Dr. Taylor:—'Mr. Boswell, an active lively fellow, is to + conduct me round the country.' <i>Notes and Queries</i>, 6th S. v. 422. 'His + inquisitiveness,' he said, 'is seconded by great activity.' <i>Works</i>, ix. + 8. On Oct. 7 he wrote from Skye:—'Boswell will praise my resolution and + perseverance; and I shall in return celebrate his good humour and + perpetual cheerfulness.... It is very convenient to travel with him, for + there is no house where he is not received with kindness and respect.' + <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 198. He told Mrs. Knowles that 'Boswell was the + best travelling companion in the world.' <i>Ante</i>, iii. 294. Mr. Croker + says (<i>Croker's Boswell</i>, p. 280):—'I asked Lord Stowell in what + estimation he found Boswell amongst his countrymen. "Generally liked as + a good-natured jolly fellow," replied his lordship. "But was he + respected?" "Well, I think he had about the proportion of respect that + you might guess would be shown to a jolly fellow." His lordship thought + there was more regard than respect.' <i>Hebrides,</i> p. 40. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-155">[155]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 103, 411. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-156">[156]</a> There were two quarto volumes of this Diary; perhaps one of them + Johnson took with him. Boswell had 'accidently seen them and had read a + great deal in them,' as he owned to Johnson (<i>ante</i>, under Dec. 9, + 1784), and moreover had, it should seem, copied from them (<i>ante</i>, i. + 251). The 'few fragments' he had received from Francis Barber + (<i>ante</i>, i. 27). +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-157">[157]</a> In the original 'how much we lost <i>at separation</i>' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, ix. I. Mr. William Nairne was afterwards a Judge of the Court + of Sessions by the title of Lord Dunsinnan. Sir Walter Scott wrote of + him:—'He was a man of scrupulous integrity. When sheriff depute of + Perthshire, he found upon reflection, that he had decided a poor man's + case erroneously; and as the only remedy, supplied the litigant + privately with money to carry the suit to the supreme court, where his + judgment was reversed.' Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 280. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-158">[158]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Non illic urbes, non tu mirabere silvas: + Una est injusti caerula forma maris. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Ovid. Amor.</i> L. II. El. xi. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Nor groves nor towns the ruthless ocean shows; + Unvaried still its azure surface flows. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<center> + BOSWELL. +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-159">[159]</a> See <i>ante</i>. ii. 229. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-160">[160]</a> My friend, General Campbell, Governour of Madras, tells me, that + they made <i>speldings</i> in the East-Indies, particularly at Bombay, where + they call them <i>Bambaloes</i>. BOSWELL. Johnson had told Boswell that he + was 'the most <i>unscottified</i> of his countrymen.'<i>Ante</i>, ii. 242. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-161">[161]</a> 'A small island, which neither of my companions had ever visited, + though, lying within their view, it had all their lives solicited their + notice.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-162">[162]</a> 'The remains of the fort have been removed to assist in + constructing a very useful lighthouse upon the island. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-163">[163]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Unhappy queen! + Unwilling I forsook your friendly state.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Dryden. [<i>Aeneid</i>, vi. 460.] BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-164">[164]</a> Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. p. 331) says of his journey to London in + 1758:—'It is to be noted that we could get no four-wheeled chaise + till we came to Durham, those conveyances being then only in their + infancy. Turnpike roads were only in their commencement in the north.' + 'It affords a southern stranger,' wrote Johnson (<i>Works</i> ix. 2), 'a new + kind of pleasure to travel so commodiously without the interruption of + toll-gates.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-165">[165]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 265, for Lord Shelburne's statement on this + subject. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-166">[166]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 339, and iii. 205, note 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-167">[167]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 46. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-168">[168]</a> The passage quoted by Dr. Johnson is in the <i>Character of the + Assembly-man</i>; Butler's <i>Remains</i>, p. 232, edit. 1754:—'He preaches, + indeed, both in season and out of season; for he rails at Popery, when + the land is almost lost in Presbytery; and would cry Fire! Fire! in + Noah's flood.' +</p> +<p> + There is reason to believe that this piece was not written by Butler, + but by Sir John Birkenhead; for Wood, in his <i>Athenae Oxonienses</i>, vol. + ii. p. 640, enumerates it among that gentleman's works, and gives the + following account of it: +</p> +<p> + <i>'The Assembly-man</i> (or the character of an assembly-man) written 1647, + <i>Lond.</i> 1662-3, in three sheets in qu. The copy of it was taken from the + author by those who said they could not rob, because all was theirs; so + excised what they liked not; and so mangled and reformed it, that it was + no character of an Assembly, but of themselves. At length, after it had + slept several years, the author published it to avoid false copies. It + is also reprinted in a book entit. <i>Wit and Loyalty revived</i>, in a + collection of some smart satyrs in verse and prose on the late times. + <i>Lond.</i> 1682, qu. said to be written by Abr. Cowley, Sir John + Birkenhead, and Hudibras, alias Sam. Butler.'—For this information I am + indebted to Mr. Reed, of Staple Inn. BOSWELL. This tract is in the + <i>Harleian Misc</i>., ed. 1810, vi. 57. Mr. Reed's quotation differs + somewhat from it. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-169">[169]</a> 'When a Scotchman was talking against Warburton, Johnson said he + had more literature than had been imported from Scotland since the days + of Buchanan. Upon the other's mentioning other eminent writers of the + Scotch; "These will not do," said Johnson, "Let us have some more of + your northern lights; these are mere farthing candles."' Johnson's + <i>Works</i> (1787), xi. 208. Dr. T. Campbell records (<i>Diary</i>, p. 61) that + at the dinner at Mr. Dilly's, described <i>ante</i>, ii. 338, 'Dr. Johnson + compared England and Scotland to two lions, the one saturated with his + belly full, and the other prowling for prey. He defied any one to + produce a classical book written in Scotland since Buchanan. Robertson, + he said, used pretty words, but he liked Hume better; and neither of + them would he allow to be more to Clarendon than a rat to a cat. "A + Scotch surgeon may have more learning than an English one, and all + Scotland could not muster learning enough for Lowth's <i>Prelections</i>."' + See <i>ante</i>, ii. 363, and March 30, 1783. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-170">[170]</a> The poem is entitled <i>Gualterus Danistonus ad Amicos</i>. It + begins:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Dum studeo fungi fallentis munere vitae' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Which Prior imitates:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Studious the busy moments to deceive.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Sir Walter Scott thought that the poem praised by Johnson was 'more + likely the fine epitaph on John, Viscount of Dundee, translated by + Dryden, and beginning <i>Ultime Scotoruml</i>' Archibald Pitcairne, M.D., was + born in 1652, and died in 1713. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-171">[171]</a> My Journal, from this day inclusive, was read by Dr. Johnson. + BOSWELL. It was read by Johnson up to the second paragraph of Oct. 26. + Boswell, it should seem, once at least shewed Johnson a part of the + Journal from which he formed his <i>Life</i>. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 260, where he + says:—'It delighted him on a review to find that his conversation + teemed with point and imagery.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-172">[172]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 20, note 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-173">[173]</a> Goldsmith, in his <i>Present State of Polite Learning</i>, published in + 1759, says, (ch. x):—'When the great Somers was at the helm, patronage + was fashionable among our nobility ... Since the days of a certain prime + minister of inglorious memory [Sir Robert Walpole] the learned have been + kept pretty much at a distance. ... The author, when unpatronised by the + Great, has naturally recourse to the bookseller. There cannot be perhaps + imagined a combination more prejudicial to taste than this. It is the + interest of the one to allow as little for writing, and of the other to + write as much as possible; accordingly tedious compilations and + periodical magazines are the result of their joint endeavours.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-174">[174]</a> In the first number of <i>The Rambler</i>, Johnson shews how attractive + to an author is the form of publication which he was himself then + adopting:—'It heightens his alacrity to think in how many places he + shall have what he is now writing read with ecstacies to-morrow.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-175">[175]</a> Yet he said 'the inhabitants of Lichfield were the most sober, + decent people in England.' <i>Ante</i>, ii. 463. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-176">[176]</a> At the beginning of the eighteenth century, says Goldsmith, + 'smoking in the rooms [at Bath] was permitted.' When Nash became King of + Bath he put it down. Goldsmith's <i>Works</i>, ed. 1854, iv. 51. 'Johnson,' + says Boswell (<i>ante</i>, i. 317), 'had a high opinion of the sedative + influence of smoking.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-177">[177]</a> Dr. Johnson used to practise this himself very much. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-178">[178]</a> In <i>The Tatler</i>, for May 24, 1709, we are told that 'rural + esquires wear shirts half a week, and are drunk twice a day.' In the + year 1720, Fenton urged Gay 'to sell as much South Sea stock as would + purchase a hundred a year for life, "which will make you sure of a clean + shirt and a shoulder of mutton every day."' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, viii. 65. + In <i>Tristram Shandy</i>, ii. ch. 4, published in 1759, we read:—'It was in + this year [about 1700] that my uncle began to break in upon the daily + regularity of a clean shirt.' In <i>the Spiritual Quixote</i>, published in + 1773 (i. 51), Tugwell says to his master:—'Your Worship belike has been + used to shift you twice a week.' Mrs. Piozzi (<i>Journey</i>, i. 105, date of + 1789) says that she heard in Milan 'a travelled gentleman telling his + auditors how all the men in London, <i>that were noble</i>, put on a clean + shirt every day.' Johnson himself owned that he had 'no passion for + clean linen.' <i>Ante</i>, i. 397. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-179">[179]</a> Scott, in <i>Old Mortality</i>, ed. 1860, ix. 352, says:—'It was a + universal custom in Scotland, that, when the family was at dinner, the + outer-gate of the court-yard, if there was one, and if not, the door of + the house itself, was always shut and locked.' In a note on this he + says:—'The custom of keeping the door of a house or chateau locked + during the time of dinner probably arose from the family being anciently + assembled in the hall at that meal, and liable to surprise.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-180">[180]</a> Johnson, writing of 'the chapel of the alienated college,' + says:—'I was always by some civil excuse hindered from entering it.' + <i>Works</i>, ix. 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-181">[181]</a> George Marline's <i>Reliquiae divi Andreae</i> was published in 1797. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-182">[182]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 171, and iv. 75. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-183">[183]</a> Mr. Chambers says that Knox was buried in a place which soon after + became, and ever since has been, a high-way; namely, the old church-yard + of St. Giles in Edinburgh. Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 283. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-184">[184]</a> In <i>The Rambler</i>, No. 82, Johnson makes a virtuoso write:—'I + often lamented that I was not one of that happy generation who + demolished the convents and monasteries, and broke windows by law.' He + had in 1754 'viewed with indignation the ruins of the Abbeys of Oseney + and Rewley near Oxford.' Ante, i. 273. Smollett, in <i>Humphry Clinker</i> + (Letrer of Aug. 8), describes St. Andrews as 'the skeleton of a + venerable city.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-185">[185]</a> 'Some talked of the right of society to the labour of individuals, + and considered retirement as a desertion of duty. Others readily allowed + that there was a time when the claims of the publick were satisfied, and + when a man might properly sequester himself to review his life and + purify his heart.' <i>Rasselas</i>, ch. 22. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-186">[186]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 423. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-187">[187]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 5, note 2, and v. 27. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-188">[188]</a> 'He that lives well in the world is better than he that lives well + in a monastery. But, perhaps, every one is not able to stem the + temptations of publick life, and, if he cannot conquer, he may properly + retreat.' <i>Rasselas</i>, ch. 47. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 435. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-189">[189]</a> 'A youthful passion for abstracted devotion should not be + encouraged.' <i>Ante</i>, ii. 10. The hermit in <i>Rasselas</i> (ch. 21) + says:—'The life of a solitary man will be certainly miserable, but not + certainly devout.' In Johnson's <i>Works</i> (1787), xi. 203, we read that + 'Johnson thought worse of the vices of retirement than of those of + society.' Southey (<i>Life of Wesley</i>, i. 39) writes:—'Some time before + John Wesley's return to the University, he had travelled many miles to + see what is called "a serious man." This person said to him, "Sir, you + wish to serve God and go to heaven. Remember, you cannot serve Him + alone; you must therefore find companions or make them; the Bible knows + nothing of solitary religion." Wesley never forgot these words.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-190">[190]</a> [Erga neon, boulai de meson euchai de gerunton. <i>Hesiodi + Fragmenta</i>, Lipsiae 1840, p. 371] +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Let youth in deeds, in counsel man engage; + Prayer is the proper duty of old age. + BOSWELL. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + <a name="note-191">[191]</a> One 'sorrowful scene' Johnson was perhaps too late in the year to + see. Wesley, who visited St. Andrews on May 27, 1776, during the + vacation, writes (<i>Journal</i>, iv. 75):—'What is left of St. Leonard's + College is only a heap of ruins. Two colleges remain. One of them has a + tolerable square; but all the windows are broke, like those of a + brothel. We were informed the students do this before they leave + the college.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-192">[192]</a> 'He was murdered by the ruffians of reformation, in the manner of + which Knox has given what he himself calls a merry narrative.' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, ix. 3. In May 1546 the Cardinal had Wishart the Reformer + killed, and at the end of the same month he got killed himself. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-193">[193]</a> Johnson says (<i>Works</i>, ix. 5):—'The doctor, by whom it was + shown, hoped to irritate or subdue my English vanity by telling me that + we had no such repository of books in England.' He wrote to Mrs. Thrale + (<i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 113):—'For luminousness and elegance it may vie + at least with the new edifice at Streatham.' 'The new edifice' was, no + doubt, the library of which he took the touching farewell. <i>Ante</i>, + iv. 158. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-194">[194]</a> 'Sorrow is properly that state of the mind in which our desires + are fixed upon the past, without looking forward to the future, an + incessant wish that something were otherwise than it has been, a + tormenting and harassing want of some enjoyment or possession which we + have lost, and which no endeavours can possibly regain.' <i>The Rambler</i>, + No. 47. He wrote to Mrs. Thrale on the death of her son:—'Do not + indulge your sorrow; try to drive it away by either pleasure or pain; + for, opposed to what you are feeling, many pains will become pleasures.' + <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 310. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-195">[195]</a> See ante, ii. 151. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-196">[196]</a> The Pembroke College grace was written by Camden. It was as + follows:—'Gratias tibi agimus, Deus misericors, pro acceptis a tua + bonitate alimentis; enixe comprecantes ut serenissimum nostrum Regem + Georgium, totam regiam familiam, populumque tuum universum tuta in pace + semper custodies.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-197">[197]</a> Sharp was murdered on May 3, 1679, in a moor near St. Andrews. + Burnet's <i>History of his Own time</i>, ed. 1818, ii. 82, and Scott's <i>Old + Mortality</i>, ed, 1860, ix. 297, and x. 203. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-198">[198]</a> 'One of its streets is now lost; and in those that remain there is + the silence and solitude of inactive indigence and gloomy + depopulation.... St. Andrews seems to be a place eminently adapted to + study and education.... The students, however, are represented as, at + this time, not exceeding a hundred. I saw no reason for imputing their + paucity to the present professors.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 4. A student, + he adds, of lower rank could get his board, lodging, and instruction for + less than ten pounds for the seven months of residence. Stockdale says + (<i>Memoirs</i>, i. 238) that 'in St. Andrews, in 1756, for a good bedroom, + coals, and the attendance of a servant I paid one shilling a week.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-199">[199]</a> <i>The Compleat Fencing-Master</i>, by Sir William Hope. London, 1691. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-200">[200]</a> 'In the whole time of our stay we were gratified by every mode of + kindness, and entertained with all the elegance of lettered hospitality' + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-201">[201]</a> Dugald Stewart (<i>Life of Adam Smith</i>, p. 107) writes:—'Mr. Smith + observed to me not long before his death, that after all his practice in + writing he composed as slowly, and with as great difficulty as at first. + He added at the same time that Mr. Hume had acquired so great a facility + in this respect, that the last volumes of his <i>History</i> were printed + from his original copy, with a few marginal corrections.' See <i>ante</i>, + iii. 437 and iv. 12. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-202">[202]</a> Of these only twenty-five have been published: Johnson's <i>Works</i>, + ix. 289-525. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 19, note 3, and 181. Johnson wrote on + April 20, 1778:—'I have made sermons, perhaps as readily as formerly.' + <i>Pr. and Med.</i> p. 170. 'I should think,' said Lord Eldon, 'that no + clergyman ever wrote as many sermons as Lord Stowell. I advised him to + burn all his manuscripts of that kind. It is not fair to the clergymen + to have it known he wrote them.' Twiss's <i>Eldon</i>, iii. 286. Johnson, we + may be sure, had no copy of any of his sermons. That none of them should + be known but those he wrote for Taylor is strange. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-203">[203]</a> He made the same statement on June 3, 1781 (<i>ante</i>, iv. 127), + adding, 'I should be glad to see it [the translation] now.' This shows + that he was not speaking of his translation of <i>Lobo</i>, as Mr. Croker + maintains in a note on this passage. I believe he was speaking of his + translation of Courayer's <i>Life of Paul Sarpi. Ante</i>, i. 135. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-204">[204]</a> 'As far as I am acquainted with modern architecture, I am aware of + no streets which, in simplicity and manliness of style, or general + breadth and brightness of effect, equal those of the New Town of + Edinburgh. But, etc.' Ruskin's <i>Lectures on Architecture and + Painting</i>, p. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-205">[205]</a> Horace, <i>Odes</i>, ii. 14. 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-206">[206]</a> John Abernethy, a Presbyterian divine. His works in 7 vols. 8vo. + were published in 1740-51. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-207">[207]</a> Leechman was principal of Glasgow University (<i>post</i>, Oct. 29). On + his appointment to the Chair of Theology he had been prosecuted for + heresy for having, in his <i>Sermon on Prayer</i>, omitted to state the + obligation to pray in the name of Christ. Dr. A. Carlyle's <i>Auto</i>. p. + 69. One of his sermons was placed in Hume's hands, apparently that the + author might have his suggestions in preparing a second edition. Hume + says:—'First the addressing of our virtuous withes and desires to the + Deity, since the address has no influence on him, is only a kind of + rhetorical figure, in order to render these wishes more ardent and + passionate. This is Mr. Leechman's doctrine. Now the use of any figure + of speech can never be a duty. Secondly, this figure, like most figures + of rhetoric, has an evident impropriety in it, for we can make use of no + expression, or even thought, in prayers and entreaties, which does not + imply that these prayers have an influence. Thirdly, this figure is very + dangerous, and leads directly, and even unavoidably, to impiety and + blasphemy,' etc. J.H. Burton's <i>Hume</i>, i. 161. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-208">[208]</a> Nichols (<i>Lit. Anec.</i> ii. 555) records:—'During the whole of my + intimacy with Dr. Johnson he rarely permitted me to depart without some + sententious advice.... His words at parting were, "Take care of your + eternal salvation. Remember to observe the Sabbath. Let it never be a + day of business, nor wholly a day of dissipation." He concluded his + solemn farewell with, "Let my words have their due weight. They are the + words of a dying man." I never saw him more.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-209">[209]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 72. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-210">[210]</a> 'From the bank of the Tweed to St. Andrews I had never seen a + single tree which I did not believe to have grown up far within the + present century.... The variety of sun and shade is here utterly + unknown.... A tree might be a show in Scotland as a horse in Venice. + At St. Andrews Mr. Boswell found only one, and recommended it to my + notice: I told him that it was rough and low, or looked as if I thought + so. "This," said he, "is nothing to another a few miles off." I was still + less delighted to hear that another tree was not to be seen nearer. + "Nay," said a gentleman that stood by, "I know but of this and that tree + in the county."' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 7 'In all this journey [so far + as Slains Castle] I have not travelled an hundred yards between hedges, + or seen five trees fit for the carpenter.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i.120. See + <i>ante</i>, ii. 301. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-211">[211]</a> One of the Boswells of this branch was, in 1798, raised to the + bench under the title of Lord Balmuto. It was his sister who was + Boswell's step-mother. Rogers's <i>Boswelliana,</i> pp. 4, 82. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-212">[212]</a> 'The colony of Leuchars is a vain imagination concerning a certain + fleet of Danes wrecked on Sheughy Dikes.' WALTER SCOTT. 'The fishing + people on that coast have, however, all the appearance of being a + different race from the inland population, and their dialect has many + peculiarities.' LOCKHART. Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 286. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-213">[213]</a> 'I should scarcely have regretted my journey, had it afforded + nothing more than the sight of Aberbrothick.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 9. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-214">[214]</a> Johnson referred, I believe, to the last of Tillotson's <i>Sermons + preached upon Several Occasions</i>, ed. 1673, p. 316, where the preacher + says:—'Supposing the <i>Scripture</i> to be a Divine Revelation, and that + these words (<i>This is My Body</i>), if they be in Scripture, must + necessarily be taken in the strict and literal sense, I ask now, What + greater evidence any man has that these words (<i>This is My Body</i>) are in + the Bible than every man has that the bread is not changed in the + sacrament? Nay, no man has so much, for we have only the evidence of + <i>one</i> sense that these words are in the Bible, but that the bread is not + changed we have the concurring testimony of <i>several</i> of our senses.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-215">[215]</a> This also is Tillotson's argument. 'There is no more certain + foundation for it [transubstantiation] in Scripture than for our + Saviour's being substantially changed into all those things which are + said of him, as that he is a <i>rock</i>, a <i>vine</i>, a <i>door</i>, and a hundred + other things.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 313. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-216">[216]</a> Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, except + ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life + in you. See <i>St. John's Gospel</i>, chap. vi. 53, and following + verses. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-217">[217]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 26. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-218">[218]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 140, note 5, and v. 50. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-219">[219]</a> Johnson, after saying that the inn was not so good as they + expected, continues:—'But Mr. Boswell desired me to observe that the + innkeeper was an Englishman, and I then defended him as well as I + could.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 9. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-220">[220]</a> Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale on July 29, 1775 (<i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 292):—' I hope I shall quickly come to Streatham...and catch a little + gaiety among you.' On this Baretti noted in his copy:—'<i>That</i> he never + caught. He thought and mused at Streatham as he did habitually + everywhere, and seldom or never minded what was doing about him.' On the + margin of i. 315 Baretti has written:—'Johnson mused as much on the road + to Paris as he did in his garret in London as much at a French opera as + in his room at Streatham.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-221">[221]</a> <i>A Biographical Sketch of Dr. Samuel Johnson,</i> by Thomas Tyers, + Esq. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 308. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-222">[222]</a> This description of Dr. Johnson appears to have been borrowed from + Tom Jones, bk. xi. ch. ii. 'The other who, like a ghost, only wanted to + be spoke to, readily answered, '&c. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-223">[223]</a> Perhaps he gave the 'shilling extraordinary' because he 'found a + church,' as he says, 'clean to a degree unknown in any other part of + Scotland.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 9. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-224">[224]</a> See <i>ante,</i> iii. 22. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-225">[225]</a> See <i>ante,</i> May 9, 1784. Yet Johnson says (<i>Works</i>, ix. 10):—'The + magnetism of Lord Monboddo's conversation easily drew us out of + our way.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-226">[226]</a> There were several points of similarity between them; learning, + clearness of head, precision of speech, and a love of research on many + subjects which people in general do not investigate. Foote paid Lord + Monboddo the compliment of saying, that he was an Elzevir edition + of Johnson. +</p> +<p> + It has been shrewdly observed that Foote must have meant a diminutive, + or <i>pocket</i> edition. BOSWELL. The latter part of this note is not in the + first edition. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-227">[227]</a> Lord Elibank (<i>post</i>, Sept. 12) said that he would go five hundred + miles to see Dr. Johnson; but Johnson never said more than he meant. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-228">[228]</a> <i>Works</i>, ix. 10. Of the road to Montrose he remarks:—'When I had + proceeded thus far I had opportunities of observing, what I had never + heard, that there were many beggars in Scotland. In Edinburgh the the + proportion is, I think, not less than in London, and in the smaller + places it is far greater than in English towns of the same extent. It + must, however, be allowed that they are not importunate, nor clamorous. + They solicit silently, or very modestly.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 9. See <i>post</i>, p. + 116, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-229">[229]</a> James Mill was born on April 6, 1773, at Northwater Bridge, parish + of Logie Pert, Forfar. The bridge was 'on the great central line of + communication from the north of Scotland. The hamlet is right and left + of the high road.' Bain's <i>Life of James Mill</i>, p. 1. Boswell and + Johnson, on their road to Laurence Kirk, must have passed close to the + cottage in which he was lying, a baby not five months old. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-230">[230]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 211. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-231">[231]</a> There is some account of him in Chambers's <i>Traditions of + Edinburgh</i>, ed. 1825, ii. 173, and in Dr. A. Carlyle's <i>Auto.</i> p. 136. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-232">[232]</a> G. Chalmers (<i>Life of Ruddiman</i>, p. 270) says:—'In May, 1790, Lord + Gardenston declared that he still intended to erect a proper monument in + his village to the memory of the late learned and worthy Mr. Ruddiman.' + In 1792 Gardenston, in his <i>Miscellanies</i>, p. 257, attacked Ruddiman. + 'It has of late become fashionable,' he wrote, 'to speak of Ruddiman in + terms of the highest respect.' The monument was never raised. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-233">[233]</a> <i>A Letter to the Inhabitants of Laurence Kirk</i>, by F. Garden. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-234">[234]</a> 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have + entertained angels unawares.' <i>Hebrews</i> xiii, 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-235">[235]</a> This, I find, is considered as obscure. I suppose Dr. Johnson + meant, that I assiduously and earnestly recommended myself to some of + the members, as in a canvass for an election into parliament. BOSWELL. + See <i>ante</i>, ii, 235. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-236">[236]</a> Goldsmith in <i>Retaliation</i>, a few months later, wrote of William + Burke:—'Would you ask for his merits? alas! he had none; What was good + was spontaneous, his faults were his own.' See <i>ante</i>, iii 362, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-237">[237]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 260, 390, 425. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-238">[238]</a> Hannah More (<i>Memoirs</i>, i. 252) wrote of Monboddo in 1782:—'He is + such an extravagant adorer of the ancients, that he scarcely allows the + English language to be capable of any excellence, still less the French. + He said we moderns are entirely degenerated. I asked in what? "In + everything," was his answer. He loves slavery upon principle. I asked + him how he could vindicate such an enormity. He owned it was because + Plutarch justified it. He is so wedded to system that, as Lord + Barrington said to me the other day, rather than sacrifice his favourite + opinion that men were born with tails, he would be contented to wear + one himself.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-239">[239]</a> Scott, in a note on <i>Guy Mannering</i>, ed. 1860, iv. 267, writes of + Monboddo:—'The conversation of the excellent old man, his high, + gentleman-like, chivalrous spirit, the learning and wit with which he + defended his fanciful paradoxes, the kind and liberal spirit of his + hospitality, must render these <i>noctes coenaeque</i> dear to all who, like + the author (though then young), had the honour of sitting at his board.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-240">[240]</a> Lord Cockburn, writing of the title that Jeffrey took when he was + raised to the Bench in 1834, said:—'The Scotch Judges are styled + <i>Lords</i>; a title to which long usage has associated feelings of + reverence in the minds of the people, who could not now be soon made to + respect or understand <i>Mr. Justice</i>. During its strongly feudalised + condition, the landholders of Scotland, who were almost the sole judges, + were really known only by the names of their estates. It was an insult, + and in some parts of the country it is so still, to call a laird by his + personal, instead of his territorial, title. But this assumption of two + names, one official and one personal, and being addressed by the one and + subscribing by the other, is wearing out, and will soon disappear + entirely.' Cockburn's <i>Jeffrey</i>, i. 365. See <i>post</i>, p. 111, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-241">[241]</a> <i>Georgics</i>, i. 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-242">[242]</a> Walter Scott used to tell an instance of Lord Monboddo's + agricultural enthusiasm, that returning home one night after an absence + (I think) on circuit, he went out with a candle to look at a field of + turnips, then a novelty in Scotland. CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-243">[243]</a> Johnson says the same in his <i>Life of John Philips</i>, and adds:— + 'This I was told by Miller, the great gardener and botanist, whose + experience was, that "there were many books written on the same subject + in prose, which do not contain so much truth as that poem."' <i>Works</i>, + vii. 234. Miller is mentioned in Walpole's <i>Letters</i>, ii. 352:—'There is + extreme taste in the park [Hagley]: the seats are not the best, but + there is not one absurdity. There is a ruined castle built by Miller, + that would get him his freedom, even of Strawberry: it has the true rust + of the Barons' Wars.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-244">[244]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 27. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-245">[245]</a> My note of this is much too short. <i>Brevis esse laboro, obscurus + fio</i>. ['I strive to be concise, I prove obscure.' FRANCIS. Horace, <i>Ars + Poet</i>. l. 25.] Yet as I have resolved that <i>the very Journal which Dr. + Johnson read</i>, shall be presented to the publick, I will not expand the + text in any considerable degree, though I may occasionally supply a word + to complete the sense, as I fill up the blanks of abbreviation, in the + writing; neither of which can be said to change the genuine <i>Journal</i>. + One of the best criticks of our age conjectures that the imperfect + passage above was probably as follows: 'In his book we have an accurate + display of a nation in war, and a nation in peace; the peasant is + delineated as truly as the general; nay, even harvest-sport, and the + modes of ancient theft are described.' BOSWELL. 'One of the best + criticks is, I believe, Malone, who had 'perused the original + manuscript.' See <i>ante</i>, p. 1; and <i>post</i>, Oct. 26, and under Nov. 11. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-246">[246]</a> It was in the Parliament-house that 'the ordinary Lords of + Session,' the Scotch Judges, that is to say, held their courts. + <i>Ante</i>, p. 39. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-247">[247]</a> Dr. Johnson modestly said, he had not read Homer so much as he + wished he had done. But this conversation shews how well he was + acquainted with the Maeonian bard; and he has shewn it still more in his + criticism upon Pope's <i>Homer</i>, in his <i>Life</i> of that Poet. My excellent + friend, Mr. Langton, told me, he was once present at a dispute between + Dr. Johnson and Mr. Burke, on the comparative merits of Homer and + Virgil, which was carried on with extraordinary abilities on both sides. + Dr. Johnson maintained the superiority of Homer. BOSWELL. Johnson told + Windham that he had never read through the Odyssey in the original. + Windham's <i>Diary</i>, p. 17. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 193, and May 1, 1783. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-248">[248]</a> Johnson ten years earlier told Boswell that he loved most 'the + biographical part of literature.' <i>Ante</i>, i. 425. Goldsmith said of + biography:—'It furnishes us with an opportunity of giving advice freely + and without offence.... Counsels as well as compliments are best + conveyed in an indirect and oblique manner, and this renders biography + as well as fable a most convenient vehicle for instruction. An ingenious + gentleman was asked what was the best lesson for youth; he answered, + "The life of a good man." Being again asked what was the next best, he + replied, "The life of a bad one."' Prior's <i>Goldsmith</i>, i. 395. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-249">[249]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 57. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-250">[250]</a> Ten years later he said:—'There is now a great deal more + learning in the world than there was formerly; for it is universally + diffused.' <i>Ante</i>, April 29,1783. Windham (<i>Diary</i>, p. 17) records + 'Johnson's opinion that I could not name above five of my college + acquaintances who read Latin with sufficient ease to make it + pleasurable.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-251">[251]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 352. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-252">[252]</a> 'Warburton, whatever was his motive, undertook without + solicitation to rescue Pope from the talons of Crousaz, by freeing him + from the imputation of favouring fatality, or rejecting revelation; and + from month to month continued a vindication of the <i>Essay on Man</i> in the + literary journal of that time, called the <i>Republick of Letters'</i> + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, viii. 289. Pope wrote to Warburton of the <i>Essay on + Man</i>:—'You understand my work better than I do myself.' Pope's <i>Works</i>, + ed. 1886, ix. 211. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-253">[253]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 37, note I, and Pope's <i>Works</i>, ed. 1886, ix. 220. + Allen was Ralph Allen of Prior Park near Bath, to whom Fielding + dedicated <i>Amelia</i>, and who is said to have been the original of + Allworthy in <i>Tom Jones</i>. It was he of whom Pope wrote:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Let low-born Allen, with an awkward shame, + Do good by stealth and blush to find it fame.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Epilogue to the Satires</i>, i. 135. +</p> +<p> + <i>Low-born</i> in later editions was changed to <i>humble</i>. Warburton not only + married his niece, but, on his death, became in her right owner of + Prior Park. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-254">[254]</a> Mr. Mark Pattison (<i>Satires of Pope</i>, p. 158) points out + Warburton's 'want of penetration in that subject [metaphysics] which he + considered more peculiarly his own.' He said of 'the late Mr. Baxter' + (Andrew Baxter, not Richard Baxter), that 'a few pages of his reasoning + have not only more sense and substance than all the elegant discourses + of Dr. Berkeley, but infinitely better entitle him to the character of a + great genius.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-255">[255]</a> It is of Warburton that Churchill wrote in <i>The Duellist (Poems,</i> + ed. 1766, ii. 82):— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'To prove his faith which all admit + Is at least equal to his wit, + And make himself a man of note, + He in defence of Scripture wrote; + So long he wrote, and long about it, + That e'en believers 'gan to doubt it.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-256">[256]</a> I find some doubt has been entertained concerning Dr. Johnson's + meaning here. It is to be supposed that he meant, 'when a king shall + again be entertained in Scotland.' BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-257">[257]</a> Perhaps among these ladies was the Miss Burnet of Monboddo, on + whom Burns wrote an elegy. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-258">[258]</a> In the <i>Rambler</i>, No. 98, entitled <i>The Necessity of Cultivating + Politeness</i>, Johnson says:—'The universal axiom in which all + complaisance is included, and from which flow all the formalities which + custom has established in civilized nations, is, <i>That no man shall give + any preference to himself.'</i> In the same paper, he says that + 'unnecessarily to obtrude unpleasing ideas is a species of oppression.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-259">[259]</a> Act ii. sc. 5. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-260">[260]</a> Perhaps he was referring to Polyphemus's club, which was +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Of height and bulk so vast + The largest ship might claim it for a mast.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Pope's <i>Odyssey</i>, ix. 382. +</p> +<p> + Or to Agamemnon's sceptre:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Which never more shall leaves or blossoms bear.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Iliad</i>, i. 310. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-261">[261]</a> 'We agreed pretty well, only we disputed in adjusting the claims + of merit between a shopkeeper of London and a savage of the American + wildernesses. Our opinions were, I think, maintained on both sides + without full conviction; Monboddo declared boldly for the savage, and I, + perhaps for that reason, sided with the citizen.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 115. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-262">[262]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Heroes are much the same, the point's agreed, + From Macedonia's madman to the Swede; + The whole strange purpose of their lives to find, + Or make, an enemy of all mankind! + Not one looks backward, onward still he goes, + Yet ne'er looks forward further than his nose.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Essay on Man,</i> iv. 219. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-263">[263]</a> <i>Maccaroni</i> is not in Johnson's <i>Dictionary</i>. Horace Walpole + (<i>Letters</i>, iv. 178) on Feb. 6, 1764, mentions 'the Maccaroni Club, + which is composed of all the travelled young men who wear long curls and + spying-glasses.' On the following Dec. 16 he says:—'The Maccaroni Club + has quite absorbed Arthur's; for, you know, old fools will hobble after + young ones.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 302. See <i>post</i>, Sept. 12, for <i>buck</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-264">[264]</a> 'We came late to Aberdeen, where I found my dear mistress's + letter, and learned that all our little people were happily recovered of + the measles. Every part of your letter was pleasing.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 115. For Johnson's use of the word <i>mistress</i> in speaking of Mrs. + Thrale see <i>ante</i>, i. 494. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-265">[265]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 455. 'They taught us,' said one of the Professors, + 'to raise cabbage and make shoes, How they lived without shoes may yet + be seen; but in the passage through villages it seems to him that + surveys their gardens, that when they had not cabbage they had nothing.' + <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 116. Johnson in the same letter says that 'New + Aberdeen is built of that granite which is used for the <i>new</i> pavement + in London.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-266">[266]</a> 'In Aberdeen I first saw the women in plaids.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 116. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-267">[267]</a> Seven years later Mackintosh, on entering King's College, found + there the son of Johnson's old friend, 'the learned Dr. Charles Burney, + finishing his term at Aberdeen.' Among his fellow-students were also + some English Dissenters, among them Robert Hall. Mackintosh's <i>Life,</i> i. + 10, 13. In Forbes's <i>Life of Beattie</i> (ed. 1824, p. 169) is a letter by + Beattie, dated Oct. 15, 1773, in which the English and Scotch + Universities are compared. Colman, in his <i>Random Records,</i> ii. 85, + gives an account of his life at Aberdeen as a student. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-268">[268]</a> Lord Bolingbroke (Works, iii. 347) in 1735 speaks of 'the little + care that is taken in the training up our youth,' and adds, 'surely it + is impossible to take less.' See <i>ante</i>, ii. 407, and iii. 12. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-269">[269]</a> <i>London, 2d May</i>, 1778. Dr. Johnson acknowledged that he was + himself the authour of the translation above alluded to, and dictated it + to me as follows:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Quos laudet vates Graius Romanus et Anglus + Tres tria temporibus secla dedere suis. + Sublime ingenium Graius; Romanus habebat + Carmen grande sonans; Anglus utrumque tulit. + Nil majus Natura capit: clarare priores + Quae potuere duos tertius unus habet. BOSWELL. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + It was on May 2, 1778, that Johnson attacked Boswell with such rudeness + that he kept away from him for a week. <i>Ante</i>, iii. 337. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-270">[270]</a> 'We were on both sides glad of the interview, having not seen nor + perhaps thought on one another for many years; but we had no emulation, + nor had either of us risen to the other's envy, and our old kindness was + easily renewed.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 117. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-271">[271]</a> Johnson wrote on Sept. 30:—'Barley-broth is a constant dish, and + is made well in every house. A stranger, if he is prudent, will secure + his share, for it is not certain that he will be able to eat anything + else.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. p. 160. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-272">[272]</a> See <i>ante</i>. p. 24. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-273">[273]</a> <i>Genesis</i>, ix. 6. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-274">[274]</a> My worthy, intelligent, and candid friend, Dr. Kippis, informs me, + that several divines have thus explained the mediation of our Saviour. + What Dr. Johnson now delivered, was but a temporary opinion; for he + afterwards was fully convinced of the <i>propitiatory sacrifice</i>, as I + shall shew at large in my future work, <i>The Life of Samuel Johnson, + LL.D.</i> BOSWELL. For Dr. Kippis see <i>ante</i>, iii. 174, and for Johnson on + the propitiatory sacrifice, iv. 124. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-275">[275]</a> <i>Malachi</i>, iv. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-276">[276]</a> <i>St. Luke</i>, ii 32. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-277">[277]</a> 'Healing <i>in</i> his wings,'<i>Malachi</i>, iv. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-278">[278]</a> 'He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that + believeth not shall be damned.' <i>St. Mark</i>, xvi. 16. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-279">[279]</a> Mr. Langton. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 254, 265. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-280">[280]</a> Spedding's <i>Bacon</i>, vii. 271. The poem is also given in <i>The + Golden Treasury</i>, p. 37; where, however, 'limns <i>the</i> water' is changed + into 'limns <i>on</i> water.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-281">[281]</a> 'Addison now returned to his vocation, and began to plan literary + occupations for his future life. He purposed a tragedy on the death of + Socrates... He engaged in a nobler work, a defence of the Christian + religion, of which part was published after his death.' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, vii. 441, and Addison's <i>Works</i>, ed. 1856, v. 103. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-282">[282]</a> Dr. Beattie was so kindly entertained in England, that he had not + yet returned home. BOSWELL. Beattie was staying in London till his + pension got settled. Early in July he had been told that he was to have + a pension of £200 a year (<i>ante</i>, ii. 264, note 2). It was not till Aug. + 20 that it was conferred. On July 9, he, in company with Sir Joshua + Reynolds, received the degree of D.C.L. at Oxford. On Aug. 24, he had a + long interview with the King; 'who asked,' Beattie records, 'whether we + had any good preachers at Aberdeen. I said "Yes," and named Campbell and + Gerard, with whose names, however, I did not find that he was + acquainted.' It was this same summer that Reynolds painted him in 'the + allegorical picture representing the triumph of truth over scepticism + and infidelity' (<i>post</i>, Oct. 1, note). Forbes's <i>Beattie</i>, ed. 1824, + pp. 151-6, 167. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-283">[283]</a> Dr. Johnson's burgess-ticket was in these words:—'Aberdoniae, + vigesimo tertio die mensis Augusti, anno Domini millesimo + septingentesimo septuagesimo tertio, in presentia honorabilium virorum, + Jacobi Jopp, armigeri, praepositi, Adami Duff, Gulielmi Young, Georgii + Marr, et Gulielmi Forbes, Balivorum, Gulielmi Rainie Decani guildae, et + Joannis Nicoll Thesaurarii dicti burgi. 'Quo die vir generosus et + doctrina clarus, Samuel Johnson, LL.D. receptus et admissus fuit in + municipes et fratres guildae: praefati burgi de Aberdeen. In deditissimi + amoris et affectus ac eximiae observantiae tesseram, quibus dicti + Magistratus eum amplectuntur. Extractum per me, ALEX. CARNEGIE.' + BOSWELL. 'I was presented with the freedom of the city, not in a gold + box, but in good Latin. Let me pay Scotland one just praise; there was + no officer gaping for a fee; this could have been said of no city on the + English side of the Tweed.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 117. Baretti, in a MS. + note on this passage, says:—'Throughout England nothing is done for + nothing. Stop a moment to look at the rusticks mowing a field, and they + will presently quit their work to come to you, and ask something to + drink.' Aberdeen conferred its freedom so liberally about this time that + it is surprising that Boswell was passed over. George Colman the + younger, when a youth of eighteen, was sent to King's College. He says + in his worthless <i>Random Records</i>, ii. 99:—'I had scarcely been a week + in Old Aberdeen, when the Lord Provost of the New Town invited me to + drink wine with him one evening in the Town Hall; there I found a + numerous company assembled. The object of this meeting was soon declared + to me by the Lord Provost, who drank my health, and presented me with + the freedom of the City.' Two of his English fellow-students, of a + little older standing, had, he said, received the same honour. His + statement seemed to me incredible; but by the politeness of the + Town-clerk, W. Gordon, Esq., I have found out that in the main it is + correct. Colman, with one of the two, was admitted as an Honorary + Burgess on Oct. 8, 1781, being described as <i>vir generosus</i>; the other + had been admitted earlier. The population of Aberdeen and its suburbs in + 1769 was, according to Pennant, 16,000. Pennant's <i>Tour</i>, p. 117. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-284">[284]</a> 'King's College in Aberdeen was an exact model of the University + of Paris. Its founder, Bishop [not Archbishop] Elphinstone, had been a + Professor at Paris and at Orleans.' Burton's <i>Scotland</i>, ed. 1873, iii. + 404. On p. 20, Dr. Burton describes him as 'the rich accomplished + scholar and French courtier Elphinstone, munificently endowing a + University after the model of the University of Paris.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-285">[285]</a> Boswell projected the following works:—1. An edition of + <i>Johnson's Poems. Ante</i>, i. 16. 2. A work in which the merit of + Addison's poetry shall be maintained, <i>ib</i>. p. 225. 3. A <i>History of + Sweden</i>, ii. 156. 4. A<i> Life of Thomas Ruddiman, ib.</i> p. 216. 5. An + edition of Walton's<i> Lives</i> iii. 107. 6. A <i>History of the Civil War in</i> + <i>Great Britain in</i> 1745 and 1746, <i>ib.</i>, p. 162. +</p> +<p> + 7. A <i>Life of Sir Robert Sibbald, ib.</i> p. 227. 8 An account of his own + Travels, <i>ib</i>. p. 300. 9. A Collection, with notes, of old tenures and + charters of Scotland, <i>ib</i>. p. 414, note 3. 10. A <i>History of James IV.</i> + 11. 'A quarto volume to be embellished with fine plates, on the subject + of the controversy (<i>ante</i>, ii. 367) occasioned by the <i>Beggar's + Opera.</i>' Murray's <i>Johnsoniana</i>, ed. 1836, p. 502. +</p> +<p> + Thomas Boswell received from James IV. the estate of Auchinleck. <i>Ante</i>, + ii. 413. See <i>post</i>, Nov. 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-286">[286]</a> Mackintosh says, in his <i>Life</i>, i. 9:—'In October, 1780, I was + admitted into the Greek class, then taught by Mr. Leslie, who did not + aspire beyond teaching us the first rudiments of the language; more + would, I believe, have been useless to his scholars.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-287">[287]</a> 'Boswell was very angry that the Aberdeen professors would not + talk.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 118. Dr. Robertson and Dr. Blair, whom + Boswell, five years earlier, invited to meet Johnson at supper, 'with an + excess of prudence hardly opened their lips' (<i>ante</i>, ii. 63). At + Glasgow the professors did not dare to talk much (<i>post</i>, Oct. 29). On + another occasion when Johnson came in, the company 'were all as quiet as + a school upon the entrance of the headmaster.' <i>Ante</i>, iii. 332. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-288">[288]</a> Dr. Beattie says that this printer was Strahan. He had seen the + letter mentioned by Gerard, and many other letters too from the Bishop + to Strahan. 