The life of Samuel Johnson, , comprehending an account of his studies and numerous works, in chronological order; a series of his epistolary correspondence and conversations with many eminent persons . - did not stoop. From hisearliest years, his superiority was perceived and acknowledged. Hewas from the beginning ava^ avdpwi/, a king of men. His schoolfellow,Mr. Hector, has obligingly furnished me with many particulars of hisboyish days ; and assured me that he never knew him corrected atschool, but for talking and diverting other boys from their seemed to learn by intuition
The life of Samuel Johnson, , comprehending an account of his studies and numerous works, in chronological order; a series of his epistolary correspondence and conversations with many eminent persons . - did not stoop. From hisearliest years, his superiority was perceived and acknowledged. Hewas from the beginning ava^ avdpwi/, a king of men. His schoolfellow,Mr. Hector, has obligingly furnished me with many particulars of hisboyish days ; and assured me that he never knew him corrected atschool, but for talking and diverting other boys from their seemed to learn by intuition ; for though indolence and procrasti-nation were inherent in his constitution, whenever he made an exertionhe did more than any one else. In short, he is a memorable instanceiof what has been often observed, that the boy is the man in miniature; 1 Johnsons observations to Dr. Bumey, on this subject, may be found in a subsequent part©f this work. See vol. ii. near the end of tlie year 1775.—Burney. More than a little. The line is in King Henry VI., Part ii. Act. iv. Scene last:— Sword, I will hallow thee for this thy deed.—Malone. 10 BOSWELLS LIFE OF JOHNSON. [ and that the distinguishing characteristics of each individual are thesame through the whole course of life. His favourites used to receivevery liberal assistance from him ; and such was the submission anddeference with which he was treated, such the desire to obtain his regard, that three of the boys, ofwhom ]\Ir. Hector was sometimesone, used to come in the morning ashis humble attendants, and carry himto school. One in the middle stoopedwhile he sat upon his back, and oneon each side supported him, and thushe was borne triumphant. Such aproof of the early predominance ofintellectual vigour is very remark-able, and does honour to humannature. Talking to me once him-self of his being much distinguishedat school, he told me, They neverthought to raise me by compaiing meto any one ; they never said Johnsonis a
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