Life of Johnson.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20649, 25 June 1935, Page 8

Life of Johnson.

Aoivisjj wnetner a man naturally virtuous,] or one who has overcome wicked inclinations, is the best. Johnson. “ Sir, to ‘ you,’ the man who has overcome wicked inclinations is not the best. He has more merit to * himself *: I would rather trust my money to a man who has no hands, and so a physical impossibility to steal, than to a man of the most honest principles. There is a witty satirical story of Foote. He had a small bust of Garrick placed upon his bureau. ‘ You may be surprized (said he.) that I allow him to be so near my gold:—but you will observe he has no hands.’ ” {YN FRIDAY, May 29, being to set out for Scotland next morning, I passed a part of the day with him in more than usual earnestness: as his health was in a more precarious state than at any time when I had parted from him. He, - however, was quick and lively, and critical as usual. I mentioned one who was a very learned man. Johnson. “Yes, sir, he has a great deal of learning: but it never lies straight There is never one idea by the side of another: ’tis all entangled: and then he drives it so aukwardly upon conversation.”