reverie, wheeled about, and answered, ’Sir, the reason is very plain.  Knowledge is of two kinds.  We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.  When we enquire into any subject, the first thing we have to do is to know what books have treated of it.  This leads us to look at catalogues, and the backs of books in libraries.’  Sir Joshua observed to me the extraordinary promptitude with which Johnson flew upon an argument.  ’Yes, (said I,) he has no formal preparation, no flourishing with his sword; he is through your body in an instant.’

Johnson was here solaced with an elegant entertainment, a very accomplished family, and much good company; among whom was Mr. Harris of Salisbury, who paid him many compliments on his Journey to the Western Islands.

The common remark as to the utility of reading history being made;—­Johnson.  ’We must consider how very little history there is; I mean real authentick history.  That certain Kings reigned, and certain battles were fought, we can depend upon as true; but all the colouring, all the philosophy of history is conjecture.’  Boswell.  ’Then, Sir, you would reduce all history to no better than an almanack, a mere chronological series of remarkable events.’  Mr. Gibbon, who must at that time have been employed upon his History, of which he published the first volume in the following year, was present; but did not step forth in defence of that species of writing.  He probably did not like to trust himself with Johnson!

The Beggar’s Opera, and the common question, whether it was pernicious in its effects, having been introduced;—­Johnson.  ’As to this matter, which has been very much contested, I myself am of opinion, that more influence has been ascribed to The Beggar’s Opera, than it in reality ever had; for I do not believe that any man was ever made a rogue by being present at its representation.  At the same time I do not deny that it may have some influence, by making the character of a rogue familiar, and in some degree pleasing.’  Then collecting himself as it were, to give a heavy stroke:  ’There is in it such a LABEFACTATION of all principles, as may be injurious to morality.’

While he pronounced this response, we sat in a comical sort of restraint, smothering a laugh, which we were afraid might burst out.

We talked of a young gentleman’s* marriage with an eminent singer, and his determination that she should no longer sing in publick, though his father was very earnest she should, because her talents would be liberally rewarded, so as to make her a good fortune.  It was questioned whether the young gentleman, who had not a shilling in the world, but was blest with very uncommon talents, was not foolishly delicate, or foolishly proud, and his father truely rational without being mean.  Johnson, with all the high spirit of a Roman senator, exclaimed, ’He resolved wisely and nobly to be sure.  He is a brave man.  Would not a gentleman be disgraced by having his wife singing publickly for hire?  No, Sir, there can be no doubt here.  I know not if I should not prepare myself for a publick singer, as readily as let my wife be one.’