laudable than that by which palaces are covered with pictures, which however excellent, neither imply the owner's virtue, nor excite it."
THE LITERARY CLUB.
The Literary Club was founded by Dr. Johnson
in 1764, and among many men of eminence and talent,
it numbered Reynolds. His modesty would
not permit him to assume to himself the distinction
which literature bestows, but his friends knew too
well the value of his presence, to lose it by a fastidious
observance of the title of the club. Poets,
painters, and sculptors are all brothers; and had
Reynolds been less eminent in art, his sound sense,
varied information, and pleasing manners would
have made him an acceptable companion in the most
intellectual society.
JOHNSON'S PORTRAIT.
In 1775, Sir Joshua Reynolds painted his famous
portrait of Dr. Johnson, in which he represented
him as reading, and near-sighted. This latter circumstance
was very displeasing to the "Giant of
Literature," who reproved Reynolds, saying, "It is
not friendly to hand down to posterity the imperfections
of any man." But Reynolds, on the contrary,
considered it a natural peculiarity which gave additional
value to the portrait. Johnson complained
of the caricature to Mrs. Thrale, who to console
him, said that he would not be known to posterity
