At tea-time the subject turned upon the domestic economy of Dr.
Johnson's household. Mrs. Thrale has often acquainted me that his house
is quite filled and overrun with all sorts of strange creatures, whom he
admits for mere charity, and because nobody else will admit them,--for
his charity is unbounded; or, rather, bounded only by his circumstances.
The account he gave of the adventures and absurdities of the set,
was highly diverting, but too diffused for writing--though one or two
speeches I must give. I think I shall occasionally theatricalise my
dialogues.
Mrs. Thrale--Pray, Sir, how does Mrs. Williams like all this tribe?
Johnson--Madam, she does not like them at all: but their fondness for
her is not greater. She and De Mullin[62] quarrel incessantly; but as
they can both be occasionally of service to each other, and as neither
of them have a place to go to, their animosity does not force them to
separate.