[1274] On the subject of Johnson I may adopt the words of Sir John Harrington, concerning his venerable Tutor and Diocesan, Dr. John Still, Bishop of Bath and Wells; ’who hath given me some helps, more hopes, all encouragements in my best studies:  to whom I never came but I grew more religious; from whom I never went, but I parted better instructed.  Of him therefore, my acquaintance, my friend, my instructor, if I speak much, it were not to be marvelled; if I speak frankly, it is not to be blamed; and though I speak partially, it were to be pardoned.’ Nugoe Antiquoe, vol. i. p. 136.  There is one circumstance in Sir John’s character of Bishop Still, which is peculiarly applicable to Johnson:  ’He became so famous a disputer, that the learnedest were even afraid to dispute with him; and he finding his own strength, could not stick to warn them in their arguments to take heed to their answers, like a perfect fencer that will tell aforehand in which button he will give the venew, or like a cunning chess-player that will appoint aforehand with which pawn and in what place he will give the mate.’ Ibid.  BOSWELL.

[1275] The late Right Hon. William Gerard Hamilton.  MALONE.

[1276] ‘His death,’ writes Hannah More (Memoirs, i. 394), ’makes a kind of era in literature.’  ’One who had long known him said of him:—­’In general you may tell what the man to whom you are speaking will say next.  This you can never do of Johnson.’  Johnson’s Works (1787), xi. 211.

[1277] Beside the Dedications to him by Dr. Goldsmith [ante, ii. 216], the Reverend Dr. Francklin [ante, iv. 34], and the Reverend Mr. Wilson [ante, iv. 162], which I have mentioned according to their dates, there was one by a lady, of a versification of Aningait and Ajut, and one by the ingenious Mr. Walker [ante, iv. 206], of his Rhetorical Grammar.  I have introduced into this work several compliments paid to him in the writings of his contemporaries; but the number of them is so great, that we may fairly say that there was almost a general tribute.

Let me not be forgetful of the honour done to him by Colonel Myddleton, of Gwaynynog, near Denbigh; who, on the banks of a rivulet in his park, where Johnson delighted to stand and repeat verses, erected an urn with the following inscription: 

’This spot was often dignified by the presence of
SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D. 
Whose moral writings, exactly conformable to the
precepts of Christianity,
Gave ardour to Virtue and confidence to Truth [H-1].’