ever talks in private company; not from any determination not to
talk, but because he has not the first motion. A man who is used to
the applause of the House of Commons, has no wish for that of a private
company. A man accustomed to throw for a thousand pounds, if set down to
throw for sixpence, would not be at the pains to count his dice. Burke's
talk is the ebullition of his mind; he does not talk from a desire of
distinction, but because his mind is full.'

After musing for some time, he said, 'I wonder how I should have any
enemies; for I do harm to nobody.' BOSWELL. 'In the first place, Sir,
you will be pleased to recollect, that you set out with attacking the
Scotch; so you got a whole nation for your enemies.' JOHNSON. 'Why, I
own, that by my definition of OATS I meant to vex them.' BOSWELL. 'Pray,
Sir, can you trace the cause of your antipathy to the Scotch?' JOHNSON.
'I cannot, Sir.' BOSWELL. 'Old Mr. Sheridan says, it was because they
sold Charles the First.' JOHNSON. 'Then, Sir, old Mr. Sheridan has found
out a very good reason.'

I had paid a visit to General Oglethorpe in the morning,* and was told
by him that Dr. Johnson saw company on Saturday evenings, and he would
meet me at Johnson's that night. When I mentioned this to Johnson,
not doubting that it would please him, as he had a great value for
Oglethorpe, the fretfulness of his disease unexpectedly shewed itself;
his anger suddenly kindled, and he said, with vehemence, 'Did not you
tell him not to come? Am I to be HUNTED in this manner?' I satisfied him
that I could not divine that the visit would not be convenient, and that
I certainly could not take it upon me of my own accord to forbid the
General.

* March 22.--Ed.

I found Dr. Johnson in the evening in Mrs. Williams's room, at tea and
coffee with her and Mrs. Desmoulins, who were also both ill; it was a
sad scene, and he was not in very good humour. He said of a performance
that had lately come out, 'Sir, if you should search all the madhouses
in England, you would not find ten men who would write so, and think it
sense.'

I was glad when General Oglethorpe's arrival was announced, and we
left the ladies. Dr. Johnson attended him in the parlour, and was as
courteous as ever.

On Sunday, March 23, I breakfasted with Dr. Johnson, who seemed much
relieved, having taken opium the night before. He however protested
against it, as a remedy that should be given with the utmost reluctance,