The Works of Samuel Johnson, Volume 12

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Page 276 - There are many things delivered rhetorically, many expressions therein merely tropical, and as they best illustrate my intention ; and therefore also there are many things to be taken in a soft and flexible sense, and not to be called unto the rigid test of reason.
Page 279 - ... that we might procreate like trees, without conjunction,' and had lately declared, that 'the whole world was made for man, but only the twelfth part of man for woman;' and, that 'man is the whole world, but woman only the rib or crooked part of man.
Page 276 - The reciprocal civility of authors is one of the most risible scenes in the farce of life.
Page 35 - This he illustrated by a description of the effects which the infirmities of his body had upon his faculties, which yet they did not so oppress or vanquish, but his soul was always master of itself, and always resigned to the pleasure of its Maker.
Page 63 - He was the first that infused that proportion of courage into the seamen, by making them see by experience, what mighty things they could do, if they were resolved ; and taught them to fight in fire as well as upon water : and though he hath been very well imitated and followed, he was the first that gave the example of that kind of naval courage %, and bold and resolute achievements.
Page 295 - Jn his habit of clothing, he had an aversion to " all finery, and affected plainness both in the fashion " and ornaments. He ever wore a cloak, or boots, " when few others did. He kept himself always very " warm, and thought it most safe so to do...
Page 418 - Burney said she would write, she told you a fib. She writes nothing to me. She can write home fast enough. I have a good mind not to let her know that Dr. Bernard, to whom I had recommended her novel, speaks of it with great commendation, and that the copy which she lent me, has been read by Dr.
Page 420 - Letters I cannot think myself in much danger. I met him only once about thirty years ago, and in some small dispute reduced him to whistle ; having not seen him since, that is the last impression.
Page 283 - It is the heaviest stone that melancholy can throw at a man, to tell him he is at the end of his nature ; or that there is no further state to come, unto which this seems progress ional, and otherwise made in vain...
Page 372 - The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.

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