Such treatment I did not
expect, for I never had a Patron before. The notice you have been
pleased to take of my labours, had it been early, had been kind; but
it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till
I am solitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want
it. I hope it is no cynical asperity not to confess obligations where
no benefit has been received, or to be unwilling that the public
should consider me as owing that to a patron which Providence has
enabled me to do for myself!
[Illustration: LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL, WEST FRONT.]
Johnson's name is often associated with London taverns, but it would be
wrong to assume on that account that he had bibulous tendencies, for
although he described Boswell, who wrote his splendid biography, as a
"clubable" man, and the tavern chair as the throne of human felicity, it
should be remembered that there were no gentlemen's clubs in London in
those days, hence groups of famous men met at the taverns. Johnson had
quite a host of friends, including Garrick, Burke, Goldsmith, Savage
(whose biography he wrote), Sheridan, and Sir Joshua Reynolds. When Sir
Joshua Reynolds and Johnson were dining at Mrs.
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