ort with that of Johnson, who, however, said to
me, 'Sir, he has a very strong understanding.' His size, and figure, and
countenance, and manner, were that of a hearty English 'Squire, with the
parson super-induced: and I took particular notice of his upper servant,
Mr. Peters, a decent grave man, in purple clothes, and a large white
wig, like the butler or major domo of a Bishop.

Dr. Johnson and Dr. Taylor met with great cordiality; and Johnson soon
gave him the same sad account of their school-fellow, Congreve, that he
had given to Mr. Hector; adding a remark of such moment to the rational
conduct of a man in the decline of life, that it deserves to be
imprinted upon every mind: 'There is nothing against which an old
man should be so much upon his guard as putting himself to nurse.
Innumerable have been the melancholy instances of men once distinguished
for firmness, resolution, and spirit, who in their latter days have been
governed like children, by interested female artifice.

Dr. Taylor commended a physician who was known to him and Dr. Johnson,
and said, 'I fight many battles for him, as many people in the country
dislike him.' JOHNSON. 'But you should consider, Sir, that by every
one of your victories he is a loser; for, every man of whom you get the
better, will be very angry, and resolve not to employ him; whereas
if people get the better of you in argument about him, they'll think,
"We'll send for Dr. ****** nevertheless."' This was an observation deep
and sure in human nature.

Next day, as Dr. Johnson had acquainted Dr. Taylor of the reason for
his returning speedily to London, it was resolved that we should set out
after dinner. A few of Dr. Taylor's neighbours were his guests that day.

Dr. Johnson talked with approbation of one who had attained to the state
of the philosophical wise man, that is to have no want of any thing.
'Then, Sir, (said I,) the savage is a wise man.' 'Sir, (said he,) I do
not mean simply being without,--but not having a want.' I maintained,
against this proposition, that it was better to have fine clothes, for
instance, than not to feel the want of them. JOHNSON. 'No, Sir;
fine clothes are good only as they supply the want of other means of
procuring respect. Was Charles the Twelfth, think you, less respected
for his coarse blue coat and black stock? And you find the King
of Prussia dresses plain, because the dignity of his character is
sufficient.' I here brought myself into a