'They were,' he continues, 'very particularly acquainted.' + He adds that 'Strahan was eminently skilled in composition, and had + corrected (as he told me himself) the phraseology of both Mr. Hume and + Dr. Robertson.' Forbes's <i>Beattie</i>, ed. 1824, p. 341. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-289">[289]</a> An instance of this is given in Johnson's <i>Works</i>, viii. + 288:—'Warburton had in the early part of his life pleased himself with + the notice of inferior wits, and corresponded with the enemies of Pope. + A letter was produced, when he had perhaps himself forgotten it, in + which he tells Concanen, "Dryden, I observe, borrows for want of + leisure, and Pope for want of genius; Milton out of pride, and Addison + out of modesty."' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-290">[290]</a> 'Goldsmith asserted that Warburton was a weak writer. "Warburton," + said Johnson, "may be absurd, but he will never be weak; he flounders + well."' Stockdale's <i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 64. See Appendix A. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-291">[291]</a> <i>The Doctrine of Grace; or the Office and Operations of the Holy + Spirit vindicated from the Insults of Infidelity and the Abuses of + Fanaticism</i>, 1762. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-292">[292]</a> <i>A Letter to the Bishop of Gloucester, occasioned by his Tract on + the Office and Operations of the Holy Spirit</i>, by John Wesley, 1762. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-293">[293]</a> Malone records:—'I could not find from Mr. Walpole that his + father [Sir Robert] read any other book but Sydenham in his retirement.' + To his admiration of Sydenham his death was attributed; for it led him + to treat himself wrongly when he was suffering from the stone. Prior's + <i>Malone</i>, p. 387. Johnson wrote a <i>Life of Sydenham</i>. In it he ridicules + the notion that 'a man eminent for integrity <i>practised Medicine by + chance, and grew wise only by murder</i>.' <i>Works</i>, vi. 409. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-294">[294]</a> All this, as Dr. Johnson suspected at the time, was the immediate + invention of his own lively imagination; for there is not one word of it + in Mr. Locke's complimentary performance. My readers will, I have no + doubt, like to be satisfied, by comparing them; and, at any rate, it may + entertain them to read verses composed by our great metaphysician, when + a Bachelor in Physick. AUCTORI, IN TRACTATUM EJUS DE FEBRIBUS. +</p> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Febriles aestus, victumque ardoribus orbem + Flevit, non tantis par Medicina malis. + Nam post mille artes, medicae tentamina curae, + Ardet adhuc Febris; nec velit arte regi. + Praeda sumus flammis; solum hoc speramus ab igne, + Ut restet paucus, quem capit urna, cinis. + Dum quaerit medicus febris caussamque, modumque, + Flammarum & tenebras, & sine luce faces; + Quas tractat patitur flammas, & febre calescens, + Corruit ipse suis victima rapta focis. + Qui tardos potuit morbos, artusque trementes, + Sistere, febrili se videt igne rapi. + Sic faber exesos fulsit tibicine muros; + Dum trahit antiquas lenta ruina domos. + Sed si flamma vorax miseras incenderit aedes, + Unica flagrantes tunc sepelire salus. + Fit fuga, tectonicas nemo tunc invocat artes; + Cum perit artificis non minus usta domus. + Se tandem <i>Sydenham</i> febrisque Scholaeque furori + Opponens, morbi quaerit, & artis opem. + Non temere incusat tectae putedinis [putredinis] ignes; + Nec fictus, febres qui fovet, humor erit. + Non bilem ille movet, nulla hic pituita; Salutis + Quae spes, si fallax ardeat intus aqua? + Nec doctas magno rixas ostentat hiatu, + Quîs ipsis major febribus ardor inest. + Innocuas placide corpus jubet urere flammas, + Et justo rapidos temperat igne focos. + Quid febrim exstinguat, varius quid postulet usus, + Solari aegrotos, qua potes arte, docet, + Hactenus ipsa suum timuit Natura calorem, + Dum saepe incerto, quo calet, igne perit: + Dum reparat tacitos male provida sanguinis ignes, + Praslusit busto, fit calor iste rogus. + Jam secura suas foveant praecordia flammas, + Quem Natura negat, dat Medicina modum. + Nec solum faciles compescit sanguinis aestus, + Dum dubia est inter spemque metumque salus; + Sed fatale malum domuit, quodque astra malignum + Credimus, iratam vel genuisse <i>Stygem</i>. + Extorsit <i>Lachesi</i> cultros, Pestique venenum + Abstulit, & tantos non sinit esse metus. + Quis tandem arte nova domitam mitescere Pestem + Credat, & antiquas ponere posse minas? + Post tot mille neces, cumulataque funera busto, + Victa jacet parvo vulnere dira Lues. + Aetheriae quanquam spargunt contagia flammae, + Quicquid inest istis ignibus, ignis erit. + Delapsae coelo flammae licet acrius urant + Has gelida exstingui non nisi morte putas? + Tu meliora paras victrix Medicina; tuusque, + Pestis quae superat cuncta, triumphus eris [erit]. + Vive liber, victis febrilibus ignibus; unus + Te simul & mundum qui manet, ignis erit. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + J. LOCK, A.M. Ex. Aede Christi, Oxon. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-295">[295]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 126, 298. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-296">[296]</a> 'One of its ornaments [i.e. of + Marischal College] is the picture of + Arthur Johnston, who was principal + of the college, and who holds among + the Latin Poets of Scotland the next + place to the elegant Buchanan.' + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 12. Pope + attacking Benson, who endeavoured + to raise himself to fame by erecting + monuments to Milton, and printing + editions of Johnson's version of + the <i>Psalms</i>, introduces the Scotch + Poet in the <i>Dunciad</i>:— + On two unequal crutches propped + he came, + Milton's on this, on that one Johnston's + name.' + <i>Dunciad</i>, bk. iv. l. III. + Johnson wrote to Boswell for a copy + of Johnston's <i>Poems</i> (<i>ante</i>, iii. 104) + and for his likeness (<i>ante</i>, March 18, 1784). +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-297">[297]</a> 'Education is here of the same price as at St. Andrews, only the + session is but from the 1st of November to the 1st of April' [five + months, instead of seven]. <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 116. In his <i>Works</i> (ix. + 14) Johnson by mistake gives eight months to the St. Andrews session. On + p. 5 he gives it rightly as seven. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-298">[298]</a> Beattie, as an Aberdeen professor, was grieved at this saying when + he read the book. 'Why is it recorded?' he asked. 'For no reason that I + can imagine, unless it be in order to return evil for good.' Forbes's + <i>Beattie</i>, ed. 1824. p. 337. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-299">[299]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 336, and iii. 209. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-300">[300]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 65, and <i>post</i>, Nov. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-301">[301]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 411. Johnson, no doubt, was reminded of this story + by his desire to get this book. Later on (<i>ante</i>, iii. 104) he asked + Boswell 'to be vigilant and get him Graham's <i>Telemachus</i>.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-302">[302]</a> I am sure I have related this story exactly as Dr. Johnson told it + to me; but a friend who has often heard him tell it, informs me that he + usually introduced a circumstance which ought not to be omitted. 'At + last, Sir, Graham, having now got to about the pitch of looking at one + man, and talking to another, said <i>Doctor</i>, &c.' 'What effect (Dr. + Johnson used to add) this had on Goldsmith, who was as irascible as a + hornet, may be easily conceived.' BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-303">[303]</a> Graham was of Eton College. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-304">[304]</a> It was to Johnson that the invitation was due. 'What I was at the + English Church at Aberdeen I happened to be espied by Lady Dr. + Middleton, whom I had sometime seen in London; she told what she had + seen to Mr. Boyd, Lord Errol's brother, who wrote us an invitation to + Lord Errol's house.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 118. Boswell, perhaps, was not + unwilling that the reader should think that it was to him that the + compliment was paid. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-305">[305]</a> 'In 1745 my friend, Tom Cumming the Quaker, said he would not + fight, but he would drive an ammunition cart.' <i>Ante</i>, April 28, 1783. + Smollett (<i>History of England</i>, iv. 293) describes how, in 1758, the + conquest of Senegal was due to this 'sensible Quaker,' 'this honest + Quaker,' as he calls him, who not only conceived the project, but 'was + concerned as a principal director and promoter of the expedition. If it + was the first military scheme of any Quaker, let it be remembered it was + also the first successful expedition of this war, and one of the first + that ever was carried on according to the pacifick system of the + Quakers, without the loss of a drop of blood on either side.' If there + was no bloodshed, it was by good luck, for 'a regular engagement was + warmly maintained on both sides.' It was a Quaker, then, who led the van + in the long line of conquests which have made Chatham's name so famous. + Mrs. Piozzi (<i>Anec</i>. p. 185) says:—'Dr. Johnson told me that Cummyns + (sic) the famous Quaker, whose friendship he valued very highly, fell a + sacrifice to the insults of the newspapers; having declared to him on + his death-bed, that the pain of an anonymous letter, written in some of + the common prints of the day, fastened on his heart, and threw him into + the slow fever of which he died.' Mr. Seward records (<i>Anec</i>. ii. + 395):—'Mr. Cummins, the celebrated American Quaker, said of Mr. Pitt + (Lord Chatham):—"The first time I come to Mr. Pitt upon any business I + find him extremely ignorant; the second time I come to him, I find him + completely informed upon it."' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-306">[306]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 232. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-307">[307]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 46. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-308">[308]</a> 'From the windows the eye wanders over the sea that separates + Scotland from Norway, and when the winds beat with violence, must enjoy + all the terrifick grandeur of the tempestuous ocean. I would not for any + amusement wish for a storm; but as storms, whether wished or not, will + sometimes happen, I may say, without violation of humanity, that I + should willingly look out upon them from Slanes Castle.' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, ix. 15. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-309">[309]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 68. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-310">[310]</a> Horace. <i>Odes</i>, i. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-311">[311]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 428. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-312">[312]</a> Perhaps the poverty of their host led to this talk. Sir Walter + Scott wrote in 1814:—'Imprudence, or ill-fortune as fatal as the sands + of Belhelvie [shifting sands that had swallowed up a whole parish], has + swallowed up the estate of Errol, excepting this dreary mansion-house + and a farm or two adjoining.' Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, ed. 1839, iv. 187. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-313">[313]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 421, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-314">[314]</a> Since the accession of George I. only one parliament had had so + few as five sessions, and it was dissolved before its time by his death. + One had six sessions, six seven sessions, (including the one that was + now sitting,) and one eight. There was therefore so little dread of a + sudden dissolution that for five years of each parliament the members + durst contradict the populace. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-315">[315]</a> To Miss Burney Johnson once said:—'Sir Joshua Reynolds possesses + the largest share of inoffensiveness of any man that I know.' <i>Memoirs + of Dr. Burney</i>, i. 343. 'Once at Mr. Thrale's, when Reynolds left the + room, Johnson observed:—"There goes a man not to be spoiled by + prosperity."' Northcote's <i>Reynolds</i>, i. 82. Burke wrote of him:—'He + had a strong turn for humour, and well saw the weak sides of things. He + enjoyed every circumstance of his good fortune, and had no affectation + on that subject. And I do not know a fault or weakness of his that he + did not convert into something that bordered on a virtue, instead of + pushing it to the confines of a vice.' Taylor's <i>Reynolds</i>, ii. 638. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-316">[316]</a> He visited Devonshire in 1762. <i>Ante</i>, i. 377. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-317">[317]</a> Horace Walpole, describing the coronation of George III, writes:— + 'One there was ... the noblest figure I ever saw, the high-constable of + Scotland, Lord Errol; as one saw him in a space capable of containing + him, one admired him. At the wedding, dressed in tissue, he looked like + one of the Giants in Guildhall, new gilt. It added to the energy of his + person, that one considered him acting so considerable a part in that + very Hall, where so few years ago one saw his father, Lord Kilmarnock, + condemned to the block.' <i>Letters</i>, iii. 438. Sir William Forbes + says:—'He often put me in mind of an ancient Hero, and I remember Dr. + Johnson was positive that he resembled Homer's character of Sarpedon.' + <i>Life of Beattie</i>, ed. 1824, Appendix D. Mrs. Piozzi says:—'The Earl + dressed in his robes at the coronation and Mrs. Siddons in the character + of Murphy's Euphrasia were the noblest specimens of the human race I + ever saw.' <i>Synonymy</i>, i.43. He sprang from a race of rebels. 'He united + in his person,' says Forbes, 'the four earldoms of Errol, Kilmarnock, + Linlithgow, and Callander.' The last two were attainted in 1715, and + Kilmarnock in 1745. <i>Life of Beattie</i>, Appendix D. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-318">[318]</a> Lord Chesterfield, in his letters to his son [iii. 130], complains + of one who argued in an indiscriminate manner with men of all ranks, + Probably the noble lord had felt with some uneasiness what it was to + encounter stronger abilities than his own. If a peer will engage at + foils with his inferior in station, he must expect that his inferior in + station will avail himself of every advantage; otherwise it is not a + fair trial of strength and skill. The same will hold in a contest of + reason, or of wit.—A certain king entered the lists of genius with + Voltaire. The consequence was, that, though the king had great and + brilliant talents, Voltaire had such a superiority that his majesty + could not bear it; and the poet was dismissed, or escaped, from that + court.—In the reign of James I. of England, Crichton, Lord Sanquhar, a + peer of Scotland, from a vain ambition to excel a fencing-master in his + own art, played at rapier and dagger with him. The fencing-master, whose + fame and bread were at stake, put out one of his lordship's eyes. + Exasperated at this, Lord Sanquhar hired ruffians, and had the + fencing-master assassinated; for which his lordship was capitally tried, + condemned, and hanged. Not being a peer of England, he was tried by the + name of Robert Crichton, Esq.; but he was admitted to be a baron of + three hundred years' standing.—See the <i>State Trials</i>; and the <i>History + of England</i> by Hume, who applauds the impartial justice executed upon a + man of high rank. BOSWELL. The 'stronger abilities' that Chesterfield + encountered were Johnson's. Boswell thought wrongly that it was of + Johnson that his Lordship complained in his letters to his son. <i>Ante</i>, + i. 267, note 2. 'A certain King' was Frederick the Great. <i>Ante</i>, i. + 434. The fencing-master was murdered in his own house in London, five + years after Sanquhar (or Sanquire) had lost his eye. Bacon, who was + Solicitor-General, said:—'Certainly the circumstance of time is heavy + unto you; it is now five years since this unfortunate man, Turner, be it + upon accident or despight, gave the provocation which was the seed of + your malice.' <i>State Trials</i>, ii. 743, and Hume's <i>History</i>, ed. + 1802, vi. 61. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-319">[319]</a> <i>Hamlet</i>, act i. sc. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-320">[320]</a> Perhaps Lord Errol was the Scotch Lord mentioned <i>ante</i>, iii. 170, + and the nobleman mentioned <i>ib</i>. p. 329. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-321">[321]</a> 'Pitied by gentle minds Kilmarnock died.' <i>Ante</i>. i. 180. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-322">[322]</a> Sir Walter Scott describes the talk that he had in 1814 near + Slains Castle with an old fisherman. 'The old man says Slains is now + inhabited by a Mr. Bowles, who comes so far from the southward that + naebody kens whare he comes frae. "Was he frae the Indies?" "Na; he did + not think he came that road. He was far frae the Southland. Naebody ever + heard the name of the place; but he had brought more guid out o' + Peterhead than a' the Lords he had seen in Slains, and he had seen + three."' Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, ed. 1839, iv. 188. The first of the three + was Johnson's host. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-323">[323]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 153, and iii. 1, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-324">[324]</a> Smollett, in <i>Humphry Clinker</i> (Letter of Sept. 6), writing of the + Highlanders and their chiefs, says:—'The original attachment is + founded on something prior to the <i>feudal system</i>, about which the + writers of this age have made such a pother, as if it was a new + discovery, like the <i>Copernican system</i> ... For my part I expect to see + the use of trunk-hose and buttered ale ascribed to the influence of the + <i>feudal system</i>.' See <i>ante</i>, ii. 177. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-325">[325]</a> Mme. Riccoboni wrote to Garrick on May 3, 1769:—'Vous conviendrez + que les nobles sont peu ménagés par vos auteurs; le sot, le fat, ou le + malhonnête homme mêlé dans l'intrigue est presque toujours un lord.' + <i>Garrick Corres</i>, ii. 561. Dr. Moore (<i>View of Society in France</i>, i. + 29) writing in 1779 says:—'I am convinced there is no country in Europe + where royal favour, high birth, and the military profession could be + allowed such privileges as they have in France, and where there would be + so few instances of their producing rough and brutal behaviour to + inferiors.' Mrs. Piozzi, writing in 1784, though she did not publish her + book till 1789, said:—'The French are really a contented race of + mortals;—precluded almost from possibility of adventure, the low + Parisian leads gentle, humble life, nor envies that greatness he never + can obtain.' <i>Journey through France</i>, i. 13. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-326">[326]</a> He is the worthy son of a worthy father, the late Lord Strichen, + one of our judges, to whose kind notice I was much obliged. Lord + Strichen was a man not only honest, but highly generous; for after his + succession to the family estate, he paid a large sum of debts contracted + by his predecessor, which he was not under any obligation to pay. Let me + here, for the credit of Ayrshire, my own county, record a noble instance + of liberal honesty in William Hutchison, drover, in Lanehead, Kyle, who + formerly obtained a full discharge from his creditors upon a composition + of his debts; but upon being restored to good circumstances, invited his + creditors last winter to a dinner, without telling the reason, and paid + them their full sums, principal and interest. They presented him with a + piece of plate, with an inscription to commemorate this extraordinary + instance of true worth; which should make some people in Scotland blush, + while, though mean themselves, they strut about under the protection of + great alliance, conscious of the wretchedness of numbers who have lost + by them, to whom they never think of making reparation, but indulge + themselves and their families in most unsuitable expence. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-327">[327]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 194; iii. 353; and iv. June 30, 1784. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-328">[328]</a> Malone says that 'Lord Auchinleck told his son one day that it + would cost him more trouble to hide his ignorance in the Scotch and + English law than to show his knowledge. This Mr. Boswell owned he had + found to be true.' <i>European Magazine</i>, 1798, p. 376. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-329">[329]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 8, note 3, and iv. 20. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-330">[330]</a> Colman had translated <i>Terence. Ante</i>, iv. 18. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-331">[331]</a> Dr. Nugent was Burke's father-in-law. <i>Ante</i>, i. 477. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-332">[332]</a> Lord Charlemont left behind him a <i>History of Italian Poetry</i>. + Hardy's <i>Charlemont</i>, i. 306, ii. 437. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-333">[333]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 250, and ii. 378, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-334">[334]</a> Since the first edition, it has been suggested by one of the club, + who knew Mr. Vesey better than Dr. Johnson and I, that we did not assign + him a proper place; for he was quite unskilled in Irish antiquities and + Celtick learning, but might with propriety have been made professor of + architecture, which he understood well, and has left a very good + specimen of his knowledge and taste in that art, by an elegant house + built on a plan of his own formation, at Lucan, a few miles from Dublin. + BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, iv. 28. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-335">[335]</a> Sir William Jones, who died at the age of forty-seven, had + 'studied eight languages critically, eight less perfectly, but all + intelligible with a dictionary, and twelve least perfectly, but all + attainable.' Teignmouth's <i>Life of Sir W. Jones</i>, ed. 1815, p. 465. See + <i>ante</i>, iv. 69. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-336">[336]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 478. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-337">[337]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 16. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-338">[338]</a> Mackintosh in his <i>Life</i>, ii. 171, says:—'From the refinements of + abstruse speculation Johnson was withheld, partly perhaps by that + repugnance to such subtleties which much experience often inspires, and + partly also by a secret dread that they might disturb those prejudices + in which his mind had found repose from the agitations of doubt.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-339">[339]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 11, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-340">[340]</a> Our Club, originally at the Turk's Head, Gerrard-street, then at + Prince's, Sackville-street, now at Baxter's, Dover-street, which at Mr. + Garrick's funeral acquired a <i>name</i> for the first time, and was called + THE LITERARY CLUB, was instituted in 1764, and now consists of + thirty-five members. It has, since 1773, been greatly augmented; and + though Dr. Johnson with justice observed, that, by losing Goldsmith, + Garrick, Nugent, Chamier, Beauclerk, we had lost what would make an + eminent club, yet when I mentioned, as an accession, Mr. Fox, Dr. George + Fordyce, Sir Charles Bunbury, Lord Ossory, Mr. Gibbon, Dr. Adam Smith, + Mr. R.B. Sheridan, the Bishops of Kilaloe and St. Asaph, Dean Marley, + Mr. Steevens, Mr. Dunning, Sir Joseph Banks, Dr. Scott of the Commons, + Earl Spencer, Mr. Windham of Norfolk, Lord Elliott, Mr. Malone, Dr. + Joseph Warton, the Rev. Thomas Warton, Lord Lucan, Mr. Burke junior, + Lord Palmerston, Dr. Burney, Sir William Hamilton, and Dr. Warren, it + will be acknowledged that we might establish a second university of high + reputation. BOSWELL. Mr. (afterwards Sir) William Jones wrote in 1780 + (<i>Life</i>, p. 241):—'Of our club I will only say that there is no branch + of human knowledge on which some of our members are not capable of + giving information.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-341">[341]</a> Here, unluckily, the windows had no pullies; and Dr. Johnson, who + was constantly eager for fresh air, had much struggling to get one of + them kept open. Thus he had a notion impressed upon him, that this + wretched defect was general in Scotland; in consequence of which he has + erroneously enlarged upon it in his <i>Journey</i>. I regretted that he did + not allow me to read over his book before it was printed. I should have + changed very little; but I should have suggested an alteration in a few + places where he has laid himself open to be attacked. I hope I should + have prevailed with him to omit or soften his assertion, that 'a + Scotsman must be a sturdy moralist, who does not prefer Scotland to + truth,' for I really think it is not founded; and it is harshly said. + BOSWELL. Johnson, after a half-apology for 'these diminutive + observations' on Scotch windows and fresh air, continues:—'The true + state of every nation is the state of common life.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 18. + Boswell a second time (<i>ante</i>, ii. 311) returns to Johnson's assertion + that 'a Scotchman must be a very sturdy moralist who does not love + Scotland better than truth; he will always love it better than inquiry.' + <i>Works</i>, ix. 116. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-342">[342]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 40. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-343">[343]</a> A protest may be entered on the part of most Scotsmen against the + Doctor's taste in this particular. A Finnon haddock dried over the smoke + of the sea-weed, and sprinkled with salt water during the process, + acquires a relish of a very peculiar and delicate flavour, inimitable on + any other coast than that of Aberdeenshire. Some of our Edinburgh + philosophers tried to produce their equal in vain. I was one of a party + at a dinner, where the philosophical haddocks were placed in competition + with the genuine Finnon-fish. These were served round without + distinction whence they came; but only one gentleman, out of twelve + present, espoused the cause of philosophy. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-344">[344]</a> It is the custom in Scotland for the judges of the Court of + Session to have the title of <i>lords</i>, from their estates; thus Mr. + Burnett is Lord <i>Monboddo</i>, as Mr. Home was Lord <i>Kames</i>. There is + something a little awkward in this; for they are denominated in deeds by + their <i>names</i>, with the addition of 'one of the Senators of the College + of Justice;' and subscribe their Christian and surnames, as <i>James + Burnett</i>, <i>Henry Home</i>, even in judicial acts. BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, p. + 77, note 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-345">[345]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 344, where Johnson says:—'A judge may be a + farmer, but he is not to geld his own pigs.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-346">[346]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Not to admire is all the art I know + To make men happy and to keep them so.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Pope, <i>Imitations of Horace</i>, Epistles, i. vi. 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-347">[347]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 461. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-348">[348]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 152. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-349">[349]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 322. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-350">[350]</a> In the <i>Gent. Mag.</i> for 1755, p. 42, among the deaths is entered + 'Sir James Lowther, Bart., reckoned the richest commoner in Great + Britain, and worth above a million.' According to Lord Shelburne, Lord + Sunderland, who had been advised 'to nominate Lowther one of his + Treasury on account of his great property,' appointed him to call on + him. After waiting for some time he rang to ask whether he had come, + 'The servants answered that nobody had called; upon his repeating the + inquiry they said that there was an old man, somewhat wet, sitting by + the fireside in the hall, who they supposed had some petition to deliver + to his lordship. When he went out it proved to be Sir James Lowther. + Lord Sunderland desired him to be sent about his business, saying that + no such mean fellow should sit at his Treasury.' Fitzmaurice's + <i>Shelburne</i>, i. 34. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-351">[351]</a> I do not know what was at this time the state of the parliamentary + interest of the ancient family of Lowther; a family before the Conquest; + but all the nation knows it to be very extensive at present. A due + mixture of severity and kindness, oeconomy and munificence, + characterises its present Representative. BOSWELL. Boswell, most + unhappily not clearly seeing where his own genius lay, too often sought + to obtain fame and position by the favour of some great man. For some + years he courted in a very gross manner 'the present Representative,' + the first Earl of Lonsdale, who treated him with great brutality. + <i>Letters of Boswell</i>, pp. 271, 294, 324, and <i>ante</i>, iv. May 15, 1783. + In the <i>Ann. Reg.</i> 1771, p. 56, it is shewn how by this bad man 'the + whole county of Cumberland was thrown into a state of the greatest + terror and confusion; four hundred ejectments were served in one day.' + Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto.</i> p. 418) says that 'he was more detested than any + man alive, as a shameless political sharper, a domestic bashaw, and an + intolerable tyrant over his tenants and dependants.' Lord Albemarle + (<i>Memoirs of Rockingham,</i> ii. 70) describes the 'bad Lord Lonsdale. He + exacted a serf-like submission from his poor and abject dependants. He + professed a thorough contempt for modern refinements. Grass grew in the + neglected approaches to his mansion.... Awe and silence pervaded the + inhabitants [of Penrith] when the gloomy despot traversed their streets. + He might have been taken for a Judge Jefferies about to open a royal + commission to try them as state criminals... In some years of his life + he resisted the payment of all bills.' Among his creditors was + Wordsworth's father, 'who died leaving the poet and four other helpless + children. The executors of the will, foreseeing the result of a legal + contest with <i>a millionaire,</i> withdrew opposition, trusting to Lord + Lonsdale's sense of justice for payment. They leaned on a broken reed, + the wealthy debtor "Died and made no sign."' [2 <i>Henry VI,</i> act iii. sc. + 3.] See De Quincey's <i>Works,</i> iii. 151. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-352">[352]</a> 'Let us not,' he says, 'make too much haste to despise our + neighbours. Our own cathedrals are mouldering by unregarded + dilapidation. It seems to be part of the despicable philosophy of the + time to despise monuments of sacred magnificence.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 20. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-353">[353]</a> Note by Lord <i>Hailes</i>. 'The cathedral of Elgin was burnt by the + Lord of Badenoch, because the Bishop of Moray had pronounced an award + not to his liking. The indemnification that the see obtained was, that + the Lord of Badenoch stood for three days bare-footed at the great gate + of the cathedral. The story is in the Chartulary of Elgin.' BOSWELL. The + cathedral was rebuilt in 1407-20, but the lead was stripped from the + roof by the Regent Murray, and the building went to ruin. Murray's + <i>Handbook</i>, ed. 1867, p. 303. 'There is,' writes Johnson (<i>Works</i>, ix. + 20), 'still extant in the books of the council an order ... directing + that the lead, which covers the two cathedrals of Elgin and Aberdeen, + shall be taken away, and converted into money for the support of the + army.... The two churches were stripped, and the lead was shipped to be + sold in Holland. I hope every reader will rejoice that this cargo of + sacrilege was lost at sea.' On this Horace Walpole remarks (<i>Letters</i>, + vii. 484):—'I confess I have not quite so heinous an idea of sacrilege + as Dr. Johnson. Of all kinds of robbery, that appears to me the lightest + species which injures nobody. Dr. Johnson is so pious that in his + journey to your country he flatters himself that all his readers will + join him in enjoying the destruction of two Dutch crews, who were + swallowed up by the ocean after they had robbed a church.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-354">[354]</a> I am not sure whether the Duke was at home. But, not having the + honour of being much known to his grace, I could not have presumed to + enter his castle, though to introduce even so celebrated a stranger. We + were at any rate in a hurry to get forward to the wildness which we came + to see. Perhaps, if this noble family had still preserved that + sequestered magnificence which they maintained when catholicks, + corresponding with the Grand Duke of Tuscany, we might have been induced + to have procured proper letters of introduction, and devoted some time + to the contemplation of venerable superstitious state. BOSWELL. Burnet + (<i>History of his own Times</i>, ii. 443, and iii. 23) mentions the Duke of + Gordon, a papist, as holding Edinburgh Castle for James II. in 1689. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-355">[355]</a> 'In the way, we saw for the first time some houses with + fruit-trees about them. The improvements of the Scotch are for immediate + profit; they do not yet think it quite worth their while to plant what + will not produce something to be eaten or sold in a very little time.' + <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 121. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-356">[356]</a> 'This was the first time, and except one the last, that I found + any reason to complain of a Scottish table.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 19. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-357">[357]</a> The following year Johnson told Hannah More that 'when he and + Boswell stopt a night at the spot (as they imagined) where the Weird + Sisters appeared to Macbeth, the idea so worked upon their enthusiasm, + that it quite deprived them of rest. However they learnt the next + morning, to their mortification, that they had been deceived, and were + quite in another part of the country' H. More's <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 50. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-358">[358]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 76. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-359">[359]</a> Murphy (<i>Life</i>, p. 145) says that 'his manner of reciting verses + was wonderfully impressive.' According to Mrs. Piozzi (<i>Anec</i>. p. 302), + 'whoever once heard him repeat an ode of Horace would be long before + they could endure to hear it repeated by another.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-360">[360]</a> Then pronounced <i>Affléck</i>, though now often pronounced as it is + written. Ante, ii. 413. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-361">[361]</a> At this stage of his journey Johnson recorded:—'There are more + beggars than I have ever seen in England; they beg, if not silently, yet + very modestly.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 122. See ante, p. 75, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-362">[362]</a> Duncan's monument; a huge column on the roadside near Fores, more + than twenty feet high, erected in commemoration of the final retreat of + the Danes from Scotland, and properly called Swene's Stone. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-363">[363]</a> Swift wrote to Pope on May 31, 1737:—'Pray who is that Mr. + Glover, who writ the epick poem called <i>Leonidas</i>, which is reprinting + here, and has great vogue?' Swift's <i>Works</i> (1803), xx. 121. 'It passed + through four editions in the first year of its publication (1737-8).' + Lowndes's <i>Bibl. Man</i>. p. 902. Horace Walpole, in 1742, mentions + <i>Leonidas</i> Glover (<i>Letters</i>, i. 117); and in 1785 Hannah More writes + (<i>Memoirs</i>, i. 405):—'I was much amused with hearing old Leonidas + Glover sing his own fine ballad of <i>Hosier's Ghost</i>, which was very + affecting. He is past eighty [he was seventy-three]. Mr. Walpole coming + in just afterwards, I told him how highly I had been pleased. He begged + me to entreat for a repetition of it. It was the satire conveyed in this + little ballad upon the conduct of Sir Robert Walpole's ministry which is + thought to have been a remote cause of his resignation. It was a very + curious circumstance to see his son listening to the recital of it with + so much complacency.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-364">[364]</a> See ante, i. 125. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-365">[365]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 456, and <i>post</i>, Sept. 22. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-366">[366]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 82, and <i>post</i>, Oct. 27. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-367">[367]</a> 'Nairne is the boundary in this direction between the highlands + and lowlands; and until within a few years both English and Gaelic were + spoken here. One of James VI.'s witticisms was to boast that in Scotland + he had a town "sae lang that the folk at the tae end couldna understand + the tongue spoken at the tother."' Murray's <i>Handbook for Scotland</i>, ed. + 1867, p. 308. 'Here,' writes Johnson (<i>Works</i>, ix. 21), 'I first saw + peat fires, and first heard the Erse language.' As he heard the girl + singing Erse, so Wordsworth thirty years later heard The + Solitary Reaper:— +</p> +<p> + 'Yon solitary Highland Lass + Reaping and singing by herself.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-368">[368]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Verse softens toil, however rude the sound; + She feels no biting pang the while she sings; + Nor, as she turns the giddy wheel around, + Revolves the sad vicissitude of things.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Contemplation.</i> London: Printed for R. Dodsley in Pall-mall, and sold + by M. Cooper, at the Globe in Paternoster-Row, 1753. +</p> +<p> + The author's name is not on the title-page. In the <i>Brit. Mus. Cata.</i> + the poem is entered under its title. Mr. Nichols (<i>Lit. Illus.</i> v. 183) + says that the author was the Rev. Richard Gifford [not Giffard] of + Balliol College, Oxford. He adds that 'Mr. Gifford mentioned to him with + much satisfaction the fact that Johnson quoted the poem in his + <i>Dictionary</i>.' It was there very likely that Boswell had seen the lines. + They are quoted under <i>wheel</i> (with changes made perhaps intentionally + by Johnson), as follows: +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Verse sweetens care however rude the sound; + All at her work the village maiden sings; + Nor, as she turns the giddy wheel around, + Revolves the sad vicissitudes of things.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Contemplation</i>, which was published two years after Gray's <i>Elegy</i>, was + suggested by it. The rising, not the parting day, is described. The + following verse precedes the one quoted by Johnson:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Ev'n from the straw-roofed cot the note of joy + Flows full and frequent, as the village-fair, + Whose little wants the busy hour employ, + Chanting some rural ditty soothes her care.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Bacon, in his <i>Essay Of Vicissitude of Things</i> (No. 58), says:—'It is + not good to look too long upon these turning <i>wheels of vicissitude</i> + lest we become <i>giddy</i>' This may have suggested Gifford's last two + lines. <i>Reflections on a Grave, &c.</i> (<i>ante</i>, ii. 26), published in + 1766, and perhaps written in part by Johnson, has a line borrowed from + this poem:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'These all the hapless state of mortals show + The sad vicissitude of things below.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Cowper, <i>Table-Talk</i>, ed. 1786, i. 165, writes of +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'The sweet vicissitudes of day and night.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + The following elegant version of these lines by Mr. A. T. Barton, Fellow + and Tutor of Johnson's own College, will please the classical reader:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Musa levat duros, quamvis rudis ore, labores; + Inter opus cantat rustica Pyrrha suum; + Nec meminit, secura rotam dum versat euntem, + Non aliter nostris sortibus ire vices. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-369">[369]</a> He was the brother of the Rev. John M'Aulay (<i>post</i>, Oct. 25), the + grandfather of Lord Macaulay. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-370">[370]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 51. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-371">[371]</a> In Scotland, there is a great deal of preparation before + administering the sacrament. The minister of the parish examines the + people as to their fitness, and to those of whom he approves gives + little pieces of tin, stamped with the name of the parish as <i>tokens</i>, + which they must produce before receiving it. This is a species of + priestly power, and sometimes may be abused. I remember a lawsuit + brought by a person against his parish minister, for refusing him + admission to that sacred ordinance. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-372">[372]</a> See <i> post</i>, Sept. 13 and 28. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-373">[373]</a> Mr. Trevelyan (<i>Life of Macaulay</i>, ed.1877, i. 6) says: 'Johnson + pronounced that Mr. Macaulay was not competent to have written the book + that went by his name; a decision which, to those who happen to have + read the work, will give a very poor notion my ancestor's abilities.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-374">[374]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'The thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Macbeth</i>, act i. sc. 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-375">[375]</a> According to Murray's <i>Handbook,</i> ed. 1867, p. 308, no part of the + castle is older than the fifteenth century. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-376">[376]</a> See <i>post</i>, Nov. 5. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-377">[377]</a> The historian. <i>Ante</i>, p. 41. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-378">[378]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 336, and <i>post</i>, Nov. 7. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-379">[379]</a> See <i>post</i>, Oct. 27. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-380">[380]</a> Baretti was the Italian. Boswell disliked him (<i>ante</i>, ii. 98 + note), and perhaps therefore described him merely as 'a man of <i>some</i> + literature.' Baretti complained to Malone that 'the story as told gave + an unfair representation of him.' He had, he said, 'observed to Johnson + that the petition <i>lead us not into temptation</i> ought rather to be + addressed to the tempter of mankind than a benevolent Creator. "Pray, + Sir," said Johnson, "do you know who was the author of the Lord's + Prayer?" Baretti, who did not wish to get into any serious dispute and + who appears to be an Infidel, by way of putting an end to the + conversation, only replied:—"Oh, Sir, you know by <i>our</i> religion (Roman + Catholic) we are not permitted to read the Scriptures. You can't + therefore expect an answer."' Prior's <i>Malone</i>, p. 399. Sir Joshua + Reynolds, on hearing this from Malone, said:—'This turn which Baretti + now gives to the matter was an after-thought; for he once said to me + myself:—"There are various opinions about the writer of that prayer; + some give it to St. Augustine, some to St. Chrysostom, &c. What is your + opinion? "' <i>Ib</i>. p. 394. Mrs. Piozzi says that she heard 'Baretti tell + a clergyman the story of Dives and Lazarus as the subject of a poem he + once had composed in the Milanese district, expecting great credit for + his powers of invention.' Hayward's <i>Piozzi</i>, ii. 348. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-381">[381]</a> Goldsmith (<i>Present Slate of Polite Learning</i>, chap. 13) thus + wrote of servitorships: 'Surely pride itself has dictated to the fellows + of our colleges the absurd passion of being attended at meals, and on + other public occasions, by those poor men who, willing to be scholars, + come in upon some charitable foundation. It implies a contradiction for + men to be at once learning the <i>liberal</i> arts, and at the same time + treated as <i>slaves</i>; at once studying freedom and practising servitude.' + Yet a young man like Whitefield was willing enough to be a servitor. He + had been a waiter in his mother's inn; he was now a waiter in a college, + but a student also. See my <i>Dr. Johnson: His Friends and his + Critics</i>, p. 27. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-382">[382]</a> Dr. Johnson did not neglect what he had undertaken. By his + interest with the Rev. Dr. Adams, master of Pembroke College, Oxford, + where he was educated for some time, he obtained a servitorship for + young M'Aulay. But it seems he had other views; and I believe went + abroad. BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 380. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-383">[383]</a> 'I once drank tea,' writes Lamb, 'in company with two Methodist + divines of different persuasions. Before the first cup was handed round, + one of these reverend gentlemen put it to the other, with all due + solemnity, whether he chose to <i>say anything</i>. It seems it is the custom + with some sectaries to put up a short prayer before this meal also. His + reverend brother did not at first quite apprehend him, but upon an + explanation, with little less importance he made answer that it was not + a custom known in his church.' <i>Essay on Grace before Meat</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-384">[384]</a> He could not bear to have it thought that, in any instance + whatever, the Scots are more pious than the English. I think grace as + proper at breakfast as at any other meal. It is the pleasantest meal we + have. Dr. Johnson has allowed the peculiar merit of breakfast in + Scotland. BOSWELL. 'If an epicure could remove by a wish in quest of + sensual gratification, wherever he had supped he would breakfast in + Scotland.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 52. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-385">[385]</a> Bruce, the Abyssinian Traveller, found in the annals of that + region a king named <i>Brus</i>, which he chooses to consider the genuine + orthography of the name. This circumstance occasioned some mirth at the + court of Gondar. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-386">[386]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 169, note 2, and <i>post</i>, Sept. 2. Johnson, so far + as I have observed, spelt the name <i>Boswel</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-387">[387]</a> Sir Eyre Coote was born in 1726. He took part in the battle of + Plassey in 1757, and commanded at the reduction of Pondicherry in 1761. + In 1770-71 he went by land to Europe. In 1780 he took command of the + English army against Hyder Ali, whom he repeatedly defeated. He died in + 1783. Chalmers's <i>Biog. Dict</i>. x. 236. There is a fine description of + him in Macaulay's <i>Essays</i>, ed. 1843, iii. 385. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-388">[388]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 361. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-389">[389]</a> Reynolds wrote of Johnson:—'He sometimes, it must be confessed, + covered his ignorance by generals rather than appear ignorant' Taylor's + <i>Reynolds</i>, ii. 457. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-390">[390]</a> 'The barracks are very handsome, and form several regular and good + streets.' Pennant's <i>Tour</i>, p. 144. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-391">[391]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 45. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-392">[392]</a> Here Dr. Johnson gave us part of a conversation held between a + Great Personage and him, in the library at the Queen's Palace, in the + course of which this contest was considered. I have been at great pains + to get that conversation as perfectly preserved as possible. It may + perhaps at some future time be given to the publick. BOSWELL. For 'a + Great Personage' see <i>ante</i>, i. 219; and for the conversation, ii. 33. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-393">[393]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 73, 228, 248; iii. 4 and June 15, 1784. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-394">[394]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 167, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-395">[395]</a> Booth acted <i>Cato</i>, and Wilks Juba when Addison's <i>Cato</i> was + brought out. Pope told Spence that 'Lord Bolingbroke's carrying his + friends to the house, and presenting Booth with a purse of guineas for + so well representing the character of a person "who rather chose to die + than see a general for life," carried the success of the play much + beyond what they ever expected.' Spence's <i>Anec</i>. p. 46. Bolingbroke + alluded to the Duke of Marlborough. Pope in his <i>Imitations of Horace</i>, + 2 Epist. i. 123 introduces 'well-mouth'd Booth.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-396">[396]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 35, and under Sept. 30, 1783. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-397">[397]</a> 'Garrick used to tell, that Johnson said of an actor who played + Sir Harry Wildair at Lichfield, "There is a courtly vivacity about the + fellow;" when, in fact, according to Garrick's account, "he was the most + vulgar ruffian that ever went upon <i>boards</i>."' <i>Ante</i>, ii. 465. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-398">[398]</a> Mrs. Cibber was the sister of Dr. Arne the musical composer, and + the wife of Theophilus Cibber, Colley Cibber's son. She died in 1766, + and was buried in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey. Baker's <i>Biog. + Dram.</i> i. 123. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-399">[399]</a> See <i>ante</i>, under Sept. 30, 1783. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-400">[400]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 197, and ii. 348. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-401">[401]</a> Johnson had set him to repeat the ninth commandment, and had with + great glee put him right in the emphasis. <i>Ante</i>, i. 168. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-402">[402]</a> Act iii. sc. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-403">[403]</a> Boswell's suggestion is explained by the following passage in + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, viii. 463:—'Mallet was by his original one of the + Macgregors, a clan that became about sixty years ago, under the conduct + of Robin Roy, so formidable and so infamous for violence and robbery, + that the name was annulled by a legal abolition.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-404">[404]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 410, where he said to an Irish gentleman:—'Do + not make an union with us, Sir. We should unite with you, only to rob + you. We should have robbed the Scotch, if they had had anything of which + we could have robbed them.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-405">[405]</a> It is remarkable that Dr. Johnson read this gentle remonstrance, + and took no notice of it to me. BOSWELL. See <i>post</i>, Oct. 12, note. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-406">[406]</a> <i>St. Matthew</i>, v. 44. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-407">[407]</a> It is odd that Boswell did not suspect the parson, who, no doubt, + had learnt the evening before from Mr. Keith that the two travellers + would be present at his sermon. Northcote (<i>Life of Reynolds</i>, ii. 283) + says that one day at Sir Joshua's dinner-table, when his host praised + Malone very highly for his laborious edition of <i>Shakespeare</i>, he + (Northcote) 'rather hastily replied, "What a very despicable creature + must that man be who thus devotes himself, and makes another man his + god;" when Boswell, who sat at my elbow, and was not in my thoughts at + the time, cried out "Oh! Sir Joshua, then that is me!"' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-408">[408]</a> Johnson (<i>Works</i>, ix. 23) more cautiously says:—'Here is a + castle, called the castle of Macbeth.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-409">[409]</a> 'This short dialogue between Duncan and Banquo, whilst they are + approaching the gates of Macbeth's castle, has always appeared to me a + striking instance of what in painting is termed <i>repose</i>. Their + conversation very naturally turns upon the beauty of its situation, and + the pleasantness of the air; and Banquo, observing the martlet's nests + in every recess of the cornice, remarks that where those birds most + breed and haunt the air is delicate. The subject of this quiet and easy + conversation gives that repose so necessary to the mind after the + tumultuous bustle of the preceding scenes, and perfectly contrasts the + scene of horror that immediately succeeds. It seems as if Shakespeare + asked himself, what is a prince likely to say to his attendants on such + an occasion? whereas the modern writers seem, on the contrary, to be + always searching for new thoughts, such as would never occur to men in + the situation which is represented. This also is frequently the practice + of Homer, who from the midst of battles and horrors relieves and + refreshes the mind of the reader by introducing some quiet rural image, + or picture of familiar domestick life.' Johnson's <i>Shakespeare</i>. + Northcote (<i>Life of Reynolds</i>, i. 144-151) quotes other notes + by Reynolds. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-410">[410]</a> In the original <i>senses</i>. Act i, sc. 6. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-411">[411]</a> Act i. sc. 5. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-412">[412]</a> Boswell forgets <i>scoundrelism</i>, <i>ante</i>, p. 106, which, I suppose, + Johnson coined. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-413">[413]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 154, note 3. Peter Paragraph is one of the + characters in Foote's Comedy of <i>The Orators</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-414">[414]</a> When upon the subject of this <i>peregrinity</i>, he told me some + particulars concerning the compilation of his <i>Dictionary</i>, and + concerning his throwing off Lord Chesterfield's patronage, of which very + erroneous accounts have been circulated. These particulars, with others + which he afterwards gave me,—as also his celebrated letter to Lord + Chesterfield, which he dictated to me,—I reserve for his <i>Life.