Life of Johnson (1776) [ People / Practices ]
… sometimes in conversation maintain opinions which he was sensible were wrong, but in supporting which, his reasoning and wit would be most conspicuous. He would begin thus: “Why, Sir, as to the good or evil of card-playing —“ “Now, (said … he shall take.” He appeared to have a pleasure in contradiction, especially when any opinion what ever was delivered with an air of confidence; so that there was hardly any topick, if not one of the great truths of Religion and Morality, … reasons for it.” I have heard Johnson pay his Lordship this high compliment: “I never was in Lord Eli bank ' s company without learning something." We sat together till it was too late for the afternoon service. Thrale said he had come with …
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