e than is expressed, or than perhaps we could perfectly
understand. As Johnson and I accompanied Sir Joshua Reynolds in his
coach, Johnson said, 'There is in Beauclerk a predominance over his
company, that one does not like. But he is a man who has lived so much
in the world, that he has a short story on every occasion; he is always
ready to talk, and is never exhausted.'

Soon after this time a little incident occurred, which I will not
suppress, because I am desirous that my work should be, as much as
is consistent with the strictest truth, an antidote to the false and
injurious notions of his character, which have been given by others, and
therefore I infuse every drop of genuine sweetness into my biographical
cup.

'TO DR. JOHNSON.

'MY DEAR SIR,--I am in great pain with an inflamed foot, and obliged
to keep my bed, so am prevented from having the pleasure to dine at Mr.
Ramsay's to-day, which is very hard; and my spirits are sadly sunk. Will
you be so friendly as to come and sit an hour with me in the evening. I
am ever your most faithful, and affectionate humble servant,

'South Audley-street, Monday, April 26.'

'JAMES BOSWELL.'

'TO MR. BOSWELL.

'Mr. Johnson laments the absence of Mr. Boswell, and will come to
him.--Harley-street.'

He came to me in the evening, and brought Sir Joshua Reynolds. I need
scarcely say, that their conversation, while they sate by my bedside,
was the most pleasing opiate to pain that could have been administered.

Johnson being now better disposed to obtain information concerning Pope
than he was last year, sent by me to my Lord Marchmont a present
of those volumes of his Lives of the Poets which were at this time
published, with a request to have permission to wait on him; and his
Lordship, who had called on him twice, obligingly appointed Saturday,
the first of May, for receiving us.

On that morning Johnson came to me from Streatham, and after drinking
chocolate at General Paoli's, in South-Audley-street, we proceeded to
Lord Marchmont's in Curzon-street. His Lordship met us at the door of
his library, and with great politeness said to Johnson, 'I am not going
to make an encomium upon MYSELF, by telling you the high respect I have
for YOU, Sir.' Johnson was exceedingly courteous; and the interview,
which lasted about two hours, during which the Earl communicated his
anecdotes of Pope, was as agreeable as I could have wished. When we
came out, I said to Johnson,