Life of Johnson.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20295, 3 May 1934, Page 10

Life of Johnson.

WHAT WORDS were used by Mr Mac--11 pherson in his letter to the venerabl” Sage, I have never heard; but they are generally said to have been of a nature very different from the language of literary contest. Dr Johnson’s answer appeared in the news-papers of the day, and has since been frequently re-published; but not with perfect accuracy. I give it as dictated to me by himself, written down in his presence, and authenticated by a note in his own hand-writing, “ This. I think, is a true copy.” “ Mr James Macpherson,—l received your foolish and impudent letter. Any violence offered me I shall do my best to repel; and what I cannot do for myself, the law shall do for me. I hope I shall never be deterred from detecting what I thinik a cheat, by the menaces of a ruffian. “ What would you have me retract? T thought your book an imposture: I think it an imposture still. For this opinion I have given my reasons to the publick, which I here dare you to refute. Your rage I defy. Your abilities, since your Homer, are not so formidable: and what I hear of your morals, inclines me to pay regard not to what you shall sa/, but to what you shall prove. You may print this if you will. 41 Sam Johnson.”