</i> + BOSWELL. See <i>ante,</i> i. 221, 261. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-415">[415]</a> See <i>ante,</i> ii. 326, 371, and v. 18. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-416">[416]</a> It is the third edition, published in 1778, that first bears this + title. The first edition was published in 1761, and the second in 1762. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-417">[417]</a> 'One of them was a man of great liveliness and activity, of whom + his companion said that he would tire any horse in Inverness. Both of + them were civil and ready-handed Civility seems part of the national + character of Highlanders.' <i>Works,</i> ix. 25. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-418">[418]</a> 'The way was very pleasant; the rock out of which the road was cut + was covered with birch trees, fern, and heath. The lake below was + beating its bank by a gentle wind.... In one part of the way we had + trees on both sides for perhaps half a mile. Such a length of shade, + perhaps, Scotland cannot shew in any other place.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. + 123. The travellers must have passed close by the cottage where James + Mackintosh was living, a child of seven. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-419">[419]</a> Boswell refers, I think, to a passage in act iv. sc. I of + Farquhar's Comedy, where Archer says to Mrs. Sullen:—'I can't at this + distance, Madam, distinguish the figures of the embroidery.' This + passage is copied by Goldsmith in <i>She Stoops to Conquer</i>, act iii., + where Marlow says to Miss Hardcastle: 'Odso! then you must shew me your + embroidery.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-420">[420]</a> Johnson (<i>Works</i>, ix. 28) gives a long account of this woman. + 'Meal she considered as expensive food, and told us that in spring, when + the goats gave milk, the children could live without it.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-421">[421]</a> It is very odd, that when these roads were made, there was no care + taken for <i>Inns</i>. The <i>King's House</i>, and the <i>General's Hut</i>, are + miserable places; but the project and plans were purely military. WALTER + SCOTT. Johnson found good entertainment here, 'We had eggs and bacon and + mutton, with wine, rum, and whisky. I had water.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 124. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-422">[422]</a> 'Mr. Boswell, who between his father's merit and his own is sure + of reception wherever he comes, sent a servant before,' &c. Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, ix. 30. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-423">[423]</a> On April 6, 1777, Johnson noted down: 'I passed the night in such + sweet uninterrupted sleep as I have not known since I slept at Fort + Augustus.' <i>Pr. and Med.</i> p.159. On Nov. 21, 1778, he wrote to Boswell: + 'The best night that I have had these twenty years was at Fort + Augustus.' <i>Ante</i>, iii. 369. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-424">[424]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 246. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-425">[425]</a> A McQueen is a Highland mode of expression. An Englishman would + say <i>one</i> McQueen. But where there are <i>clans</i> or <i>tribes</i> of men, + distinguished by <i>patronymick</i> surnames, the individuals of each are + considered as if they were of different species, at least as much as + nations are distinguished; so that a <i>McQueen</i>, a <i>McDonald</i>, a + <i>McLean</i>, is said, as we say a Frenchman, an Italian, a Spaniard. BOSWELL. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-426">[426]</a> 'I praised the propriety of his language, and was answered that I + need not wonder, for he had learnt it by grammar. By subsequent + opportunities of observation I found that my host's diction had nothing + peculiar. Those Highlanders that can speak English commonly speak it + well, with few of the words and little of the tone by which a Scotchman + is distinguished ... By their Lowland neighbours they would not + willingly be taught; for they have long considered them as a mean and + degenerate race.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 31. He wrote to Mrs. Thrale: + 'This man's conversation we were glad of while we staid. He had been + out, as they call it, in forty-five, and still retained his old + opinions.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 130. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-427">[427]</a> By the Chevalier Ramsay. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-428">[428]</a> 'From him we first heard of the general dissatisfaction which is + now driving the Highlanders into the other hemisphere; and when I asked + him whether they would stay at home if they were well treated, he + answered with indignation that no man willingly left his native country. + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 33. See <i>ante</i>, p. 27. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-429">[429]</a> 'The chief glory of every people arises from its authors.' <i>Ib.</i> + v. 49. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-430">[430]</a> Four years later, three years after Goldsmith's death, Johnson + 'observed in Lord Scarsdale's dressing-room Goldsmith's <i>Animated + Nature</i>; and said, "Here's our friend. The poor doctor would have been + happy to hear of this."' <i>Ante</i>, iii.162. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-431">[431]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 348 and ii. 438 and <i>post</i>, Sept. 23. Mackintosh + says: 'Johnson's idea that a ship was a prison with the danger of + drowning is taken from Endymion Porter's <i>Consolation to Howell</i> on his + imprisonment in the <i>Fleet</i>, and was originally suggested by the pun.' + <i>Life of Mackintosh</i>, ii. 83. The passage to which he refers is found in + Howell's letter of Jan. 2, 1646 (book ii. letter 39), in which he writes + to Porter:—'You go on to prefer my captivity in this <i>Fleet</i> to that of + a voyager at sea, in regard that he is subject to storms and springing + of leaks, to pirates and picaroons, with other casualties.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-432">[432]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 242. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-433">[433]</a> This book has given rise to much enquiry, which has ended in + ludicrous surprise. Several ladies, wishing to learn the kind of reading + which the great and good Dr. Johnson esteemed most fit for a young + woman, desired to know what book he had selected for this Highland + nymph. 'They never adverted (said he) that I had no <i>choice</i> in the + matter. I have said that I presented her with a book which I <i>happened</i> + to have about me.' And what was this book? My readers, prepare your + features for merriment. It was <i>Cocker's Arithmetick</i>!—Wherever this + was mentioned, there was a loud laugh, at which Johnson, when present, + used sometimes to be a little angry. One day, when we were dining at + General Oglethorpe's, where we had many a valuable day, I ventured to + interrogate him. 'But, Sir, is it not somewhat singular that you should + <i>happen</i> to have <i>Cocker's Arithmetick</i> about you on your journey? What + made you buy such a book at Inverness?' He gave me a very sufficient + answer. 'Why, Sir, if you are to have but one book with you upon a + journey, let it be a book of science. When you have read through a book + of entertainment, you know it, and it can do no more for you; but a book + of science is inexhaustible.' BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + Johnson thus mentions his gift: 'I presented her with a book which I + happened to have about me, and should not be pleased to think that she + forgets me.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 32. The first edition of <i>Cocker's Arithmetic</i> + was published about 1660. <i>Brit. Mus. Cata.</i> Though Johnson says that 'a + book of science is inexhaustible,' yet in <i>The Rambler</i>, No. 154, he + asserts that 'the principles of arithmetick and geometry may be + comprehended by a close attention in a few days.' Mrs. Piozzi says + (<i>Anec</i>. p. 77) that 'when Mr. Johnson felt his fancy disordered, his + constant recurrence was to arithmetic; and one day that he was confined + to his chamber, and I enquired what he had been doing to divert himself, + he shewed me a calculation which I could scarce be made to understand, + so vast was the plan of it; no other indeed than that the national debt, + computing it at £180,000,000, would, if converted into silver, serve to + make a meridian of that metal, I forget how broad, for the globe of the + whole earth.' See <i>ante</i>, iii. 207, and iv. 171, note 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-434">[434]</a> Swift's <i>Works</i> (1803), xxiv. 63. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-435">[435]</a> 'We told the soldiers how kindly we had been treated at the + garrison, and, as we were enjoying the benefit of their labours, begged + leave to shew our gratitude by a small present.... They had the true + military impatience of coin in their pockets, and had marched at least + six miles to find the first place where liquor could be bought. Having + never been before in a place so wild and unfrequented I was glad of + their arrival, because I knew that we had made them friends; and to gain + still more of their goodwill we went to them, where they were carousing + in the barn, and added something to our former gift.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 31-2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-436">[436]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Why rather sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, + Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee.' &c. + + 2 <i>Henry IV.</i> act iii. sc. 1. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-437">[437]</a> Spain, in 1719, sent a strong force under the Duke of Ormond to + Scotland in behalf of the Chevalier. Owing to storms only a few hundred + men landed. These were joined by a large body of Highlanders, but being + attacked by General Wightman, the clansmen dispersed and the Spaniards + surrendered. Smollett's <i>England</i>, ed. 1800, ii. 382. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-438">[438]</a> Boswell mentions this <i>ante</i>, i. 41, as a proof of Johnson's + 'perceptive quickness.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-439">[439]</a> Dr. Johnson, in his <i>Journey</i>, thus beautifully describes his + situation here:—'I sat down on a bank, such as a writer of romance + might have delighted to feign. I had, indeed, no trees to whisper over + my head; but a clear rivulet streamed at my feet. The day was calm, the + air soft, and all was rudeness, silence, and solitude. Before me, and on + either side, were high hills, which, by hindering the eye from ranging, + forced the mind to find entertainment for itself. Whether I spent the + hour well, I know not; for here I first conceived the thought of this + narration.' The <i>Critical Reviewers</i>, with a spirit and expression + worthy of the subject, say,—'We congratulate the publick on the event + with which this quotation concludes, and are fully persuaded that the + hour in which the entertaining traveller conceived this narrative will + be considered, by every reader of taste, as a fortunate event in the + annals of literature. Were it suitable to the task in which we are at + present engaged, to indulge ourselves in a poetical flight, we would + invoke the winds of the Caledonian Mountains to blow for ever, with + their softest breezes, on the bank where our author reclined, and + request of Flora, that it might be perpetually adorned with the gayest + and most fragrant productions of the year.' BOSWELL. Johnson thus + described the scene to Mrs. Thrale:—'I sat down to take notes on a + green bank, with a small stream running at my feet, in the midst of + savage solitude, with mountains before me and on either hand covered + with heath. I looked around me, and wondered that I was not more + affected, but the mind is not at all times equally ready to be put in + motion.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 131. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-440">[440]</a> 'The villagers gathered about us in considerable numbers, I + believe without any evil intention, but with a very savage wildness of + aspect and manner.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 38. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-441">[441]</a> The M'Craas, or Macraes, were since that time brought into the + king's army, by the late Lord Seaforth. When they lay in Edinburgh + Castle in 1778, and were ordered to embark for Jersey, they with a + number of other men in the regiment, for different reasons, but + especially an apprehension that they were to be sold to the East-India + Company, though enlisted not to be sent out of Great-Britain without + their own consent, made a determined mutiny, and encamped upon the lofty + mountain, <i>Arthur's seat</i>, where they remained three days and three + nights; bidding defiance to all the force in Scotland. At last they came + down, and embarked peaceably, having obtained formal articles of + capitulation, signed by Sir Adolphus Oughton, commander in chief, + General Skene, deputy commander, the Duke of Buccleugh, and the Earl of + Dunmore, which quieted them. Since the secession of the Commons of Rome + to the <i>Mons Sacer</i>, a more spirited exertion has not been made. I gave + great attention to it from first to last, and have drawn up a particular + account of it. Those brave fellows have since served their country + effectually at Jersey, and also in the East-Indies, to which, after + being better informed, they voluntarily agreed to go. BOSWELL. The line + which Boswell quotes is from <i>The Chevalier's Muster Roll</i>:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'The laird of M'Intosh is coming, + M'Crabie & M'Donald's coming, + M'Kenzie & M'Pherson's coming, + And the wild M'Craw's coming. + Little wat ye wha's coming, + Donald Gun and a's coming.' + Hogg's <i>Jacobite Relics</i>, i. 152. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Horace Walpole (<i>Letters</i>, vii. 198) writing on May 9, 1779, tells how + on May 1 'the French had attempted to land [on Jersey], but Lord + Seaforth's new-raised regiment of 700 Highlanders, assisted by some + militia and some artillery, made a brave stand and repelled the + intruders.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-442">[442]</a> 'One of the men advised her, with the cunning that clowns never + can be without, to ask more; but she said that a shilling was enough. We + gave her half a crown, and she offered part of it again.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 133. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-443">[443]</a> Of this part of the journey Johnson wrote:—'We had very little + entertainment as we travelled either for the eye or ear. There are, I + fancy, no singing birds in the Highlands.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 135. It + is odd that he should have looked for singing birds on the first of + September. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-444">[444]</a> Act iii. sc. 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-445">[445]</a> It is amusing to observe the different images which this being + presented to Dr. Johnson and me. The Doctor, in his <i>Journey</i>, compares + him to a Cyclops. BOSWELL. 'Out of one of the beds on which we were to + repose, started up at our entrance, a man black as a Cyclops from the + forge.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 44. Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale:—'When we were + taken up stairs, a dirty fellow bounced out of the bed where one of us + was to lie. Boswell blustered, but nothing could be got'. <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i, 136. Macaulay (<i>Essays</i>, ed. 1843, i. 404) says: 'It is + clear that Johnson himself did not think in the dialect in which he + wrote. The expressions which came first to his tongue were simple, + energetic, and picturesque. When he wrote for publication, he did his + sentences out of English into Johnsonese. His letters from the Hebrides + to Mrs. Thrale are the original of that work of which the <i>Journey to + the Hebrides</i> is the translation; and it is amusing to compare the two + versions.' Macaulay thereupon quotes these two passages. See <i>ante</i>, + under Aug. 29, 1783. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-446">[446]</a> 'We had a lemon and a piece of bread, which supplied me with my + supper.'<i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i, 136. Goldsmith, who in his student days had + been in Scotland, thus writes of a Scotch inn:—'Vile entertainment is + served up, complained of, and sent down; up comes worse, and that also + is changed, and every change makes our wretched cheer more unsavoury.' + <i>Present State of Polite Learning</i>, ch. 12. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-447">[447]</a> General Wolfe, in his letter from Head-quarters on Sept. 2, 1759, + eleven days before his death wrote:—'In this situation there is such a + choice of difficulties that I own myself at a loss how to determine.' + <i>Ann. Reg.</i> 1759, p. 246. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-448">[448]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 89. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-449">[449]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 169, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-450">[450]</a> Boswell, in a note that he added to the second edition (see + <i>post</i>, end of the <i>Journal</i>), says that he has omitted 'a few + observations the publication of which might perhaps be considered as + passing the bounds of a strict decorum,' In the first edition (p. 165) + the next three paragraphs were as follows:—'Instead of finding the head + of the Macdonalds surrounded with his clan, and a festive entertainment, + we had a small company, and cannot boast of our cheer. The particulars + are minuted in my Journal, but I shall not trouble the publick with + them. I shall mention but one characteristick circumstance. My shrewd + and hearty friend Sir Thomas (Wentworth) Blacket, Lady Macdonald's + uncle, who had preceded us in a visit to this chief, upon being asked by + him if the punch-bowl then upon the table was not a very handsome one, + replied, "Yes—if it were full." 'Sir Alexander Macdonald having been an + Eton scholar, Dr. Johnson had formed an opinion of him which was much + diminished when he beheld him in the isle of Sky, where we heard heavy + complaints of rents racked, and the people driven to emigration. Dr. + Johnson said, "It grieves me to see the chief of a great clan appear to + such disadvantage. This gentleman has talents, nay some learning; but he + is totally unfit for this situation. Sir, the Highland chiefs should not + be allowed to go farther south than Aberdeen. A strong-minded man, like + his brother Sir James, may be improved by an English education; but in + general they will be tamed into insignificance." 'I meditated an escape + from this house the very next day; but Dr. Johnson resolved that we + should weather it out till Monday.' Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale:—'We + saw the isle of Skie before us, darkening the horizon with its rocky + coast. A boat was procured, and we launched into one of the straits of + the Atlantick Ocean. We had a passage of about twelve miles to the point + where —— —— resided, having come from his seat in the middle of the + island to a small house on the shore, as we believe, that he might with + less reproach entertain us meanly. If he aspired to meanness, his + retrograde ambition was completely gratified... Boswell was very angry, + and reproached him with his improper parsimony.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. + 137. A little later he wrote:—'I have done thinking of —— whom we now + call Sir Sawney; he has disgusted all mankind by injudicious parsimony, + and given occasion to so many stories, that —— has some thoughts of + collecting them, and making a novel of his life.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 198. The last + of Rowlandson's <i>Caricatures</i> of Boswell's <i>Journal</i> is entitled + <i>Revising for the Second Edition</i>. Macdonald is represented as seizing + Boswell by the throat and pointing with his stick to the <i>Journal</i> that + lies open at pages 168, 169. On the ground lie pages 165, 167, torn out. + Boswell, in an agony of fear, is begging for mercy. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-451">[451]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Here, in Badenoch, here in Lochaber anon, in Lochiel, in + Knoydart, Moydart, Morrer, Ardgower, and Ardnamurchan, + Here I see him and here: I see him; anon I lose him.' + + Clough's <i>Bothie</i>, p. 125 +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + <a name="note-452">[452]</a> See his Latin verses addressed to Dr. Johnson, in this APPENDIX. BOSWELL. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-453">[453]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 157. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-454">[454]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 449. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-455">[455]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 99. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-456">[456]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii 198, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-457">[457]</a> 'Such is the laxity of Highland conversation, that the inquirer is + kept in continual suspense, and by a kind of intellectual retrogradation + knows less as he hears more.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 47. 'They are not + much accustomed to be interrogated by others, and seem never to have + thought upon interrogating themselves; so that if they do not know what + they tell to be true, they likewise do not distinctly perceive it to be + false. Mr. Boswell was very diligent in his inquiries; and the result of + his investigations was, that the answer to the second question was + commonly such as nullified the answer to the first.' <i>Ib.</i>, p. 114. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-458">[458]</a> Mr. Carruthers, in his edition of Boswell's <i>Hebrides</i>, says (p. + xiv):—'The new management and high rents took the tacksmen, or larger + tenants, by surprise. They were indignant at the treatment they + received, and selling off their stock they emigrated to America. In the + twenty years from 1772 to 1792, sixteen vessels with emigrants sailed + from the western shores of Inverness-shire and Ross-shire, containing + about 6400 persons, who carried with them in specie at least £38,400. A + desperate effort was made by the tacksmen on the estate of Lord + Macdonald. They bound themselves by a solemn oath not to offer for any + farm that might become vacant. The combination failed of its object, but + it appeared so formidable in the eyes of the "English-bred chieftain," + that he retreated precipitately from Skye and never afterwards + returned.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-459">[459]</a> Dr. Johnson seems to have forgotten that a Highlander going armed + at this period incurred the penalty of serving as a common soldier for + the first, and of transportation beyond sea for a second offence. And as + for 'calling out his clan,' twelve Highlanders and a bagpipe made a + rebellion. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-460">[460]</a> Mackintosh (<i>Life</i> ii. 62) says that in Mme. du Deffand's + <i>Correspondence</i> there is 'an extraordinary confirmation of the talents + and accomplishments of our Highland Phoenix, Sir James Macdonald. A + Highland chieftain, admired by Voltaire, could have been no + ordinary man.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-461">[461]</a> This extraordinary young man, whom I had the pleasure of knowing + intimately, having been deeply regretted by his country, the most minute + particulars concerning him must be interesting to many. I shall + therefore insert his two last letters to his mother, Lady Margaret + Macdonald, which her ladyship has been pleased to communicate to me. + 'Rome, July 9th, 1766. 'My DEAR MOTHER, 'Yesterday's post brought me + your answer to the first letter in which I acquainted you of my illness. + Your tenderness and concern upon that account are the same I have always + experienced, and to which I have often owed my life. Indeed it never was + in so great danger as it has been lately; and though it would have been + a very great comfort to me to have had you near me, yet perhaps I ought + to rejoice, on your account, that you had not the pain of such a + spectacle. I have been now a week in Rome, and wish I could continue to + give you the same good accounts of my recovery as I did in my last; but + I must own that, for three days past, I have been in a very weak and + miserable state, which however seems to give no uneasiness to my + physician. My stomach has been greatly out of order, without any visible + cause; and the palpitation does not decrease. I am told that my stomach + will soon recover its tone, and that the palpitation must cease in time. + So I am willing to believe; and with this hope support the little + remains of spirits which I can be supposed to have, on the forty-seventh + day of such an illness. Do not imagine I have relapsed;—I only recover + slower than I expected. If my letter is shorter than usual, the cause of + it is a dose of physick, which has weakened me so much to-day, that I am + not able to write a long letter. I will make up for it next post, and + remain always 'Your most sincerely affectionate son, 'J. MACDONALD.' He + grew gradually worse; and on the night before his death he wrote as + follows from Frescati:—'MY DEAR MOTHER, 'Though I did not mean to + deceive you in my last letter from Rome, yet certainly you would have + very little reason to conclude of the very great and constant danger I + have gone through ever since that time. My life, which is still almost + entirely desperate, did not at that time appear to me so, otherwise I + should have represented, in its true colours, a fact which acquires very + little horror by that means, and comes with redoubled force by + deception. There is no circumstance of danger and pain of which I have + not had the experience, for a continued series of above a fortnight; + during which time I have settled my affairs, after my death, with as + much distinctness as the hurry and the nature of the thing could admit + of. In case of the worst, the Abbé Grant will be my executor in this + part of the world, and Mr. Mackenzie in Scotland, where my object has + been to make you and my younger brother as independent of the eldest as + possible.' BOSWELL. Horace Walpole (Letters, vii. 291), in 1779, thus + mentions this 'younger brother':—'Macdonald abused Lord North in very + gross, yet too applicable, terms; and next day pleaded he had been + drunk, recanted, and was all admiration and esteem for his Lordship's + talents and virtues.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-462">[462]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 85, and <i>post</i>, Oct. 28. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-463">[463]</a> Cheyne's English Malady, ed. 1733, p. 229. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-464">[464]</a> 'Weary, stale, flat and unprofitable.' <i>Hamlet</i>, act i. sc. 2. See + <i>ante</i>, iii. 350, where Boswell is reproached by Johnson with 'bringing + in gabble,' when he makes this quotation. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-465">[465]</a> VARIOUS READINGS. Line 2. In the manuscript, Dr. Johnson, instead + of <i>rupibus obsita</i>, had written <i>imbribus uvida</i>, and <i>uvida nubibus</i>, + but struck them both out. Lines 15 and 16. Instead of these two lines, + he had written, but afterwards struck out, the following:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Parare posse, utcunque jactet + Grandiloquus nimis alta Zeno. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + BOSWELL. In Johnson's <i>Works</i>, i. 167, these lines are given with some + variations, which perhaps are in part due to Mr. Langton, who, we are + told (<i>ante</i>, Dec. 1784), edited some, if not indeed all, of Johnson's + Latin poems. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-466">[466]</a> Cowper wrote to S. Rose on May 20, 1789:—'Browne was an + entertaining companion when he had drunk his bottle, but not before; + this proved a snare to him, and he would sometimes drink too much.' + Southey's <i>Cowper</i>, vi. 237. His <i>De Animi Immortalitate</i> was published + in 1754. He died in 1760, aged fifty-four. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 339. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-467">[467]</a> Boswell, in one of his <i>Hypochondriacks</i> (<i>ante</i>, iv. 179) + says:—'I do fairly acknowledge that I love Drinking; that I have a + constitutional inclination to indulge in fermented liquors, and that if + it were not for the restraints of reason and religion, I am afraid I + should be as constant a votary of Bacchus as any man.... Drinking is in + reality an occupation which employs a considerable portion of the time + of many people; and to conduct it in the most rational and agreeable + manner is one of the great arts of living. Were we so framed that it + were possible by perpetual supplies of wine to keep ourselves for ever + gay and happy, there could be no doubt that drinking would be the + <i>summum bonum</i>, the chief good, to find out which philosophers have been + so variously busied. But we know from humiliating experience that men + cannot be kept long in a state of elevated drunkenness.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-468">[468]</a> That my readers may have my narrative in the style of the country + through which I am travelling, it is proper to inform them, that the + chief of a clan is denominated by his <i>surname</i> alone, as M'Leod, + M'Kinnon, M'lntosh. To prefix <i>Mr.</i> to it would be a degradation from + <i>the</i> M'Leod, &c. My old friend, the Laird of M'Farlane, the great + antiquary, took it highly amiss, when General Wade called him Mr. + M'Farlane. Dr. Johnson said, he could not bring himself to use this mode + of address; it seemed to him to be too familiar, as it is the way in + which, in all other places, intimates or inferiors are addressed. When + the chiefs have <i>titles</i> they are denominated by them, as <i>Sir James + Grant</i>, <i>Sir Allan M'Lean</i>. The other Highland gentlemen, of landed + property, are denominated by their <i>estates</i>, as <i>Rasay</i>, <i>Boisdale</i>; + and the wives of all of them have the title of <i>ladies</i>. The <i>tacksmen</i>, + or principal tenants, are named by their farms, as <i>Kingsburgh</i>, + <i>Corrichatachin</i>; and their wives are called the <i>mistress</i> of + Kingsburgh, the <i>mistress</i> of Corrichatachin.—Having given this + explanation, I am at liberty to use that mode of speech which generally + prevails in the Highlands and the Hebrides. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-469">[469]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 275. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-470">[470]</a> Boswell implies that Sir A. Macdonald's table had not been + furnished plentifully. Johnson wrote:—'At night we came to a tenant's + house of the first rank of tenants, where we were entertained better + than at the landlord's.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 141. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-471">[471]</a> 'Little did I once think,' he wrote to her the same day, 'of + seeing this region of obscurity, and little did you once expect a + salutation from this verge of European life. I have now the pleasure of + going where nobody goes, and seeing what nobody sees.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 120. About fourteen years since, I landed in Sky, with a party of + friends, and had the curiosity to ask what was the first idea on every + one's mind at landing. All answered separately that it was this Ode. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-472">[472]</a> See Appendix B. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-473">[473]</a> 'I never was in any house of the islands, where I did not find + books in more languages than one, if I staid long enough to want them, + except one from which the family was removed.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. + 50. He is speaking of 'the higher rank of the Hebridians,' for on p. 61 + he says:—'The greater part of the islanders make no use of books.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-474">[474]</a> There was a Mrs. Brooks, an actress, the daughter of a Scotchman + named Watson, who had forfeited his property by 'going out in the '45.' + But according to <i>The Thespian Dictionary</i> her first appearance on the + stage was in 1786. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-475">[475]</a> Boswell mentions, <i>post</i>, Oct. 5, 'the famous Captain of + Clanranald, who fell at Sherrif-muir.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-476">[476]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 95. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-477">[477]</a> By John Macpherson, D.D. See <i>post</i>, Sept. 13. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-478">[478]</a> Sir Walter Scott, when in Sky in 1814, wrote:—'We learn that most + of the Highland superstitions, even that of the second sight, are still + in force.' Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, ed. 1839, iv. 305. See <i>.ante</i>, ii. 10, 318. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-479">[479]</a> Of him Johnson wrote:—'One of the ministers honestly told me that + he came to Sky with a resolution not to believe it.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 106. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-480">[480]</a> 'By the term <i>second sight</i> seems to be meant a mode of seeing + superadded to that which nature generally bestows. In the Erse it is + called <i>Taisch</i>; which signifies likewise a spectre or a vision.' + <i>Johnson's Works</i>, ix. 105. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-481">[481]</a> Gray's <i>Ode on a distant prospect of Eton College</i>, 1. 44. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-482">[482]</a> A tonnage bounty of thirty shillings a ton was at this time given + to the owners of busses or decked vessels for the encouragement of the + white herring fishery. Adam Smith (<i>Wealth of Nations</i>, iv. 5) shews how + mischievous was its effect. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-483">[483]</a> The Highland expression for Laird of Rasay. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-484">[484]</a> 'In Sky I first observed the use of brogues, a kind of artless + shoes, stitched with thongs so loosely, that, though they defend the + foot from stones, they do not exclude water.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix 46. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-485">[485]</a> To evade the law against the tartan dress, the Highlanders used to + dye their variegated plaids and kilts into blue, green, or any single + colour. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-486">[486]</a> See <i>post</i>, Oct. 5. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-487">[487]</a> The Highlanders were all well inclined to the episcopalian form, + <i>proviso</i> that the right <i>king</i> was prayed for. I suppose Malcolm meant + to say, 'I will come to your church because you are honest folk,' viz. + <i>Jacobites</i>. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-488">[488]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 450, and ii. 291. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-489">[489]</a> Perhaps he was thinking of Johnson's letter of June 20, 1771 + (<i>ante</i>, ii. 140), where he says:—'I hope the time will come when we + may try our powers both with cliffs and water.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-490">[490]</a> 'The wind blew enough to give the boat a kind of dancing + agitation.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 142. 'The water was calm and the rowers + were vigorous; so that our passage was quick and pleasant.' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, ix. 54. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-491">[491]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Caught in the wild Aegean seas, + The sailor bends to heaven for ease.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + FRANCIS. Horace, 2, <i>Odes</i>, xvi. 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-492">[492]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. Dec. 9, 1784, note. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-493">[493]</a> Such spells are still believed in. A lady of property in Mull, a + friend of mine, had a few years since much difficulty in rescuing from + the superstitious fury of the people, an old woman, who used a <i>charm</i> + to injure her neighbour's cattle. It is now in my possession, and + consists of feathers, parings of nails, hair, and such like trash, wrapt + in a lump of clay. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-494">[494]</a> Sir Walter Scott, writing in Skye in 1814, says:—'Macleod and Mr. + Suter have both heard a tacksman of Macleod's recite the celebrated + Address to the Sun; and another person repeat the description of + Cuchullin's car. But all agree as to the gross infidelity of Macpherson + as a translator and editor.' Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, iv. 308. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-495">[495]</a> See <i>post</i>, Nov. 10. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-496">[496]</a> 'The women reaped the corn, and the men bound up the sheaves. The + strokes of the sickle were timed by the modulation of the harvest-song, + in which all their voices were united.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 58. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-497">[497]</a> 'The money which he raises annually by rent from all his + dominions, which contain at least 50,000 acres, is not believed to + exceed £250; but as he keeps a large farm in his own hands, he sells + every year great numbers of cattle ... The wine circulates vigorously, + and the tea, chocolate, and coffee, however they are got, are always at + hand.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 142. 'Of wine and punch they are very + liberal, for they get them cheap; but as there is no custom-house on the + island, they can hardly be considered as smugglers.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 160. + 'Their trade is unconstrained; they pay no customs, for there is no + officer to demand them; whatever, therefore, is made dear only by impost + is obtained here at an easy rate.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 52. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-498">[498]</a> 'No man is so abstemious as to refuse the morning dram, which they + call a <i>skalk</i>.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. p. 51. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-499">[499]</a> Alexander Macleod, of Muiravenside, advocate, became extremely + obnoxious to government by his zealous personal efforts to engage his + chief Macleod, and Macdonald of Sky, in the Chevalier's attempts of + 1745. Had he succeeded, it would have added one third at least to the + Jacobite army. Boswell has oddly described <i>M'Cruslick</i>, the being whose + name was conferred upon this gentleman, as something between Proteus and + Don Quixote. It is the name of a species of satyr, or <i>esprit follet</i>, a + sort of mountain Puck or hobgoblin, seen among the wilds and mountains, + as the old Highlanders believed, sometimes mirthful, sometimes + mischievous. Alexander Macleod's precarious mode of life and variable + spirits occasioned the <i>soubriquet</i>. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-500">[500]</a> Johnson also complained of the cheese. 'In the islands they do + what I found it not very easy to endure. They pollute the tea-table by + plates piled with large slices of Cheshire cheese, which mingles its + less grateful odours with the fragrance of the tea.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 52. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-501">[501]</a> 'The estate has not, during four hundred years, gained or lost a + single acre.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 55. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-502">[502]</a> Lord Stowell told me, that on the road from Newcastle to Berwick, + Dr. Johnson and he passed a cottage, at the entrance of which were set + up two of those great bones of the whale, which are not unfrequently + seen in maritime districts. Johnson expressed great horror at the sight + of these bones; and called the people, who could use such relics of + mortality as an ornament, mere savages. CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-503">[503]</a> In like manner Boswell wrote:—'It is divinely cheering to me to + think that there is a Cathedral so near Auchinleck [as Carlisle].' + <i>Ante</i>, iii. 416. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-504">[504]</a> 'It is not only in Rasay that the chapel is unroofed and useless; + through the few islands which we visited we neither saw nor heard of any + house of prayer, except in Sky, that was not in ruins. The malignant + influence of Calvinism has blasted ceremony and decency together... It + has been for many years popular to talk of the lazy devotion of the + Romish clergy; over the sleepy laziness of men that erected churches we + may indulge our superiority with a new triumph, by comparing it with the + fervid activity of those who suffer them to fall.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, + ix. 61. He wrote to Mrs. Thrale:—'By the active zeal of Protestant + devotion almost all the chapels have sunk into ruin.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 152. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-505">[505]</a> 'Not many years ago,' writes Johnson, 'the late Laird led out one + hundred men upon a military expedition.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 59. What the + expedition was he is careful not to state. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-506">[506]</a> 'I considered this rugged ascent as the consequence of a form of + life inured to hardships, and therefore not studious of nice + accommodations. But I know not whether for many ages it was not + considered as a part of military policy to keep the country not easily + accessible. The rocks are natural fortifications.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, + ix. p. 54. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-507">[507]</a> See <i>post</i> Sept. 17. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-508">[508]</a> In Sky a price was set 'upon the heads of foxes, which, as the + number was diminished, has been gradually raised from three shillings + and sixpence to a guinea, a sum so great in this part of the world, + that, in a short time, Sky may be as free from foxes as England from + wolves. The fund for these rewards is a tax of sixpence in the pound, + imposed by the farmers on themselves, and said to be paid with great + willingness.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 57. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-509">[509]</a> Boswell means that the eastern coast of Sky is westward of Rasay. CROKER. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-510">[510]</a> 'The Prince was hidden in his distress two nights in Rasay, and + the King's troops burnt the whole country, and killed some of the + cattle. You may guess at the opinions that prevail in this country; they + are, however, content with fighting for their King; they do not drink + for him. We had no foolish healths', <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 145. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-511">[511]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 217, where he said:—'You have, perhaps, no man + who knows as much Greek and Latin as Bentley.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-512">[512]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 61, and <i>post</i>, Oct. 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-513">[513]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 268, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-514">[514]</a> Steele had had the Duke of Marlborough's papers, and 'in some of + his exigencies put them in pawn. They then remained with the old + Duchess, who, in her will, assigned the task to Glover [the author of + <i>Leonidas</i>] and Mallet, with a reward of a thousand pounds, and a + prohibition to insert any verses. Glover rejected, I suppose with + disdain, the legacy, and devolved the whole work upon Mallet; who had + from the late Duke of Marlborough a pension to promote his industry, and + who talked of the discoveries which he had made; but left not, when he + died, any historical labours behind him.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, viii. 466. + The Duchess died in 1744 and Mallet in 1765. For more than twenty years + he thus imposed more or less successfully on the world. About the year + 1751 he played on Garrick's vanity. 'Mallet, in a familiar conversation + with Garrick, discoursing of the diligence which he was then exerting + upon the <i>Life of Marlborough</i>, let him know, that in the series of + great men quickly to be exhibited, he should <i>find a niche</i> for the hero + of the theatre. Garrick professed to wonder by what artifice he could be + introduced; but Mallet let him know, that by a dexterous anticipation he + should fix him in a conspicuous place. "Mr. Mallet," says Garrick in his + gratitude of exultation, "have you left off to write for the stage?" + Mallet then confessed that he had a drama in his hands. Garrick promised + to act it; and <i>Alfred</i> was produced.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 465. See <i>ante</i>, + iii. 386. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-515">[515]</a> According to Dr. Warton (<i>Essay on Pope</i>, ii. 140) he received + £5000. 'Old Marlborough,' wrote Horace Walpole in March, 1742 (Letters, + i. 139), 'has at last published her <i>Memoirs</i>; they are digested by one + Hooke, who wrote a Roman history; but from her materials, which are so + womanish that I am sure the man might sooner have made a gown and + petticoat with them.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-516">[516]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 153 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-517">[517]</a> 'Hooke,' says Dr. Warton (<i>Essay on Pope</i>, ii. 141), 'was a Mystic + and a Quietist, and a warm disciple of Fénelon. It was he who brought a + Catholic priest to take Pope's confession on his death-bed.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-518">[518]</a> See Cumberland's <i>Memoirs</i>, i. 344. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-519">[519]</a> Mr. Croker says that 'though he sold a great tract of land in + Harris, he left at his death in 1801 the original debt of £50,000 + [Boswell says £40,000] increased to £70,000.' When Johnson visited + Macleod at Dunvegan, he wrote to Mrs. Thrale:—'Here, though poor + Macleod had been left by his grandfather overwhelmed with debts, we had + another exhibition of feudal hospitality. There were two stags in the + house, and venison came to the table every day in its various forms. + Macleod, besides his estate in Sky, larger I suppose than some English + counties, is proprietor of nine inhabited isles; and of his isles + uninhabited I doubt if he very exactly knows the number, I told him that + he was a mighty monarch. Such dominions fill an Englishman with envious + wonder; but when he surveys the naked mountain, and treads the quaking + moor; and wanders over the wild regions of gloomy barrenness, his wonder + may continue, but his envy ceases. The unprofitableness of these vast + domains can be conceived only by the means of positive instances. The + heir of Col, an island not far distant, has lately told me how wealthy + he should be if he could let Rum, another of his islands, for twopence + halfpenny an acre; and Macleod has an estate which the surveyor reports + to contain 80,000 acres, rented at £600 a year.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 154. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-520">[520]</a> They were abolished by an act passed in 1747, being 'reckoned + among the principal sources of the rebellions. They certainly kept the + common people in subjection to their chiefs. By this act they were + legally emancipated from slavery; but as the tenants enjoyed no leases, + and were at all times liable to be ejected from their farms, they still + depended on the pleasure of their lords, notwithstanding this + interposition of the legislature, which granted a valuable consideration + in money to every nobleman and petty baron, who was thus deprived of one + part of his inheritance.' Smollett's <i>England</i>, iii. 206. See <i>ante</i>, p. + 46, note 1, and <i>post</i>, Oct. 22. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-521">[521]</a> 'I doubt not but that since the regular judges have made their + circuits through the whole country, right has been everywhere more + wisely and more equally distributed; the complaint is, that litigation + is grown troublesome, and that the magistrates are too few and therefore + often too remote for general convenience... In all greater questions + there is now happily an end to all fear or hope from malice or from + favour. The roads are secure in those places through which forty years + ago no traveller could pass without a convoy...No scheme of policy has + in any country yet brought the rich and poor on equal terms to courts of + judicature. Perhaps experience improving on experience may in time + effect it.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 90. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-522">[522]</a> He described Rasay as 'the seat of plenty, civility, and + cheerfulness.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 152. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-523">[523]</a> 'We heard the women singing as they <i>waulked</i> the cloth, by + rubbing it with their hands and feet, and screaming all the while in a + sort of chorus. At a distance the sound was wild and sweet enough, but + rather discordant when you approached too near the performers.' + Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, iv. 307. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-524">[524]</a> She had been some time at Edinburgh, to which she again went, and + was married to my worthy neighbour, Colonel Mure Campbell, now Earl of + Loudoun, but she died soon afterwards, leaving one daughter. BOSWELL. + 'She is a celebrated beauty; has been admired at Edinburgh; dresses her + head very high; and has manners so lady-like that I wish her head-dress + was lower.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 144. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 118. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-525">[525]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Yet hope not life from <i>grief</i> or danger free, + <i>Nor</i> think the doom of man reversed for thee.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>The Vanity of Human Wishes</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-526">[526]</a> 'Rasay accompanied us in his six-oared boat, which he said was his + coach and six. It is indeed the vehicle in which the ladies take the air + and pay their visits, but they have taken very little care for + accommodations. There is no way in or out of the boat for a woman but by + being carried; and in the boat thus dignified with a pompous name there + is no seat but an occasional bundle of straw.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 152. + In describing the distance of one family from another, Johnson + writes:—'Visits last several days, and are commonly paid by water; yet + I never saw a boat furnished with benches.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 100. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-527">[527]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 106, and iii. 154. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-528">[528]</a> 'They which forewent us did leave a Roome for us, and should wee + grieve to doe the same to these which should come after us? Who beeing + admitted to see the exquisite rarities of some antiquaries cabinet is + grieved, all viewed, to have the courtaine drawen, and give place to new + pilgrimes?' <i>A Cypresse Grove</i>, by William Drummond of Hawthorne-denne, + ed. 1630, p. 68. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-529">[529]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 153, 295. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-530">[530]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'While hoary Nestor, by experience wise, + To reconcile the angry monarch tries.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + FRANCIS. Horace, i <i>Epis</i>. ii. II. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-531">[531]</a> <i>See ante</i>, p. 16. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-532">[532]</a> Lord Elibank died Aug. 3, 1778, aged 75. <i>Gent. Mag.</i> 1778, p. 391. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-533">[533]</a> A term in Scotland for a special messenger, such as was formerly + sent with dispatches by the lords of the council. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-534">[534]</a> Yet he said of him:—'There is nothing <i>conclusive</i> in his talk.' + <i>Ante</i> iii. 57. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-535">[535]</a> 'I believe every man has found in physicians great liberality and + dignity of sentiment, very prompt effusion of beneficence, and + willingness to exert a lucrative art where there is no hope of lucre.' + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, vii. 402. See <i>ante</i>, iv. 263. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-536">[536]</a> Johnson says (<i>ib</i>. ix. 156) that when the military road was made + through Glencroe, 'stones were placed to mark the distances, which the + inhabitants have taken away, resolved, they said, "to have no + new miles."' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-537">[537]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'The lawland lads think they are fine, + But O they're vain and idly gawdy; + How much unlike that graceful mien + And manly look of my highland laddie.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + From '<i>The Highland Laddie</i>, written long since by Allan Ramsay, and now + sung at Ranelagh and all the other gardens; often fondly encored, and + sometimes ridiculously hissed.' <i>Gent. Mag</i>. 1750, p. 325. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-538">[538]</a> 'She is of a pleasing person and elegant behaviour. She told me + that she thought herself honoured by my visit; and I am sure that + whatever regard she bestowed on me was liberally repaid.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 153. In his <i>Journey</i> (<i>Works</i>, ix. 63) Johnson speaks of + Flora Macdonald, as 'a name that will be mentioned in history, and if + courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-539">[539]</a> This word, which meant much the same as, <i>fop</i> or <i>dandy</i>, is + found in Bk. x. ch. 2 of Fielding's <i>Amelia</i> (published in 1751):—'A + large assembly of young fellows, whom they call bucks.' Less than forty + years ago, in the neighbourhood of London, it was, I remember, still + commonly applied by the village lads to the boys of a boarding-school. