Deformities of Samuel Johnson, Selected from His Works. Callender James Thomson

he is exactly the same to his superiors, his equals, and his inferiors; and therefore by a necessary consequence absurd to two of the three. Is it possible to love such a man? No. The utmost I can do for him, is to consider him as a respectable Hottentot.' Churchill's account of our hero comes nearly to the same. And I presume that the inimitable Dr Smollet, has exhibited a third picture of this illustrious original in Humphry Clinker, Vol. 1. – Dr Johnson's letter to the Earl of Chesterfield concludes in these words: 'Whatever be the event of my endeavours, I shall not easily regret an attempt which has procured me the honour of appearing thus publicly, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient, and most humble servant, Sam. Johnson.' These extracts afford a striking contrast between the severity of the polite peer, and the humble politeness (for once) of the rugged pedant.

41

Lives of English poets, vol. iii. p. 243 and 284. 12mo edit.

42

Vide Life of Dryden.

43

Vid. Dict. article Blood.

44

Excogitation, this combination of letters is to be found in the Doctor's works, though not in his Dictionary.

45

Rasselas, chap. vi.