_Streatham, February_.--I have been here so long, _My_ dearest Susan,
Without writing a word, that now I hardly know where or how to begin,
But I will try to draw up a concise account of what has passed for this
last fortnight, and then endeavour to be more minute.
Mrs. Thrale and Dr. Johnson vied with each other in the kindness of
their reception of me. Mr. Thrale was, as usual at first, cold and
quiet, but soon, as usual also, warmed into sociality.
The next day Sir Philip Jennings Clerke came. He is not at all a man
of letters, but extremely well-bred, nay, elegant, in his manners, and
sensible and agreeable in his conversation. He is a professed minority
man, and very active and zealous in the opposition. He had, when I came,
a bill in agitation concerning contractors--too long a matter to explain
upon paper--but which was levelled against bribery and corruption in the
ministry, and which he was to make a motion upon in The House of Commons
the next week.[91]
Men of such different principles as Dr. Johnson and Sir Philip _you_
may imagine, can not have much sympathy or cordiality in their political
debates; however, the very superior abilities of the former, and the
remarkable good breeding of the latter have kept both upon good terms;
though they have had several arguments, in which each has exerted his
utmost force for conquest.
The heads of one of their debates I must try to remember, because I
should be sorry to forget. Sir Philip explained his bill; Dr. Johnson
at first scoffed at it; Mr. Thrale betted a guinea the motion would not
pass, and Sir Philip, that he should divide a hundred and fifty upon it.
Sir Philip, addressing himself to Mrs. Thrale, hoped she would not
suffer the Tories to warp her judgment, and told me he hoped my father
had not tainted my principles; and then he further explained his bill,
and indeed made it appear so equitable, that Mrs. Thrale gave in to it,
and wished her husband to vote for it. He still bung back; but, to our
general surprise, Dr. Johnson having made more particular inquiries
into its merits, first softened towards it, and then declared it a very
rational and fair bill, and joined with Mrs. Thrale in soliciting Mr.
Thrale's vote.
Sir Philip was, and with very good reason, quite delighted. He opened
upon politics more amply, and freely declared his opinions, which were
so strongly against the government, and so much bordering upon the
republican principles, that Dr. Johnson suddenly took fire; he called
back his recantation begged Mr. Thrale not to vote for Sir Philip's
bill, and grew very animated against his antagonist.
“The bill,” said he, “ought to be opposed by all honest men! in itself,
and considered simply it is equitable, and I would forward it; but when
we find what a faction it is to support and encourage, it ought not
to be listened to. All men should oppose it who do not wish well to
sedition!”
These, and several other expressions yet more strong, he made use of;
and had Sir Philip had less unalterable politeness, I believe they would
have had a vehement quarrel. He maintained his ground, however, with
calmness and steadiness, though he had neither argument nor wit at all
equal to such an opponent.
Dr. Johnson pursued him with unabating vigour and dexterity, and at
length, though he could not convince, he so entirely baffled him, that
Sir Philip was self-compelled to be quiet--which, with a very good
grace, he confessed.
Dr. Johnson then, recollecting himself, and thinking, as he owned
afterwards, that the dispute grew too serious, with a skill all his own,
suddenly and unexpectedly turned it to burlesque; and taking Sir Philip
by the hand at the moment we arose after supper, and were separating for
the night.
“Sir Philip,” said he, “you are too liberal a man for the party to which
you belong; I shall have much pride in the honour of converting you; for
I really believe, if you were not spoiled by bad company, the spirit of
faction would not have possessed you. Go, then, sir, to the House,
but make not your motion! Give up your bill, and surprise the world
by turning to the side of truth and reason. Rise, sir, when they
least expect you, and address your fellow-patriots to this
purpose:--'Gentlemen, I have, for many a weary day, been deceived
and seduced by you. I have now opened my eyes; I see that you are all
scoundrels--the subversion of all government is your aim. Gentlemen, I
will no longer herd among rascals in whose infamy my name and character
must be included. I therefore renounce you all, gentlemen, as you
deserve to be renounced.'”
Then, shaking his hand heartily, he added,
“Go, sir, go to bed; meditate upon this recantation, and rise in the
morning a more honest man than you laid down.”