YOU read books THROUGH?'

On Wednesday, April 21, I dined with him at Mr. Thrale's. A gentleman
attacked Garrick for being vain. JOHNSON. 'No wonder, Sir, that he
is vain; a man who is perpetually flattered in every mode that can be
conceived. So many bellows have blown the fire, that one wonders he is
not by this time become a cinder.' BOSWELL. 'And such bellows too. Lord
Mansfield with his cheeks like to burst: Lord Chatham like an Aeolus. I
have read such notes from them to him, as were enough to turn his head.'
JOHNSON. 'True. When he whom every body else flatters, flatters me,
I then am truly happy.' Mrs. THRALE. 'The sentiment is in Congreve, I
think.' JOHNSON. 'Yes, Madam, in The Way of the World:

"If there's delight in love, 'tis when I see
That heart which others bleed for, bleed for me."

No, Sir, I should not be surprized though Garrick chained the ocean, and
lashed the winds.' BOSWELL. 'Should it not be, Sir, lashed the ocean and
chained the winds?' JOHNSON. 'No, Sir, recollect the original:

"In Corum atque Eurum solitus saevire flagellis
Barbarus, Aeolia nunquam hoc in carcere passos,
Ipsum compedibus qui vinxerat Ennosigaeum."

The modes of living in different countries, and the various views
with which men travel in quest of new scenes, having been talked of, a
learned gentleman who holds a considerable office in the law, expatiated
on the happiness of a savage life; and mentioned an instance of an
officer who had actually lived for some time in the wilds of America,
of whom, when in that state, he quoted this reflection with an air of
admiration, as if it had been deeply philosophical: 'Here am I, free and
unrestrained, amidst the rude magnificence of Nature, with this Indian
woman by my side, and this gun with which I can procure food when I want
it; what more can be desired for human happiness?' It did not require
much sagacity to foresee that such a sentiment would not be permitted to
pass without due animadversion. JOHNSON. 'Do not allow yourself, Sir, to
be imposed upon by such gross absurdity. It is sad stuff; it is brutish.
If a bull could speak, he might as well exclaim,--Here am I with this
cow and this grass; what being can enjoy greater felicity?'

We talked of the melancholy end of a gentleman who had destroyed
himself. JOHNSON. 'It was owing to imaginary difficulties in his
affairs, which, had he talked with any friend, would soon have
vanished.' BOSWELL. 'Do