404 Minor Anecdotes of Dr. Johnson.
exclaimed our Lexicographer ; ' Sir, I doubt the veracity of your information!' He instantly stalked into his library; and, opening the work in question with the utmost impatience, at last triumphantly put his finger upon the subject of research, adding, ' There, Sir ; there is ocean ! ' The gentleman was preparing to apologise for the mistake ; but Dr. Johnson good- naturedly dismissed the subject, with ' Never mind it, Sir ; perhaps your friend spells ocean with an s V
The late Mr. Crauford, of Hyde Park Corner, being engaged to dinner, where Dr. Johnson was to be, resolved to pay his court to him ; and, having heard that he preferred Donne's Satires to Pope's version of them, said, ' Do you know, Dr. Johnson, that I like Dr. Donne's original Satires better than Pope's.' Johnson said, ' Well, Sir, I can't help that 2 .'
Miss Johnson, one of Sir Joshua's nieces 3 (afterwards Mrs. Deane), was dining one day at her uncle's with Dr. Johnson and a large party : the conversation happening to turn on music, Johnson spoke very contemptuously of that art, and added, 1 that no man of talent, or whose mind was capable of better things, ever would or could devote his time and attention to so idle and frivolous a pursuit.' The young lady, who was very fond of music, whispered her next neighbour, 'I wonder what Dr. Johnson thinks of King David.' Johnson overheard her, and, with great good humour and complacency, said, ' Madam, I thank you ; I stand rebuked before you, and promise that, on one subject at least, you shall never hear me talk nonsense again.'
The honours of the University of Cambridge were once
1 Johnson, in the Preface to the pressed them while he was yet con- Dictionary, writes : ' It is remark- tending to rise in reputation, but able that in reviewing my collection ventured them when he thought their [of authorities] I found the word SEA deficiencies more likely to be im- unexemplified.' Works, v. 45. puted to Donne than to himself.'
2 ' Pope published a revival in Works, viii. 295.
smoother numbers of Dr. Donne's 3 Reynolds's sister Elizabeth mar- Satires. ... He seems to have known ried William Johnson. Taylor's their imbecility, and therefore sup- Reynolds, i. 4.
performed
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