My friend was of opinion that when a man of rank appeared in that character [as an author], he deserved to have his merits handsomely allowed.1
ATTRIBUTION:
Life of Johnson (Boswell).2Vol. viii. Chap. iii. 1781.
Note 1. Usually quoted as “When a nobleman writes a book, he ought to be encouraged.” [back]
Note 2. From the London edition, 10 volumes, 1835.
Dr. Johnson, it is said, when he first heard of Boswell’s intention to write a life of him, announced, with decision enough, that if he thought Boswell really meant to write his life he would prevent it by taking Boswell’s!—Thomas Carlyle: Miscellanies, Jean Paul Frederic Richter. [back]
