" No modern flattery, however, is so gross as that
of the Augustan age, where the Emperour was deified. "Proesens Divus
habebitur Augustus." And as to meanness, (rising into warmth,) how is
it mean in a player,--a showman,--a fellow who exhibits himself for a
shilling, to flatter his Queen? The attempt, indeed, was dangerous; for
if it had missed, what became of Garrick, and what became of the Queen?
As Sir William Temple says of a great General, it is necessary not only
that his designs be formed in a masterly manner, but that they should be
attended with success. Sir, it is right, at a time when the Royal Family
is not generally liked, to let it be seen that the people like at least
one of them.' SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS. 'I do not perceive why the profession
of a player should be despised; for the great and ultimate end of all
the employments of mankind is to produce amusement. Garrick produces
more amusement than any body.' BOSWELL. 'You say, Dr. Johnson, that
Garrick exhibits himself for a shilling.
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