There is no instance, even in the ten persecutions,
of such severity as that which the protestants of Ireland have exercised
against the Catholicks. Did we tell them we have conquered them,
it would be above board: to punish them by confiscation and other
penalties, as rebels, was monstrous injustice. King William was not
their lawful sovereign: he had not been acknowledged by the Parliament
of Ireland, when they appeared in arms against him.'
He and Mr. Langton and I went together to THE CLUB, where we found Mr.
Burke, Mr. Garrick, and some other members, and amongst them our friend
Goldsmith, who sat silently brooding over Johnson's reprimand to him
after dinner. Johnson perceived this, and said aside to some of us,
'I'll make Goldsmith forgive me;' and then called to him in a loud
voice, 'Dr. Goldsmith,--something passed to-day where you and I dined;
I ask your pardon.' Goldsmith answered placidly, 'It must be much from
you, Sir, that I take ill.' And so at once the difference was over, and
they were on as easy terms as ever, and Goldsmith rattled away as usual.
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