an is
killed in a duel, he is killed as many a one has been killed; but it is
a sad thing for a man to lie down and die; to bleed to death, because he
has not fortitude enough to sear the wound, or even to stitch it up.' I
cannot but pause a moment to admire the fecundity of fancy, and
choice of language, which in this instance, and, indeed, on almost all
occasions, he displayed. It was well observed by Dr. Percy, now Bishop
of Dromore, 'The conversation of Johnson is strong and clear, and may be
compared to an antique statue, where every vein and muscle is distinct
and bold. Ordinary conversation resembles an inferiour cast.'

On Saturday, April 25, I dined with him at Sir Joshua Reynolds's, with
the learned Dr. Musgrave, Counsellor Leland of Ireland, son to the
historian, Mrs. Cholmondeley, and some more ladies.

'Demosthenes Taylor, as he was called, (that is, the Editor of
Demosthenes) was the most silent man, the merest statue of a man that I
have ever seen. I once dined in company with him, and all he said during
the whole time was no more than Richard. How a man should say only
Richard, it is not easy to imagine. But it was thus: Dr. Douglas was
talking of Dr. Zachary Grey, and ascribing to him something that was
written by Dr. Richard Grey. So, to correct him, Taylor said, (imitating
his affected sententious emphasis and nod,) "RICHARD."'

Mrs. Cholmondeley, in a high flow of spirits, exhibited some lively
sallies of hyperbolical compliment to Johnson, with whom she had been
long acquainted, and was very easy. He was quick in catching the MANNER
of the moment, and answered her somewhat in the style of the hero of a
romance, 'Madam, you crown me with unfading laurels.'

We talked of a lady's verses on Ireland. MISS REYNOLDS. 'Have you seen
them, Sir?' JOHNSON. 'No, Madam. I have seen a translation from Horace,
by one of her daughters. She shewed it me.' MISS REYNOLDS. 'And how was
it, Sir?' JOHNSON. 'Why, very well for a young Miss's verses;--that
is to say, compared with excellence, nothing; but, very well, for the
person who wrote them. I am vexed at being shewn verses in that manner.'
MISS REYNOLDS. 'But if they should be good, why not give them hearty
praise?' JOHNSON. 'Why, Madam, because I have not then got the better
of my bad humour from having been shown them. You must consider, Madam;
beforehand they may be bad, as well as good. Nobody has a right to put
another under such a difficulty, that he must