human
Look, my lord, it comes. I found that I had a very perfect idea of Johnson's figure from the portrait of him painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds soon after he had published his Dictionary, in the attitude of sitting in his easy chair in deep meditation; which was the first picture his friend did for him, which Sir Joshua very kindly presented to me, and from which an engraving has been made for this work. Mr. Davies mentioned my name, and respectfully introduced me to him. I was much agitated, and recollecting his prejudice against the Scotch, of which I had heard much, I said to Davies,
gpt
Don't tell where I came from.
human
From Scotland, cried Davies, roguishly.
gpt
Mr. Johnson (said I),
human
I do indeed come from Scotland, but I can not help it. I am willing to flatter myself that I meant this as light pleasantry to soothe and conciliate him, and not as an humiliating abasement at the expense of my country. But however that might be, this speech was somewhat unlucky; for with that quickness of wit for which he was so remarkable, he seized the expression
gpt
which I used in the sense of being of that country; and as if I had said that I had come away from it, or left it, retorted,
human
That, sir, I find is what a very great many of your countrymen can not help. This stroke stunned me a good deal; and when he had sat down, I felt myself not a little embarrassed, and apprehensive of what might come next. He then addrest himself to Davies:
gpt
What do you think of Garrick? He has refused me an order for the play of Miss Williams, because he knows the house will be full, and that an order would be worth three shillings. Eager to take any opening to get into conversation with him, I ventured to say,
human
Oh, sir, I can not think Mr. Garrick would grudge such a trifle to you.
gpt
Sir (said he, with a stern look),
human
I have known David Garrick longer than you have done; and I know no right you have to talk to me on the subject.