' I
cannot but pause a moment to admire the fecundity of fancy, and
choice of language, which in this instance, and, indeed, on almost all
occasions, he displayed. It was well observed by Dr. Percy, now Bishop
of Dromore, 'The conversation of Johnson is strong and clear, and may be
compared to an antique statue, where every vein and muscle is distinct
and bold. Ordinary conversation resembles an inferiour cast.'
On Saturday, April 25, I dined with him at Sir Joshua Reynolds's, with
the learned Dr. Musgrave, Counsellor Leland of Ireland, son to the
historian, Mrs. Cholmondeley, and some more ladies.
'Demosthenes Taylor, as he was called, (that is, the Editor of
Demosthenes) was the most silent man, the merest statue of a man that I
have ever seen. I once dined in company with him, and all he said during
the whole time was no more than Richard. How a man should say only
Richard, it is not easy to imagine. But it was thus: Dr. Douglas was
talking of Dr. Zachary Grey, and ascribing to him something that was
written by Dr.
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