He once in his life was known to have uttered what is called a BULL:
Sir Joshua Reynolds, when they were riding together in Devonshire,
complained that he had a very bad horse, for that even when going down
hill he moved slowly step by step. 'Ay (said Johnson,) and when he goes
up hill, he STANDS STILL.'
He had a great aversion to gesticulating in company. He called once to a
gentleman who offended him in that point, 'Don't ATTITUDENISE.' And
when another gentleman thought he was giving additional force to what
he uttered, by expressive movements of his hands, Johnson fairly seized
them, and held them down.
Mr. Steevens, who passed many a social hour with him during their long
acquaintance, which commenced when they both lived in the Temple, has
preserved a good number of particulars concerning him, most of which
are to be found in the department of Apothegms, &c. in the Collection
of Johnson's Works. But he has been pleased to favour me with the
following, which are original:--
'Dr.
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