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-540">[540]</a> This word was at this time often used in a loose sense, though + Johnson could not have so used it. Thus Horace Walpole, writing on May + 16, 1759 (<i>Letters</i>, iii. 227), tells a story of the little Prince + Frederick. 'T'other day as he was with the Prince of Wales, Kitty Fisher + passed by, and the child named her; the Prince, to try him, asked who + that was? "Why, a Miss." "A Miss," said the Prince of Wales, "why are + not all girls Misses?" "Oh! but a particular sort of Miss—a Miss that + sells oranges."' Mr. Cunningham in a note on this says:—'Orange-girls + at theatres were invariably courtesans.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-541">[541]</a> <i>Governor</i> was the term commonly given to a tutor, especially a + travelling tutor. Thus Peregrine Pickle was sent first to Winchester and + afterwards abroad 'under the immediate care and inspection of a + governor.' <i>Peregrine Pickle</i>, ch. xv. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-542">[542]</a> He and his wife returned before the end of the War of + Independence. On the way back she showed great spirit when their ship + was attacked by a French man of war. Chambers's <i>Rebellion in + Scotland</i>, ii. 329. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-543">[543]</a> I do not call him <i>the Prince of Wales</i>, or <i>the Prince</i>, because + I am quite satisfied that the right which the <i>House of Stuart</i> had to + the throne is extinguished. I do not call him, the <i>Pretender</i>, because + it appears to me as an insult to one who is still alive, and, I suppose, + thinks very differently. It may be a parliamentary expression; but it is + not a gentlemanly expression. I <i>know</i>, and I exult in having it in my + power to tell, that THE ONLY PERSON in the world who is intitled to be + offended at this delicacy, thinks and feels as I do; and has liberality + of mind and generosity of sentiment enough to approve of my tenderness + for what even <i>has been</i> Blood Royal. That he is a <i>prince</i> by + <i>courtesy</i>, cannot be denied; because his mother was the daughter of + Sobiesky, king of Poland. I shall, therefore, <i>on that account alone</i>, + distinguish him by the name of <i>Prince Charles Edward</i>. BOSWELL. To have + called him the <i>Pretender</i> in the presence of Flora Macdonald would have + been hazardous. In her old age, 'such is said to have been the virulence + of the Jacobite spirit in her composition, that she would have struck + any one with her fist who presumed, in her hearing, to call Charles <i>the + Pretender</i>.' Chambers's <i>Rebellion in Scotland</i>, ii. 330. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-544">[544]</a> This, perhaps, was said in allusion to some lines ascribed to + <i>Pope</i>, on his lying, at John Duke of Argyle's, at Adderbury, in the + same bed in which Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, had slept: +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'With no poetick ardour fir'd, + I press [press'd] the bed where Wilmot lay; + That here he liv'd [lov'd], or here expir'd, + Begets no numbers, grave or gay.' + BOSWELL. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + <a name="note-545">[545]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 60, 187. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-546">[546]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 113 and 315. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-547">[547]</a> 'This was written while Mr. Wilkes was Sheriff of London, and when + it was to be feared he would rattle his chain a year longer as Lord + Mayor.' Note to Campbell's <i>British Poets</i>, p. 662. By 'here' the poet + means at <i>Tyburn</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-548">[548]</a> With virtue weigh'd, what worthless trash is gold! BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-549">[549]</a> Since the first edition of this book, an ingenious friend has + observed to me, that Dr. Johnson had probably been thinking on the + reward which was offered by government for the apprehension of the + grandson of King James II, and that he meant by these words to express + his admiration of the Highlanders, whose fidelity and attachment had + resisted the golden temptation that had been held out to them. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-550">[550]</a> On the subject of Lady Margaret Macdonald, it is impossible to + omit an anecdote which does much honour to Frederick, Prince of Wales. + By some chance Lady Margaret had been presented to the princess, who, + when she learnt what share she had taken in the Chevalier's escape, + hastened to excuse herself to the prince, and exlain to him that she was + not aware that Lady Margaret was the person who had harboured the + fugitive. The prince's answer was noble: 'And would <i>you</i> not have done + the same, madam, had he come to you, as to her, in distress and danger? + I hope—I am sure you would!' WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-551">[551]</a> This old Scottish <i>member of parliament</i>, I am informed, is still + living (1785). BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-552">[552]</a> I cannot find that this account was ever published. Mr. Lumisden + is mentioned <i>ante</i>, ii. 401, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-553">[553]</a> This word is not in Johnson's <i>Dictionary</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-554">[554]</a> Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. p. 153) describes him in 1745 as 'a + good-looking man of about five feet ten inches; his hair was dark red, + and his eyes black. His features were regular, his visage long, much + sunburnt and freckled, and his countenance thoughtful and melancholy.' + When the Pretender was in London in 1750, 'he came one evening,' writes + Dr. W. King (<i>Anec</i>. p. 199) 'to my lodgings, and drank tea with me; my + servant, after he was gone, said to me, that he thought my new visitor + very like Prince Charles. "Why," said I, "have you ever seen Prince + Charles?" "No, Sir," said the fellow, "but this gentleman, whoever he + may be, exactly resembles the busts which are sold in Red Lionstreet, + and are said to be the busts of Prince Charles." The truth is, these + busts were taken in plaster of Paris from his face. He has an handsome + face and good eyes.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-555">[555]</a> Sir Walter Scott, writing of his childhood, mentions 'the stories + told in my hearing of the cruelties after the battle of Culloden. One or + two of our own distant relations had fallen, and I remember of (sic) + detesting the name of Cumberland with more than infant hatred.' + Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, i. 24. 'I was,' writes Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>, p. + 190), 'in the coffee-house with Smollett when the news of the battle of + Culloden arrived, and when London all over was in a perfect uproar of + joy.' On coming out into the street, 'Smollett,' he continues, + 'cautioned me against speaking a word, lest the mob should discover my + country, and become insolent, "for John Bull," says he; "is as haughty + and valiant to-night as he was abject and cowardly on the Black + Wednesday when the Highlanders were at Derby." I saw not Smollett again + for some time after, when he shewed me his manuscript of his <i>Tears of + Scotland</i>. Smollett, though a Tory, was not a Jacobite, but he had the + feelings of a Scotch gentleman on the reported cruelties that were said + to be exercised after the battle of Culloden.' See <i>ante</i>, ii. 374, for + the madman 'beating his straw, supposing it was the Duke of Cumberland, + whom he was punishing for his cruelties in Scotland in 1746.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-556">[556]</a> 'He was obliged to trust his life to the fidelity of above fifty + individuals, and many of these were in the lowest paths of fortune. They + knew that a price of £30,000 was set upon his head, and that by + betraying him they should enjoy wealth and affluence.' Smollett's <i>Hist. + of England</i>, iii. 184. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-557">[557]</a> 'Que les hommes privés, qui se plaignent de leurs petites + infortunes, jettent les yeux sur ce prince et sur ses ancêtres.' <i>Siècle + de Louis XV</i>, ch. 25. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-558">[558]</a> 'I never heard him express any noble or benevolent sentiments, or + discover any sorrow or compassion for the misfortunes of so many worthy + men who had suffered in his cause. But the most odious part of his + character is his love of money, a vice which I do not remember to have + been imputed by our historians to any of his ancestors, and is the + certain index of a base and little mind. I have known this gentleman, + with 2000 Louis d'ors in his strong box, pretend he was in great + distress, and borrow money from a lady in Paris, who was not in affluent + circumstances.' Dr. W. King's <i>Anec.</i> p. 201. 'Lord Marischal,' writes + Hume, 'had a very bad opinion of this unfortunate prince; and thought + there was no vice so mean or atrocious of which he was not capable; of + which he gave me several instances.' J. H. Burton's <i>Hume</i>, ii. 464. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-559">[559]</a> <i>Siècle de Louis XIV</i>, ch. 15. The accentuation of this passage, + which was very incorrect as quoted by Boswell, I have corrected. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-560">[560]</a> By banishment he meant, I conjecture, transportation as a + convict-slave to the American plantations. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-561">[561]</a> Wesley in his <i>Journal</i>—the reference I have mislaid—seemed from + this consideration almost to regret a reprieve that came to a + penitent convict. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-562">[562]</a> Hume describes how in 1753 (? 1750) the Pretender, on his secret + visit to London, 'came to the house of a lady (who I imagined to be Lady + Primrose) without giving her any preparatory information; and entered + the room where she had a pretty large company with her, and was herself + playing at cards. He was announced by the servant under another name. + She thought the cards would have dropped from her hands on seeing him. + But she had presence enough of mind to call him by the name he assumed.' + J.H. Burton's <i>Hume</i>, ii. 462. Mr. Croker (Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 331) + prints an autograph letter from Flora Macdonald which shows that Lady + Primrose in 1751 had lodged £627 in a friend's hands for her behoof, and + that she had in view to add more. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-563">[563]</a> It seems that the Pretender was only once in London, and that it + was in 1750. <i>Ante</i>, i. 279, note 5. I suspect that 1759 is Boswell's + mistake or his printer's. From what Johnson goes on to say it is clear + that George II. was in Germany at the time of the Prince's secret visit. + He was there the greater part of 1750, but not in 1753 or 1759. In 1750, + moreover, 'the great army of the King of Prussia overawed Hanover.' + Smollett's <i>England</i>, iii. 297. This explains what Johnson says about + the King of Prussia stopping the army in Germany. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-564">[564]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 165, 170. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-565">[565]</a> COMMENTARIES on the laws of England, book 1. chap. 3. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-566">[566]</a> B. VI. chap. 3. Since I have quoted Mr. Archdeacon Paley upon one + subject, I cannot but transcribe, from his excellent work, a + distinguished passage in support of the Christian Revelation.—After + shewing, in decent but strong terms, the unfairness of the <i>indirect</i> + attempts of modern infidels to unsettle and perplex religious + principles, and particularly the irony, banter, and sneer, of one whom + he politely calls 'an eloquent historian,' the archdeacon thus expresses + himself:— +</p> +<p> + 'Seriousness is not constraint of thought; nor levity, freedom. Every + mind which wishes the advancement of truth and knowledge, in the most + important of all human researches, must abhor this licentiousness, as + violating no less the laws of reasoning than the rights of decency. + There is but one description of men to whose principles it ought to be + tolerable. I mean that class of reasoners who can see <i>little</i> in + christianity even supposing it to be true. To such adversaries we + address this reflection.—Had <i>Jesus Christ</i> delivered no other + declaration than the following, "The hour is coming in the which all + that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth,—they + that have done well [good] unto the resurrection of life, and they that + have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation," [<i>St. John</i> v. 25] + he had pronounced a message of inestimable importance, and well worthy + of that splendid apparatus of prophecy and miracles with which his + mission was introduced and attested:—a message in which the wisest of + mankind would rejoice to find an answer to their doubts, and rest to + their inquiries. It is idle to say that a future state had been + discovered already.—It had been discovered as the Copernican System + was;—it was one guess amongst many. He alone discovers who <i>proves</i>, + and no man can prove this point but the teacher who testifies by + miracles that his doctrine comes from GOD.'—Book V. chap. 9. +</p> +<p> + If infidelity be disingenuously dispersed in every shape that is likely + to allure, surprise, or beguile the imagination,—in a fable, a tale, a + novel, a poem,—in books of travels, of philosophy, of natural + history,—as Mr. Paley has well observed,—I hope it is fair in me thus + to meet such poison with an unexpected antidote, which I cannot doubt + will be found powerful. BOSWELL. The 'eloquent historian' was Gibbon. + See Paley's <i>Principles</i>, ed. 1786, p. 395. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-567">[567]</a> In <i>The Life of Johnson (ante</i>, iii. 113), Boswell quotes these + words, without shewing that they are his own; but italicises not + fervour, but loyalty. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-568">[568]</a> 'Whose service is perfect freedom.' <i>Book of Common Prayer.</i> +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-569">[569]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 353, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-570">[570]</a> Ovid, <i>Ars Amatoria</i>, iii. 121. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-571">[571]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'This facile temper of the beauteous sex + Great Agamemnon, brave Pelides proved.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + These two lines follow the four which Boswell quotes. <i>Agis</i>, act iv. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-572">[572]</a> <i>Agis</i>, a tragedy, by John Home. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-573">[573]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 27. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-574">[574]</a> A misprint, I suppose, for <i>designing</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-575">[575]</a> 'Next in dignity to the laird is the tacksman; a large taker or + leaseholder of land, of which he keeps part as a domain in his own hand, + and lets part to under-tenants. The tacksman is necessarily a man + capable of securing to the laird the whole rent, and is commonly a + collateral relation.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 82. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-576">[576]</a> A <i>lettre de cachet</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-577">[577]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 159. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-578">[578]</a> 'It is related that at Dunvegan Lady Macleod, having poured out + for Dr. Johnson sixteen cups of tea, asked him if a small basin would + not save him trouble, and be more agreeable. "I wonder, Madam," answered + he roughly, "why all the ladies ask me such questions. It is to save + yourselves trouble, Madam, and not me." The lady was silent and resumed + her task.' Northcote's <i>Reynolds</i>, i. 81. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-579">[579]</a> 'In the garden-or rather the orchard which was formerly the + garden-is a pretty cascade, divided into two branches, and called Rorie + More's Nurse, because he loved to be lulled to sleep by the sound of + it.' Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, iv. 304. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-580">[580]</a> It has been said that she expressed considerable dissatisfaction + at Dr. Johnson's rude behaviour at Dunvegan. Her grandson, the present + Macleod, assures me that it was not so: 'they were all,' he says + emphatically, '<i>delighted</i> with him.' CROKER. Mr. Croker refers, I + think, to a communication from Sir Walter Scott, published in the + <i>Croker Corres</i>. ii. 33. Scott writes:—'When wind-bound at Dunvegan, + Johnson's temper became most execrable, and beyond all endurance, save + that of his guide. The Highlanders, who are very courteous in their way, + held him in great contempt for his want of breeding, but had an idea at + the same time there was something respectable about him, they could not + tell what, and long spoke of him as the Sassenach <i>mohr</i>, or + large Saxon.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-581">[581]</a> 'I long to be again in civilized life.' <i>Ante</i>, p. 183. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-582">[582]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 406. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-583">[583]</a> Johnson refers, I think, to a passage in <i>L'Esprit des Lois</i>, Book + xvi. chap. 4, where Montesquieu says:—'J'avoue que si ce que les + relations nous disent était vrai, qu'à Bantam il y a dix femmes pour un + homme, ce serait un cas bien particulier de la polygamie. Dans tout ceci + je ne justifie pas les usages, mais j'en rends les raisons.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-584">[584]</a> What my friend treated as so wild a supposition, has actually + happened in the Western islands of Scotland, if we may believe Martin, + who tells it of the islands of Col and Tyr-yi, and says that it is + proved by the parish registers. BOSWELL. 'The Isle of Coll produces more + boys than girls, and the Isle of Tire-iy more girls than boys; as if + nature intended both these isles for mutual alliances, without being at + the trouble of going to the adjacent isles or continent to be matched. + The parish-book in which the number of the baptised is to be seen, + confirms this observation.' Martin's <i>Western Islands,</i> p. 271. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-585">[585]</a> <i>A Dissertation on the Gout</i>, by W. Cadogan, M.D., 1771. It went + through nine editions in its first year. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-586">[586]</a> This was a general reflection against Dr. Cadogan, when his very + popular book was first published. It was said, that whatever precepts he + might give to others, he himself indulged freely in the bottle. But I + have since had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with him, and, if his + own testimony may be believed, (and I have never heard it impeached,) + his course of life has been conformable to his doctrine. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-587">[587]</a> 'April 7, 1765. I purpose to rise at eight, because, though I + shall not yet rise early, it will be much earlier than I now rise, for I + often lie till two.' <i>Pr. and Med.</i> p. 62. 'Sept. 18, 1771. My nocturnal + complaints grow less troublesome towards morning; and I am tempted to + repair the deficiencies of the night. I think, however, to try to rise + every day by eight, and to combat indolence as I shall obtain strength.' + <i>Ib.</i> p. 105. 'April 14, 1775. As my life has from my earliest years + been wasted in a morning bed, my purpose is from Easter day to rise + early, not later than eight.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 139. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-588">[588]</a> See <i>post</i>, Oct. 25. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-589">[589]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. under Dec. 2, 1784. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-590">[590]</a> Miss Mulso (Mrs. Chapone) wrote in 1753:—'I had the assurance to + dispute with Mr. Johnson on the subject of human malignity, and wondered + to hear a man, who by his actions shews so much benevolence, maintain + that the human heart is naturally malevolent, and that all the + benevolence we see in the few who are good is acquired by reason and + religion.' <i> Life of Mrs. Chapone</i>, p.73. See <i>post</i>, p. 214. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-591">[591]</a> This act was passed in 1746. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-592">[592]</a> <i>Isaiah</i>, ii. 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-593">[593]</a> Sir Walter Scott, after mentioning Lord Orford's (Horace Walpole) + <i>History of His Own Time</i>, continues:—'The Memoirs of our Scots Sir + George Mackenzie are of the same class—both immersed in little + political detail, and the struggling skirmish of party, seem to have + lost sight of the great progressive movements of human affairs.' + Lockhart's <i>Scott</i> vii. 12. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-594">[594]</a> 'Illum jura potius ponere quam de jure respondere dixisses; eique + appropinquabant clientes tanquam judici potius quam advocato.' + Mackenzie's <i>Works</i>, ed. 1716, vol. i. part 2, p. 7. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-595">[595]</a> 'Opposuit ei providentia Nisbetum: qui summâ doctrinâ + consummatâque eloquentiâ causas agebat, ut justitiae scalae in + aequilibrio essent; nimiâ tamen arte semper utens artem suam suspectam + reddebat. Quoties ergo conflixerunt, penes Gilmorum gloria, penes + Nisbetum palma fuit; quoniam in hoc plus artis et cultus, in illo + naturae et virium.' <i>Ib.</i> +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-596">[596]</a> He often indulged himself in every species of pleasantry and wit. BOSWELL. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-597">[597]</a> But like the hawk, having soared with a lofty flight to a height + which the eye could not reach, he was wont to swoop upon his quarry with + wonderful rapidity. BOSWELL. These two quotations are part of the same + paragraph, and are not even separated by a word. <i>Ib.</i> p. 6. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-598">[598]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 453; iii. 323; iv. 276; and v. 32. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-599">[599]</a> Some years later he said that 'when Burke lets himself down to + jocularity he is in the kennel.' <i>Ante</i>, iv. 276. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-600">[600]</a> Cicero and Demosthenes, no doubt, were brought in by the passage + about Nicholson. Mackenzie continues:—'Hic primus nos a Syllogismorum + servitute manumisit et Aristotelem Demostheni potius quam Ciceroni forum + concedere coegit.' P. 6. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-601">[601]</a> See <i>ante</i> ii. 435 and iv. 149, note 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-602">[602]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 103. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-603">[603]</a> See <i>ante</i> ii 436 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-604">[604]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 65. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-605">[605]</a> On Sept. 13, 1777, Johnson wrote:—'Boswell shrinks from the + Baltick expedition, which, I think, is the best scheme in our power.' + <i>Ante</i>, iii. 134, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-606">[606]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 59, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-607">[607]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 368. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-608">[608]</a> 'Every man wishes to be wise, and they who cannot be wise are + almost always cunning ... nor is caution ever so necessary as with + associates or opponents of feeble minds.' <i>The Idler</i>, No. 92. In a + letter to Dr. Taylor Johnson says:—'To help the ignorant commonly + requires much patience, for the ignorant are always trying to be + cunning.' <i>Notes and Queries</i>, 6th S. v. 462. Churchill, in <i>The + Journey</i> (<i>Poems</i>, ed. 1766, ii. 327), says:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + ''Gainst fools be guarded; 'tis a certain rule, + Wits are safe things, there's danger in a fool.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-609">[609]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 173. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-610">[610]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'For thee we dim the eyes, and stuff the head + With all such reading as was never read; + For thee explain a thing till all men doubt it, + And write about it, goddess, and about it.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>The Dunciad</i>, iv. 249. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-611">[611]</a> Genius is chiefly exerted in historical pictures; and the art of + the painter of portraits is often lost in the obscurity of his subject. + But it is in painting as in life; what is greatest is not always best. I + should grieve to see Reynolds transfer to heroes and to goddesses, to + empty splendour and to airy fiction, that art which is now employed in + diffusing friendship, in reviving tenderness, in quickening the + affections of the absent, and continuing the presence of the dead.' <i>The + Idler</i>, No. 45. 'Southey wrote thirty years later:—'I find daily more + and more reason to wonder at the miserable ignorance of English + historians, and to grieve with a sort of despondency at seeing how much + that has been laid up among the stores of knowledge has been neglected + and utterly forgotten.' Southey's <i>Life</i>, ii. 264. On another occasion + he said of Robertson:—'To write his introduction to <i>Charles V</i>, + without reading these <i>Laws</i> [the <i>Laws</i> of Alonso the Wise], is one of + the thousand and one omissions for which he ought to be called rogue, as + long as his volumes last. <i>Ib</i>. p. 318 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-612">[612]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'That eagle's fate and mine are one, + Which on the shaft that made him die, + Espy'd a feather of his own, + Wherewith he wont to soar so high.' + <i>Epistle to a Lady.</i> +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Anderson's <i>Poets</i>, v. 480. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-613">[613]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 271. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-614">[614]</a> 'In England there may be reason for raising the rents (in a + certain degree) where the value of lands is increased by accession of + commerce, ...but here (contrary to all policy) the great men begin at + the wrong end, with squeezing the bag, before they have helped the poor + tenant to fill it; by the introduction of manufactures.' Pennant's + <i>Scotland</i>, ed. 1772, p. 191. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-615">[615]</a> Boswell refers, not to a passage in <i>Pennant</i>, but to Johnson's + admission that in his dispute with Monboddo, 'he might have taken the + side of the savage, had anybody else taken the side of the shopkeeper.' + <i>Ante</i>, p. 83. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-616">[616]</a> 'Boswell, with some of his troublesome kindness, has informed this + family and reminded me that the 18th of September is my birthday. The + return of my birthday, if I remember it, fills me with thoughts which it + seems to be the general care of humanity to escape.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 134. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 157. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-617">[617]</a> 'At Dunvegan I had tasted lotus, and was in danger of forgetting + that I was ever to depart, till Mr. Boswell sagely reproached me with my + sluggishness and softness.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 67. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-618">[618]</a> Johnson wrote of the ministers:—'I saw not one in the islands + whom I had reason to think either deficient in learning, or irregular in + life; but found several with whom I could not converse without wishing, + as my respect increased, that they had not been Presbyterians.' <i>Ib</i>. + p. 102. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-619">[619]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 142. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-620">[620]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 28. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-621">[621]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'So horses they affirm to be + Mere engines made by geometry, + And were invented first from engines, + As Indian Britons were from penguins.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Hudibras</i>, part i. canto 2, line 57. Z. Gray, in a note on these lines, + quotes Selden's note on Drayton's <i>Polyolbion</i>:—'About the year 1570, + Madoc, brother to David Ap Owen, Prince of Wales, made a sea-voyage to + Florida; and by probability those names of Capo de Breton in Norimberg, + and Penguin in part of the Northern America, for a white rock and a + white-headed bird, according to the British, were relicts of this + discovery.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-622">[622]</a> Published in Edinburgh in 1763. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-623">[623]</a> See ante, ii. 76. 'Johnson used to say that in all family disputes + the odds were in favour of the husband from his superior knowledge of + life and manners.' Johnson's Works (1787), xi. 210. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-624">[624]</a> He wrote to Dr. Taylor:—' Nature has given women so much power + that the law has very wisely given them little.' <i>Notes and Queries</i>, + 6th S. v. 342. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-625">[625]</a> As I have faithfully recorded so many minute particulars, I hope I + shall be pardoned for inserting so flattering an encomium on what is now + offered to the publick. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-626">[626]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 109, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-627">[627]</a> 'The islanders of all degrees, whether of rank or understanding, + universally admit it, except the ministers, who universally deny it, and + are suspected to deny it in consequence of a system, against + conviction.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 106. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-628">[628]</a> The true story of this lady, which happened in this century, is as + frightfully romantick as if it had been the fiction of a gloomy fancy. + She was the wife of one of the Lords of Session in Scotland, a man of + the very first blood of his country. For some mysterious reasons, which + have never been discovered, she was seized and carried off in the dark, + she knew not by whom, and by nightly journeys was conveyed to the + Highland shores, from whence she was transported by sea to the remote + rock of St. Kilda, where she remained, amongst its few wild inhabitants, + a forlorn prisoner, but had a constant supply of provisions, and a woman + to wait on her. No inquiry was made after her, till she at last found + means to convey a letter to a confidential friend, by the daughter of a + Catechist, who concealed it in a clue of yarn. Information being thus + obtained at Edinburgh, a ship was sent to bring her off; but + intelligence of this being received, she was conveyed to M'Leod's island + of Herries, where she died. +</p> +<p> + In CARSTARE'S STATE PAPERS we find an authentick narrative of Connor + [Conn], a catholick priest, who turned protestant, being seized by some + of Lord Seaforth's people, and detained prisoner in the island of + Herries several years; he was fed with bread and water, and lodged in a + house where he was exposed to the rains and cold. Sir James Ogilvy + writes (June 18, 1667 <a name="note-1697">[1697]</a>), that the Lord Chancellor, the Lord + Advocate, and himself, were to meet next day, to take effectual methods + to have this redressed. Connor was then still detained; p. 310.—This + shews what private oppression might in the last century be practised in + the Hebrides. +</p> +<p> + In the same collection [in a letter dated Sept. 15, 1700], the Earl of + Argyle gives a picturesque account of an embassy from the <i>great</i> M'Neil + <i>of Barra</i>, as that insular Chief used to be denominated:—'I received a + letter yesterday from M'Neil of Barra, who lives very far off, sent by a + gentleman in all formality, offering his service, which had made you + laugh to see his entry. His style of his letter runs as if he were of + another kingdom.'—Page 643. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + Sir Walter Scott says:—'I have seen Lady Grange's Journal. She had + become privy to some of the Jacobite intrigues, in which her husband, + Lord Grange (an Erskine, brother of the Earl of Mar, and a Lord of + Session), and his family were engaged. Being on indifferent terms with + her husband, she is said to have thrown out hints that she knew as much + as would cost him his life. The judge probably thought with Mrs. + Peachum, that it is rather an awkward state of domestic affairs, when + the wife has it in her power to hang the husband. Lady Grange was the + more to be dreaded, as she came of a vindictive race, being the + grandchild [according to Mr. Chambers, the child] of that Chiesley of + Dalry, who assassinated Sir George Lockhart, the Lord President. Many + persons of importance in the Highlands were concerned in removing her + testimony. The notorious Lovat, with a party of his men, were the direct + agents in carrying her off; and St. Kilda, belonging then to Macleod, + was selected as the place of confinement. The name by which she was + spoken or written of was <i>Corpach</i>, an ominous distinction, + corresponding to what is called <i>subject</i> in the lecture-room of an + anatomist, or <i>shot</i> in the slang of the Westport murderers' [Burke and + Hare]. Sir Walter adds that 'it was said of M'Neil of Barra, that when + he dined, his bagpipes blew a particular strain, intimating that all the + world might go to dinner.' Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 341. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-629">[629]</a> I doubt the justice of my fellow-traveller's remark concerning the + French literati, many of whom, I am told, have considerable merit in + conversation, as well as in their writings. That of Monsieur de Buffon, + in particular, I am well assured, is highly instructive and + entertaining. BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 253. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-630">[630]</a> Horace Walpole, writing of 1758, says:—'Prize-fighting, in which + we had horribly resembled the most barbarous and most polite nations, + was suppressed by the legislature.' <i>Memoirs of the Reign of George II</i>, + iii. 99. According to Mrs. Piozzi (<i>Anec.</i> p. 5), Johnson said that his + 'father's brother, Andrew, kept the ring in Smithfield (where they + wrestled and boxed) for a whole year, and never was thrown or conquered. + Mr. Johnson was,' she continues, 'very conversant in the art of boxing.' + She had heard him descant upon it 'much to the admiration of those who + had no expectation of his skill in such matters.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-631">[631]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 179, 226, and iv. 211. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-632">[632]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 98. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-633">[633]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i, 110. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-634">[634]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 398, and ii. 15, 35, 441. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-635">[635]</a> Gibbon, thirteen years later, writing to Lord Sheffield about the + commercial treaty with France, said (<i>Misc. Works</i>, ii. 399):—'I hope + both nations are gainers; since otherwise it cannot be lasting; and such + double mutual gain is surely possible in fair trade, though it could not + easily happen in the mischievous amusements of war and gaming.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-636">[636]</a> Johnson (<i>Works</i>, viii. 139), writing of gratitude and resentment, + says:—'Though there are few who will practise a laborious virtue, + there will never be wanting multitudes that will indulge an easy vice.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-637">[637]</a> <i>Aul. Gellius</i>, lib. v. c. xiv. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-638">[638]</a> 'The difficulties in princes' business are many and great; but the + greatest difficulty is often in their own mind. For it is common with + princes, saith Tacitus, to will contradictories. <i>Sunt plerumque regum + voluntates vehementes, et inter se contrariae</i>. For it is the solecism + of power to think to command the end, and yet not to endure the mean.' + Bacon's <i>Essays</i>, No. xix. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-639">[639]</a> Yet Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale on Sept. 30:—'I am now no longer + pleased with the delay; you can hear from me but seldom, and I cannot at + all hear from you. It comes into my mind that some evil may happen.' + <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 148. On Oct. 15 he wrote to Mr. Thrale:—'Having + for many weeks had no letter, my longings are very great to be informed + how all things are at home, as you and mistress allow me to call it.... + I beg to have my thoughts set at rest by a letter from you or my + mistress.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 166. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-640">[640]</a> Sir Walter Scott thus describes Dunvegan in 1814:—'The whole + castle occupies a precipitous mass of rock overhanging the lake, divided + by two or three islands in that place, which form a snug little harbour + under the walls. There is a court-yard looking out upon the sea, + protected by a battery, at least a succession of embrasures, for only + two guns are pointed, and these unfit for service. The ancient entrance + rose up a flight of steps cut in the rock, and passed into this + court-yard through a portal, but this is now demolished. You land under + the castle, and walking round find yourself in front of it. This was + originally inaccessible, for a brook coming down on the one side, a + chasm of the rocks on the other, and a ditch in front, made it + impervious. But the late Macleod built a bridge over the stream, and the + present laird is executing an entrance suitable to the character of this + remarkable fortalice, by making a portal between two advanced towers, + and an outer court, from which he proposes to throw a draw-bridge over + to the high rock in front of the castle.' Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, ed. + 1839, iv. 303. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-641">[641]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Bella gerant alii; tu, felix Austria, nube; + Quae dat Mars aliis, dat tibi regna Venus.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-642">[642]</a> Johnson says of this castle:—'It is so nearly entire, that it + might have easily been made habitable, were there not an ominous + tradition in the family, that the owner shall not long outlive the + reparation. The grandfather of the present laird, in defiance of + prediction, began the work, but desisted in a little time, and applied + his money to worse uses.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 64. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-643">[643]</a> Macaulay (<i>Essays</i>, ed. 1843, i. 365) ends a lively piece of + criticism on Mr. Croker by saying:—'It requires no Bentley or Casaubon + to perceive that Philarchus is merely a false spelling for Phylarchus, + the chief of a tribe.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-644">[644]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 180. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-645">[645]</a> Sir Walter Scott wrote in 1814:—'The monument is now nearly + ruinous, and the inscription has fallen down.' Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, + iv. 308. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-646">[646]</a> 'Wheel carriages they have none, but make a frame of timber, which + is drawn by one horse, with the two points behind pressing on the + ground. On this they sometimes drag home their sheaves, but often convey + them home in a kind of open pannier, or frame of sticks, upon the + horse's back.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 76. 'The young Laird of Col has + attempted what no islander perhaps ever thought on. He has begun a road + capable of a wheel-carriage. He has carried it about a mile.' <i>Ib</i>. + p. 128. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-647">[647]</a> Captain Phipps had sailed in May of this year, and in the + neighbourhood of Spitzbergen had reached the latitude of more than 80°. + He returned to England in the end of September. <i>Gent. Mag</i>. 1774, + p. 420. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-648">[648]</a> <i>Aeneid</i>, vi. II. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-649">[649]</a> 'In the afternoon, an interval of calm sunshine courted us out to + see a cave on the shore, famous for its echo. When we went into the + boat, one of our companions was asked in Erse by the boatmen, who they + were that came with him. He gave us characters, I suppose to our + advantage, and was asked, in the spirit of the Highlands, whether I + could recite a long series of ancestors. The boatmen said, as I + perceived afterwards, that they heard the cry of an English ghost. This, + Boswell says, disturbed him.... There was no echo; such is the fidelity + of report.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 156. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-650">[650]</a> '<i>Law</i> or <i>low</i> signifies a hill: <i>ex. gr.</i> Wardlaw, guard hill, + Houndslow, the dog's hill.' Blackie's <i>Etymological Geography</i>, p. 103. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-651">[651]</a> Pepys often mentions them. At first he praises them highly, but of + one of the later ones—<i>Tryphon</i>—he writes:—'The play, though + admirable, yet no pleasure almost in it, because just the very same + design, and words, and sense, and plot, as every one of his plays have, + any one of which would be held admirable, whereas so many of the same + design and fancy do but dull one another.' Pepys's <i>Diary</i>, ed. 1851, + v. 63. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-652">[652]</a> The second and third earls are passed over by Johnson. It was the + fourth earl who, as Charles Boyle, had been Bentley's antagonist. Of + this controversy a full account is given in Lord Macaulay's <i>Life of + Atterbury</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-653">[653]</a> The fifth earl, John. See <i>ante</i>, i. 185, and iii. 249. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-654">[654]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 9, and iii. 154. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-655">[655]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 129, and iii. 183. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-656">[656]</a> The young lord was married on the 8th of May, 1728, and the + father's will is dated the 6th of Nov. following. 'Having,' says the + testator, 'never observed that my son hath showed much taste or + inclination, either for the entertainment or knowledge which study and + learning afford, I give and bequeath all my books and mathematical + instruments [with certain exceptions] to Christchurch College, in + Oxford.' CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-657">[657]</a> His <i>Life of Swift</i> is written in the form of <i>Letters to his Son, + the Hon. Hamilton Boyle.</i> The fifteenth Letter, in which he finishes his + criticism of <i>Gulliver's Travels</i>, affords a good instance of this + 'studied variety of phrase.' 'I may finish my letter,' he writes, + 'especially as the conclusion of it naturally turns my thoughts from + Yahoos to one of the dearest pledges I have upon earth, yourself, to + whom I am a most +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Affectionate Father, + + 'ORRERY.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + See <i>ante</i>, i. 275-284, for Johnson's letters to Thomas Warton, many of + which end 'in studied varieties of phrase.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-658">[658]</a> <i>The Conquest of Granada</i> was dedicated to the Duke of York. The + conclusion is as follows:—'If at any time Almanzor fulfils the parts of + personal valour and of conduct, of a soldier and of a general; or, if I + could yet give him a character more advantageous that what he has, of + the most unshaken friend, the greatest of subjects, and the best of + masters; I should then draw all the world a true resemblance of your + worth and virtues; at least as far as they are capable of being copied + by the mean abilities of, +</p> +<p> + 'Sir, +</p> +<p> + 'Your Royal Highness's +</p> +<p> + 'Most humble, and most +</p> +<p> + 'Obedient servant, +</p> +<center> + 'J. DRYDEN.' +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-659">[659]</a> On the day of his coronation he was asked to pardon four young men + who had broken the law against carrying arms. 'So long as I live,' he + replied, 'every criminal must die.' 'He was inexorable in individual + cases; he adhered to his laws with a rigour that amounted to cruelty, + while in the framing of general rules we find him mild, yielding, and + placable.' Ranke's <i>Popes</i>, ed. 1866, i. 307, 311. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-660">[660]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 239, where he discusses the question of shooting + a highwayman. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-661">[661]</a> In <i>The Rambler</i>, No. 78, he says:—'I believe men may be + generally observed to grow less tender as they advance in age.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-662">[662]</a> He passed over his own <i>Life of Savage</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-663">[663]</a> 'When I was a young fellow, I wanted to write the <i>Life of Dryden' + Ante</i>, iii. 71. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-664">[664]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 117. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-665">[665]</a> 'I asked a very learned minister in Sky, who had used all arts to + make me believe the genuineness of the book, whether at last he believed + it himself; but he would not answer. He wished me to be deceived for the + honour of his country; but would not directly and formally deceive me. + Yet has this man's testimony been publickly produced, as of one that + held <i>Fingal</i> to be the work of Ossian.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 115. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-666">[666]</a> A young lady had sung to him an Erse song. He asked her, 'What is + that about? I question if she conceived that I did not understand it. + For the entertainment of the company, said she. But, Madam, what is the + meaning of it? It is a love song. This was all the intelligence that I + could obtain; nor have I been able to procure the translation of a + single line of Erse.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 146. See <i>post</i>, Oct. 16 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-667">[667]</a> This droll quotation, I have since found, was from a song in + honour of the Earl of Essex, called <i>Queen Elisabeth's Champion</i>, which + is preserved in a collection of Old Ballads, in three volumes, published + in London in different years, between 1720 and 1730. The full verse is + as follows:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Oh! then bespoke the prentices all, + Living in London, both proper and tall, + In a kind letter sent straight to the Queen, + For Essex's sake they would fight all. + Raderer too, tandaro te, + Raderer, tandorer, tan do re.' + BOSWELL. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + <a name="note-668">[668]</a> La Condamine describes a tribe called the Tameos, on the north + side of the river Tiger in South America, who have a word for <i>three</i>. + He continues:—'Happily for those who have transactions with them, + their arithmetic goes no farther. The Brazilian tongue, a language + spoken by people less savage, is equally barren; the people who speak + it, where more than three is to be expressed, are obliged to use the + Portuguese.' Pinkerton's <i>Voyages</i>, xiv. 225. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-669">[669]</a> 'It was Addison's practice, when he found any man invincibly + wrong, to flatter his opinions by acquiescence, and sink him yet deeper + in absurdity. This artifice of mischief was admired by Stella; and Swift + seems to approve her admiration.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, vii. 450. Swift, in + his <i>Character of Mrs. Johnson </i> (Stella), says:—'Whether this + proceeded from her easiness in general, or from her indifference to + persons, or from her despair of mending them, or from the same practice + which she much liked in Mr. Addison, I cannot determine; but when she + saw any of the company very warm in a wrong opinion, she was more + inclined to confirm them in it than oppose them. The excuse she commonly + gave, when her friends asked the reason, was, "That it prevented noise + and saved time." Swift's <i>Works</i>, xiv. 254. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-670">[670]</a> In the Appendix to Blair's <i>Critical Dissertation on the Poems of + Ossian</i> Macqueen is mentioned as one of his authorities for his + statements. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-671">[671]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 262, note. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-672">[672]</a> I think it but justice to say, that I believe Dr. Johnson meant to + ascribe Mr. M'Queen's conduct to inaccuracy and enthusiasm, and did not + mean any severe imputation against him. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-673">[673]</a> In Baretti's trial (<i>ante</i>, ii. 97, note I) he seems to have given + his evidence clearly. What he had to say, however, was not much. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-674">[674]</a> Boswell had spoken before to Johnson about this omission. <i>Ante</i>, + ii. 92. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-675">[675]</a> It has been triumphantly asked, 'Had not the plays of Shakspeare + lain dormant for many years before the appearance of Mr. Garrick? Did he + not exhibit the most excellent of them frequently for thirty years + together, and render them extremely popular by his own inimitable + performance?' He undoubtedly did. But Dr. Johnson's assertion has been + misunderstood. Knowing as well as the objectors what has been just + stated, he must necessarily have meant, that 'Mr. Garrick did not as <i>a + critick</i> make Shakspeare better known; he did not <i>illustrate</i> any one + <i>passage</i> in any of his plays by acuteness of disquisition, or sagacity + of conjecture: and what had been done with any degree of excellence in + <i>that</i> way was the proper and immediate subject of his preface. I may + add in support of this explanation the following anecdote, related to me + by one of the ablest commentators on Shakspeare, who knew much of Dr. + Johnson: 'Now I have quitted the theatre, cries Garrick, I will sit down + and read Shakspeare.' ''Tis time you should, exclaimed Johnson, for I + much doubt if you ever examined one of his plays from the first scene to + the last.' BOSWELL. According to Davies (<i>Life of Garrick</i>, i. 120) + during the twenty years' management of Drury Lane by Booth, Wilks and + Cibber (about 1712-1732) not more than eight or nine of Shakspeare's + plays were acted, whereas Garrick annually gave the public seventeen or + eighteen. <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> had lain neglected near 80 years, when in + 1748-9 Garrick brought it out, or rather a hash of it. 'Otway had made + some alteration in the catastrophe, which Mr. Garrick greatly improved + by the addition of a scene, which was written with a spirit not unworthy + of Shakespeare himself.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 125. Murphy (<i>Life of Garrick</i>, p. + 100), writing of this alteration, says:—'The catastrophe, as it now + stands, is the most affecting in the whole compass of the drama.' Davies + says (p. 20) that shortly before Garrick's time 'a taste for Shakespeare + had been revived. The ladies had formed themselves into a society under + the title of The Shakespeare Club. They bespoke every week some + favourite play of his.' This revival was shown in the increasing number + of readers of Shakespeare. It was in 1741 that Garrick began to act. In + the previous sixteen years there had been published four editions of + Pope's <i>Shakespeare</i> and two of Theobald's. In the next ten years were + published five editions of Hanmer's <i>Shakespeare</i>, and two of + Warburton's, besides Johnson's <i>Observations on Macbeth. </i>Lowndes's + <i>Bibl. Man.</i> ed. 1871, p. 2270. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-676">[676]</a> In her foolish <i>Essay on Shakespeare</i>, p. 15. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 88. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-677">[677]</a> No man has less inclination to controversy than I have, + particularly with a lady. But as I have claimed, and am conscious of + being entitled to credit for the strictest fidelity, my respect for the + publick obliges me to take notice of an insinuation which tends to + impeach it. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Piozzi (late Mrs. Thrale), to her <i>Anecdotes of Dr. Johnson</i>, added + the following postscript:— +</p> +<p> + '<i>Naples, Feb.