In February, 1767, there happened one of the most remarkable incidents of Johnson’s life, which gratified his monarchical enthusiasm, and which he loved to relate with all its circumstances, when requested by his friends.  This was his being honoured by a private conversation with his Majesty, in the library at the Queen’s house.  He had frequently visited those splendid rooms and noble collection of books, which he used to say was more numerous and curious than he supposed any person could have made in the time which the King had employed.  Mr. Barnard, the librarian, took care that he should have every accommodation that could contribute to his ease and convenience, while indulging his literary taste in that place; so that he had here a very agreeable resource at leisure hours.

His Majesty having been informed of his occasional visits, was pleased to signify a desire that he should be told when Dr. Johnson came next to the library.  Accordingly, the next time that Johnson did come, as soon as he was fairly engaged with a book, on which, while he sat by the fire, he seemed quite intent, Mr. Barnard stole round to the apartment where the King was, and, in obedience to his Majesty’s commands, mentioned that Dr. Johnson was then in the library.  His Majesty said he was at leisure, and would go to him; upon which Mr. Barnard took one of the candles that stood on the King’s table, and lighted his Majesty through a suite of rooms, till they came to a private door into the library, of which his Majesty had the key.  Being entered, Mr. Barnard stepped forward hastily to Dr. Johnson, who was still in a profound study, and whispered him, ‘Sir, here is the King.’  Johnson started up, and stood still.  His Majesty approached him, and at once was courteously easy.

His Majesty began by observing, that he understood he came sometimes to the library; and then mentioning his having heard that the Doctor had been lately at Oxford, asked him if he was not fond of going thither.  To which Johnson answered, that he was indeed fond of going to Oxford sometimes, but was likewise glad to come back again.  The King then asked him what they were doing at Oxford.  Johnson answered, he could not much commend their diligence, but that in some respects they were mended, for they had put their press under better regulations, and were at that time printing Polybius.  He was then asked whether there were better libraries at Oxford or Cambridge.  He answered, he believed the Bodleian was larger than any they had at Cambridge; at the same time adding, ’I hope, whether we have more books or not than they have at Cambridge, we shall make as good use of them as they do.’  Being asked whether All-Souls or Christ-Church library was the largest, he answered, ’All-Souls library is the largest we have, except the Bodleian.’  ’Aye, (said the King,) that is the publick library.’