We are all agreed as to our own
liberty; we would have as much of it as we can get; but we are not
agreed as to the liberty of others: for in proportion as we take, others
must lose. I believe we hardly wish that the mob should have liberty to
govern us. When that was the case some time ago, no man was at liberty
not to have candles in his windows.' RAMSAY. 'The result is, that order
is better than confusion.' JOHNSON. 'The result is, that order cannot be
had but by subordination.'
On Friday, April 16, I had been present at the trial of the unfortunate
Mr. Hackman, who, in a fit of frantick jealous love, had shot Miss Ray,
the favourite of a nobleman. Johnson, in whose company I dined to-day
with some other friends, was much interested by my account of what
passed, and particularly with his prayer for the mercy of heaven. He
said, in a solemn fervid tone, 'I hope he SHALL find mercy.'
This day a violent altercation arose between Johnson and Beauclerk,
which having made much noise at the time, I think it proper, in order to
prevent any future misrepresentation, to give a minute account of it.
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