I
said something in their favour; and added, that I was always sorry when
he talked on that subject. This, it seems, exasperated him; though he
said nothing at the time. The cloud was charged with sulphureous vapour,
which was afterwards to burst in thunder.--We talked of a gentleman who
was running out his fortune in London; and I said, 'We must get him out
of it. All his friends must quarrel with him, and that will soon drive
him away.' JOHNSON. 'Nay, Sir; we'll send YOU to him. If your company
does not drive a man out of his house, nothing will.' This was a
horrible shock, for which there was no visible cause. I afterwards asked
him why he had said so harsh a thing. JOHNSON. Because, Sir, you made
me angry about the Americans.' BOSWELL. 'But why did you not take your
revenge directly?' JOHNSON. (smiling,) 'Because, Sir, I had nothing
ready. A man cannot strike till he has his weapons.' This was a candid
and pleasant confession.
He shewed me to-night his drawing-room, very genteelly fitted up; and
said, 'Mrs.
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