Life of Johnson, Volume 2 - 1765-1776 by James Boswell
page 41 of 788 (05%)
page 41 of 788 (05%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
'I then kissed her. She told me, that to part was the greatest pain that
she had ever felt, and that she hoped we should meet again in a better place. I expressed, with swelled eyes, and great emotion of tenderness, the same hopes. We kissed, and parted. I humbly hope to meet again, and to part no more[121].' By those who have been taught to look upon Johnson as a man of a harsh and stern character, let this tender and affectionate scene be candidly read; and let them then judge whether more warmth of heart, and grateful kindness, is often found in human nature. We have the following notice in his devotional record: 'August 2, 1767. I have been disturbed and unsettled for a long time, and have been without resolution to apply to study or to business, being hindered by sudden snatches[122].' He, however, furnished Mr. Adams with a Dedication[*] to the King of that ingenious gentleman's _Treatise on the Globes_, conceived and expressed in such a manner as could not fail to be very grateful to a Monarch, distinguished for his love of the sciences. This year was published a ridicule of his style, under the title of _Lexiphanes_. Sir John Hawkins ascribes it to Dr. Kenrick[123]; but its authour was one Campbell, a Scotch purser in the navy. The ridicule consisted in applying Johnson's 'words of large meaning[124]' to insignificant matters, as if one should put the armour of Goliath upon a dwarf. The contrast might be laughable; but the dignity of the armour must remain the same in all considerate minds. This malicious drollery, therefore, it may easily be supposed, could do no harm to its |
|