</i> 10, 1786. +</p> +<p> + 'Since the foregoing went to the press, having seen a passage from Mr. + Boswell's <i>Tour to the Hebrides,</i> in which it is said, that <i>I could not + get through Mrs. Montague's "Essay on Shakspeare,"</i> I do not delay a + moment to declare, that, on the contrary, I have always commended it + myself, and heard it commended by every one else; and few things would + give me more concern than to be thought incapable of tasting, or + unwilling to testify my opinion of its excellence.' +</p> +<p> + It is remarkable that this postscript is so expressed, as not to point + out the person who said that Mrs. Thrale could not get through Mrs. + Montague's book; and therefore I think it necessary to remind Mrs. + Piozzi, that the assertion concerning her was Dr. Johnson's, and not + mine. The second observation that I shall make on this postscript is, + that it does not deny the fact asserted, though I must acknowledge from + the praise it bestows on Mrs. Montague's book, it may have been designed + to convey that meaning. +</p> +<p> + What Mrs. Thrale's opinion is or was, or what she may or may not have + said to Dr. Johnson concerning Mrs. Montague's book, it is not necessary + for me to enquire. It is only incumbent on me to ascertain what Dr. + Johnson said to me. I shall therefore confine myself to a very short + state of the fact. The unfavourable opinion of Mrs. Montague's book, + which Dr. Johnson, is here reported to have given, is, known to have + been that which he uniformly expressed, as many of his friends well + remember. So much, for the authenticity of the paragraph, as far as it + relates to his own sentiments. The words containing the assertion, to + which Mrs. Piozzi objects, are printed from my manuscript Journal, and + were taken down at the time. The Journal was read by Dr. Johnson, who + pointed out some inaccuracies, which I corrected, but did not mention + any inaccuracy in the paragraph in question: and what is still more + material, and very flattering to me, a considerable part of my Journal, + containing this paragraph, <i>was read several years ago by, Mrs. Thrale + herself </i>[see <i>ante</i>, ii. 383], who had it for some time in her + possession, and returned it to me, without intimating that Dr. Johnson + had mistaken her sentiments. +</p> +<p> + When the first edition of my Journal was passing through the press, it + occurred to me that a peculiar delicacy was necessary to be observed in + reporting the opinion of one literary lady concerning the performance of + another; and I had such scruples on that head, that in the proof sheet I + struck out the name of Mrs. Thrale from the above paragraph, and two or + three hundred copies of my book were actually printed and published + without it; of these Sir Joshua Reynolds's copy happened to be one. But + while the sheet was working off, a friend, for whose opinion I have + great respect, suggested that I had no right to deprive Mrs. Thrale of + the high honour which Dr. Johnson had done her, by stating her opinion + along with that of Mr. Beauclerk, as coinciding with, and, as it were, + sanctioning his own. The observation appeared to me so weighty and + conclusive, that I hastened to the printing-house, and, as a piece of + justice, restored Mrs. Thrale to that place from which a too scrupulous + delicacy had excluded her. On this simple state of facts I shall make no + observation whatever. BOSWELL. This note was first published in the form + of a letter to the Editor of <i>The Gazetteer</i> on April 17, 1786. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-678">[678]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 215, for his knowledge of coining and brewing, and + <i>post</i>, p. 263, for his knowledge of threshing and thatching. Now and + then, no doubt, 'he talked ostentatiously,' as he had at Fort George + about Gunpowder (<i>ante</i>, p. 124). In the <i>Gent. Mag.</i> for 1749, p. 55, + there is a paper on the <i>Construction of Fireworks</i>, which I have little + doubt is his. The following passage is certainly Johnsonian:—'The + excellency of a rocket consists in the largeness of the train of fire it + emits, the solemnity of its motion (which should be rather slow at + first, but augmenting as it rises), the straightness of its flight, and + the height to which it ascends.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-679">[679]</a> Perhaps Johnson refers to Stephen Hales's <i>Statical Essays</i> + (London, 1733), in which is an account of experiments made on the blood + and blood-vessels of animals. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-680">[680]</a> Evidence was given at the Tichborne Trial to shew that it takes + some years to learn the trade. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-681">[681]</a> Not the very tavern, which was burned down in the great fire. P. CUNNINGHAM. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-682">[682]</a> I do not see why I might not have been of this club without + lessening my character. But Dr. Johnson's caution against supposing + one's self concealed in London, may be very useful to prevent some + people from doing many things, not only foolish, but criminal. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-683">[683]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 318. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-684">[684]</a> Johnson defines <i>airy</i> as <i>gay, sprightly, full of mirth</i>, &c. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-685">[685]</a> 'A man would be drowned by claret before it made him drunk.' + <i>Ante</i>, iii. 381. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-686">[686]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 137. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-687">[687]</a> See <i>ante</i> ii. 261. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-688">[688]</a> Lord Chesterfield wrote in 1747 (<i>Misc. Works</i>, iv. 231):— + Drinking is a most beastly vice in every country, but it is really a + ruinous one to Ireland; nine gentlemen in ten in Ireland are + impoverished by the great quantity of claret, which from mistaken + notions of hospitality and dignity, they think it necessary should be + drunk in their houses. This expense leaves them no room to improve their + estates by proper indulgence upon proper conditions to their tenants, + who must pay them to the full, and upon the very day, that they may pay + their wine-merchants.' In 1754 he wrote (<i>ib.</i>p.359):—If it would but + please God by his lightning to blast all the vines in the world, and by + his thunder to turn all the wines now in Ireland sour, as I most + sincerely wish he would, Ireland would enjoy a degree of quiet and + plenty that it has never yet known.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-689">[689]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 95. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-690">[690]</a> 'The sea being broken by the multitude of islands does not roar + with so much noise, nor beat the storm with such foamy violence as I + have remarked on the coast of Sussex. Though, while I was in the + Hebrides, the wind was extremely turbulent, I never saw very high + billows.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 65. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-691">[691]</a> Johnson this day thus wrote of Mr. M'Queen to Mrs. Thrale:—'You + find that all the islanders even in these recesses of life are not + barbarous. One of the ministers who has adhered to us almost all the + time is an excellent scholar.' <i>Piozzi Letters,</i> i. 157. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-692">[692]</a> See <i>post</i>, Nov. 6. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-693">[693]</a> This was a dexterous mode of description, for the purpose of his + argument; for what he alluded to was, a Sermon published by the learned + Dr. William Wishart, formerly principal of the college at Edinburgh, to + warn men <i>against</i> confiding in a death-bed <i>repentance</i> of the + inefficacy of which he entertained notions very different from those of + Dr. Johnson. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-694">[694]</a> The Rev. Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. p. 441) thus writes of the + English clergy whom he met at Harrogate in 1763:—'I had never seen so + many of them together before, and between this and the following year I + was able to form a true judgment of them. They are, in general—I mean + the lower order—divided into bucks and prigs; of which the first, + though inconceivably ignorant, and sometimes indecent in their morals, + yet I held them to be most tolerable, because they were unassuming, and + had no other affectation but that of behaving themselves like gentlemen. + The other division of them, the prigs, are truly not to be endured, for + they are but half learned, are ignorant of the world, narrow-minded, + pedantic, and overbearing. And now and then you meet with a <i>rara avis</i> + who is accomplished and agreeable, a man of the world without + licentiousness, of learning without pedantry, and pious without + sanctimony; but this <i>is</i> a <i>rara avis</i>'. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-695">[695]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 446, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-696">[696]</a> Johnson defines <i>manage</i> in this sense <i>to train a horse to + graceful action</i>, and quotes Young:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'They vault from hunters to the managed steed.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-697">[697]</a> Of Sir William Forbes of a later generation, Lockhart (<i>Life of + Scott</i>, ix. 179) writes as follows:—'Sir William Forbes, whose + banking-house was one of Messrs. Ballantyne's chief creditors, crowned + his generous efforts for Scott's relief by privately paying the whole of + Abud's demand (nearly £2000) out of his own pocket.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-698">[698]</a> This scarcity of cash still exists on the islands, in several of + which five shilling notes are necessarily issued to have some + circulating medium. If you insist on having change, you must purchase + something at a shop. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-699">[699]</a> 'The payment of rent in kind has been so long disused in England + that it is totally forgotten. It was practised very lately in the + Hebrides, and probably still continues, not only in St. Kilda, where + money is not yet known, but in others of the smaller and remoter + islands.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 110. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-700">[700]</a> 'A place where the imagination is more amused cannot easily be + found. The mountains about it are of great height, with waterfalls + succeeding one another so fast, that as one ceases to be heard another + begins.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 157. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-701">[701]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 159. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-702">[702]</a> Johnson seems to be speaking of Hailes's <i>Memorials and Letters + relating to the History of Britain in the reign of James I and of + Charles I</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-703">[703]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 341. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-704">[704]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 91. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-705">[705]</a> 'In all ages of the world priests have been enemies to liberty, + and it is certain that this steady conduct of theirs must have been + founded on fixed reasons of interest and ambition. Liberty of thinking + and of expressing our thoughts is always fatal to priestly power, and to + those pious frauds on which it is commonly founded.... Hence it must + happen in such a government as that of Britain, that the established + clergy, while things are in their natural situation, will always be of + the <i>Court</i>-party; as, on the contrary, dissenters of all kinds will be + of the <i>Country</i>-party.' Hume's <i>Essays</i>, Part 1, No. viii. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-706">[706]</a> In the original <i>Every island's but a prison.</i> The song is by a + Mr. Coffey, and is given in Ritson's <i>English Songs</i> (1813), ii. 122. + It begins:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Welcome, welcome, brother debtor, + To this poor but merry place, + Where no bailiff, dun, nor setter, + Dares to show his frightful face.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + See <i>ante</i>, iii. 269. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-707">[707]</a> He wrote to Mrs. Thrale the day before (perhaps it was this day, + and the copyist blundered):—' I am still in Sky. Do you remember + the song— +</p> +<p> + We have at one time no boat, and at another may have too much wind; but + of our reception here we have no reason to complain.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 143. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-708">[708]</a> My ingenuously relating this occasional instance of intemperance + has I find been made the subject both of serious criticism and ludicrous + banter. With the banterers I shall not trouble myself, but I wonder that + those who pretend to the appellation of serious criticks should not have + had sagacity enough to perceive that here, as in every other part of the + present work, my principal object was to delineate Dr. Johnson's manners + and character. In justice to him I would not omit an anecdote, which, + though in some degree to my own disadvantage, exhibits in so strong a + light the indulgence and good humour with which he could treat those + excesses in his friends, of which he highly disapproved. +</p> +<p> + In some other instances, the criticks have been equally wrong as to the + true motive of my recording particulars, the objections to which I saw + as clearly as they. But it would be an endless task for an authour to + point out upon every occasion the precise object he has in view, + Contenting himself with the approbation of readers of discernment and + taste, he ought not to complain that some are found who cannot or will + not understand him. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-709">[709]</a> In the original, 'wherein is excess.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-710">[710]</a> See Chappell's <i>Popular Music of the Olden Time</i>, i. 231. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-711">[711]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 383. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-712">[712]</a> see <i>ante</i>, p. 184. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-713">[713]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 120, where he took upon his knee a young woman who + came to consult him on the subject of Methodism. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-714">[714]</a> See <i>ante</i>, pp. 215, 246. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-715">[715]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 176. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-716">[716]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'If ev'ry wheel of that unwearied mill + That turned ten thousand verses now stands still.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Imitations of Horace, 2 Epis.</i> ii. 78. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-717">[717]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 206. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-718">[718]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Nescio qua natale solum dulcedine captos + Ducit.'—Ovid, <i>Ex Pont</i>. i. 3. 35. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-719">[719]</a> Lift up your hearts. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-720">[720]</a> Mr. Croker prints the following letter written to Macleod the day + before:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Ostig, 28th Sept. 1773. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + 'DEAR SIR,—We are now on the margin of the sea, waiting for a boat and + a wind. Boswell grows impatient; but the kind treatment which I find + wherever I go, makes me leave, with some heaviness of heart, an island + which I am not very likely to see again. Having now gone as far as + horses can carry us, we thankfully return them. My steed will, I hope, + be received with kindness;—he has borne me, heavy as I am, over ground + both rough and steep, with great fidelity; and for the use of him, as + for your other favours, I hope you will believe me thankful, and + willing, at whatever distance we may be placed, to shew my sense of your + kindness, by any offices of friendship that may fall within my power. +</p> +<p> + 'Lady Macleod and the young ladies have, by their hospitality and + politeness, made an impression on my mind, which will not easily be + effaced. Be pleased to tell them, that I remember them with great + tenderness, and great respect.—I am, Sir, your most obliged and most + humble servant, +</p> +<center> + 'SAM. JOHNSON.' +</center> +<p> + 'P.S.—We passed two days at Talisker very happily, both by the + pleasantness of the place and elegance of our reception.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-721">[721]</a> Johnson (<i>Works</i>, viii. 409), after describing how Shenstone laid + out the Leasowes, continues:—'Whether to plant a walk in undulating + curves, and to place a bench at every turn where there is an object to + catch the view; to make water run where it will be heard, and to + stagnate where it will be seen; to leave intervals where the eye will be + pleased, and to thicken the plantation where there is something to be + hidden, demands any great powers of mind, I will not inquire: perhaps a + surly and sullen speculator may think such performances rather the sport + than the business of human reason.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-722">[722]</a> Johnson quotes this and the two preceding stanzas as 'a passage, + to which if any mind denies its sympathy, it has no acquaintance with + love or nature.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 413. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-723">[723]</a> 'His mind was not very comprehensive, nor his curiosity active; he + had no value for those parts of knowledge which he had not himself + cultivated.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 411. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-724">[724]</a> In the preface to vol. iii. of Shenstone's <i>Works</i>, ed. 1773, a + quotation is given (p. vi) from one of the poet's letters in which he + complains of this burning. He writes:—'I look upon my Letters as some of + my <i>chef-d'auvres</i>.' On p. 301, after mentioning <i>Rasselas</i>, he + continues:—'Did I tell you I had a letter from Johnson, inclosing + Vernon's <i>Parish-clerk</i>?' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-725">[725]</a> 'The truth is these elegies have neither passion, nature, nor + manners. Where there is fiction, there is no passion: he that describes + himself as a shepherd, and his Neaera or Delia as a shepherdess, and + talks of goats and lambs, feels no passion. He that courts his mistress + with Roman imagery deserves to lose her; for she may with good reason + suspect his sincerity.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, viii. 91. See <i>ante</i>, iv. 17. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-726">[726]</a> His lines on Pulteney, Earl of Bath, still deserve some fame:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Leave a blank here and there in each page + To enrol the fair deeds of his youth! + When you mention the acts of his age, + Leave a blank for his honour and truth.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + From <i>The Statesman</i>, H. C. Williams's <i>Odes</i>, p. 47. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-727">[727]</a> Hamlet, act ii. sc. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-728">[728]</a> He did not mention the name of any particular person; but those + who are conversant with the political world will probably recollect more + persons than one to whom this observation may be applied. BOSWELL. Mr. + Croker thinks that Lord North was meant. For his ministry Johnson + certainly came to have a great contempt (<i>ante</i>, iv. 139). If Johnson + was thinking of him, he differed widely in opinion from Gibbon, who + describes North as 'a consummate master of debate, who could wield with + equal dexterity the arms of reason and of ridicule.' Gibbon's <i>Misc. + Works</i>, i. 221. On May 2, 1775, he wrote:—' If they turned out Lord + North to-morrow, they would still leave him one of the best companions + in the kingdom.' <i>Ib.</i> ii. 135. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-729">[729]</a> Horace Walpole is speaking of this work, when he wrote on May 16, + 1759 (<i>Letters</i>, iii. 227):—'Dr. Young has published a new book, on + purpose, he says himself, to have an opportunity of telling a story that + he has known these forty years. Mr. Addison sent for the young Lord + Warwick, as he was dying, to shew him in what peace a Christian could + die—unluckily he died of brandy—nothing makes a Christian die in + peace like being maudlin! but don't say this in Gath, where you are.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-730">[730]</a> 'His [Young's] plan seems to have started in his mind at the + present moment; and his thoughts appear the effect of chance, sometimes + adverse, and sometimes lucky, with very little operation of judgment.... + His verses are formed by no certain model; he is no more like himself in + his different productions than he is like others. He seems never to have + studied prosody, nor to have had any direction but from his own ear. But + with all his defects, he was a man of genius and a poet.' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, viii. 458, 462. Mrs. Piozzi (<i>Synonymy</i>, ii. 371) tells why + 'Dr. Johnson despised Young's quantity of common knowledge as + comparatively small. 'Twas only because, speaking once upon the subject + of metrical composition, he seemed totally ignorant of what are called + rhopalick verses, from the Greek word, a club—verses in which each word + must be a syllable longer than that which goes before, such as: +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Spes deus aeternae stationis conciliator.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-731">[731]</a> He had said this before. <i>Ante</i>, ii. 96. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-732">[732]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Brunetta's wise in actions great and rare, + But scorns on trifles to bestow her care. + Thus ev'ry hour Brunetta is to blame, + Because th' occasion is beneath her aim. + Think nought a trifle, though it small appear; + Small sands the mountains, moments make the year, + And trifles life. Your care to trifles give, + Or you may die before you truly live.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Love of Fame</i>, Satire vi. Johnson often taught that life is made up of + trifles. See <i>ante</i>, i. 433. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-733">[733]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "But hold," she cries, "lampooner, have a care; + Must I want common sense, because I'm fair?" + O no: see Stella; her eyes shine as bright, + As if her tongue was never in the right; + And yet what real learning, judgment, fire! + She seems inspir'd, and can herself inspire: + How then (if malice rul'd not all the fair) + Could Daphne publish, and could she forbear? + We grant that beauty is no bar to sense, + Nor is't a sanction for impertinence. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Love of Fame</i>, Satire v. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-734">[734]</a> Johnson called on Young's son at Welwyn in June, 1781. <i>Ante</i>, iv. + 119. Croft, in his <i>Life of Young</i> (Johnson's <i>Works</i>, viii. 453), says + that 'Young and his housekeeper were ridiculed with more ill-nature than + wit in a kind of novel published by Kidgell in 1755, called <i>The Card</i>, + under the name of Dr. Elwes and Mrs. Fusby.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-735">[735]</a> <i>Memoirs of Philip Doddridge</i>, ed. 1766, p. 171. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-736">[736]</a> So late as 1783 he said 'this Hanoverian family is isolée here.' + <i>Ante</i>, iv. 165. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-737">[737]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 81, where he hoped that 'this gloom of infidelity + was only a transient cloud.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-738">[738]</a> Boswell has recorded this saying, <i>ante</i>, iv. 194. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-739">[739]</a> In 1755 an English version of this work had been published. <i>Gent. + Mag</i>. 1755, p. 574. In the Chronological Catalogue on p. 343 in vol. 66 + of Voltaire's <i>Works</i>, ed. 1819, it is entered as <i>'Histoire de la + Guerre de</i> 1741, fondue en partie dans le <i>Précis du siècle de + Louis XV</i>.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-740">[740]</a> Boswell is here merely repeating Johnson's words, who on April 11 + of this year, advising him to keep a journal, had said, 'The great thing + to be recorded is the state of your own mind.' <i>Ante</i>, ii. 217. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-741">[741]</a> This word is not in his <i>Dictionary</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-742">[742]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 498. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-743">[743]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 61, 335; iii. 375, and <i>post</i>, under Nov. 11. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-744">[744]</a> Beattie had attacked Hume in his <i>Essay on Truth</i> (<i>ante</i>, ii. 201 + and v. 29). Reynolds this autumn had painted Beattie in his gown of an + Oxford Doctor of Civil Law, with his <i>Essay</i> under his arm. 'The angel + of Truth is going before him, and beating down the Vices, Envy, + Falsehood, &c., which are represented by a group of figures falling at + his approach, and the principal head in this group is made an exact + likeness of Voltaire. When Dr. Goldsmith saw this picture, he was very + indignant at it, and said:—"It very ill becomes a man of your eminence + and character, Sir Joshua, to condescend to be a mean flatterer, or to + wish to degrade so high a genius as Voltaire before so mean a writer as + Dr. Beattie; for Dr. Beattie and his book together will, in the space of + ten years, not be known ever to have been in existence, but your + allegorical picture and the fame of Voltaire will live for ever to your + disgrace as a flatterer."' Northcote's <i>Reynolds</i>, i. 300. Another of + the figures was commonly said to be a portrait of Hume; but Forbes + (<i>Life of Beattie</i>, ed. 1824, p. 158) says he had reason to believe that + Sir Joshua had no thought either of Hume or Voltaire. Beattie's <i>Essay</i> + is so much a thing of the past that Dr. J. H. Burton does not, I + believe, take the trouble ever to mention it in his <i>Life of Hume</i>. + Burns did not hold with Goldsmith, for he took Beattie's side:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Hence sweet harmonious Beattie sung + His <i>Minstrel</i> lays; + Or tore, with noble ardour stung, + The <i>Sceptic's</i> bays.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + (<i>The Vision</i>, part ii.) +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-745">[745]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 441. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-746">[746]</a> William Tytler published in 1759 an <i>Examination of the Histories + of Dr. Robertson and Mr. Hume with respect to Mary Queen of Scots</i>. It + was reviewed by Johnson. <i>Ante</i>, i. 354. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-747">[747]</a> Johnson's <i>Rasselas</i> was published in either March or April, and + Goldsmith's <i>Polite Learning</i> in April of 1759.I do not find that they + published any other works at the same time. If these are the works + meant, we have a proof that the two writers knew each other earlier than + was otherwise known. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-748">[748]</a> 'A learned prelate accidentally met Bentley in the days of + <i>Phalaris</i>; and after having complimented him on that noble piece of + criticism (the <i>Answer</i> to the Oxford Writers) he bad him not be + discouraged at this run upon him, for tho' they had got the laughers on + their side, yet mere wit and raillery could not long hold out against a + work of so much merit. To which the other replied, "Indeed Dr. S. + [Sprat], I am in no pain about the matter. For I hold it as certain, + that no man was ever written out of reputation but by himself."' + <i>Warburton on Pope</i>, iv. 159, quoted in Person's <i>Tracts</i>, p. 345. + 'Against personal abuse,' says Hawkins (<i>Life</i>, p. 348), 'Johnson was + ever armed by a reflection that I have heard him utter:—"Alas! + reputation would be of little worth, were it in the power of every + concealed enemy to deprive us of it."' He wrote to Baretti:—'A man of + genius has been seldom ruined but by himself.' <i>Ante</i>, i. 381. Voltaire + in his <i>Essay Sur les inconvéniens attachés à la Littérature</i> (<i>Works</i>, + ed. 1819, xliii. 173), after describing all that an author does to win + the favour of the critics, continues:—'Tous vos soins n'empêchent pas + que quelque journaliste ne vous déchire. Vous lui répondez; il réplique; + vous avez un procès par écrit devant le public, qui condamne les deux + parties au ridicule.' See <i>ante</i>, ii. 61, note 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-749">[749]</a> However advantageous attacks may be, the feelings with which they + are regarded by authors are better described by Fielding when he + says:—'Nor shall we conclude the injury done this way to be very + slight, when we consider a book as the author's offspring, and indeed as + the child of his brain. The reader who hath suffered his muse to + continue hitherto in a virgin state can have but a very inadequate idea + of this kind of paternal fondness. To such we may parody the tender + exclamation of Macduff, "Alas! thou hast written no book."' <i>Tom Jones</i>, + bk. xi. ch. 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-750">[750]</a> It is strange that Johnson should not have known that the + <i>Adventures of a Guinea</i> was written by a namesake of his own, Charles + Johnson. Being disqualified for the bar, which was his profession, by a + supervening deafness, he went to India, and made some fortune, and died + there about 1800. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-751">[751]</a> Salusbury, not Salisbury. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-752">[752]</a> Horace Walpole (<i>Letters</i>, .ii 57) mentions in 1746 his cousin Sir + John Philipps, of Picton Castle; 'a noted Jacobite.'... He thus mentions + Lady Philipps in 1788 when she was 'very aged.' 'They have a favourite + black, who has lived with them a great many years, and is remarkably + sensible. To amuse Lady Philipps under a long illness, they had read to + her the account of the Pelew Islands. Somebody happened to say we were + sending a ship thither; the black, who was in the room, exclaimed, "Then + there is an end of their happiness." What a satire on Europe!' <i>Ib</i>. + ix. 157. +</p> +<p> + Lady Philips was known to Johnson through Miss Williams, to whom, as a + note in Croker's <i>Boswell</i> (p. 74) shews, she made a small yearly + allowance. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-753">[753]</a> 'To teach the minuter decencies and inferiour duties, to regulate + the practice of daily conversation, to correct those depravities which + are rather ridiculous than criminal, and remove those grievances which, + if they produce no lasting calamities, impress hourly vexation, was + first attempted by Casa in his book of <i>Manners</i>, and Castiglione in his + <i>Courtier</i>; two books yet celebrated in Italy for purity and elegance.' + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, vii. 428. <i>The Courtier</i> was translated into English + so early as 1561. Lowndes's <i>Bibl. Man</i>. ed. 1871, p. 386. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-754">[754]</a> Burnet (<i>History of His Own Time</i>, ii. 296) mentions Whitby among + the persons who both managed and directed the controversial war' against + Popery towards the end of Charles II's reign. 'Popery,' he says, 'was + never so well understood by the nation as it came to be upon this + occasion.' Whitby's Commentary <i>on the New Testament</i> was published + in 1703-9. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-755">[755]</a> By Henry Mackenzie, the author of <i>The Man of Feeling. Ante</i>, i. + 360. It had been published anonymously this spring. The play of the same + name is by Macklin. It was brought out in 1781. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-756">[756]</a> No doubt Sir A. Macdonald. <i>Ante</i>, p. 148. This 'penurious + gentleman' is mentioned again, p. 315. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-757">[757]</a> Molière's play of <i>L'Avare</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-758">[758]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + '...facit indignatio versum.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Juvenal, <i>Sat</i>. i. 79. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-759">[759]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 252. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-760">[760]</a> He was sixty-four. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-761">[761]</a> Still, perhaps, in the <i>Western Isles</i>, 'It may be we shall touch + the Happy Isles.' Tennyson's <i>Ulysses.</i> +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-762">[762]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii, 51. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-763">[763]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 150. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-764">[764]</a> Sir Alexander Macdonald. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-765">[765]</a> 'To be or not to be: that is the question.' <i>Hamlet</i>, act iii. sc. 1. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-766">[766]</a> Virgil, <i>Eclogues</i>, iii. III. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-767">[767]</a> 'The stormy Hebrides.' Milton's <i>Lycidas</i>, 1. 156. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-768">[768]</a> Boswell was thinking of the passage (p. xxi.) in which Hawkesworth + tells how one of Captain Cook's ships was saved by the wind falling. + 'If,' he writes, 'it was a natural event, providence is out of the + question; at least we can with no more propriety say that providentially + the wind ceased, than that providentially the sun rose in the morning. + If it was not,' &c. According to Malone the attacks made on Hawkesworth + in the newspapers for this passage 'affected him so much that from low + spirits he was seized with a nervous fever, which on account of the high + living he had indulged in had the more power on him; and he is supposed + to have put an end to his life by intentionally taking an immoderate + dose of opium.' Prior's <i>Malone</i>, p. 441. Mme. D'Arblay says that these + attacks shortened his life. <i>Memoirs of Dr. Burney</i>, i. 278. He died on + Nov. 17 of this year. See <i>ante</i>, i. 252, and ii. 247. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-769">[769]</a> 'After having been detained by storms many days at Sky we left it, + as we thought, with a fair wind; but a violent gust, which Bos had a + great mind to call a tempest, forced us into Col.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. + 167. 'The wind blew against us in a short time with such violence, that + we, being no seasoned sailors, were willing to call it a tempest... The + master knew not well whither to go; and our difficulties might, perhaps, + have filled a very pathetick page, had not Mr. Maclean of Col... piloted + us safe into his own harbour.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 117. Sir Walter + Scott says, 'Their risque, in a sea full of islands, was very + considerable. Indeed, the whole expedition was highly perilous, + considering the season of the year, the precarious chance of getting + sea-worthy boats, and the ignorance of the Hebrideans, who, + notwithstanding the opportunities, I may say the <i>necessities</i>, of their + situation, are very careless and unskilful sailors.' Croker's + <i>Boswell</i>, p. 362. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-770">[770]</a> For as the tempest drives, I shape my way. FRANCIS. [Horace, + <i>Epistles</i>, i. 1. 15.] BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-771">[771]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Imberbus juvenis, tandem custode remoto, + Gaudet equis canibusque, et aprici gramine campi.' + 'The youth, whose will no froward tutor bounds, + Joys in the sunny field, his horse and hounds.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + FRANCIS. Horace, <i>Ars Poet</i>. 1. 161. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-772">[772]</a> <i>Henry VI</i>, act i. sc. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-773">[773]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 468, and iii. 306. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-774">[774]</a> Johnson describes him as 'a gentleman who has lived some time in + the East Indies, but, having dethroned no nabob, is not too rich to + settle in his own country.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 117. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-775">[775]</a> This curious exhibition may perhaps remind some of my readers of + the ludicrous lines, made, during Sir Robert Walpole's administration, + on Mr. George (afterwards Lord) Lyttelton, though the figures of the two + personages must be allowed to be very different:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'But who is this astride the pony; + So long, so lean, so lank, so bony? + Dat be de great orator, Littletony.' + BOSWELL. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + These lines were beneath a caricature called <i>The Motion</i>, described by + Horace Walpole in his letter of March 25, 1741, and said by Mr. + Cunningham to be 'the earliest good political caricature that we + possess.' Walpole's <i>Letters</i>, i. 66. Mr. Croker says that 'the exact + words are:— bony? O he be de great orator Little-Tony.' +</p> + + +<p> + <a name="note-776">[776]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 213. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-777">[777]</a> In 1673 Burnet, who was then Professor of Theology in Glasgow, + dedicated to Lauderdale <i>A Vindication of the Authority, &c., of the + Church and State of Scotland</i>. In it he writes of the Duke's 'noble + character, and more lasting and inward characters of his princely mind.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-778">[778]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 450. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-779">[779]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 250. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-780">[780]</a> 'Others have considered infinite space as the receptacle, or + rather the habitation of the Almighty; but the noblest and most exalted + way of considering this infinite space, is that of Sir Isaac Newton, who + calls it the <i>sensorium</i> of the Godhead. Brutes and men have their + <i>sensoriola</i>, or little <i>sensoriums</i>, by which they apprehend the + presence, and perceive the actions, of a few objects that lie contiguous + to them. Their knowledge and observation turn within a very narrow + circle. But as God Almighty cannot but perceive and know everything in + which he resides, infinite space gives room to infinite knowledge, and + is, as it were, an organ to Omniscience.' Addison, <i>The Spectator</i>, + No. 565. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-781">[781]</a> 'Le célèbre philosophe Leibnitz ... attaqua ces expressions du + philosophe anglais, dans une lettre qu'il écrivit en 1715 à la feue + reine d'Angleterre, épouse de George II. Cette princesse, digne d'être + en commerce avec Leibnitz et Newton, engagea une dispute reglée par + lettres entre les deux parties. Mais Newton, ennemi de toute dispute et + avare de son temps, laissa le docteur Clarke, son disciple en physique, + et pour le moins son égal en métaphysique, entrer pour lui dans la lice. + La dispute roula sur presque toutes les idées métaphysiques de Newton, + et c'est peut-être le plus beau monument que nous ayons des combats + littéraires.' Voltaire's <i>Works</i>, ed. 1819, xxviii. 44. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-782">[782]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 248. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-783">[783]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 295, where Boswell asked Johnson 'if he would not + have done more good if he had been more gentle.' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir; I + have done more good as I am. Obscenity and impiety have always been + repressed in my company.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-784">[784]</a> 'Mr. Maclean has the reputation of great learning: he is + seventy-seven years old, but not infirm, with a look of venerable + dignity, excelling what I remember in any other man. His conversation + was not unsuitable to his appearance. I lost some of his good will by + treating a heretical writer with more regard than in his opinion a + heretick could deserve. I honoured his orthodoxy, and did not much + censure his asperity. A man who has settled his opinions does not love + to have the tranquillity of his conviction disturbed; and at + seventy-seven it is time to be in earnest.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 118. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-785">[785]</a> 'Mr. Maclean has no publick edifice for the exercise of his + ministry, and can officiate to no greater number than a room can + contain; and the room of a hut is not very large... The want of churches + is not the only impediment to piety; there is likewise a want of + ministers. A parish often contains more islands than one... All the + provision made by the present ecclesiastical constitution for the + inhabitants of about a hundred square miles is a prayer and sermon in a + little room once in three weeks.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 118. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-786">[786]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Our Polly is a sad slut, nor heeds + what we have taught her. + I wonder any man alive will + ever rear a daughter. + For she must have both hoods + and gowns, and hoops to + swell her pride, + With scarfs and stays, and + gloves and lace; and she + will have men beside; + And when she's drest with care + and cost, all-tempting, fine and gay, + As men should serve a cucumber, + she flings herself away.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Air vii. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-787">[787]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 162. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-788">[788]</a> In 1715. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-789">[789]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'When Ajax strives some rock's vast weight to throw, + The line too labours, and the words move slow.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Pope, <i>Essay on Criticism</i>, l. 370. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-790">[790]</a> Johnson's remark on these stones is curious as shewing that he had + not even a glimpse of the discoveries to be made by geology. After + saying that 'no account can be given' of the position of one of the + stones, he continues:—'There are so many important things of which + human knowledge can give no account, that it may be forgiven us if we + speculate no longer on two stones in Col.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 122. See <i>ante</i>, + ii. 468, for his censure of Brydone's 'anti-mosaical remark.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-791">[791]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Malo me Galatea petit, lasciva puella.' + 'My Phillis me with pelted apples plies.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + DRYDEN. Virgil, <i>Eclogues</i>, iii. 64. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-792">[792]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'The helpless traveller, with wild surprise, + Sees the dry desert all around him rise, + And smother'd in the dusty whirlwind dies.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Cato</i> act ii. sc. 6. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-793">[793]</a> Johnson seems unwilling to believe this. 'I am not of opinion that + by any surveys or land-marks its [the sand's] limits have been ever + fixed, or its progression ascertained. If one man has confidence enough + to say that it advances, nobody can bring any proof to support him in + denying it.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 122. He had seen land in like manner laid + waste north of Aberdeen; where 'the owner, when he was required to pay + the usual tax, desired rather to resign the ground.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 15. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-794">[794]</a> <i>Box</i>, in this sense, is not in Johnson's <i>Dictionary</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-795">[795]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 100, and iv. 274. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-796">[796]</a> In the original, <i>Rich windows. A Long Story</i>, l. 7. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-797">[797]</a> 'And this according to the philosophers is happiness.' Boswell + says of Crabbe's poem <i>The Village</i>, that 'its sentiments as to the + false notions of rustick happiness and rustick virtue were quite + congenial with Johnson's own.' <i>Ante</i>, iv. 175. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-798">[798]</a> 'This innovation was considered by Mr. Macsweyn as the idle + project of a young head, heated with English fancies; but he has now + found that turnips will really grow, and that hungry sheep and cows will + really eat them.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 121. 'The young laird is heir, + perhaps, to 300 square miles of land, which, at ten shillings an acre, + would bring him £96,000 a year. He is desirous of improving the + agriculture of his country; and, in imitation of the Czar, travelled for + improvement, and worked with his own hands upon a farm in + Hertfordshire.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 168. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-799">[799]</a> 'In more fruitful countries the removal of one only makes room for + the succession of another; but in the Hebrides the loss of an inhabitant + leaves a lasting vacuity; for nobody born in any other parts of the + world will choose this country for his residence.' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, ix. 93. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-800">[800]</a> 'In 1628 Daillé wrote his celebrated book, <i>De l'usage des Pères</i>, + or <i>Of the Use of the Fathers</i>. Dr. Fleetwood, Bishop of Ely, said of it + that he thought the author had pretty sufficiently proved they were of + <i>no use</i> at all.' Chalmers's <i>Biog. Dict</i>. xi. 209. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-801">[801]</a> <i>Enquiry after Happiness</i>, by Richard Lucas, D.D., 1685. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-802">[802]</a> <i>Divine Dialogues</i>, by Henry More, D.D. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 162, note I. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-803">[803]</a> By David Gregory, the second of the sixteen professors which the + family of Gregory gave to the Universities. <i>Ante</i>, p. 48. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-804">[804]</a> 'Johnson's landlord and next neighbour in Bolt-court.' <i>Ante</i>, + iii. 141. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-805">[805]</a> 'Cuper's Gardens, near the south bank of the Thames, opposite to + Somerset House. The gardens were illuminated, and the company + entertained by a band of music and fireworks; but this, with other + places of the same kind, has been lately discontinued by an act that has + reduced the number of these seats of luxury and dissipation.' Dodsley's + <i>London and its Environs</i>, ed. 1761, ii. 209. The Act was the 25th + George II, for 'preventing robberies and regulating places of public + entertainment.' <i>Parl. Hist</i>. xiv. 1234. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-806">[806]</a> 'Mr. Johnson,' according to Mr. Langton, 'used to laugh at a + passage in Carte's <i>Life of the Duke of Ormond,</i> where he gravely + observes "that he was always in full dress when he went to court; too + many being in the practice of going thither with double lapells."' + <i>Boswelliana</i>, p. 274. The following is the passage:—'No severity of + weather or condition of health served him for a reason of not observing + that decorum of dress which he thought a point of respect to persons and + places. In winter time people were allowed to come to court with + double-breasted coats, a sort of undress. The duke would never take + advantage of that indulgence; but let it be never so cold, he always + came in his proper habit, and indeed the king himself always did the + same, though too many neglected his example to make use of the liberty + he was pleased to allow.' Carte's <i>Life of Ormond</i>, iv. 693. See <i>ante</i>, + i. 42. It was originally published in <i>three</i> volumes folio in 1735-6. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-807">[807]</a> Seneca's two epigrams on Corsica are quoted in Boswell's + <i>Corsica</i>, first edition, p. 13. Boswell, in one of his <i>Hypochondriacks + (London Mag.</i> 1778, p. 173), says:—'For Seneca I have a double + reverence, both for his own worth, and because he was the heathen sage + whom my grandfather constantly studied.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-808">[808]</a> 'Very near the house of Maclean stands the castle of Col, which + was the mansion of the Laird till the house was built.... On the wall + was, not long ago, a stone with an inscription, importing, that if any + man of the clan of Maclonich shall appear before this castle, though he + come at midnight, with a man's head in his hand, he shall there find + safety and protection against all but the king. This is an old Highland + treaty made upon a very memorable occasion. Maclean, the son of John + Gerves, who recovered Col, and conquered Barra, had obtained, it is + said, from James the Second, a grant of the lands of Lochiel, forfeited, + I suppose, by some offence against the state. Forfeited estates were not + in those days quietly resigned; Maclean, therefore, went with an armed + force to seize his new possessions, and, I know not for what reason, + took his wife with him. The Camerons rose in defence of their chief, and + a battle was fought at Loch Ness, near the place where Fort Augustus now + stands, in which Lochiel obtained the victory, and Maclean, with his + followers, was defeated and destroyed. The lady fell into the hands of + the conquerors, and, being found pregnant, was placed in the custody of + Maclonich, one of a tribe or family branched from Cameron, with orders, + if she brought a boy, to destroy him, if a girl, to spare her. + Maclonich's wife, who was with child likewise, had a girl about the same + time at which Lady Maclean brought a boy; and Maclonich, with more + generosity to his captive than fidelity to his trust, contrived that the + children should be changed. Maclean, being thus preserved from death, in + time recovered his original patrimony; and, in gratitude to his friend, + made his castle a place of refuge to any of the clan that should think + himself in danger; and, as a proof of reciprocal confidence, Maclean + took upon himself and his posterity the care of educating the heir of + Maclonich.' Johnson's <i>Works,</i> ix. 130. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-809">[809]</a> 'Mr. Croker tells us that the great Marquis of Montrose was + beheaded at Edinburgh in 1650. There is not a forward boy at any school + in England who does not know that the Marquis was hanged.' Macaulay's + <i>Essays</i>, ed. 1843, i. 357 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-810">[810]</a> It is observable that men of the first rank spelt very ill in the + last century. In the first of these letters I have preserved the + original spelling. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-811">[811]</a> See <i>ante,</i> i., 127. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-812">[812]</a> Muir-fowl is grouse. <i>Ante</i> p. 44. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-813">[813]</a> See ante, p. 162, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-814">[814]</a> 'In Col only two houses pay the window tax; for only two have six + windows, which, I suppose, are the laird's and Mr. Macsweyn's.' + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 125. 'The window tax, as it stands at present + (January 1775)...lays a duty upon every window, which in England + augments gradually from twopence, the lowest rate upon houses with not + more than seven windows, to two shillings, the highest rate upon houses + with twenty-five windows and upwards.' <i>Wealth of Nations,</i> v. 2. 2 .1. + The tax was first imposed in 1695, as a substitute for hearth money. + Macaulay's <i>England,</i> ed. 1874, vii. 271. It was abolished in 1851. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-815">[815]</a> Thomas Carlyle was not fourteen when, one 'dark frosty November + morning,' he set off on foot for the University at Edinburgh—a distance + of nearly one hundred miles. Froude's <i>Carlyle</i>, i. 22. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-816">[816]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 290. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-817">[817]</a> <i>Of the Nature and Use of Lots: a Treatise historicall and + theologicall.</i> By Thomas Gataker. London, 1619. <i>The Spirituall Watch, + or Christ's Generall Watch-word.</i> By Thomas Gataker. London, 1619. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-818">[818]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 264. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-819">[819]</a> He visited it with the Thrales on Sept. 22, 1774, when returning + from his tour to Wales, and with Boswell in 1776 (<i>ante</i>, ii. 451). +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-820">[820]</a> Mr. Croker says that 'this, no doubt, alludes to Jacob Bryant, the + secretary or librarian at Blenheim, with whom Johnson had had perhaps + some coolness now forgotten.' The supposition of the coolness seems + needless. With so little to go upon, guessing is very hazardous. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-821">[821]</a> Topham Beauclerk, who had married the Duke's sister, after she had + been divorced for adultery with him from her first husband Viscount + Bolingbroke. <i>Ante</i>, ii. 246, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-822">[822]</a> See <i>post</i>, Dempster's Letter of Feb. 16, 1775. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-823">[823]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 340, where Johnson said that 'if he were a + gentleman of landed property, he would turn out all his tenants who did + not vote for the candidate whom he supported.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-824">[824]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 378. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-825">[825]</a> 'They have opinions which cannot be ranked with superstition, + because they regard only natural effects. They expect better crops of + grain by sowing their seed in the moon's increase. The moon has great + influence in vulgar philosophy. In my memory it was a precept annually + given in one of the English almanacks, "to kill hogs when the moon was + increasing, and the bacon would prove the better in boiling."' Johnson's + <i>Works,</i> ix. 104. Bacon, in his <i>Natural History</i>(No.892) says:—'For + the increase of moisture, the opinion received is, that seeds will grow + soonest if they be set in the increase of the moon.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-826">[826]</a> The question which Johnson asked with such unusual warmth might + have been answered, 'by sowing the bent, or couch grass.' WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-827">[827]</a> See <i>ante,</i> i. 484. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-828">[828]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 483. