The number of old oaks, of an
immense size, filled me with a sort of respectful admiration: for one
of them sixty pounds was offered. The excellent smooth gravel roads; the
large piece of water formed by his Lordship from some small brooks, with
a handsome barge upon it; the venerable Gothick church, now the family
chapel, just by the house; in short, the grand group of objects agitated
and distended my mind in a most agreeable manner. 'One should think
(said I,) that the proprietor of all this MUST be happy.'--'Nay, Sir,
(said Johnson,) all this excludes but one evil--poverty.'
Our names were sent up, and a well-drest elderly housekeeper, a most
distinct articulator, shewed us the house; which I need not describe, as
there is an account of it published in Adam's Works in Architecture. Dr.
Johnson thought better of it to-day than when he saw it before; for he
had lately attacked it violently, saying, 'It would do excellently for
a town-hall. The large room with the pillars (said he,) would do for the
Judges to sit in at the assizes; the circular room for a jury-chamber;
and the room above for prisoners.
Pages:
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696