' I wondered at Dr. Percy's venturing thus. Dr. Johnson
said nothing at the time; but inflammable particles were collecting for
a cloud to burst. In a little while Dr. Percy said something more in
disparagement of Pennant. JOHNSON. (pointedly,) 'This is the
resentment of a narrow mind, because he did not find every thing in
Northumberland.' PERCY. (feeling the stroke,) 'Sir, you may be as rude
as you please.' JOHNSON. 'Hold, Sir! Don't talk of rudeness; remember,
Sir, you told me (puffing hard with passion struggling for a vent,) I
was shortsighted. We have done with civility. We are to be as rude as
we please.' PERCY. 'Upon my honour, Sir, I did not mean to be uncivil.'
JOHNSON. 'I cannot say so, Sir; for I DID mean to be uncivil, thinking
YOU had been uncivil.' Dr. Percy rose, ran up to him, and taking him
by the hand, assured him affectionately that his meaning had been
misunderstood; upon which a reconciliation instantly took place.
JOHNSON. 'My dear Sir, I am willing you shall HANG Pennant.
Pages:
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776