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-829">[829]</a> It is remarkable, that Dr. Johnson should have read this account + of some of his own peculiar habits, without saying any thing on the + subject, which I hoped he would have done. BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, p. 128, + note 2, and iv. 183, where Boswell 'observed he must have been a bold + laugher who would have ventured to tell Dr. Johnson of any of his + peculiarities.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-830">[830]</a> In this he was very unlike Swift, who, in his youth, when + travelling in England, 'generally chose to dine with waggoners, + hostlers, and persons of that rank; and he used to lie at night in + houses where he found written of the door <i>Lodgings for a penny</i>. He + delighted in scenes of low life.' Lord Orrery's <i>Swift</i>, ed. 1752, + p. 33. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-831">[831]</a> This is from the <i>Jests of Hierocles.</i> CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-832">[832]</a> 'The grave a gay companion shun.' FRANCIS. Horace, 1 <i>Epis.</i> + xviii. 89. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-833">[833]</a> Boswell in 1776 found that 'oats were much used as food in Dr. + Johnson's own town.' <i>Ante</i>, ii. 463. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-834">[834]</a> <i>Ante</i>, i. 294. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-835">[835]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 258. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-836">[836]</a> 'The richness of the round steep green knolls, clothed with copse, + and glancing with cascades, and a pleasant peep at a small fresh-water + loch embosomed among them—the view of the bay, surrounded and guarded + by the island of Colvay—the gliding of two or three vessels in the more + distant Sound—and the row of the gigantic Ardnamurchan mountains + closing the scene to the north, almost justify the eulogium of + Sacheverell, [<i>post,</i> p. 336] who, in 1688, declared the bay of + Tobermory might equal any prospect in Italy.' Lockhart's <i>Scott,</i> + iv. 338. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-837">[837]</a> 'The saying of the old philosopher who observes, that he who wants + least is most like the gods who want nothing, was a favourite sentence + with Dr. Johnson, who, on his own part, required less attendance, sick + or well, than ever I saw any human creature. Conversation was all he + required to make him happy.' Piozzi's <i>Anec.</i> p. 275. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-838">[838]</a> <i>Remarks on Several Parts of Italy</i> (<i>ante</i>, ii. 346). Johnson + (<i>Works</i>, vii. 424) says of these <i>Travels</i>:—'Of many parts it is not a + very severe censure to say that they might have been written at home.' + He adds that 'the book, though awhile neglected, became in time so much + the favourite of the publick, that before it was reprinted it rose to + five times its price.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-839">[839]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 254, and iv. 237. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-840">[840]</a> Johnson (<i>Works</i>, viii. 320) says of Pope that 'he had before him + not only what his own meditation suggested, but what he had found in + other writers that might be <i>accomodated</i> to his present purpose.' + Boswell's use of the word is perhaps derived, as Mr. Croker suggests, + from <i>accommoder</i>, in the sense of <i>dressing up or cooking meats</i>. This + word occurs in an amusing story that Boswell tells in one of his + Hypochondriacks (<i>London Mag</i>. 1779, p. 55):—'A friend of mine told me + that he engaged a French cook for Sir B. Keen, when ambassador in Spain, + and when he asked the fellow if he had ever dressed any magnificent + dinners the answer was:—"Monsieur, j'ai accommodé un dîner qui faisait + trembler toute la France."' Scott, in <i>Guy Mannering</i> (ed. 1860, iii. + 138), describes 'Miss Bertram's solicitude to soothe and <i>accommodate</i> + her parent.' See <i>ante</i>, iv. 39, note 1, for '<i>accommodated</i> the + ladies.' To sum up, we may say with Justice Shallow:—'Accommodated! it + comes of <i>accommodo</i>; very good; a good phrase.' 2 <i>Henry IV</i>, act + iii. sc. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-841">[841]</a> 'Louis Moréri, né en Provence, en 1643. On ne s'attendait pas que + l'auteur du <i>Pays d'amour</i>, et le traducteur de <i>Rodriguez</i>, entreprît + dans sa jeunesse le premier dictionnaire de faits qu'on eût encore vu. + Ce grand travail lui coûta la vie... Mort en 1680.' Voltaire's <i>Works</i>, + ed. 1819, xvii. 133. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-842">[842]</a> Johnson looked upon <i>Ana</i> as an English word, for he gives it in + his <i>Dictionary</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-843">[843]</a> I take leave to enter my strongest protest against this judgement. + <i>Bossuet</i> I hold to be one of the first luminaries of religion and + literature. If there are who do not read him, it is full time they + should begin. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-844">[844]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Just in the gate, and in the jaws of hell, + Revengeful cares, and sullen sorrows dwell; + And pale diseases, and repining age; + Want, fear, and famine's unresisted rage; + Here toils and death, and death's half-brother, sleep, + Forms terrible to view their sentry keep. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Dryden, <i>Aeneid</i>, vi. 273. BOSWELL. Voltaire, in his Essay <i>Sur les + inconvéniens attachés à la Littérature</i> (<i>Works</i>, xliii. 173), + says:—'Enfin, après un an de refus et de négociations, votre ouvrage + s'imprime; c'est alors qu'il faut ou assoupir les <i>Cerbères</i> de la + littérature ou les faire aboyer en votre faveur.' He therefore carries + on the resemblance one step further,— +</p> +<p> + 'Cerberus haec ingens latratu regna trifauci Personat.' <i>Aeneid</i>, vi. 417. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-845">[845]</a> It was in 1763 that Boswell made Johnson's acquaintance. <i>Ante</i>, + i. 391. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-846">[846]</a> It is no small satisfaction to me to reflect, that Dr. Johnson + read this, and, after being apprized of my intention, communicated to + me, at subsequent periods, many particulars of his life, which probably + could not otherwise have been preserved. BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, i. 26. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-847">[847]</a> Though Mull is, as Johnson says, the third island of the Hebrides + in extent, there was no post there. <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 170. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-848">[848]</a> This observation is very just. The time for the Hebrides was too + late by a month or six weeks. I have heard those who remembered their + tour express surprise they were not drowned. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-849">[849]</a> <i> The Charmer, a Collection of Songs Scotch and English.</i> + Edinburgh, 1749. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-850">[850]</a> By Thomas Willis, M.D. It was published in 1672. 'In this work he + maintains that the soul of brutes is like the vital principle in man, + that it is corporeal in its nature and perishes with the body. Although + the book was dedicated to the Archbishop of Canterbury, his orthodoxy, a + matter that Willis regarded much, was called in question.' Knight's + <i>Eng. Cyclo</i>. vi. 741. Burnet speaks of him as 'Willis, the great + physician.' <i>History of his Own Time</i>, ed. 1818, i. 254. See <i>Wood's + Athenae</i>, iii. 1048. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-851">[851]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 409 and iii. 242, where he said:—'Had I learnt to + fiddle, I should have done nothing else.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-852">[852]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 277. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-853">[853]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 181. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-854">[854]</a> Mr. Langton thinks this must have been the hasty expression of a + splenetick moment, as he has heard Dr. Johnson speak of Mr. Spence's + judgment in criticism with so high a degree of respect, as to shew that + this was not his settled opinion of him. Let me add that, in the preface + to the <i>Preceptor</i>, he recommends Spence's <i>Essay on Papers Odyssey</i>, + and that his admirable <i>Lives of the English Poets</i> are much enriched by + Spence's Anecdotes of Pope. BOSWELL. For the <i>Preceptor</i> see <i>ante</i>, i. + 192, and Johnson's <i>Works</i>, v. 240. Johnson, in his <i>Life of Pope (ib</i>. + viii. 274), speaks of Spence as 'a man whose learning was not very + great, and whose mind was not very powerful. His criticism, however, was + commonly just; what he thought he thought rightly; and his remarks were + recommended by his coolness and candour.' See <i>ante</i>, iv. 9, 63. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-855">[855]</a> 'She was the only interpreter of Erse poetry that I could ever + find.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 134. See <i>ante</i>, p. 241. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-856">[856]</a> 'After a journey difficult and tedious, over rocks naked and + valleys untracked, through a country of barrenness and solitude, we + came, almost in the dark, to the sea-side, weary and dejected, having + met with nothing but waters falling from the mountains that could raise + any image of delight.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 170. 'It is natural, in + traversing this gloom of desolation, to inquire, whether something may + not be done to give nature a more cheerful face.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, + ix. 136. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-857">[857]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 19. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-858">[858]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 521. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-859">[859]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 212. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-860">[860]</a> Sir William Blackstone says, in his <i>Commentaries</i>, that 'he + cannot find that ever this custom prevailed in England;' and therefore + he is of opinion that it could not have given rise to <i>Borough-English</i>. + BOSWELL. 'I cannot learn that ever this custom prevailed in England, + though it certainly did in Scotland (under the name of <i>mercketa</i> or + <i>marcheta</i>), till abolished by Malcolm III.' <i>Commentaries</i>, ed. 1778, + ii. 83. Sir H. Maine, in his <i>Early History of Institutions</i>, p. 222, + writes:—'Other authors, as Blackstone tells us, explained it ["Borough + English"] by a supposed right of the Seigneur or lord, now very + generally regarded as apocryphal, which raised a presumption of the + eldest son's illegitimacy.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-861">[861]</a> 'Macquarry was used to demand a sheep, for which he now takes a + crown, by that inattention to the uncertain proportion between the value + and the denomination of money, which has brought much disorder into + Europe. A sheep has always the same power of supplying human wants, but + a crown will bring, at one time more, at another less'. Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, ix. 139. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-862">[862]</a> 'The house and the furniture are not always nicely suited. We were + driven once, by missing a passage, to the hut of a gentleman, where, + after a very liberal supper, when I was conducted to my chamber, I found + an elegant bed of Indian cotton, spread with fine sheets. The + accommodation was flattering; I undressed myself, and felt my feet in + the mire. The bed stood upon the bare earth, which a long course of rain + had softened to a puddle.' <i>Works</i>, ix. 98. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-863">[863]</a> Inchkenneth is a most beautiful little islet, of the most verdant + green, while all the neighbouring shore of Greban, as well as the large + islands of Colinsay and Ulva, are as black as heath and moss can make + them. But Ulva has a good anchorage, and Inchkenneth is surrounded by + shoals. It is now uninhabited. The ruins of the huts, in which Dr. + Johnson was received by Sir Allan M'Lean, were still to be seen, and + some tatters of the paper hangings were to be seen on the walls. Sir G. + O. Paul was at Inchkenneth with the same party of which I was a member. + [See Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, ed. 1839, iii. 285.] He seemed to suspect many + of the Highland tales which he heard, but he showed most incredulity on + the subject of Johnson's having been entertained in the wretched huts of + which we saw the ruins. He took me aside, and conjured me to tell him + the truth of the matter. 'This Sir Allan,' said he, 'was he a <i>regular + baronet</i>, or was his title such a traditional one as you find in + Ireland?' I assured my excellent acquaintance that, 'for my own part, I + would have paid more respect to a knight of Kerry, or knight of Glynn; + yet Sir Allan M'Lean was a <i>regular baronet</i> by patent;' and, having + giving him this information, I took the liberty of asking him, in + return, whether he would not in conscience prefer the worst cell in the + jail at Gloucester (which he had been very active in overlooking while + the building was going on) to those exposed hovels where Johnson had + been entertained by rank and beauty. He looked round the little islet, + and allowed Sir Allan had some advantage in exercising ground; but in + other respects he thought the compulsory tenants of Gloucester had + greatly the advantage. Such was his opinion of a place, concerning which + Johnson has recorded that 'it wanted little which palaces could afford.' WALTER SCOTT. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-864">[864]</a> 'Sir Allan's affairs are in disorder by the fault of his + ancestors, and while he forms some scheme for retrieving them he has + retreated hither.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i> i. 172. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-865">[865]</a> By Francis Gastrell, Bishop of Chester, published in 1707. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-866">[866]</a> <i>Travels through different cities of Germany, &c.,</i>, by Alexander + Drummond. Horace Walpole, on April 24, 1754 (<i>Letters</i>, ii. 381), + mentions 'a very foolish vulgar book of travels, lately published by one + Drummond, consul at Aleppo.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-867">[867]</a> <i> Physico-Theology; or a Demonstration of the Being and Attributes + of God from his Works of Creation.</i> By William Derham, D.D., 1713. + Voltaire, in <i>Micromégas,</i> ch. I, speaking of 'l'illustre vicaire + Derham' says:—'Malheureusement, lui et ses imitateurs se trompent + souvent dans l'exposition de ces merveilles; ils s'extasient sur la + sagesse qui se montre dans l'ordre d'un phénomène et on découvre que ce + phénomène est tout différent de ce qu'ils ont supposé; alors c'est ce + nouvel ordre qui leur paraît un chef d'oeuvre de sagesse.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-868">[868]</a> This work was published in 1774. Johnson said on March 20, 1776 + (<i>ante</i>, ii. 447), 'that he believed Campbell's disappointment on + account of the bad success of that work had killed him.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-869">[869]</a> Johnson said of Campbell:—'I am afraid he has not been in the + inside of a church for many years; but he never passes a church without + pulling off his hat. This shows that he has good principles.' <i>Ante</i>, + i. 418. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-870">[870]</a> <i>New horse-shoeing Husbandry</i>, by Jethro Tull, 1733. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-871">[871]</a> 'He owned he sometimes talked for victory.' <i>Ante</i>, iv. 111, and + v. 17. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-872">[872]</a> 'They said that a great family had a <i>bard</i> and a <i>senachi</i>, who + were the poet and historian of the house; and an old gentleman told me + that he remembered one of each. Here was a dawn of intelligence.... + Another conversation informed me that the same man was both bard and + senachi. This variation discouraged me.... Soon after I was told by a + gentleman, who is generally acknowledged the greatest master of + Hebridian antiquities, that there had, indeed, once been both bards and + senachies; and that <i>senachi</i> signified <i>the man of talk</i>, or of + conversation; but that neither bard nor senachi had existed for some + centuries.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 109. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-873">[873]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 41, 327 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-874">[874]</a> 'Towards evening Sir Allan told us that Sunday never passed over + him like another day. One of the ladies read, and read very well, the + evening service;—"and Paradise was opened in the wild."' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 173. The quotation is from Pope's <i>Eloisa to Abelard</i>, + l. 134:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'You raised these hallowed walls; the desert smil'd, + And Paradise was open'd in the wild.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-875">[875]</a> He sent these verses to Boswell in 1775. <i>Ante</i> ii. 293. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-876">[876]</a> Boswell wrote to Johnson on Feb. 2, 1775, (<i>ante</i>, ii. 295):—'Lord + Hailes bids me tell you he doubts whether— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + "Legitimas faciunt pectora pura preces," +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + be according to the rubrick, but that is your concern; for you know, he + is a Presbyterian.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-877">[877]</a> In Johnson's <i>Works</i>, i. 167, these lines are given with + amendments and additions, mostly made by Johnson, but some, Mr. Croker + believes, by Mr. Langton. In the following copy the variations are + marked in italics. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + INSULA KENNETHI, INTER HEBRIDAS. + Parva quidem regio sed religione priorum + <i>Clara</i> Caledonias panditur inter aquas. + Voce ubi Cennethus populos domuisse feroces + Dicitur, et vanos dedocuisse deos. + Huc ego delatus placido per caerula cursu, + Scire <i>locus</i> volui quid daret <i>iste</i> novi. + Illic Leniades humili regnabat in aula, + Leniades, magnis nobilitatus avis. + Una duas <i>cepit</i> casa cum genitore puellas, + Quas Amor undarum <i>crederet</i> esse deas. + <i>Nec</i> tamen inculti gelidis latuere sub antris, + Accola Danubii qualia saevus habet. + Mollia non <i>desunt</i> vacuae solatia vitae + Sive libros poscant otia, sive lyram. + <i>Fulserat</i> illa dies, legis <i>qua</i> docta supernae + Spes hominum <i>et</i> curas <i>gens</i> procul esse jubet. + <i>Ut precibus justas avertat numinis iras, + Et summi accendat pectus amore boni.</i> + Ponti inter strepitus <i>non sacri</i> munera cultus + Cessarunt, pietas hic quoque cura fuit. + <i>Nil opus est oeris sacra de turre sonantis + Admonitu, ipsa suas nunciat hora vices.</i> + Quid, quod sacrifici versavit foemina libros? + <i>Sint pro legitimis pura labella sacris.</i> + Quo vagor ulterius? quod ubique requiritur hic est, + Hic secura quies, hic et honestus amor. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Mr. Croker says of the third line from the end, that in a copy of these + verses in Johnson's own hand which he had seen, 'Johnson had + first written +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + <i>Sunt pro legitimis pectora pura sacris.</i> +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + He then wrote +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + <i>Legitimas faciunt pura labella preces.</i> +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + That line was erased, and the line as it stands in the <i>Works</i> is + substituted in Mr. Langton's hand, as is also an alteration in the 16th + line, <i>velit</i> into <i>jubet</i>.' <i>Jubet</i> however is in the copy as printed + by Boswell. Mr. Langton edited some, if not all, of Johnson's Latin + poems. (<i>Ante</i>, iv. 384.) +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-878">[878]</a> 'Boswell, who is very pious, went into the chapel at night to + perform his devotions, but came back in haste for fear of spectres.' + <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 173. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-879">[879]</a> <i>Ante</i> p. 169. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-880">[880]</a> John Gerves, or John the Giant, of whom Dr. Johnson relates a + curious story; <i>Works</i> ix. 119. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-881">[881]</a> Lord Chatham in the House of Lords, on Nov. 22, 1770, speaking of + 'the honest, industrious tradesman, who holds the middle rank, and has + given repeated proofs that he prefers law and liberty to gold,' had + said:—'I love that class of men. Much less would I be thought to + reflect upon the fair merchant, whose liberal commerce is the prime + source of national wealth. I esteem his occupation, and respect his + character.' <i>Parl. Hist.</i> xvi. 1107. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-882">[882]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 382. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-883">[883]</a> He was born in Nordland in Sweden, in 1736. In 1768 he and Mr. + Banks accompanied Captain Cook in his first voyage round the world. He + died in 1782. Knight's <i>Eng. Cyclo.</i> v. 578. Miss Burney wrote of him in + 1780:—'My father has very exactly named him, in calling him a + philosophical gossip.' Mme. D'Arblay's <i>Diary</i>, i. 305. Horace Walpole + the same year, just after the Gordon Riots, wrote (<i>Letters</i>, vii. + 403):—'Who is secure against Jack Straw and a whirlwind? How I + abominate Mr. Banks and Dr. Solander, who routed the poor Otaheitans out + of the centre of the ocean, and carried our abominable passions amongst + them! not even that poor little speck could escape European + restlessness.' See <i>ante</i> ii. 148. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-884">[884]</a> Boswell tells this story again, <i>ante</i>, ii. 299. Mrs. Piozzi's + account (<i>Anec</i>. p. 114) is evidently so inaccurate that it does not + deserve attention; she herself admits that Beauclerk was truthful. In a + marginal note on Wraxall's <i>Memoirs</i>, she says:—'Topham Beauclerk + (wicked and profligate as he wished to be accounted), was yet a man of + very strict veracity. Oh Lord! how I did hate that horrid Beauclerk!' + Hayward's <i>Piozzi</i>, i. 348. Johnson testified to 'the correctness of + Beauclerk's memory and the fidelity of his narrative.' <i>Ante</i>, ii. 405. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-885">[885]</a> 'Mr. Maclean of Col, having a very numerous family, has for some + time past resided at Aberdeen, that he may superintend their education, + and leaves the young gentleman, our friend, to govern his dominions with + the full power of a Highland chief.' <i>Johnson's Works</i>, ix. 117. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-886">[886]</a> This is not spoken of hare-coursing, where the game is taken or + lost before the dog gets out of wind; but in chasing deer with the great + Highland greyhound, Col's exploit is feasible enough. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-887">[887]</a> See <i>ante</i>, pp. 45, III, for Monboddo's notion. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-888">[888]</a> Mme. Riccoboni in 1767 wrote to Garrick of the French:—'Un + mensonge grossier les révolte. Si on voulait leur persuader que les + Anglais vivent de grenouilles, meurent de faim, que leurs femmes sont + barbouillées, et jurent par toutes les lettres de l'alphabet, ils + leveraient les épaules, et s'écriraient, <i>quel sot ose écrire ces + misères-là?</i> mais à Londres, diantre cela prend!' <i>Garrick Corres</i>. + ii. 524. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-889">[889]</a> Just opposite to M'Quarrie's house the boat was swamped by the + intoxication of the sailors, who had partaken too largely of M'Quarrie's + wonted hospitality. WALTER SCOTT. Johnson wrote from Lichfield on June + 13, 1775;—'There is great lamentation here for the death of Col. Lucy + [Miss Porter] is of opinion that he was wonderfully handsome.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 235. See ante, ii. 287. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-890">[890]</a> Iona. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-891">[891]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 237. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-892">[892]</a> See <i>ante</i>, 111. 229. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-893">[893]</a> Sir James Mackintosh says (<i>Life</i>, ii. 257):—'Dr. Johnson visited + Iona without looking at Staffa, which lay in sight, with that + indifference to natural objects, either of taste or scientific + curiosity, which characterised him.' This is a fair enough sample of + much of the criticism under which Johnson's reputation has suffered. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-894">[894]</a> Smollett in <i>Humphry Clinker</i> (Letter of Sept. 3) describes a + Highland funeral. 'Our entertainer seemed to think it a disparagement to + his family that not above a hundred gallons of whisky had been drunk + upon such a solemn occasion. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-895">[895]</a> 'We then entered the boat again; the night came upon us; the wind + rose; the sea swelled; and Boswell desired to be set on dry ground: we, + however, pursued our navigation, and passed by several little islands in + the silent solemnity of faint moon-shine, seeing little, and hearing + only the wind and water.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 176. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-896">[896]</a> Cicero <i>De Finibus</i>, ii. 32. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-897">[897]</a> I have lately observed that this thought has been elegantly + expressed by Cowley:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Things which offend when present, and affright, + In memory, well painted, move delight.' + BOSWELL. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + The lines are found in the <i>Ode upon His Majesty's Restoration and + Return</i>, stanza 12. They may have been suggested by Virgil's lines— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Revocate animos, maestumque timorem + Mittite; forsan et haec olim meminisse juvabit.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Aeneid, i. 202. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-898">[898]</a> Had our Tour produced nothing else but this sublime passage, the + world must have acknowledged that it was not made in vain. The present + respectable President of the Royal Society was so much struck on reading + it, that he clasped his hands together, and remained for some time in an + attitude of silent admiration, BOSWELL. Boswell again quotes this + passage (which is found in Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 145), <i>ante</i>, iii. + 173. The President was Sir Joseph Banks, Johnson says in <i>Rasselas</i>, ch. + xi:—'That the supreme being may be more easily propitiated in one place + than in another is the dream of idle superstition; but that some places + may operate upon our own minds in an uncommon manner is an opinion which + hourly experience will justify. He who supposes that his vices may be + more successfully combated in Palestine will, perhaps, find himself + mistaken, yet he may go thither without folly; he who thinks they will + be more freely pardoned dishonours at once his reason and religion.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-899">[899]</a> 'Sir Allan went to the headman of the island, whom fame, but fame + delights in amplifying, represents as worth no less than fifty pounds. + He was, perhaps, proud enough of his guests, but ill prepared for our + entertainment; however he soon produced more provision than men not + luxurious require.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 146. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-900">[900]</a> <i>An Account of the Isle of Man. With a voyage to I-Columb-Kill</i>. + By W. Sacheverell, Esq., late Governour of Man. 1702. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-901">[901]</a> 'He that surveys it [the church-yard] attended by an insular + antiquary may be told where the kings of many nations are buried, and if + he loves to soothe his imagination with the thoughts that naturally rise + in places where the great and the powerful lie mingled with the dust, + let him listen in submissive silence; for if he asks any questions his + delight is at an end.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 148. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-902">[902]</a> On quitting the island Johnson wrote: 'We now left those + illustrious ruins, by which Mr. Boswell was much affected, nor would I + willingly be thought to have looked upon them without some emotion.' + <i>Ib</i>. p. 150. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-903">[903]</a> Psalm xc. 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-904">[904]</a> Boswell wrote on Nov. 9, 1767:—'I am always for fixing some + period for my perfection as far as possible. Let it be when my account + of Corsica is published; I shall then have a character which I must + support.' <i>Letters of Boswell</i>, p. 122. Five weeks later he wrote:—'I + have been as wild as ever;' and then comes a passage which the Editor + has thought it needful to suppress. <i>Ib</i>.p.128. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-905">[905]</a> Boswell here speaks as an Englishman. He should have written '<i>a</i> + M'Ginnis.' See <i>ante</i>, p. 135, note 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-906">[906]</a> 'The fruitfulness of Iona is now its whole prosperity. The + inhabitants are remarkably gross, and remarkably neglected; I know not + if they are visited by any minister. The island, which was once the + metropolis of learning and piety, has now no school for education, nor + temple for worship, only two inhabitants that can speak English, and not + one that can write or read.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 149. Scott, who + visited it in 1810, writes:—'There are many monuments of singular + curiosity, forming a strange contrast to the squalid and dejected + poverty of the present inhabitants.' Lockhart's <i>Scott</i>, ed. 1839, iii. + 285. In 1814, on a second visit, he writes:—'Iona, the last time I saw + it, seemed to me to contain the most wretched people I had anywhere + seen. But either they have got better since I was here, or my eyes, + familiarized with the wretchedness of Zetland and the Harris, are less + shocked with that of Iona.' He found a schoolmaster there. <i>Ib</i>. + iv. 324. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-907">[907]</a> Johnson's Jacobite friend, Dr. King (<i>ante</i>, i. 279), says of + Pulteney, on his being made Earl of Bath:—'He deserted the cause of + his country; he betrayed his friends and adherents; he ruined his + character, and from a most glorious eminence sunk down to a degree of + contempt. The first time Sir Robert (who was now Earl of Orford) met him + in the House of Lords, he threw out this reproach:—"My Lord Bath, you + and I are now two as insignificant men as any in England." In which he + spoke the truth of my Lord Bath, but not of himself. For my Lord Orford + was consulted by the ministers to the last day of his life.' King's + <i>Anec</i>. p. 43. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-908">[908]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 431, and iii. 326. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-909">[909]</a> 'Sir Robert Walpole detested war. This made Dr. Johnson say of + him, "He was the best minister this country ever had, as, if <i>we</i> would + have let him (he speaks of his own violent faction), he would have kept + the country in perpetual peace."' Seward's <i>Biographiana</i>, p. 554. See + <i>ante</i>, i. 131. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-910">[910]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. Appendix C. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-911">[911]</a> I think it incumbent on me to make some observation on this strong + satirical sally on my classical companion, Mr. Wilkes. Reporting it + lately from memory, in his presence, I expressed it thus:—'They knew he + would rob their shops, <i>if he durst;</i> they knew he would debauch their + daughters, <i>if he could;</i>' which, according to the French phrase, may be + said <i>renchérir</i> on Dr. Johnson; but on looking into my Journal, I found + it as above, and would by no means make any addition. Mr. Wilkes + received both readings with a good humour that I cannot enough admire. + Indeed both he and I (as, with respect to myself, the reader has more + than once had occasion to observe in the course of this Journal,) are + too fond of a <i>bon mot</i>, not to relish it, though we should be ourselves + the object of it. +</p> +<p> + Let me add, in justice to the gentleman here mentioned, that at a + subsequent period, he <i>was</i> elected chief magistrate of London [in + 1774], and discharged the duties of that high office with great honour + to himself, and advantage to the city. Some years before Dr. Johnson + died, I was fortunate enough to bring him and Mr. Wilkes together; the + consequence of which was, that they were ever afterwards on easy and not + unfriendly terms. The particulars I shall have great pleasure in + relating at large in my <i>Life of Dr. Johnson</i>. BOSWELL. In the copy of + Boswell's <i>Letter to the People of Scotland</i> in the British Museum is + entered in Boswell's own hand— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Comes jucundus in via pro vehiculo est. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + To John Wilkes, Esq.: as pleasant a companion as ever lived. From the + Author. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + —will my Wilkes retreat, + And see, once seen before, that ancient seat, etc.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + See <i>ante</i>, iii. 64, 183; iv. 101, 224, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-912">[912]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 199. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-913">[913]</a> Our afternoon journey was through a country of such gloomy + desolation that Mr. Boswell thought no part of the Highlands equally + terrifick.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 150. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-914">[914]</a> Johnson describes Lochbuy as 'a true Highland laird, rough and + haughty, and tenacious of his dignity: who, hearing my name, inquired + whether I was of the Johnstons of Glencoe (<i>sic</i>) or of Ardnamurchan.' + <i>Ib</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-915">[915]</a> Boswell totally misapprehended <i>Lochbuy's</i> meaning. There are two + septs of the powerful clan of M'Donaid, who are called Mac-Ian, that is + <i>John's-son</i>; and as Highlanders often translate their names when they + go to the Lowlands,—as Gregor-son for Mac-Gregor, Farquhar-son for + Mac-Farquhar,—<i>Lochbuy</i> supposed that Dr. Johnson might be one of the + Mac-Ians of Ardnamurchan, or of Glencro. Boswell's explanation was + nothing to the purpose. The <i>Johnstons</i> are a clan distinguished in + Scottish <i>border</i> history, and as brave as any <i>Highland</i> clan that ever + wore brogues; but they lay entirely out of <i>Lochbuy's</i> knowledge—nor + was he thinking of <i>them</i>. WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-916">[916]</a> This maxim, however, has been controverted. See Blackstone's + <i>Commentaries</i>, vol. ii. p. 291; and the authorities there quoted. + BOSWELL. 'Blackstone says:—From these loose authorities, which + Fitzherbert does not hesitate to reject as being contrary to reason, the + maxim that a man shall not stultify himself hath been handed down as + settled law; though later opinions, feeling the inconvenience of the + rule, have in many points endeavoured to restrain it.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 292. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-917">[917]</a> Begging pardon of the Doctor and his conductor, I have often seen + and partaken of cold sheep's head at as good breakfast-tables as ever + they sat at. This protest is something in the manner of the late + Culrossie, who fought a duel for the honour of Aberdeen butter. I have + passed over all the Doctor's other reproaches upon Scotland, but the + sheep's head I will defend <i>totis viribus</i>. Dr. Johnson himself must + have forgiven my zeal on this occasion; for if, as he says, <i>dinner</i> be + the thing of which a man thinks <i>oftenest during the day, breakfast</i> + must be that of which he thinks <i>first in the morning</i>. WALTER SCOTT. I + do not know where Johnson says this. Perhaps Scott was thinking of a + passage in Mrs. Piozzi's <i>Anec</i>. p. 149, where she writes that he said: + 'A man seldom thinks with more earnestness of any thing than he does of + his dinner.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-918">[918]</a> A horrible place it was. Johnson describes it (<i>Works</i>, ix. 152) + as 'a deep subterraneous cavity, walled on the sides, and arched on the + top, into which the descent is through a narrow door, by a ladder or + a rope.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-919">[919]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 177. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-920">[920]</a> Sir Allan M'Lean, like many Highland chiefs, was embarrassed in + his private affairs, and exposed to unpleasant solicitations from + attorneys, called, in Scotland, <i>writers</i> (which indeed was the chief + motive of his retiring to Inchkenneth). Upon one occasion he made a + visit to a friend, then residing at Carron lodge, on the banks of the + Carron, where the banks of that river are studded with pretty villas: + Sir Allan, admiring the landscape, asked his friend, whom that handsome + seat belonged to. 'M—-, the writer to the signet,' was the reply. + 'Umph!' said Sir Allan, but not with an accent of assent, 'I mean that + other house.' 'Oh ! that belongs to a very honest fellow Jamie—-, also + a writer to the signet.' 'Umph!' said the Highland chief of M'Lean with + more emphasis than before, 'And yon smaller house?' 'That belongs to a + Stirling man; I forget his name, but I am sure he is a writer too; + for—-.' Sir Allan who had recoiled a quarter of a circle backward at + every response, now wheeled the circle entire and turned his back on the + landscape, saying, 'My good friend, I must own you have a pretty + situation here; but d—n your neighbourhood.' WALTER SCOTT. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-921">[921]</a> Loch Awe. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-922">[922]</a> 'Pope's talent lay remarkably in what one may naturally enough + term the condensation of thoughts. I think no other English poet ever + brought so much sense into the same number of lines with equal + smoothness, ease, and poetical beauty. Let him who doubts of this peruse + his <i>Essay on Man</i> with attention.' Shenstone's <i>Essays on Men and + Manners. [Works</i>, 4th edit. ii. 159.] 'He [Gray] approved an observation + of Shenstone, that "Pope had the art of condensing a thought."' + Nicholls' <i>Reminiscences of Gray</i>, p. 37. And Swift [in his <i>Lines on + the death of Dr. Swift</i>], himself a great condenser, says— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'In Pope I cannot read a line + But with a sigh I wish it mine; + When he can in one couplet fix + More sense than I can do in six.' + P. CUNNINGHAM. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + <a name="note-923">[923]</a> He is described by Walpole in his <i>Letters</i>, viii. 5. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-924">[924]</a> 'The night came on while we had yet a great part of the way to go, + though not so dark but that we could discern the cataracts which poured + down the hills on one side, and fell into one general channel, that ran + with great violence on the other. The wind was loud, the rain was heavy, + and the whistling of the blast, the fall of the shower, the rush of the + cataracts, and the roar of the torrent, made a nobler chorus of the + rough musick of nature than it had ever been my chance to hear before.' + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 155. He wrote to Mrs. Thrale:—'All the rougher + powers of nature except thunder were in motion, but there was no danger. + I should have been sorry to have missed any of the inconveniencies, to + have had more light or less rain, for their co-operation crowded the + scene and filled the mind.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 177. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-925">[925]</a> I never tasted whiskey except once for experiment at the inn in + Inverary, when I thought it preferable to any English malt brandy. It + was strong, but not pungent, and was free from the empyreumatick taste + or smell. What was the process I had no opportunity of inquiring, nor do + I wish to improve the art of making poison pleasant.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, + ix. 52. Smollett, medical man though he was, looked upon whisky as + anything but poison. 'I am told that it is given with great success to + infants, as a cordial in the confluent small-pox.' <i>Humphry Clinker</i>. + Letter of Sept. 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-926">[926]</a> <i>Regale</i> in this sense is not in Johnson's <i>Dictionary</i>. It was, + however, a favourite word at this time. Thus, Mrs. Piozzi, in her + <i>Journey through France</i>, ii. 297, says:—'A large dish of hot chocolate + thickened with bread and cream is a common afternoon's regale here.' + Miss Burney often uses the word. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-927">[927]</a> Boswell, in answering Garrick's letter seven months later, + improved on this comparison. 'It was,' he writes, 'a pine-apple of the + finest flavour, which had a high zest indeed among the heath-covered + mountains of Scotia.' <i>Garrick Corres</i>. i. 621. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-928">[928]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 115. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-929">[929]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 97. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-930">[930]</a> 'Though Birnam wood be come to Dunsinane.' <i>Macbeth</i>, act v. sc. 8. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-931">[931]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'From his first entrance to the closing scene + Let him one equal character maintain.' + + FRANCIS. Horace, <i>Ars Poet.</i> l. 126. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + <a name="note-932">[932]</a> I took the liberty of giving this familiar appellation to my + celebrated friend, to bring in a more lively manner to his remembrance + the period when he was Dr. Johnson's pupil. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-933">[933]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 129. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-934">[934]</a> Boswell is here quoting the Preface to the third edition of his + <i>Corsica</i>:—'Whatever clouds may overcast my days, I can now walk here + among the rocks and woods of my ancestors, with an agreeable + consciousness that I have done something worthy.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-935">[935]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 148, and <i>post</i>, Nov. 21. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-936">[936]</a> I have suppressed my friend's name from an apprehension of + wounding his sensibility; but I would not withhold from my readers a + passage which shews Mr. Garrick's mode of writing as the Manager of a + Theatre, and contains a pleasing trait of his domestick life. His + judgment of dramatick pieces, so far as concerns their exhibition on the + stage, must be allowed to have considerable weight. But from the effect + which a perusal of the tragedy here condemned had upon myself, and from + the opinions of some eminent criticks, I venture to pronounce that it + has much poetical merit; and its authour has distinguished himself by + several performances which shew that the epithet <i>poetaster</i> was, in the + present instance, much misapplied. BOSWELL. Johnson mentioned this + quarrel between Garrick and the poet on March 25, 1773 (<i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 80). 'M—— is preparing a whole pamphlet against G——, + and G—— is, I suppose, collecting materials to confute M——.' M—— + was Mickle, the translator of the <i>Lusiad</i> and author of the <i>Ballad of + Cumnor Hall</i> (<i>ante</i>, ii. 182). Had it not been for this 'poetaster,' + <i>Kenilworth</i> might never have been written. Scott, in the preface, tells + how 'the first stanza of <i>Cunmor Hall</i> had a peculiar species of + enchantment for his youthful ear, the force of which is not even now + entirely spent.' The play that was refused was the <i>Siege of + Marseilles</i>. Ever since the success of Hughes's <i>Siege of Damascus</i> 'a + siege had become a popular title' (<i>ante</i>, iii. 259, note 1). +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-937">[937]</a> She could only have been away for the day; for in 1776 Garrick + wrote:—'As I have not left Mrs. Garrick one day since we were married, + near twenty-eight years, I cannot now leave her.' <i>Garrick Corres</i>. + ii. 150. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-938">[938]</a> Dr. Morell once entered the school-room at Winchester College, 'in + which some junior boys were writing their exercises, one of whom, struck + no less with his air and manner than with the questions he put to them, + whispered to his school-fellows, "Is he not a fine old Grecian?" The + Doctor, overhearing this, turned hastily round and exclaimed, "I am + indeed an old Grecian, my little man. Did you never see my head before + my Thesaurus?"' The Praepostors, learning the dignity of their visitor, + in a most respectful manner showed him the College. Wooll's <i>Life of Dr. + Warton</i>, p. 329. Mason writing to Horace Walpole about some odes, + says:—'They are so lopped and mangled, that they are worse now than the + productions of Handel's poet, Dr. Morell.' Walpole's <i>Letters</i>, v. 420. + Morell compiled the words for Handel's <i>Oratorios</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-939">[939]</a> <i>Ante</i>, i. 148. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-940">[940]</a> I doubt whether any other instance can be found of <i>love</i> being + sent to Johnson. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-941">[941]</a> The passage begins:—'A <i>servant</i> or two from a revering distance + cast many a wishful look, and condole their honoured master in the + language of sighs.' Hervey's <i>Meditations</i>, ed. 1748, i. 40. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-942">[942]</a> <i>Ib</i>. ii. 84. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-943">[943]</a> The <i>Meditation</i> was perhaps partly suggested by Swift's + <i>Meditation upon a Broomstick</i>. Swift's <i>Works</i> (1803), iii. 275. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-944">[944]</a> Thomas Burnet of the Charterhouse, in his <i>Sacred Theory of the + Earth</i>, ed. 1722, i. 85. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-945">[945]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 476, and ii. 73. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-946">[946]</a> Elizabeth Gunning, celebrated (like her sister, Lady Coventry) for + her personal charms, had been previously Duchess of Hamilton, and was + mother of Douglas, Duke of Hamilton, the competitor for the Douglas + property with the late Lord Douglas: she was, of course, prejudiced + against Boswell, who had shewn all the bustling importance of his + character in the Douglas cause, and it was said, I know not on what + authority, that he headed the mob which broke the windows of some of the + judges, and of Lord Auchinleck, his father, in particular. WALTER SCOTT. + See <i>ante</i>, ii. 50. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-947">[947]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 408, and ii. 329. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-948">[948]</a> She married the Earl of Derby, and was the great-grandmother of + the present Earl. Burke's <i>Peerage</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-949">[949]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 248. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-950">[950]</a> Lord Macaulay's grandfather, Trevelyan's <i>Macaulay</i>, i. 6. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-951">[951]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 118. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-952">[952]</a> On reflection, at the distance of several years, I wonder that my + venerable fellow-traveller should have read this passage without + censuring my levity. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-953">[953]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 151. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-954">[954]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 240. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-955">[955]</a> As this book is now become very scarce, I shall subjoin the title, + which is curious:—The Doctrines of a Middle State between Death and + the Resurrection: Of Prayers for the Dead: And the Necessity of + Purification; plainly proved from the holy Scriptures, and the Writings + of the Fathers of the Primitive Church: and acknowledged by several + learned Fathers and Great Divines of the Church of England and others + since the Reformation. To which is added, an Appendix concerning the + Descent of the Soul of Christ into Hell, while his Body lay in the + Grave. Together with the Judgment of the Reverend Dr. Hickes concerning + this Book, so far as relates to a Middle State, particular Judgment, and + Prayers for the Dead as it appeared in the first Edition. 'And a + Manuscript of the Right Reverend Bishop Overall upon the Subject of a + Middle State, and never before printed. Also, a Preservative against + several of the Errors of the Roman Church, in six small Treatises. By + the Honourable Archibald Campbell. Folio, 1721. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-956">[956]</a> The release gained for him by Lord Townshend must have been from + his last imprisonment after the accession of George I; for, as Mr. + Croker points out, Townshend was not Secretary of State till 1714. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-957">[957]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 286. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-958">[958]</a> He was the grandson of the first Marquis, who was beheaded by + Charles II in 1661, and nephew of the ninth Earl, who was beheaded by + James II in 1685. Burke's <i>Peerage</i>. He died on June 15, 1744, according + to the <i>Gent. Mag.</i> xiv. 339; where he is described as 'the consecrated + Archbishop of St. Andrews.' See <i>ante</i>, ii. 216. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-959">[959]</a> George Hickes, 1642-1715. A non-juror, consecrated in 1693 + suffragan bishop of Thetford by three of the deprived non-juror bishops. + Chalmers's <i>Biog. Dict.</i> xvii. 450. Burnet (<i>Hist. of his own Time</i>, iv. + 303) describes him as 'an ill-tempered man, who was now <a name="note-1712">[1712]</a> at the + head of the Jacobite party, and who had in several books promoted a + notion, that there was a proper sacrifice made in the Eucharist.' + Boswell mentions him, <i>ante</i>, iv. 287. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-960">[960]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 458. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-961">[961]</a> This must be a mistake for <i>He died</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-962">[962]</a> 'It is generally supposed that life is longer in places where + there are few opportunities of luxury; but I found no instance here of + extraordinary longevity. A cottager grows old over his oaten cakes like + a citizen at a turtle feast. He is, indeed, seldom incommoded by + corpulence, Poverty preserves him from sinking under the burden of + himself, but he escapes no other injury of time.' Johnson's Works, + ix. 81. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-963">[963]</a> Lady Lucy Graham, daughter of the second Duke of Montrose, and + wife of Mr. Douglas, the successful claimant: she died in 1780, whence + Boswell calls her '<i>poor</i> Lady Lucy.' CROKER +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-964">[964]</a> Her first husband was the sixth Duke of Hamilton and Brandon. On + his death she refused the Duke of Bridgewater. She was the mother of + four dukes—two of Hamilton and two of Argyle. Her sister married the + Earl of Coventry. Walpole's <i>Letters</i>, ii. 259, note. Walpole, writing + on Oct. 9, 1791, says that their story was amazing. 'The two beautiful + sisters were going on the stage, when they were at once exalted almost + as high as they could be, were Countessed and double-Duchessed.' <i>Ib</i>. + ix. 358. Their maiden name was Gunning. The Duchess of Argyle was alive + when Boswell published his <i>Journal</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-965">[965]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 397, and v. 210. It was Lord Macaulay's + grandfather who was thus reprimanded. Mr. Trevelyan remarks (<i>Life of + Macaulay</i>, i. 7), 'When we think what well-known ground this [subject] + was to Lord Macaulay, it is impossible to suppress a wish that the great + talker had been at hand to avenge his grandfather.' The result might + well have been, however, that the great talker would have been reduced + to silence—one of those brilliant flashes of silence for which Sydney + Smith longed, but longed in vain. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-966">[966]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 264, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-967">[967]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 8, for his use of 'O brave!' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-968">[968]</a> Having mentioned, more than once, that my <i>Journal</i> was perused by + Dr. Johnson, I think it proper to inform my readers that this is the + last paragraph which he read. BOSWELL. He began to read it on August 18 + (<i>ante</i>, p. 58, note 2). +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-969">[969]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 320. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-970">[970]</a> Act i. sc. 1. The best known passage in <i>Douglas</i> is the speech + beginning 'My name is Norval.' Act ii. The play affords a few quotations + more or less known, as:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'I found myself + As women wish to be who love their lords.' + Act i. + + 'He seldom errs + Who thinks the worse he can of womankind.' + Act iii. + + 'Honour, sole judge and umpire of itself.' + Act iv. + + 'Unknown I die; no tongue shall speak of me. + Some noble spirits, judging by themselves, + May yet conjecture what I might have proved, + And think life only wanting to my fame.' + Act v. + + 'An honest guardian, arbitrator just + Be thou; thy station deem a sacred trust. + With thy good sword maintain thy country's cause; + In every action venerate its laws: + The lie suborn'd if falsely urg'd to swear, + Though torture wait thee, torture firmly bear; + To forfeit honour, think the highest shame, + And life too dearly bought by loss of fame; + Nor to preserve it, with thy virtue give + That for which only man should wish to live.