I would let him at first read ANY English book which happens
to engage his attention; because you have done a great deal when you
have brought him to have entertainment from a book. He'll get better
books afterwards.'
'To be contradicted, in order to force you to talk, is mighty
unpleasing. You SHINE, indeed; but it is by being GROUND.'
On Saturday, April 24, I dined with him at Mr. Beauclerk's, with Sir
Joshua Reynolds, Mr. Jones, (afterwards Sir William,) Mr. Langton, Mr.
Steevens, Mr. Paradise, and Dr. Higgins. I mentioned that Mr. Wilkes
had attacked Garrick to me, as a man who had no friend. 'I believe he is
right, Sir. [Greek text omitted]--He had friends, but no friend. Garrick
was so diffused, he had no man to whom he wished to unbosom himself. He
found people always ready to applaud him, and that always for the same
thing: so he saw life with great uniformity.' I took upon me, for once,
to fight with Goliath's weapons, and play the sophist.--Garrick did
not need a friend, as he got from every body all he wanted.
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