For my own part I think no innocent species of wit or pleasantry should be suppressed: and that a good pun may be admitted among the smaller excellencies of lively conversation.
James Boswell
His mind resembled the vast ampitheatre, the Colisum at Rome. In the centre stood his judgement, which like a mighty gladiator, combated those apprehensions that, like the wild beasts of the Arena, were all around in cells, ready to be let out upon him. After a conflict, he drives them back into their dens; but not killing them, they were still assailing him.
James Boswell
I regretted I was not the head of a clan; however, though not possessed of such an hereditary advantage, I would always endeavour to make my tenants follow me.
James Boswell
Johnson is dead. Let us go to the next best there is nobody; no man can be said to put you in mind of Johnson.
James Boswell
What can he mean by coming among us? He is not only dull himself, but the cause of dullness in others.
James Boswell
We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over.
James Boswell
Such groundless fears will arise in the mind, before it has resumed its vigour after sleep!
James Boswell
As all who come into the country must obey the King, so all who come into an university must be of the Church.
James Boswell
In every place, where there is any thing worthy of observation, there should be a short printed directory for strangers.
James Boswell
Boswell is pleasant and gay, For frolic by nature designed; He heedlessly rattles away When company is to his mind.
James Boswell