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + [<i>Satires</i>, viii. 79.] +</p> +<p> + For this and the other translations to which no signature is affixed, I + am indebted to the friend whose observations are mentioned in the notes, + pp. 78 and 399. BOSWELL. Sir Walter Scott says, 'probably Dr. Hugh + Blair.' I have little doubt that it was Malone. 'One of the best + criticks of our age,' Boswell calls this friend in the other two + passages. This was a compliment Boswell was likely to pay to Malone, to + whom he dedicated this book. Malone was a versifier. See Prior's + <i>Malone</i>, p. 463. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-971">[971]</a> I am sorry that I was unlucky in my quotation. But notwithstanding + the acuteness of Dr. Johnson's criticism, and the power of his ridicule, + <i>The Tragedy of Douglas</i> sill continues to be generally and deservedly + admired. BOSWELL. Johnson's scorn was no doubt returned, for Dr. A. + Carlyle (<i>Auto.</i> p. 295) says of Home:—'as John all his life had a + thorough contempt for such as neglected his poetry, he treated all who + approved of his works with a partiality which more than approached to + flattery.' Carlyle tells (pp. 301-305) how Home started for London with + his tragedy in one pocket of his great coat and his clean shirt and + night-cap in the other, escorted on setting out by six or seven Merse + ministers. 'Garrick, after reading his play, returned it as totally + unfit for the stage.' It was brought out first in Edinburgh, and in the + year 1757 in Covent Garden, where it had great success. 'This tragedy,' + wrote Carlyle forty-five years later, 'still maintains its ground, has + been more frequently acted, and is more popular than any tragedy in the + English language.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 325. Hannah More recorded in 1786 + (<i>Memoirs</i>, ii. 22), 'I had a quarrel with Lord Monboddo one night + lately. He said <i>Douglas</i> was a better play than Shakespeare could have + written. He was angry and I was pert. Lord Mulgrave sat spiriting me up, + but kept out of the scrape himself, and Lord Stormont seemed to enjoy + the debate, but was shabby enough not to help me out.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-972">[972]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 230, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-973">[973]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 318. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-974">[974]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 54 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-975">[975]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 356. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-976">[976]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 241, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-977">[977]</a> As a remarkable instance of his negligence, I remember some years + ago to have found lying loose in his study, and without the cover, which + contained the address, a letter to him from Lord Thurlow, to whom he had + made an application as Chancellor, in behalf of a poor literary friend. + It was expressed in such terms of respect for Dr. Johnson, that, in my + zeal for his reputation, I remonstrated warmly with him on his strange + inattention, and obtained his permission to take a copy of it; by which + probably it has been preserved, as the original I have reason to suppose + is lost. BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 441. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-978">[978]</a> 'The islets, which court the gazer at a distance, disgust him at + his approach, when he finds, instead of soft lawns and shady thickets, + nothing more than uncultivated ruggedness.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 156. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-979">[979]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 200, and iv. 179. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-980">[980]</a> In these arguments he says:—'Reason and truth will prevail at + last. The most learned of the Scottish doctors would now gladly admit a + form of prayer, if the people would endure it. The zeal or rage of + congregations has its different degrees. In some parishes the Lord's + Prayer is suffered: in others it is still rejected as a form; and he + that should make it part of his supplication would be suspected of + heretical pravity.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 102. See <i>ante</i>, p. 121. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-981">[981]</a> 'A very little above the source of the Leven, on the lake, stands + the house of Cameron, belonging to Mr. Smollett, so embosomed in an oak + wood that we did not see it till we were within fifty yards of the + door.' <i>Humphry Clinker</i>, Letter of Aug. 28. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-982">[982]</a> Boswell himself was at times one of 'those absurd visionaries.' + <i>Ante</i>, ii. 73. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-983">[983]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 117. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-984">[984]</a> Lord Kames wrote one, which is published in Chambers's <i>Traditions + of Edinburgh</i>, ed. 1825, i. 280. In it he bids the traveller to 'indulge + the hope of a Monumental Pillar.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-985">[985]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 85; and v. 154. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-986">[986]</a> This address does not offend against the rule that Johnson lays + down in his <i>Essay on Epitaphs</i> (<i>Works</i>, v. 263), where he says:—'It + is improper to address the epitaph to the passenger.' The impropriety + consists in such an address in a church. He however did break through + his rule in his epitaph in Streatham Church on Mr. Thrale, where he + says:—'Abi viator.' <i>Ib.</i> i. 154. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-987">[987]</a> In <i>Humphry Clinker</i> (Letter of Aug. 28), which was published a + few months before Smollett's death, is his <i>Ode on Leven-Water</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-988">[988]</a> The epitaph which has been inscribed on the pillar erected on the + banks of the Leven, in honour of Dr. Smollett, is as follows. The part + which was written by Dr. Johnson, it appears, has been altered; whether + for the better, the reader will judge. The alterations are distinguished + by Italicks. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Siste viator! + Si lepores ingeniique venam benignam, + Si morum callidissimum pictorem, Unquam es miratus, + Immorare paululum memoriae + TOBIAE SMOLLET, M.D. + Viri virtutibus <i>hisce</i> + Quas in homine et cive + Et laudes et imiteris, + Haud mediocriter ornati: + Qui in literis variis versatus, + Postquam felicitate <i>sibi propria</i> + Sese posteris commendaverat, + Morte acerba raptus + Anno aetatis 51, + Eheu: quam procul a patria! + Prope Liburni portum in Italia, Jacet sepultres. + Tali tantoque viro, patrueli suo, Cui in decursu lampada + Se potius tradidisse decuit, Hanc Columnam, + Amoris, eheu! inane monumentum In ipsis Leviniae ripis, + Quas <i>versiculis sub exitu vitae illustratas</i> + Primis infans vagitibus personuit, Ponendam curavit + JACOBUS SMOLLET de Bonhill. Abi et reminiscere, + Hoc quidem honore, Non modo defuncti memoriae, + Verum etiam exemplo, prospectum esse; + Aliis enim, si modo digni sint, + Idem erit virtutis praemium! + + BOSWELL. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-989">[989]</a> Baretti told Malone that, having proposed to teach Johnson + Italian, they went over a few stanzas of Ariosto, and Johnson then grew + weary. 'Some years afterwards Baretti said he would give him another + lesson, but added, "I suppose you have forgotten what we read before." + "Who forgets, Sir?" said Johnson, and immediately repeated three or four + stanzas of the poem.' Baretti took down the book to see if it had been + lately opened, but the leaves were covered with dust. Prior's <i>Malone</i>, + p. 160. Johnson had learnt to translate Italian before he knew Baretti. + <i>Ante</i>, i. 107, 156. For other instances of his memory, see <i>ante</i>, i. + 39, 48; iii. 318, note 1; and iv. 103, note 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-990">[990]</a> For sixty-eight days he received no letter—from August 21 + (<i>ante</i>, p. 84) to October 28. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-991">[991]</a> Among these professors might possibly have been either Burke or + Hume had not a Mr. Clow been the successful competitor in 1751 as the + successor to Adam Smith in the chair of Logic. 'Mr. Clow has acquired a + curious title to fame, from the greatness of the man to whom he + succeeded, and of those over whom he was triumphant.' J.H. Burton's + <i>Hume</i>, i. 351. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-992">[992]</a> Dr. Reid, the author of the <i>Inquiry into the Human Mind</i>, had in + 1763 succeeded Adam Smith as Professor of Moral Philosophy. Dugald + Stewart was his pupil the winter before Johnson's visit. Stewart's + <i>Reid</i>, ed. 1802, p. 38. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-993">[993]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 186. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-994">[994]</a> Mr. Boswell has chosen to omit, for reasons which will be + presently obvious, that Johnson and Adam Smith met at Glasgow; but I + have been assured by Professor John Miller that they did so, and that + Smith, leaving the party in which he had met Johnson, happened to come + to another company <i>where Miller was</i>. Knowing that Smith had been in + Johnson's society, they were anxious to know what had passed, and the + more so as Dr. Smith's temper seemed much ruffled. At first Smith would + only answer, 'He's a brute—he's a brute;' but on closer examination, it + appeared that Johnson no sooner saw Smith than he attacked him for some + point of his famous letter on the death of Hume (<i>ante</i>, p. 30). Smith + vindicated the truth of his statement. 'What did Johnson say?' was the + universal inquiry. 'Why, he said,' replied Smith, with the deepest + impression of resentment, 'he said, <i>you lie!</i>' 'And what did you + reply?' 'I said, you are a son of a———!' On such terms did these two + great moralists meet and part, and such was the classical dialogue + between two great teachers of philosophy. WALTER SCOTT. This story is + erroneous in the particulars of the <i>time, place,</i> and <i>subject</i> of the + alleged quarrel; for Hume did not die for [nearly] three years after + Johnson's only visit to Glasgow; nor was Smith then there. Johnson, + previous to 1763 (see <i>ante</i>, i. 427, and iii. 331), had an altercation + with Adam Smith at Mr. Strahan's table. This may have been the + foundation of Professor Miller's misrepresentation. But, even <i>then</i>, + nothing of this offensive kind could have passed, as, if it had, Smith + could certainly not have afterwards solicited admission to the Club of + which Johnson was the leader, to which he was admitted 1st Dec. 1775, + and where he and Johnson met frequently on civil terms. I, therefore, + disbelieve the whole story. CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-995">[995]</a> 'His appearance,' says Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. p. 68), 'was that + of an ascetic, reduced by fasting and prayer.' See <i>ante</i>, p. 68. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-996">[996]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 27, 279. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-997">[997]</a> See <i>ante,</i> p. 92. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-998">[998]</a> Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale:—'I was not much pleased with any + of the Professors.' <i>Piozzi Letters,</i> i. 199. Mme. D'Arblay says:— + 'Whenever Dr. Johnson did not make the charm of conversation he only + marred it by his presence, from the general fear he incited, that if he + spoke not, he might listen; and that if he listened, he might reprove.' + <i>Memoirs of Dr. Burney,</i> ii. 187. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 63 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-999">[999]</a> Boswell has not let us see this caution. When Robertson first came + in, 'there began,' we are told, 'some animated dialogue' (<i>ante,</i> p.32). + The next day we read that 'he fluently harangued to Dr. Johnson' + (<i>ante,</i> p.43). +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1000">[1000]</a> See <i>ante,</i> iii. 366. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1001">[1001]</a> He was Ambassador at Paris in the beginning of the reign of + George I., and Commander-in-Chief in 1744. Lord Mahon's <i>England</i>, ed. + 1836, i. 201 and iii. 275. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1002">[1002]</a> The unwilling gratitude of base mankind. POPE. [<i>Imitations of + Horace</i>, 2 <i>Epis</i>. i. 14.] BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1003">[1003]</a> Dr. Franklin (<i>Memoirs</i>, i. 246-253) gives a curious account of + Lord Loudoun, who was general in America about the year 1756. + 'Indecision,' he says, 'was one of the strongest features of his + character.' He kept back the packet-boats from day to day because he + could not make up his mind to send his despatches. At one time there + were three boats waiting, one of which was kept with cargo and + passengers on board three months beyond its time. Pitt at length + recalled him, because 'he never heard from him, and could not know what + he was doing.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1004">[1004]</a> See Chalmers's <i>Biog. Dict.</i> xi. 161 for an account of a + controversy about the identity of this writer with an historian of the + same name. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1005">[1005]</a> He had paid but little attention to his own rule. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 119. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-1006">[1006]</a> 'I believe that for all the castles which I have seen beyond the + Tweed, the ruins yet remaining of some one of those which the English + built in Wales would supply Materials.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 152. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1007">[1007]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 40, note 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1008">[1008]</a> Johnson described her as 'a lady who for many years gave the laws + of elegance to Scotland.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 200. Allan Ramsay + dedicated to her his <i>Gentle Shepherd</i>, and W. Hamilton, of Bangour, + wrote to her verses on the presentation of Ramsay's poem. Hamilton's + <i>Poems</i>, p. 23. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1009">[1009]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 66, and iii. 188. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1010">[1010]</a> 'She called Boswell the boy: "yes, Madam," said I, "we will send + him to school." "He is already," said she, "in a good school;" and + expressed her hope of his improvement. At last night came, and I was + sorry to leave her.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 200. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 366. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1011">[1011]</a> See <i>ante</i>, pp. 318, 362. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1012">[1012]</a> Burns, who was in his fifteenth year, was at this time living at + Ayr, about twelve miles away. When later on he moved to Mauchline, he + and Boswell became much nearer neighbours. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1013">[1013]</a> He had, however, married again. <i>Ante</i>, ii. 140, note I. It is + curious that Boswell in this narrative does not mention his step-mother. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> +<a name="note-1014">[1014]</a> + 'Asper + Incolumi gravitate jocum tentavit.' + 'Though rude his mirth, yet laboured to maintain + The solemn grandeur of the tragic scene.' + + FRANCIS. Horace, <i>Ars Poet</i>. l. 221. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + <a name="note-1015">[1015]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 65, and v. 97. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1016">[1016]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 163, 241. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1017">[1017]</a> Johnson (<i>Works</i>, vii. 425) says of Addison's dedication of the + opera of <i>Rosamond</i> to the Duchess of Marlborough, that 'it was an + instance of servile absurdity, to be exceeded only by Joshua Barnes's + dedication of a Greek <i>Anacreon</i> to the Duke.' For Barnes see <i>ante</i>, + iii. 284, and iv. 19. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1018">[1018]</a> William Baxter, the editor of <i>Anacreon</i>, was the nephew of + Richard Baxter, the nonconformist divine. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1019">[1019]</a> He says of Auchinleck (<i>Works</i>, ix. 158) that 'like all the + western side of Scotland, it is <i>incommoded</i> by very frequent rain.' 'In + all September we had, according to Boswell's register, only one day and + a half of fair weather; and in October perhaps not more.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 182. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1020">[1020]</a> 'By-the-bye,' wrote Sir Walter Scott, 'I am far from being of the + number of those angry Scotsmen who imputed to Johnson's national + prejudices all or a great part of the report he has given of our country + in his <i>Voyage to the Hebrides</i>. I remember the Highlands ten or twelve + years later, and no one can conceive of 'how much that could have been + easily remedied travellers had to complain.' <i>Croker Corres</i>. ii. 34 +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1021">[1021]</a> 'Of these islands it must be confessed, that they have not many + allurements but to the mere lover of naked nature. The inhabitants are + thin, provisions are scarce, and desolation and penury give little + pleasure.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 153. In an earlier passage (p. 138), + in describing a rough ride in Mull, he says:—'We were now long enough + acquainted with hills and heath to have lost the emotion that they once + raised, whether pleasing or painful, and had our minds employed only on + our own fatigue.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1022">[1022]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 225. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1023">[1023]</a> In like manner Wesley said of Rousseau:—'Sure a more consummate + coxcomb never saw the sun.... He is a cynic all over. So indeed is his + brother-infidel, Voltaire; and well-nigh as great a coxcomb.' Wesley's + <i>Journal,</i>, ed. 1830, iii. 386. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1024">[1024]</a> This gentleman, though devoted to the study of grammar and + dialecticks, was not so absorbed in it as to be without a sense of + pleasantry, or to be offended at his favourite topicks being treated + lightly. I one day met him in the street, as I was hastening to the + House of Lords, and told him, I was sorry I could not stop, being rather + too late to attend an appeal of the Duke of Hamilton against Douglas. 'I + thought (said he) their contest had been over long ago.' I answered, + 'The contest concerning Douglas's filiation was over long ago; but the + contest now is, who shall have the estate.' Then, assuming the air of + 'an ancient sage philosopher,' I proceeded thus: 'Were I to <i>predicate</i> + concerning him, I should say, the contest formerly was, What <i>is</i> he? + The contest now is, What <i>has</i> he?'—'Right, (replied Mr. Harris, + smiling,) you have done with <i>quality</i>, and have got into + <i>quantity</i>.' BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1025">[1025]</a> Most likely Sir A. Macdonald. <i>Ante</i>, p. 148. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1026">[1026]</a> Boswell wrote on March 18,1775:—'Mr. Johnson, when enumerating + our Club, observed of some of us, that they talked from books,—Langton + in particular. "Garrick," he said, "would talk from books, if he talked + seriously." "<i>I</i>," said he, "do not talk from books; <i>you</i> do not talk + from books." This was a compliment to my originality; but I am afraid I + have not read books enough to be able to talk from them.' <i>Letters of + Boswell</i>, p. 181. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 360, where Johnson said to Boswell:— + 'I don't believe you have borrowed from Waller. I wish you would enable + yourself to borrow more;' and i. 105, where he described 'a man of a + great deal of knowledge of the world, fresh from life, not strained + through books.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1027">[1027]</a> 'Lord Auchinleck has built a house of hewn stone, very stately + and durable, and has advanced the value of his lands with great + tenderness to his tenants. I was, however, less delighted with the + elegance of the modern mansion, than with the sullen dignity of the old + castle.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 159. 'The house is scarcely yet + finished, but very magnificent and very convenient.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 201. See <i>ante</i>, i. 462. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1028">[1028]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 413, and v. 91. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1029">[1029]</a> The relation, it should seem, was remote even for Scotland. Their + common ancestor was Robert Bruce, some sixteen generations back. + Boswell's mother's grandmother was a Bruce of the Earl of Kincardine's + family, and so also was his father's mother. Rogers's <i>Boswelliana</i>, + pp. 4, 5. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1030">[1030]</a> He refers to Johnson's pension, which was given nearly two years + after George Ill's accession. <i>Ante</i>, i. 372. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1031">[1031]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 51. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1032">[1032]</a> He repeated this advice in 1777. <i>Ante</i>, iii. 207. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1033">[1033]</a> 'Of their black cattle some are without horns, called by the + Scots <i>humble</i> cows, as we call a bee, an <i>humble</i> bee, that wants a + sting. Whether this difference be specifick, or accidental, though we + inquired with great diligence, we could not be informed.' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, ix. 78. +</p> +<p> + Johnson, in his <i>Dictionary</i>, gives the right derivation of humble-bee, + from <i>hum</i> and <i>bee</i>. The word <i>Humble-cow</i> is found in <i>Guy Mannering</i>, + ed. 1860, iii. 91:—'"Of a surety," said Sampson, "I deemed I heard his + horse's feet." "That," said John, with a broad grin, "was Grizzel + chasing the humble-cow out of the close."' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1034">[1034]</a> 'Even the cattle have not their usual beauty or noble head.' + Church and Brodribb's <i>Tacitus</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1035">[1035]</a> 'The peace you seek is here—where is it not? If your own mind + be equal to its lot.' CROKER. Horace, I <i>Epistles</i>, xi. 29. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1036">[1036]</a> Horace, I <i>Epistles</i>, xviii. 112. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1037">[1037]</a> This and the next paragraph are not in the first edition. The + paragraph that follows has been altered so as to hide the fact that the + minister spoken of was Mr. Dun. Originally it stood:—'Mr. Dun, though a + man of sincere good principles as a presbyterian divine, discovered,' + &c. First edition, p. 478. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1038">[1038]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 120. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1039">[1039]</a> Old Lord Auchinleck was an able lawyer, a good scholar, after the + manner of Scotland, and highly valued his own advantages as a man of + good estate and ancient family; and, moreover, he was a strict + presbyterian and Whig of the old Scottish cast. This did not prevent his + being a terribly proud aristocrat; and great was the contempt he + entertained and expressed for his son James, for the nature of his + friendships and the character of the personages of whom he was <i>engoué</i> + one after another. 'There's nae hope for Jamie, mon,' he said to a + friend. 'Jamie is gaen clean gyte. What do you think, mon? He's done wi' + Paoli—he's off wi' the land-louping scoundrel of a Corsican; and whose + tail do you think he has pinned himself to now, mon?' Here the old judge + summoned up a sneer of most sovereign contempt. 'A <i>dominie</i>, mon—an + auld dominie: he keeped a schule, and cau'd it an acaadamy.' Probably if + this had been reported to Johnson, he would have felt it more galling, + for he never much liked to think of that period of his life [<i>ante</i>, + i.97, note 2]; it would have aggravated his dislike of Lord Auchinleck's + Whiggery and presbyterianism. These the old lord carried to such a + height, that once, when a countryman came in to state some justice + business, and being required to make his oath, declined to do so before + his lordship, because he was not a <i>covenanted</i> magistrate. 'Is that + a'your objection, mon?' said the judge; 'come your ways in here, and + we'll baith of us tak the solemn league and covenant together.' The oath + was accordingly agreed and sworn to by both, and I dare say it was the + last time it ever received such homage. It may be surmised how far Lord + Auchinleck, such as he is here described, was likely to suit a high Tory + and episcopalian like Johnson. As they approached Auchinleck, Boswell + conjured Johnson by all the ties of regard, and in requital of the + services he had rendered him upon his tour, that he would spare two + subjects in tenderness to his father's prejudices; the first related to + Sir John Pringle, president of the Royal Society, about whom there was + then some dispute current: the second concerned the general question of + Whig and Tory. Sir John Pringle, as Boswell says, escaped, but the + controversy between Tory and Covenanter raged with great fury, and ended + in Johnson's pressing upon the old judge the question, what good + Cromwell, of whom he had said something derogatory, had ever done to his + country; when, after being much tortured, Lord Auchinleck at last spoke + out, 'God, Doctor! he gart kings ken that they had a <i>lith</i> in their + neck'—he taught kings they had a <i>joint</i> in their necks. Jamie then + set to mediating between his father and the philosopher, and availing + himself of the judge's sense of hospitality, which was punctilious, + reduced the debate to more order. WALTER SCOTT. Paoli had visited + Auchinleck. Boswell wrote to Garrick on Sept. 18, 1771:—'I have just + been enjoying the very great happiness of a visit from my illustrious + friend, Pascal Paoli. He was two nights at Auchinleck, and you may + figure the joy of my worthy father and me at seeing the Corsican hero in + our romantic groves.' <i>Garrick Corres</i>. i. 436. Johnson was not blind to + Cromwell's greatness, for he says (<i>Works</i>, vii. 197), that 'he wanted + nothing to raise him to heroick excellence but virtue.' Lord + Auchinleck's famous saying had been anticipated by Quin, who, according + to Davies (<i>Life of Garrick</i>, ii. 115), had said that 'on a thirtieth of + January every king in Europe would rise with a crick in his neck.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1040">[1040]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 252. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1041">[1041]</a> James Durham, born 1622, died 1658, wrote many theological works. + Chalmers's <i>Biog. Dict</i>. In the <i>Brit. Mus. Cata</i>. I can find no work by + him on the <i>Galatians</i>; Lord Auchinleck's triumph therefore was, it + seems, more artful than honest. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1042">[1042]</a> Gray, it should seem, had given the name earlier. His friend + Bonstetten says that about the year 1769 he was walking with him, when + Gray 'exclaimed with some bitterness, "Look, look, Bonstetten! the great + bear! There goes <i>Ursa Major</i>!" This was Johnson. Gray could not abide + him.' Sir Egerton Brydges, quoted in Gosse's <i>Gray</i>, iii. 371. For the + epithet <i>bear</i> applied to Johnson see <i>ante</i>, ii. 66, 269, note i, and + iv. 113, note 2. Boswell wrote on June 19, 1775:—'My father harps on my + going over Scotland with a brute (think, how shockingly erroneous!), and + wandering (or some such phrase) to London.' <i>Letters of Boswell</i>, + p. 207. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1043">[1043]</a> It is remarkable that Johnson in his <i>Life of Blackmore</i> + [<i>Works</i>, viii. 42] calls the imaginary Mr. Johnson of the <i>Lay + Monastery</i> 'a constellation of excellence.' CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1044">[1044]</a> Page 121. BOSWELL. See also <i>ante</i>, iii. 336. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1045">[1045]</a> 'The late Sir Alexander Boswell,' wrote Sir Walter Scott, 'was a + proud man, and, like his grandfather, thought that his father lowered + himself by his deferential suit and service to Johnson. I have observed + he disliked any allusion to the book or to Johnson himself, and I have + heard that Johnson's fine picture by Sir Joshua was sent upstairs out of + the sitting apartments at Auchinleck.' <i>Croker Corres</i>. ii. 32. This + portrait, which was given by Sir Joshua to Boswell (Taylor's <i>Reynolds</i>, + i. 147), is now in the possession of Mr. Charles Morrison. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1046">[1046]</a> 'I have always said that first Whig was the devil.' <i>Ante</i>, iii. 326 +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-1047">[1047]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 26. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1048">[1048]</a> Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. p. 266) has paid this tribute. 'Lord + Elibank,' he writes, 'had a mind that embraced the greatest variety of + topics, and produced the most original remarks. ... He had been a + lieutenant-colonel in the army and was at the siege of Carthagena, of + which he left an elegant account (which I'm afraid is lost). He was a + Jacobite, and a member of the famous Cocoa-tree Club, and resigned his + commission on some disgust.' Dr. Robertson and John Home were his + neighbours in the country, 'who made him change or soften down many of + his original opinions, and prepared him for becoming a most agreeable + member of the Literary Society of Edinburgh.' Smollett in <i>Humphry + Clinker</i> (Letter of July 18), describes him as 'a nobleman whom I have + long revered for his humanity and universal intelligence, over and above + the entertainment arising from the originality of his character.' + Boswell, in the <i>London Mag.</i> 1779, p. 179, thus mentions the Cocoa-tree + Club:—'But even at Court, though I see much external obeisance, I do + not find congenial sentiments to warm my heart; and except when I have + the conversation of a very few select friends, I am never so well as + when I sit down to a dish of coffee in the Cocoa Tree, sacred of old to + loyalty, look round me to men of ancient families, and please myself + with the consolatory thought that there is perhaps more good in the + nation than I know.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1049">[1049]</a> Johnson's <i>Works</i>, vii. 380. See <i>ante</i>, i. 81. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1050">[1050]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 53. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1051">[1051]</a> The Mitre tavern. <i>Ante</i>, i. 425. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1052">[1052]</a> Of this Earl of Kelly Boswell records the following pun:—'At a + dinner at Mr. Crosbie's, when the company were very merry, the Rev. Dr. + Webster told them he was sorry to go away so early, but was obliged to + catch the tide, to cross the Firth of Forth. "Better stay a little," + said Thomas Earl of Kelly, "till you be half-seas over."' Rogers's + <i>Boswelliana</i>, p. 325. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1053">[1053]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 354. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1054">[1054]</a> In the first edition, <i>and his son the advocate</i>. Under this son, + A. F. Tytler, afterwards a Lord of Session by the title of Lord + Woodhouselee, Scott studied history at Edinburgh College. Lockhart's + <i>Scott</i>, ed. 1839, i. 59, 278. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1055">[1055]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 396, and ii. 296. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1056">[1056]</a> 'If we know little of the ancient Highlanders, let us not fill + the vacuity with Ossian. If we have not searched the Magellanick + regions, let us however forbear to people them with Patagons.' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, ix. 116. Horace Walpole wrote on May 22, 1766 (<i>Letters</i>, iv. + 500):—'Oh! but we have discovered a race of giants! Captain Byron has + found a nation of Brobdignags on the coast of Patagonia; the inhabitants + on foot taller than he and his men on horseback. I don't indeed know how + he and his sailors came to be riding in the South Seas. However, it is a + terrible blow to the Irish, for I suppose all our dowagers now will be + for marrying Patagonians.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1057">[1057]</a> I desire not to be understood as agreeing <i>entirely</i> with the + opinions of Dr. Johnson, which I relate without any remark. The many + imitations, however, of <i>Fingal</i>, that have been published, confirm this + observation in a considerable degree. BOSWELL. Johnson said to Sir + Joshua of Ossian:—'Sir, a man might write such stuff for ever, if he + would <i>abandon</i> his mind to it.' <i>Ante</i>, iv. 183. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1058">[1058]</a> In the first edition (p. 485) this paragraph ran thus:—'Young + Mr. Tytler stepped briskly forward, and said, "<i>Fingal</i> is certainly + genuine; for I have heard a great part of it repeated in the + original."—Dr. Johnson indignantly asked him, "Sir, do you understand + the original?"—<i>Tytler</i>. "No, Sir."—<i>Johnson</i>. "Why, then, we see to + what this testimony comes:—Thus it is."—He afterwards said to me, "Did + you observe the wonderful confidence with which young Tytler advanced, + with his front already <i>brased</i>?"' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1059">[1059]</a> For <i>in company</i> we should perhaps read <i>in the company</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1060">[1060]</a> In the first edition, <i>this gentleman's talents and integrity + are</i>, &c. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1061">[1061]</a> 'A Scotchman must be a very sturdy moralist who does not love + Scotland better than truth: he will always love it better than inquiry; + and if falsehood flatters his vanity, will not be very diligent to + detect it.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 116. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 311. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1062">[1062]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 164. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1063">[1063]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 242. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1064">[1064]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 253. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1065">[1065]</a> Lord Chief Baron Geoffrey Gilbert published in 1760 a book on the + Law of Evidence. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1066">[1066]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 302. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1067">[1067]</a> Three instances, <i>ante</i>, pp. 160, 320. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1068">[1068]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 318. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1069">[1069]</a> An instance is given in Sacheverell's <i>Account of the Isle of + Man</i>, ed. 1702, p. 14. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1070">[1070]</a> Mr. J. T. Clark, the Keeper of the Advocates' Library, Edinburgh, + obligingly informs me that in the margin of the copy of Boswell's + <i>Journal</i> in that Library it is stated that this cause was <i>Wilson + versus Maclean</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1071">[1071]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 74, note 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1072">[1072]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii 69, 183. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1073">[1073]</a> He is described in <i>Guy Mannering</i>, ed. 1860, iv. 98. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1074">[1074]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 50. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1075">[1075]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 458. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1076">[1076]</a> 'We now observe that the Methodists, where they scatter their + opinions, represent themselves as preaching the Gospel to unconverted + nations; and enthusiasts of all kinds have been inclined to disguise + their particular tenets with pompous appellations, and to imagine + themselves the great instruments of salvation.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, + vi. 417. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1077">[1077]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Through various hazards and events we move. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Dryden, [<i>Aeneid</i>, I. 204]. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1078">[1078]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Long labours both by sea and land he bore. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Dryden, [<i>Aeneid</i>, I. 3]. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1079">[1079]</a> The Jesuits, headed by Francis Xavier, made their appearance in + Japan in 1549. The first persecution was in 1587; it was followed by + others in 1590, 1597, 1637, 1638. <i>Encyclo. Brit</i>. 8th edit. xii. 697. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1080">[1080]</a> 'They congratulate our return as if we had been with Phipps or + Banks; I am ashamed of their salutations.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 203. + Phipps had gone this year to the Arctic Ocean (<i>ante</i>, p. 236), and + Banks had accompanied Captain Cook in 1768-1771. Johnson says however + (<i>Works</i>, ix. 84), that 'to the southern inhabitants of Scotland the + state of the mountains and the islands is equally unknown with that of + Borneo or Sumatra.' See <i>ante</i>, p. 283, note 1, where Scott says that + 'the whole expedition was highly perilous.' Smollett, in <i>Humphry + Clinker</i> (Letter of July 18), says of Scotland in general:—'The people + at the other end of the island know as little of Scotland as of Japan.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1081">[1081]</a> In sailing from Sky to Col. <i>Ante</i>, p. 280. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1082">[1082]</a> Johnson, four years later, suggested to Boswell that he should + write this history. <i>Ante</i>, iii. 162, 414. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1083">[1083]</a> Voltaire was born in 1694; his <i>Louis XIV.</i> was published in 1751 + or 1752. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1084">[1084]</a> A society for debate in Edinburgh, consisting of the most eminent + men. BOSWELL. It was founded in 1754 by Allan Ramsay the painter, aided + by Robertson, Hume, and Smith. Dugald Stewart (<i>Life of Robertson</i>, ed. + 1802, p. 5) says that 'it subsisted in vigour for six or seven years' + and produced debates, such as have not often been heard in modern + assemblies.' See also Dr. A. Carlyle's <i>Auto</i>. p. 297. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1085">[1085]</a> 'As for Maclaurin's imitation of a <i>made dish</i>, it was a wretched + attempt.' <i>Ante,</i> i. 469. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1086">[1086]</a> It was of Lord Elibank's French cook 'that he exclaimed with + vehemence, "I'd throw such a rascal into the river."'<i>Ib.</i> +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1087">[1087]</a> 'He praised <i>Gordon's palates</i> with a warmth of expression which + might have done honour to more important subjects.' <i>Ib.</i> +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1088">[1088]</a> For the alarm he gave to Mrs. Boswell before this supper, see + <i>ib.</i> +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1089">[1089]</a> On Dr. Boswell's death, in 1780, Boswell wrote of him:—'He was a + very good scholar, knew a great many things, had an elegant taste, and + was very affectionate; but he had no conduct. His money was all gone. + And do you know he was not confined to one woman. He had a strange kind + of religion; but I flatter myself he will be ere long, if he is not + already, in Heaven.' <i>Letters of Boswell</i>, p. 258. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1090">[1090]</a> Johnson had written the <i>Life</i> of 'the great Boerhaave,' as he + called him. <i>Works</i>, vi. 292. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1091">[1091]</a> 'At Edinburgh,' he wrote, 'I passed some days with men of + learning, whose names want no advancement from my commemoration, or with + women of elegance, which, perhaps, disclaims a pedant's praise.' + Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 159. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1092">[1092]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 178. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1093">[1093]</a> 'My acquaintance,' wrote Richardson (<i>Corres</i>. iv. 317), 'lies + chiefly among the ladies; I care not who knows it.' Mrs. Piozzi, in a + marginal note on her own copy of the <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, says:—'Dr. + Johnson said, that if Mr. Richardson had lived till <i>I</i> came out, my + praises would have added two or three years to his life. "For," says Dr. + Johnson, "that fellow died merely from want of change among his + flatterers: he perished for want of <i>more</i>, like a man obliged to + breathe the same air till it is exhausted."' Hayward's <i>Piozzi</i>, i. 311. + In her <i>Journey</i>, i. 265, she says:—'Richardson had seen little, and + Johnson has often told me that he had read little.' See <i>ante</i>, iv. 28. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1094">[1094]</a> He may live like a gentleman, but he must not 'call himself + <i>Farmer</i>, and go about with a little round hat.' <i>Ante</i>, p. 111. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1095">[1095]</a> Boswell italicises this word, I think, because Johnson objected + to the misuse of it. '"Sir," said Mr. Edwards, "I remember you would not + let us say <i>prodigious</i> at college."' <i>Ante</i>, iii. 303. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1096">[1096]</a> As I have been scrupulously exact in relating anecdotes + concerning other persons, I shall not withhold any part of this story, + however ludicrous.—I was so successful in this boyish frolick, that the + universal cry of the galleries was, '<i>Encore</i> the cow! <i>Encore</i> the + cow!' In the pride of my heart, I attempted imitations of some other + animals, but with very inferior effect. My reverend friend, anxious for + my <i>fame</i>, with an air of the utmost gravity and earnestness, addressed + me thus: 'My dear sir, I would <i>confine</i> myself to the <i>cow</i>.' BOSWELL. + Blair's advice was expressed more emphatically, and with a peculiar + <i>burr</i>—'<i>Stick to the cow</i>, mon.' WALTER SCOTT. Boswell's record, which + moreover is far more humorous, is much more trustworthy than Scott's + tradition. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1097">[1097]</a> Mme. de Sévigné in describing a death wrote:—'Cela nous fit voir + qu'on joue long-temps la comédie, et qu'à la mort on dit la vérité.' + Letter of June 24, 1672. Addison says:—'The end of a man's life is + often compared to the winding up of a well-written play, where the + principal persons still act in character, whatever the fate is which + they undergo.... That innocent mirth which had been so conspicuous in + Sir Thomas More's life did not forsake him to the last. His death was of + a piece with his life. There was nothing in it new, forced, or + affected.' <i>The Spectator</i>, No. 349. Young also thought, or at least, + wrote differently. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'A death-bed's a detector of the heart. + Here tired dissimulation drops her mask.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Night Thoughts, ii.</i> +</p> +<p> + '"Mirabeau dramatized his death" was the happy expression of the Bishop + of Autun (Talleyrand).' Dumont's <i>Mirabeau</i>, p. 251. See <i>ante</i>, + iii. 154. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1098">[1098]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 408, 447; and ii. 219, 329. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1099">[1099]</a> Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. p. 291) says of Blair's conversation that + 'it was so infantine that many people thought it impossible, at first + sight, that he could be a man of sense or genius. He was as eager about + a new paper to his wife's drawing-room, or his own new wig, as about a + new tragedy or a new epic poem.' He adds, that he was 'capable of the + most profound conversation, when circumstances led to it. He had not the + least desire to shine, but was delighted beyond measure to shew other + people in their best guise to his friends. "Did not I shew you the lion + well to-day?" used he to say after the exhibition of a remarkable + stranger.' He had no wit, and for humour hardly a relish. Robertson's + reputation for wisdom may have been easily won. Dr. A. Carlyle says + (<i>ib</i>. p. 287):—'Robertson's translations and paraphrases on other + people's thoughts were so beautiful and so harmless that I never saw + anybody lay claim to their own.' He may have flattered Johnson by + dexterously echoing his sentiments. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1100">[1100]</a> In the <i>Marmor Norfolciense (ante</i>, i. 141) Johnson says:—'I + know that the knowledge of the alphabet is so disreputable among these + gentlemen [of the army], that those who have by ill-fortune formerly + been taught it have partly forgot it by disuse, and partly concealed it + from the world, to avoid the railleries and insults to which their + education might make them liable.' Johnson's <i>Works,</i> vi. III. See + <i>ante</i>, iii. 265. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1101">[1101]</a> 'One of the young ladies had her slate before her, on which I + wrote a question consisting of three figures to be multiplied by two + figures. She looked upon it, and quivering her fingers in a manner which + I thought very pretty, but of which I knew not whether it was art or + play, multiplied the sum regularly in two lines, observing the decimal + place; but did not add the two lines together, probably disdaining so + easy an operation.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 161. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1102">[1102]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Words gigantic.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + FRANCIS. Horace, <i>Ars Poet.</i>. 1. 97. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1103">[1103]</a> One of the best criticks of our age 'does not wish to prevent the + admirers of the incorrect and nerveless style which generally prevailed + for a century before Dr. Johnson's energetick writings were known, from + enjoying the laugh that this story may produce, in which he is very + ready to join them.' He, however, requests me to observe, that 'my + friend very properly chose a <i>long</i> word on this occasion, not, it is + believed, from any predilection for polysyllables, (though he certainly + had a due respect for them,) but in order to put Mr. Braidwood's skill + to the strictest test, and to try the efficacy of his instruction by the + most difficult exertion of the organs of his pupils.' BOSWELL. 'One of + the best critics of our age' is, I believe, Malone. See <i>ante</i>, p. + 78, note 5. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1104">[1104]</a> It was here that Lord Auchinleck called him <i>Ursa Major. Ante</i>, + p. 384. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1105">[1105]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 266, and v. 20, where 'Mr. Crosbie said that the + English are better animals than the Scots.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1106">[1106]</a> Johnson himself had laughed at them (<i>ante</i>, ii. 210) and accused + them of foppery (<i>ante</i>, ii. 237). +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1107">[1107]</a> Johnson said, 'I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds + (<i>ante</i>, ii. 335), and, 'I would rather be attacked than unnoticed' + (<i>ante</i>, iii. 375). When he was told of a caricature 'of the nine muses + flogging him round Parnassus,' he said, 'Sir, I am very glad to hear + this. I hope the day will never arrive when I shall neither be the + object of calumny or ridicule, for then I shall be neglected and + forgotten.' Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 837. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 61, and pp. 174, + 273. 'There was much laughter when M. de Lesseps mentioned that on his + first visit to England the publisher who brought out the report of his + meeting charged, as the first item of his bill, "£50 for attacking the + book in order to make it succeed." "Since then," observed M. de Lesseps, + "I have been attacked gratuitously, and have got on without paying."' + The Times, Feb. 19, 1884. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1108">[1108]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'To wing my flight to fame.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + DRYDEN. Virgil, <i>Georgics</i>, iii. 9. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1109">[1109]</a> On Nov. 12 he wrote to Mrs. Thrale:—'We came hither (to + Edinburgh) on the ninth of this month. I long to come under your care, + but for some days cannot decently get away.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 202. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1110">[1110]</a> He would have been astonished had he known that a few miles from + Edinburgh he had passed through two villages of serfs. The coal-hewers + and salt-makers of Tranent and Preston-Pans were still sold with the + soil. 'In Scotland domestic slavery is unknown, except so far as regards + the coal-hewers and salt-makers, whose condition, it must be confessed, + bears some resemblance to slavery; because all who have once acted in + either of the capacities are compellable to serve, and fixed to their + respective places of employment during life.' Hargrave's <i>Argument in + the case of James Sommersett</i>, 1772. Had Johnson known this he might + have given as his toast when in company with some very grave men at + <i>Edinburgh</i>:—'Here's to the next insurrection of the slaves in + <i>Scotland</i>.' <i>Ante</i>, iii. 200. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1111">[1111]</a> The year following in the House of Commons he railed at the + London booksellers, 'who, he positively asserted, entirely governed the + newspapers.' 'For his part,' he added, 'he had ordered that no English + newspaper should come within his doors for three months.' <i>Parl. Hist</i>. + xvii. 1090. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1112">[1112]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 373. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1113">[1113]</a> 'At the latter end of 1630 Ben Jonson went on foot into Scotland, + on purpose to visit Drummond. His adventures in this journey he wrought + into a poem; but that copy, with many other pieces, was accidentally + burned.' Whalley's <i>Ben Jonson</i>, Preface, p. xlvi. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1114">[1114]</a> Perhaps the same woman showed the chapel who was there 29 years + later, when Scott visited it. One of his friends 'hoped that they might, + as habitual visitors, escape hearing the usual endless story of the + silly old woman that showed the ruins'; but Scott answered, 'There is a + pleasure in the song which none but the songstress knows, and by telling + her we know it all ready we should make the poor devil unhappy.' + Lockharts <i>Scott</i>, ed. 1839, ii. 106. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1115">[1115]</a> <i> O rare Ben Jonson</i> is on Jonson's tomb in Westminster Abbey. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1116">[1116]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 365. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1117">[1117]</a> 'Essex was at that time confined to the same chamber of the Tower + from which his father Lord Capel had been led to death, and in which his + wife's grandfather had inflicted a voluntary death upon himself. When he + saw his friend carried to what he reckoned certain fate, their common + enemies enjoying the spectacle, and reflected that it was he who had + forced Lord Howard upon the confidence of Russel, he retired, and, by a + <i>Roman death</i>, put an end to his misery.' Dalrymple's <i>Memoirs of Great + Britain and Ireland</i>, vol. i. p. 36. BOSWELL. In the original after 'his + wife's grandfather,' is added 'Lord Northumberland.' It was his wife's + great-grandfather, the eighth Earl of Northumberland. He killed himself + in 1585. Burke's <i>Peerage</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1118">[1118]</a> Dr. A. Carlyle (<i>Auto</i>. p. 293) says of Robertson and + Blair:—'Having been bred at a time when the common people thought to + play with cards or dice was a sin, and everybody thought it an indecorum + in clergymen, they could neither of them play at golf or bowls, and far + less at cards or backgammon, and on that account were very unhappy when + from home in friends' houses in the country in rainy weather. As I had + set the first example of playing at cards at home with unlocked door + [Carlyle was a minister], and so relieved the clergy from ridicule on + that side, they both learned to play at whist after they were sixty.' + See <i>ante</i>, iii. 23. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1119">[1119]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 149, and v. 350. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1120">[1120]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 54. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1121">[1121]</a> He wrote to Boswell on Nov. 16, 1776 (<i>ante</i>, iii. 93):—'The + expedition to the Hebrides was the most pleasant journey that I ever + made.' In his <i>Diary</i> he recorded on Jan. 9, 1774:—'In the autumn I + took a journey to the Hebrides, but my mind was not free from + perturbation.' <i>Pr. and Med.</i> p. 136. The following letter to Dr. Taylor + I have copied from the original in the possession of my friend Mr. M. M. + Holloway:— +</p> +<center> + 'DEAR SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'When I was at Edinburgh I had a letter from you, telling me that in + answer to some enquiry you were informed that I was in the Sky. I was + then I suppose in the western islands of Scotland; I set out on the + northern expedition August 6, and came back to Fleet-street, November + 26. I have seen a new region. +</p> +<p> + 'I have been upon seven of the islands, and probably should have visited + many more, had we not begun our journey so late in the year, that the + stormy weather came upon us, and the storms have I believe for about + five months hardly any intermission. +</p> +<p> + 'Your Letter told me that you were better. When you write do not forget + to confirm that account. I had very little ill health while I was on the + journey, and bore rain and wind tolerably well. I had a cold and + deafness only for a few days, and those days I passed at a good house. I + have traversed the east coast of Scotland from south to north from + Edinburgh to Inverness, and the west coast from north to south, from the + Highlands to Glasgow, and am come back as I went, +</p> +<p> + 'Sir, +</p> +<p> + 'Your affectionate humble servant, +</p> +<center> + 'SAM. JOHNSON.' +</center> +<p> + 'Jan. 15, 1774. +</p> +<p> + 'To the Reverend Dr. Taylor, +</p> +<p> + 'in Ashbourn, +</p> +<p> + 'Derbyshire.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1122">[1122]</a> Johnson speaking of this tour on April 10, 1783, said:—'I got an + acquisition of more ideas by it than by anything that I remember.' + <i>Ante</i>, iv. 199. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1123">[1123]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 48. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1124">[1124]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 408, 443, note 2, and ii. 303. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1125">[1125]</a> 'It may be doubted whether before the Union any man between + Edinburgh and England had ever set a tree.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 8. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1126">[1126]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 69. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1127">[1127]</a> Lord Balmerino's estate was forfeited to the Crown on his + conviction for high treason in 1746 (<i>ante</i>, i. 180). +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1128">[1128]</a> 'I know not that I ever heard the wind so loud in any other + place; and Mr. Boswell observed that its noise was all its own, for + there were no trees to increase it.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 122. See + <i>ante</i>, p. 304. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1129">[1129]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 300. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1130">[1130]</a> 'Strong reasons for incredulity will readily occur. This faculty + of seeing things out of sight is local and commonly useless. It is a + breach of the common order of things, without any visible reason or + perceptible benefit.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 106. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1131">[1131]</a> 'To the confidence of these objections it may be replied... that + second sight is only wonderful because it is rare, for, considered in + itself, it involves no more difficulty than dreams.' <i>Ib.</i> +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1132">[1132]</a> The fossilist of last century is the geologist of this. Neither + term is in Johnson's <i>Dictionary</i>, but Johnson in his <i>Journey (Works</i>, + ix. 43) speaks of 'Mr. Janes the fossilist.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1133">[1133]</a> <i>Ib</i>. p. 157. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1134">[1134]</a> <i>Ib</i>. p. 6. I do not see anything silly in the story. It is + however better told in a letter to Mrs. Thrale. <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + i. 112. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1135">[1135]</a> Mr. Orme, one of the ablest historians of this age, is of the + same opinion. He said to me, 'There are in that book thoughts, which, by + long revolution in the great mind of Johnson, have been formed and + polished—like pebbles rolled in the ocean.' BOSWELL. See <i>ante</i>, ii. + 300, and iii. 284. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1136">[1136]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 301. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1137">[1137]</a> Johnson (<i>Works</i>, ix. 158) mentions 'a national combination so + invidious that their friends cannot defend it.' See <i>ante</i>, ii. 307, 311. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-1138">[1138]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 269, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1139">[1139]</a> Every reader will, I am sure, join with me in warm admiration of + the truly patriotic writer of this letter. I know not which most to + applaud—that good sense and liberality of mind, which could see and + admit the defects of his native country, to which no man is a more + zealous friend:—or that candour, which induced him to give just praise + to the minister whom he honestly and strenuously opposed. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1140">[1140]</a> The original MS. is now in my possession. BOSWELL. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1141">[1141]</a> The passage that gave offence was as follows:—'Mr. Macleod is + the proprietor of the islands of Raasay, Rona, and Fladda, and possesses + an extensive district in Sky. The estate has not during four hundred + years gained or lost a single acre. He acknowledges Macleod of Dunvegan + as his chief, though his ancestors have formerly disputed the + pre-eminence.' First edition, p. 132. The second edition was not + published till the year after Johnson's death. In it the passage remains + unchanged. To it the following note was prefixed: 'Strand, Oct. 26, + 1785. Since this work was printed off, the publisher, having been + informed that the author some years ago had promised the Laird of Raasay + to correct in a future edition a passage concerning him, thinks it a + justice due to that gentleman to insert here the advertisement relative + to this matter, which was published by Dr. Johnson's desire in the + Edinburgh newspapers in the year 1775, and which has been lately + reprinted in Mr. Boswell's <i>Tour to the Hebrides</i>.' (It is not unlikely + that the publication of Boswell's <i>Tour</i> occasioned a fresh demand for + Johnson's <i>Journey</i>.) In later editions all the words after 'a single + acre' are silently struck out. Johnson's <i>Works</i>, ix. 55. See + <i>ante</i>, ii. 382. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1142">[1142]</a> Rasay was highly gratified, and afterwards visited and dined with + Dr. Johnson at his house in London. BOSWELL. Johnson wrote on May 12, + 1775:—'I have offended; and what is stranger, have justly offended, the + nation of Rasay. If they could come hither, they would be as fierce as + the Americans. <i>Rasay</i> has written to Boswell an account of the injury + done him by representing his house as subordinate to that of Dunvegan. + Boswell has his letter, and, I believe, copied my answer. I have + appeased him, if a degraded chief can possibly be appeased: but it will + be thirteen days—days of resentment and discontent—before my + recantation can reach him. Many a dirk will imagination, during that + interval, fix in my heart. I really question if at this time my life + would not be in danger, if distance did not secure it. Boswell will find + his way to Streatham before he goes, and will detail this great affair.' + <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 216. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1143">[1143]</a> In like manner he communicated to Sir William Forbes part of his + journal from which he made the <i>Life of Johnson</i>. <i>Ante</i>, iii. 208. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1144">[1144]</a> In justice both to Sir William Forbes, and myself, it is proper + to mention, that the papers which were submitted to his perusal + contained only an account of our Tour from the time that Dr. Johnson and + I set out from Edinburgh (p. 58), and consequently did not contain the + elogium on Sir William Forbes, (p. 24), which he never saw till this + book appeared in print; nor did he even know, when he wrote the above + letter, that this <i>Journal</i> was to be published. BOSWELL. This note is + not in the first edition. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1145">[1145]</a> <i>Hamlet</i>, act iii. sc. 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1146">[1146]</a> Both <i>Nonpareil</i> and <i>Bon Chretien</i> are in Johnson's + <i>Dictionary</i>; <i>Nonpareil</i>, is defined as <i>a kind of apple</i>, and <i>Bon + Chretien</i> as <i>a species of pear</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1147">[1147]</a> See <i>ante</i>, p. 311. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1148">[1148]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 9. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1149">[1149]</a> 'Dryden's contemporaries, however they reverenced his genius, + left his life unwritten; and nothing therefore can be known beyond what + casual mention and uncertain tradition have supplied.' Johnson's + <i>Works</i>, vii. 245. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 71. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1150">[1150]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Before great Agamemnon reign'd + Reign'd kings as great as he, and brave + Whose huge ambition's now contain'd + In the small compass of a grave; + In endless night they sleep, unwept, unknown, + No bard had they to make all time their own.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + FRANCIS. Horace, <i>Odes</i>, iv. 9. 25. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1151">[1151]</a> Having found, on a revision of the first edition of this work, + that, notwithstanding my best care, a few observations had escaped me, + which arose from the instant impression, the publication of which might + perhaps be considered as passing the bounds of a strict decorum, I + immediately ordered that they should be omitted in the subsequent + editions. I was pleased to find that they did not amount in the whole to + a page. If any of the same kind are yet left, it is owing to + inadvertence alone, no man being more unwilling to give pain to others + than I am. +</p> +<p> + A contemptible scribbler, of whom I have learned no more than that, + after having disgraced and deserted the clerical character, he picks up + in London a scanty livelihood by scurrilous lampoons under a feigned + name, has impudently and falsely asserted that the passages omitted were + <i>defamatory</i>, and that the omission was not voluntary, but compulsory. + The last insinuation I took the trouble publickly to disprove; yet, like + one of Pope's dunces, he persevered in 'the lie o'erthrown.' [<i>Prologue + to the Satires</i>, l. 350.] As to the charge of defamation, there is an + obvious and certain mode of refuting it. Any person who thinks it worth + while to compare one edition with the other, will find that the passages + omitted were not in the least degree of that nature, but exactly such as + I have represented them in the former part of this note, the hasty + effusion of momentary feelings, which the delicacy of politeness should + have suppressed. BOSWELL. In the second edition this note ended at the + first paragraph, the latter part being added in the third. For the 'few + observations omitted' see <i>ante</i>, pp. 148, 381, 388. +</p> +<p> + The 'contemptible scribbler' was, I believe, John Wolcot, better known + by his assumed name of Peter Pindar. He had been a clergyman. In his + <i>Epistle to Boswell (Works</i>, i. 219), he says in reference to the + passages about Sir A. Macdonald (afterwards Lord Macdonald):—'A letter + of severe remonstrance was sent to Mr. B., who, in consequence, omitted + in the second edition of his <i>Journal</i> what is so generally pleasing to + the public, viz., the scandalous passages relative to that nobleman.' It + was in a letter to the <i>Gent. Mag.</i> 1786, p. 285, that Boswell + 'publickly disproved the insinuation' made 'in a late scurrilous + publication' that these passages 'were omitted in consequence of a + letter from his Lordship. Nor was any application,' he continues, 'made + to me by the nobleman alluded to at any time to make any alteration in + my <i>Journal</i>.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1152">[1152]</a> +</> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Nothing extenuate + Nor set down aught in malice.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>Othello</i>, act v. sc. 2. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1153">[1153]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 189, note 2, 296, 297; and Johnson's <i>Works</i>, v. 23. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-1154">[1154]</a> Of his two imitations Boswell means <i>The Vanity of Human Wishes</i>, + of which one hundred lines were written in a day. <i>Ante</i>, i. 192, + and ii. 15. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1155">[1155]</a> Johnson, it should seem, did not allow that there was any + pleasure in writing poetry. 'It has been said there is pleasure in + writing, particularly in writing verses. I allow you may have pleasure + from writing after it is over, if you have written well; but you don't + go willingly to it again.' <i>Ante</i>, iv. 219. What Johnson always sought + was to sufficiently occupy the mind. So long as that was done, that + labour would, I believe, seem to him the pleasanter which required the + less thought. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1156">[1156]</a> Nathan Bailey published his <i>English Dictionary</i> in 1721. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1157">[1157]</a> +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Woolston, the scourge of scripture, mark with awe! + And mighty Jacob, blunderbuss of law.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <i>The Dunciad</i>, first ed., bk. iii. l. 149. Giles Jacob published a <i>Law + Dictionary</i> in 1729. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1158">[1158]</a> <i>Ante</i>, p. 393. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1159">[1159]</a> A writer in the <i>Gent. Mag.</i> 1786, p. 388, with some reason + says:—'I heartily wish Mr. Boswell would get this Latin poem translated.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1160">[1160]</a> Boswell, briefly mentioning the tour which Johnson made to Wales + in the year 1774 with Mr. and Mrs. Thrale, says:—'I do not find that + he kept any journal or notes of what he saw there' (<i>ante</i>, ii. 285). A + journal had been kept however, which in 1816 was edited and published by + Mr. Duppa. Mrs. Piozzi, writing in October of that year, says that three + years earlier she had been shewn the MS. by a Mr. White, and that it was + genuine. 'The gentleman who possessed it seemed shy of letting me read + the whole, and did not, as it appeared, like being asked how it came + into his hands.' Hayward's <i>Piozzi</i>, ii. 177. According to Mr. Croker + (Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 415) 'it was preserved by Johnson's servant, + Barber. How it escaped Boswell's research is not known.' A fragment of + Johnson's <i>Annals</i>, also preserved by Barber, had in like manner never + been seen by Boswell; <i>ante</i>, i. 35, note 1. The editor of these + <i>Annals</i> says (Preface, p. v):—'Francis Barber, unwilling that all the + MSS. of his illustrious master should be utterly lost, preserved these + relicks from the flames. By purchase from Barber's widow they came into + the possession of the editor.' It seems likely that Barber was afraid to + own what he had done; though as he was the residuary legatee he was safe + from all consequences, unless the executors of the will who were to hold + the residue of the estate in trust for him had chosen to proceed against + him. Mr. Duppa in editing this Journal received assistance from Mrs. + Piozzi, 'who,' he says (Preface, p. xi), 'explained many facts which + could not otherwise have been understood.' A passage in one of her + letters dated Bath, Oct. 11, 1816, shows how unfriendly were the + relations between her and her eldest daughter, Johnson's Queeny, who had + married Admiral Lord Keith. 'I am sadly afraid,' she writes, 'of Lady + K.'s being displeased, and fancying I promoted this publication. Could I + have caught her for a quarter-of-an-hour, I should have proved my + innocence, and might have shown her Duppa's letter; but she left neither + note, card, nor message, and when my servant ran to all the inns in + chase of her, he learned that she had left the White Hart at twelve + o'clock. Vexatious! but it can't be helped. I hope the pretty little + girl my people saw with her will pay her more tender attention.' Three + days later she wrote:—'Johnson's <i>Diary</i> is selling rapidly, though the + contents are <i>bien maigre</i>, I must confess. Mr. Duppa has politely + suppressed some sarcastic expressions about my family, the Cottons, whom + we visited at Combermere, and at Lleweney.' Hayward's <i>Piozzi</i>, ii. + 176-9. Mr. Croker in 1835 was able to make 'a collation of the original + MS., which has supplied many corrections and some omissions in Mr. + Duppa's text.' Mr. Croker's text I have generally followed. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1161">[1161]</a> 'When I went with Johnson to Lichfield, and came down to + breakfast at the inn, my dress did not please him, and he made me alter + it entirely before he would stir a step with us about the town, saying + most satirical things concerning the appearance I made in a + riding-habit; and adding, "'Tis very strange that such eyes as yours + cannot discern propriety of dress; if I had a sight only half as good, I + think I should see to the centre."' Piozzi's <i>Anec</i>. p. 288. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1162">[1162]</a> For Mrs. (Miss) Porter, Mrs. (Miss) Aston, Mr. Green, Mrs. Cobb, + Mr. (Peter) Garrick, Miss Seward, and Dr. Taylor, see <i>ante</i>, + ii. 462-473. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1163">[1163]</a> Dr. Erasmus Darwin, the physiologist and poet, grandfather of + Charles Darwin. Mrs. Piozzi when at Florence wrote:—'I have no roses + equal to those at Lichfield, where on one tree I recollect counting + eighty-four within my own reach; it grew against the house of Dr. + Darwin.' Piozzi's <i>Journey</i>, i. 278. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1164">[1164]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 124, for mention of her father and brother. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1165">[1165]</a> The verse in <i>Martial</i> is:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Defluat, et lento splendescat turbida limo.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + In the common editions it has the number 45, and not 44. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1166">[1166]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 187. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1167">[1167]</a> Johnson wrote on Nov. 27, 1772, 'I was yesterday at Chatsworth. + They complimented me with playing the fountain and opening the cascade. + But I am of my friend's opinion, that when one has seen the ocean + cascades are but little things.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i.69. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1168">[1168]</a> 'A water-work with a concealed spring, which, upon touching, + spouted out streams from every bough of a willow-tree.' <i>Piozzi</i> MS. CROKER. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-1169">[1169]</a> A race-horse, which attracted so much of Dr. Johnson's attention, + that he said, 'of all the Duke's possessions, I like Atlas best.' DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1170">[1170]</a> For Johnson's last visit to Chatsworth, see <i>ante</i>, iv. 357, 367. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1171">[1171]</a> 'From the Muses, Sir Thomas More bore away the first crown, + Erasmus the second, and Micyllus has the third.' In the MS. Johnson has + introduced [Greek: aeren] by the side of [Greek: eilen], DUPPA. 'Jacques + Moltzer, en Latin Micyllus. Ce surnom lui fut donné le jour où il + remplissait avec le plus grand succès le rôle de Micyllus dans <i>Le + Songe</i> de Lucien qui, arrange en drame, fut représenté au collège de + Francfort. Né en 1503, mort en 1558.' <i>Nouv. Biog. Gén.</i> xxxv. 922. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1172">[1172]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 324, note I, and iii. 138. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1173">[1173]</a> Mr. Gilpin was an undergraduate at Oxford. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1174">[1174]</a> John Parker, of Brownsholme, in Lancashire [Browsholme, in + Yorkshire], Esq. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1175">[1175]</a> Mrs. Piozzi 'rather thought' that this was <i>Capability Brown</i> + [<i>ante</i>, iii. 400]. CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1176">[1176]</a> Mr. Gell, of Hopton Hall, father of Sir William Gell, well known + for his topography of Troy. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1177">[1177]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 160, for a visit paid by Johnson and Boswell to + Kedleston in 1777. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1178">[1178]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 164. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1179">[1179]</a> The parish of Prestbury. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1180">[1180]</a> At this time the seat of Sir Lynch Salusbury Cotton [Mrs. + Thrale's relation], now, of Lord Combermere, his grandson, from which + place he takes his title. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1181">[1181]</a> Shavington Hall, in Shropshire. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1182">[1182]</a> 'To guard. To adorn with lists, laces or ornamental borders. + Obsolete.' Johnson's <i>Dictionary.</i> +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1183">[1183]</a> Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale on Nov. 13, 1783:—'You seem to + mention Lord Kilmurrey <i>(sic)</i> as a stranger. We were at his house in + Cheshire [Shropshire].... Do not you remember how he rejoiced in having + <i>no</i> park? He could not disoblige his neighbours by sending them <i>no</i> + venison.' <i>Piozzi Letters,</i> ii. 326. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1184">[1184]</a> This remark has reference to family conversation. Robert was the + eldest son of Sir L.S. Cotton, and lived at Lleweney. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1185">[1185]</a> <i>Paradise Lost,</i> book xi. v. 642. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1186">[1186]</a> See Mrs. Piozzi's <i>Synonymy</i>, i. 323, for an anecdote of this + walk. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1187">[1187]</a> Lleweney Hall was the residence of Robert Cotton, Esq., Mrs. + Thrale's cousin german. Here Mr. and Mrs. Thrale and Dr. Johnson staid + three weeks. DUPPA. Mrs. Piozzi wrote in 1817:—'Poor old Lleweney Hall! + pulled down after standing 1000 years in possession of the Salusburys.' + Hayward's <i>Piozzi</i>, ii. 206. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1188">[1188]</a> Johnson's name for Mrs. Thrale. <i>Ante,</i> i. 494. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1189">[1189]</a> Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale on Sept. 13, 1777:—'Boswell wants + to see Wales; but except the woods of Bachycraigh, what is there in + Wales? What that can fill the hunger of ignorance, or quench the thirst + of curiosity?' <i>Piozzi Letters,</i> i. 367. <i>Ante,</i> iii. 134, note 1. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1190">[1190]</a> Pennant gives a description of this house, in a tour he made into + North Wales in 1780:—'Not far from Dymerchion, lies half buried in + woods the singular house of Bâch y Graig. It consists of a mansion of + three sides, enclosing a square court. The first consists of a vast hall + and parlour: the rest of it rises into six wonderful stories, including + the cupola; and forms from the second floor the figure of a pyramid: the + rooms are small and inconvenient. The bricks are admirable, and appear + to have been made in Holland; and the model of the house was probably + brought from Flanders, where this kind of building is not unfrequent. It + was built by Sir Richard Clough, an eminent merchant, in the reign of + Queen Elizabeth. The initials of his name are in iron on the front, with + the date 1567, and on the gateway 1569.' DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1191">[1191]</a> Bishop Shipley, whom Johnson described as <i>'knowing and + convertible' Ante,</i> iv. 246. Johnson, in his <i>Dictionary</i>, says that + <i>'conversable</i> is sometimes written <i>conversible</i>, but improperly.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1192">[1192]</a> William Lloyd, Bishop of St. Asaph and afterwards of Worcester. + He was one of the seven Bishops who were sent to the Tower in 1688. His + character is drawn by Burnet, <i>History of His Own Time</i>, ed. 1818, i. + 210. It was he of whom Bishop Wilkins said that 'Lloyd had the most + learning in ready cash of any he ever knew.' <i>Ante</i>, ii. 256, note 3. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1193">[1193]</a> A curious account of Dodwell and 'the paradoxes after which he + seemed to hunt' is given in Burnet, iv. 303. He was Camden Professor of + Ancient History in the University of Oxford. 'It was about him that + William III uttered those memorable words: "He has set his heart on + being a martyr; and I have set mine on disappointing him."' Macaulay's + <i>England</i>, ed. 1874, iv. 226. See Hearne in Leland's <i>Itin.</i>, 3rd ed. + v. 136. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1194">[1194]</a> By Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, in 1579. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1195">[1195]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 357, and v. 42. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1196">[1196]</a> Perhaps Johnson wrote <i>mere</i>. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1197">[1197]</a> Humphry Llwyd was a native of Denbigh, and practised there as a + physician, and also represented the town in Parliament. He died 1568, + aged 41. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1198">[1198]</a> Mrs. Thrale's father. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1199">[1199]</a> Cowper wrote a few years later in the first book of <i>The Task</i>, + in his description of the grounds at Weston Underwood:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Not distant far a length of colonnade + Invites us. Monument of ancient taste, + Now scorned, but worthy of a better fate. + Our fathers knew the value of a screen + From sultry suns, and in their shaded walks + And long-protracted bowers enjoyed at noon + The gloom and coolness of declining day. + We bear our shades about us: self-deprived + Of other screen, the thin umbrella spread, + And range an Indian waste without a tree. + Thanks to Benevolus [A]—he spares me yet + These chestnuts ranged in corresponding lines, + And though himself so polished still reprieves + The obsolete prolixity of shade.' +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + <a name="note-1200">[1200]</a> Such a passage as this shews that Johnson was not so insensible + to nature as is often asserted. Mrs. Piozzi (<i>Anec.</i> p. 99) says:—'Mr. + Thrale loved prospects, and was mortified that his friend could not + enjoy the sight of those different dispositions of wood and water, hill + and valley, that travelling through England and France affords a man. + But when he wished to point them out to his companion: "Never heed such + nonsense," would he reply; "a blade of grass is always a blade of grass, + whether in one country or another. Let us, if we <i>do</i> talk, talk about + something; men and women are my subjects of enquiry; let us see how + these differ from those we have left behind."' She adds (p. 265):— + 'Walking in a wood when it rained was, I think, the only rural image he + pleased his fancy with; "for," says he, "after one has gathered the + apples in an orchard, one wishes them well baked, and removed to a + London eating-house for enjoyment."' See <i>ante</i>, pp. 132, note 1, 141, + note 2, 333, note i, and 346, note i, for Johnson's descriptions of + scenery. Passages in his letters shew that he had some enjoyment of + country life. Thus he writes:—'I hope to see standing corn in some part + of the earth this summer, but I shall hardly smell hay or suck clover + flowers.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, ii. 140. 'What I shall do next I know not; + all my schemes of rural pleasure have been some way or other + disappointed.' <i>Ib.</i> p. 372. 'I hope Mrs. ——— when she came to her + favourite place found her house dry, and her woods growing, and the + breeze whistling, and the birds singing, and her own heart dancing.' + <i>Ib.</i> p. 401. In this very trip to Wales, after describing the high bank + of a river 'shaded by gradual rows of trees,' he writes:—'The gloom, + the stream, and the silence generate thoughtfulness.' <i>Post,</i> p. 454. +</p> +<p> + [A] Mr. Throckmorton the owner. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1201">[1201]</a> In the MS. in Dr. Johnson's handwriting, he has first entered in + his diary, 'The old Clerk had great appearance of joy at seeing his + Mistress, and foolishly said that he was now willing to die:' he + afterwards wrote in a separate column, on the same leaf, under the head + of <i>notes and omissions,</i> 'He had a crown;' and then he appears to have + read over his diary at a future time, and interlined the paragraph with + the words 'only'—'given him by my Mistress,' which is written in ink of + a different colour. DUPPA. 'If Mr. Duppa,' wrote Mrs. Piozzi, 'does not + send me a copy of Johnson's <i>Diary,</i> he is as shabby as it seems our + Doctor thought me, when I gave but a crown to the old clerk. The poor + clerk had probably never seen a crown in his possession before. Things + were very distant A.D. 1774 from what they are 1816.' Hayward's + <i>Piozzi,</i> ii. 178. Mrs. Piozzi writes as if Johnson's censure had been + passed in 1816 and not in 1774. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1202">[1202]</a> Mrs. Piozzi has the following MS. note on this:—'He said I + flattered the people to whose houses we went. I was saucy, and said I + was obliged to be civil for two, meaning himself and me. He replied + nobody would thank me for compliments they did not understand. At + Gwaynynog <i>he</i> was flattered, and was happy of course.' Hayward's + <i>Piozzi,</i> i. 75. Sept. 21, 1778. <i>Mrs. Thrale.</i> 'I remember, Sir, when + we were travelling in Wales, how you called me to account for my + civility to the people. "Madam," you said, "let me have no more of this + idle commendation of nothing. Why is it that whatever you see, and + whoever you see, you are to be so indiscriminately lavish of praise?" + "Why I'll tell you, Sir," said I, "when I am with you, and Mr. Thrale, + and Queeny [Miss Thrale], I am obliged to be civil for four."' Mme. + D'Arblay's <i>Diary,</i> i. 132. On June 11, 1775, he wrote to Mrs. Thrale + from Lichfield:—'Everybody remembers you all: you left a good + impression behind you. I hope you will do the same at———. Do not make + them speeches. Unusual compliments, to which there is no stated and + prescriptive answer, embarrass the feeble, who know not what to say, and + disgust the wise, who knowing them to be false suspect them to be + hypocritical.' <i>Piozzi Letters,</i> i. 232. She records that he once said + to her:—'You think I love flattery, and so I do, but a little too much + always disgusts me. That fellow Richardson [the novelist] on the + contrary could not be contented to sail quietly down the stream of + reputation, without longing to taste the froth from every stroke of the + oar.' Piozzi's <i>Anec.</i> p. 184. See <i>ante</i>, iii. 293, for Johnson's + rebuke of Hannah More's flattery. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1203">[1203]</a> Johnson, in his Dictionary, defines <i>calamine</i> or <i>lapis + calaminaris</i> as <i>a kind of fossile bituminous earth, which being mixed + with copper changes it into brass.</i> It is native siliceous oxide of + zinc. <i>The Imperial Dictionary.</i> +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1204">[1204]</a> See <i>ante,</i> iii. 164. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1205">[1205]</a> 'No' or 'little' is here probably omitted. CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1206">[1206]</a> The name of this house is Bodryddan; formerly the residence of + the Stapyltons, the parents of five co-heiresses, of whom Mrs. Cotton, + afterwards Lady Salusbury Cotton, was one. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1207">[1207]</a> 'Dr. Johnson, whose ideas of anything not positively large were + ever mingled with contempt, asked of one of our sharp currents in North + Wales, "Has this <i>brook</i> e'er a name?" and received for answer, "Why, + dear Sir, this is the <i>River</i> Ustrad." "Let us," said he, turning to his + friend, "jump over it directly, and shew them how an Englishman should + treat a Welsh river."' Piozzi's <i>Synonymy,</i> i. 82. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1208">[1208]</a> See <i>ante</i>, i. 313, note 4. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1209">[1209]</a> On Aug. 16 he wrote to Mr. Levett:—'I have made nothing of the + Ipecacuanha.' <i>Ante</i>, ii. 282. Mr. Croker suggests that <i>up</i> is omitted + after 'I gave.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1210">[1210]</a> See <i>post</i>, p. 453. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1211">[1211]</a> F.G. are the printer's signatures, by which it appears that at + this time four sheets (B, C, D, E), or 64 pages had already been + printed. The MS. was 'put to the press' on June 20. <i>Ante</i>, ii. 278. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1212">[1212]</a> The English version Psalm 36 begins,—'My heart sheweth me the + wickedness of the ungodly,' which has no relation to 'Dixit injustus.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1213">[1213]</a> This alludes to 'A prayer by R.W., (evidently Robert Wisedom) + which Sir Henry Ellis, of the British Museum, has found among the Hymns + which follow the old version of the singing Psalms, at the end of + Barker's <i>Bible</i> of 1639. It begins, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Preserve us, Lord, by thy deare word, + From Turk and Pope, defend us Lord, + Which both would thrust out of his throne + Our Lord Jesus Christ, thy deare son.' + CROKER. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + <a name="note-1214">[1214]</a> 'Proinde quum dominus Matth. 6 docet discipulos suos ne in orando + multiloqui sint, nihil aliud docet quam ne credant deum inani verborum + strepitu flecti rem eandem subinde flagitantium. Nam Graecis est [Greek: + battologaesate]. [Greek: Battologein] autem illis dicitur qui voces + easdem frequenter iterant sine causa, vel loquacitatis, vel naturae, vel + consuetudinis vitio. Alioqui juxta precepta rhetorum nonnunquam laudis + est iterare verba, quemadmodum et Christus in cruce clamitat. Deus meus, + deus meus: non erat illa [Greek: battologia], sed ardens ac vehemens + affectus orantis.' Erasmus's <i>Works</i>, ed. 1540, v. 927. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1215">[1215]</a> This alludes to Southwell's stanzas 'Upon the Image of Death,' in + his <i>Maeonia</i>, [Maeoniae] a collection of spiritual poems:— +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + 'Before my face the picture hangs, + That daily should put me in mind + Of those cold names and bitter pangs + That shortly I am like to find: + But, yet, alas! full little I + Do thinke hereon that I must die.' &c. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + Robert Southwell was an English Jesuit, who was imprisoned, tortured, + and finally, in Feb. 1598 <a name="note-1595">[1595]</a> executed for teaching the Roman + Catholic tenets in England. CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1216">[1216]</a> This work, which Johnson was now reading, was, most probably, a + little book, entitled <i>Baudi Epistolae</i>. In his <i>Life of Milton</i> + [<i>Works</i>, vii. 115], he has made a quotation from it. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1217">[1217]</a> Bishop Shipley had been an Army Chaplain. <i>Ante</i>, iii. 251. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1218">[1218]</a> The title of the poem is [Greek: Poiaema nouthetikon]. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1219">[1219]</a> This entry refers to the following passage in Leland's + <i>Itinerary</i>, published by Thomas Hearne, ed. 1744, iv. 112. 'B. <i>Smith</i> + in K.H.7. dayes, and last Bishop of <i>Lincolne</i>, beganne a new Foundation + at this place settinge up a Mr. there with 2. Preistes, and 10. poore + Men in an Hospitall. He sett there alsoe a Schoole-Mr. to teach Grammer + that hath 10.<i>l</i>. by the yeare, and an Under-Schoole-Mr. that hath + 5.<i>l</i>. by the yeare. King H.7. was a great Benefactour to this new + Foundation, and gave to it an ould Hospitall called Denhall in Wirhall + in Cheshire.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1220">[1220]</a> <i>A Journey to Meqwinez, the Residence of the present Emperor of + Fez and Morocco, on the Occasion of Commodore Stewart's Embassy thither, + for the Redemption of the British captives, in the Year 1721</i>. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1221">[1221]</a> The <i>Bibliotheca Literaria</i> was published in London, 1722-4, in + 4to numbers, but only extended to ten numbers. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1222">[1222]</a> By this expression it would seem, that on this day Johnson ate + sparingly. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1223">[1223]</a> 'A weakness of the knees, not without some pain in walking, which + I feel increased after I have dined.' DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1224">[1224]</a> Penmaen Mawr is a huge rock, rising nearly 1550 feet + perpendicular above the sea. Along a shelf of this precipice, is formed + an excellent road, well guarded, toward the sea, by a strong wall, + supported in many parts by arches turned underneath it. Before this wall + was built, travellers sometimes fell down the precipices. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1225">[1225]</a> See <i>post</i>, p. 453. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1226">[1226]</a> 'Johnson said that one of the castles in Wales would contain all + the castles that he had seen in Scotland.' <i>Ante</i>, ii. 285. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1227">[1227]</a> This gentleman was a lieutenant in the Navy. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1228">[1228]</a> Lady Catharine Percival, daughter of the second Earl of Egmont: + this was, it appears, the lady of whom Mrs. Piozzi relates, that 'For a + lady of quality, since dead, who received us at her husband's seat in + Wales with less attention than he had long been accustomed to, he had a + rougher denunciation:—"That woman," cried Johnson, "is like sour small + beer, the beverage of her table, and produce of the wretched country she + lives in: like that, she could never have been a good thing, and even + that bad thing is spoiled."' [<i>Anec</i>. p. 171.] And it is probably of + her, too, that another anecdote is told:—'We had been visiting at a + lady's house, whom, as we returned, some of the company ridiculed for + her ignorance:—"She is not ignorant," said he, "I believe, of any + thing she has been taught, or of any thing she is desirous to know; and + I suppose if one wanted a little <i>run tea</i>, she might be a proper person + enough to apply to.'" [<i>Ib</i>. p. 219.] Mrs. Piozzi says, in her MS. + letters, 'that Lady Catharine comes off well in the <i>diary</i>. He <i>said</i> + many severe things of her, which he did not commit to paper.' She died + in 1782. CROKER. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1229">[1229]</a> Johnson described in 1762 his disappointment on his return to + Lichfield. <i>Ante</i>, i. 370. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1230">[1230]</a> 'It was impossible not to laugh at the patience Doctor Johnson + shewed, when a Welsh parson of mean abilities, though a good heart, + struck with reverence at the sight of Dr. Johnson, whom he had heard of + as the greatest man living, could not find any words to answer his + inquiries concerning a motto round somebody's arms which adorned a + tomb-stone in Ruabon church-yard. If I remember right, the words were, +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<pre> + Heb Dw, Heb Dym, + Dw o' diggon. +</pre> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<p> + And though of no very difficult construction, the gentleman seemed + wholly confounded, and unable to explain them; till Mr. Johnson, having + picked out the meaning by little and little, said to the man, "<i>Heb</i> is + a preposition, I believe, Sir, is it not?" My countryman recovering some + spirits upon the sudden question, cried out, "So I humbly presume, Sir," + very comically.' Piozzi's <i>Anec</i>. p. 238. The Welsh words, which are the + Myddelton motto, mean, 'Without God, without all. God is + all-sufficient.' <i>Piozzi MS</i>. Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 423. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1231">[1231]</a> In 1809 the whole income for Llangwinodyl, including surplice + fees, amounted to forty-six pounds two shillings and twopence, and for + Tydweilliog, forty-three pounds nineteen shillings and tenpence; so that + it does not appear that Mr. Thrale carried into effect his good + intention. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1232">[1232]</a> Mr. Thrale was near-sighted, and could not see the goats browsing + on Snowdon, and he promised his daughter, who was a child of ten years + old, a penny for every goat she would shew him, and Dr. Johnson kept the + account; so that it appears her father was in debt to her one hundred + and forty-nine pence. Queeny was the epithet, which had its origin in + the nursery, by which Miss Thrale was always distinguished by Johnson. + DUPPA. Her name was Esther. The allusion was to Queen Esther. Johnson + often pleasantly mentions her in his letters to her mother. Thus on July + 27, 1780, he writes:—'As if I might not correspond with my Queeney, and + we might not tell one another our minds about politicks or morals, or + anything else. Queeney and I are both steady and may be trusted; we are + none of the giddy gabblers, we think before we speak.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, + ii. 169. Four days later he wrote:—'Tell my pretty dear Queeney, that + when we meet again, we will have, at least for some time, two lessons in + a day. I love her and think on her when I am alone; hope we shall be + very happy together and mind our books.' <i>Ib</i>. p. 173. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1233">[1233]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iv. 421, for the inscription on an urn erected by Mr. + Myddelton 'on the banks of a rivulet where Johnson delighted to stand + and repeat verses.' On Sept. 18, 1777, Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale: + —'Mr. ——'s erection of an urn looks like an intention to bury me + alive; I would as willingly see my friend, however benevolent and + hospitable, quietly inurned. Let him think for the present of some more + acceptable memorial.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 371. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1234">[1234]</a> Johnson wrote on Oct. 24, 1778:—'My two clerical friends Darby + and Worthington have both died this month. I have known Worthington + long, and to die is dreadful. I believe he was a very good man.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, ii. 26. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1235">[1235]</a> Thomas, the second Lord Lyttelton. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1236">[1236]</a> Mr. Gwynn the architect was a native of Shrewsbury, and was at + this time completing a bridge across the Severn, called the English + Bridge: besides this bridge, he built one at Acham, over the Severn, + near to Shrewsbury; and the bridges at Worcester, Oxford [Magdalen + Bridge], and Henley. DUPPA. He was also the architect of the Oxford + Market, which was opened in 1774. <i>Oxford during the Last Century</i>, ed. + 1859, p. 45. Johnson and Boswell travelled to Oxford with him in March, + 1776. <i>Ante</i>, ii. 438. In 1778 he got into some difficulties, in which + Johnson tried to help him, as is shewn by the following autograph letter + in the possession of my friend Mr. M. M. Holloway:— +</p> +<center> + 'SIR, +</center> +<p> + 'Poor Mr. Gwyn is in great distress under the weight of the late + determination against him, and has still hopes that some mitigation may + be obtained. If it be true that whatever has by his negligence been + amiss, may be redressed for a sum much less than has been awarded, the + remaining part ought in equity to be returned, or, what is more + desirable, abated. When the money is once paid, there is little hope of + getting it again. +</p> +<p> + 'The load is, I believe, very hard upon him; he indulges some flattering + opinions that by the influence of his academical friends it may be + lightened, and will not be persuaded but that some testimony of my + kindness may be beneficial. I hope he has been guilty of nothing worse + than credulity, and he then certainly deserves commiseration. I never + heard otherwise than that he was an honest man, and I hope that by your + countenance and that of other gentlemen who favour or pity him some + relief may be obtained. +</p> +<p> + 'I am, Sir, 'Your most humble servant, 'SAM. JOHNSON.' 'Bolt Court, + Fleet-street, 'Jan. 30, 1778.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1237">[1237]</a> An ancestor of mine, a nursery-gardener, Thomas Wright by name, + after whom my grandfather, Thomas Wright Hill, was called, planted this + walk. The tradition preserved in my family is that on his wedding-day he + took six men with him and planted these trees. When blamed for keeping + the wedding-dinner waiting, he answered, that if what he had been doing + turned out well, it would be of far more value than a wedding-dinner. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1238">[1238]</a> The Rector of St. Chad's, in Shrewsbury. He was appointed Master + of Pembroke College, Oxford, in the following year. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 441. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1239">[1239]</a> 'I have heard Dr. Johnson protest that he never had quite as much + as he wished of wall-fruit except once in his life, and that was when we + were all together at Ombersley.' Piozzi's <i>Anec</i>. p. 103. Mrs. Thrale + wrote to him in 1778:—'Mr. Scrase gives us fine fruit; I wished you my + pear yesterday; but then what would one pear have done for you?' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, ii. 36. It seems unlikely that Johnson should not at Streatham + have had all the wall-fruit that he wished. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1240">[1240]</a> This visit was not to Lord Lyttelton, but to his uncle + [afterwards by successive creations, Lord Westcote, and Lord Lyttelton], + the father of the present Lord Lyttelton, who lived at a house called + Little Hagley. DUPPA. Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale in 1771:—'I would + have been glad to go to Hagley in compliance with Mr. Lyttelton's kind + invitation, for beside the pleasure of his conversation I should have + had the opportunity of recollecting past times, and wandering <i>per + montes notos et flumina nota</i>, of recalling the images of sixteen, and + reviewing my conversations with poor Ford.' <i>Piozzi Letters</i>, i. 42. He + had been at school at Stourbridge, close by Hagley. <i>Ante</i>, i. 49. See + Walpole's <i>Letters</i>, ix. 123, for an anecdote of Lord Westcote. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1241">[1241]</a> Horace Walpole, writing of Hagley in Sept. 1753 (<i>Letters</i>, ii. + 352), says:—'There is extreme taste in the park: the seats are not the + best, but there is not one absurdity. There is a ruined castle, built by + Miller, that would get him his freedom even of Strawberry [Walpole's own + house at Twickenham]: it has the true rust of the Barons' Wars.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1242">[1242]</a> 'Mrs. Lyttelton forced me to play at whist against my liking, and + her husband took away Johnson's candle that he wanted to read by at the + other end of the room. Those, I trust, were the offences.' <i>PiozziMS.</i> CROKER. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-1243">[1243]</a> Johnson (<i>Works</i>, viii. 409) thus writes of Shenstone and the + Leasowes:—'He began to point his prospects, to diversify his surface, + to entangle his walks, and to wind his waters; which he did with such + judgment and such fancy as made his little domain the envy of the great + and the admiration of the skilful; a place to be visited by travellers + and copied by designers. .... For awhile the inhabitants of Hagley + affected to tell their acquaintance of the little fellow that was trying + to make himself admired; but when by degrees the Leasowes forced + themselves into notice, they took care to defeat the curiosity which + they could not suppress by conducting their visitants perversely to + inconvenient points of view, and introducing them at the wrong end of a + walk to detect a deception; injuries of which Shenstone would heavily + complain. Where there is emulation there will be vanity; and where there + is vanity there will be folly. The pleasure of Shenstone was all in his + eye: he valued what he valued merely for its looks; nothing raised his + indignation more than to ask if there were any fishes in his water.' See + <i>ante</i>, p. 345. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1244">[1244]</a> See <i>ante</i>, iii. 187, and v. 429. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1245">[1245]</a> 'He spent his estate in adorning it, and his death was probably + hastened by his anxieties. He was a lamp that spent its oil in blazing. + It is said that if he had lived a little longer he would have been + assisted by a pension: such bounty could not have been ever more + properly bestowed.' Johnson's <i>Works</i>, viii. 410. His friend, Mr. + Graves, the author of <i>The Spiritual Quixote</i>, in a note on this passage + says that, if he was sometimes distressed for money, yet he was able to + leave legacies and two small annuities. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1246">[1246]</a> Mr. Duppa—without however giving his authority—says that this + was Dr. Wheeler, mentioned <i>ante</i>, iii. 366. The <i>Birmingham Directory</i> + for the year 1770 shews that there were two tradesmen in the town of + that name, one having the same Christian name, Benjamin, as Dr. Wheeler. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1247">[1247]</a> Boswell visited these works in 1776. <i>Ante</i>, ii. 459. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1248">[1248]</a> Burke in the House of Commons on Jan. 25, 1771, in a debate on + Falkland's Island, said of the Spanish Declaration:—'It was made, I + admit, on the true principles of trade and manufacture. It puts me in + mind of a Birmingham button which has passed through an hundred hands, + and after all is not worth three-halfpence a dozen.' <i>Parl. Hist.</i> + xvi. 1345. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1249">[1249]</a> Johnson and Boswell drove through the Park in 1776. <i>Ante</i>, ii. 451. +</p> + +<p> + <a name="note-1250">[1250]</a> 'My friend the late Lord Grosvenor had a house at Salt Hill, + where I usually spent a part of the summer, and thus became acquainted + with that great and good man, Jacob Bryant. Here the conversation turned + one morning on a Greek criticism by Dr. Johnson in some volume lying on + the table, which I ventured (<i>for I was then young</i>) to deem incorrect, + and pointed it out to him. I could not help thinking that he was + somewhat of my opinion, but he was cautious and reserved. "But, Sir," + said I, willing to overcome his scruples, "Dr. Johnson himself admitted + that he was not a good Greek scholar." "Sir," he replied, with a serious + and impressive air, "it is not easy for us to say what such a man as + Johnson would call a good Greek scholar." I hope that I profited by that + lesson—certainly I never forgot it.' Gifford's <i>Works of Ford</i>, vol. i. + p. lxii. Croker's <i>Boswell</i>, p. 794. 'So notorious is Mr. Bryant's great + fondness for studying and proving the truths of the creation according + to Moses, that he told me himself, and with much quaint humour, a + pleasantry of one of his friends in giving a character of + him:—"Bryant," said he, "is a very good scholar, and knows all things + whatever up to Noah, but not a single thing in the world beyond the + Deluge."' Mme. D'Arblay's Diary, iii. 229. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1251">[1251]</a> This is a work written by William Durand, Bishop of Mende, and + printed on vellum, in folio, by Fust and Schoeffer, in Mentz, 1459. It + is the third book that is known to be printed with a date. DUPPA. It is + perhaps the first book with a date printed in movable metal type. + <i>Brunei</i>, ed. 1861, ii. 904. See <i>ante</i>, ii. 397. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1252">[1252]</a> Dr. Johnson, in another column of his <i>Diary</i>, has put down, in a + note, 'First printed book in Greek, Lascaris's <i>Grammar</i>, 4to, + Mediolani, 1476.' The imprint of this book is, <i>Mediolani Impressum per + Magistrum Dionysium Paravisinum</i>. M.CCCC.LXXVI. Die xxx Januarii. The + first book printed in the English language was the <i>Historyes of Troye</i>, + printed in 1471. DUPPA. A copy of the <i>Historyes of Troy</i> is exhibited + in the Bodleian Library with the following superscription:—'Lefevre's + <i>Recuyell of the historyes of Troye</i>. The first book printed in the + English language. Issued by Caxton at Bruges about 1474.' +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1253">[1253]</a> <i>The Battle of the Frogs and Mice</i>. The first edition was printed + by Laonicus Cretensis, 1486. DUPPA. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1254">[1254]</a> Mr. Coulson was a Senior Fellow of University College. Lord + Stowell informed me that he was very eccentric. He would on a fine day + hang out of the college windows his various pieces of apparel to air, + which used to be universally answered by the young men hanging out from + all the other windows, quilts, carpets, rags, and every kind of trash, + and this was called an <i>illumination</i>. His notions of the eminence and + importance of his academic situation were so peculiar, that, when he + afterwards accepted a college living, he expressed to Lord Stowell his + doubts whether, after living so long in the <i>great world</i>, he might not + grow weary of the comparative retirement of a country parish. CROKER. + See <i>ante</i>, ii. 382, note. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1255">[1255]</a> Dr. Robert Vansittart, Fellow of All Souls, and Regius Professor + of Law. DUPPA. Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale on Nov. 3, 1773:—'Poor + V———! There are not so many reasons as he thinks why he should envy + me, but there are some; he wants what I have, a kind and careful + mistress; and wants likewise what I shall want at my return. He is a + good man, and when his mind is composed a man of parts.' <i>Piozzi + Letters</i>, i. 197. See <i>ante</i>, i. 348. +</p> +<p> + <a name="note-1256">[1256]</a> See <i>ante</i>, ii. 285, note 3. +</p> + + <center>THE END OF THE FIFTH VOLUME.</center> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10451 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |