Dr Johnson:his Life & Times

This man I thought had been a Lord among wits; but, I find, he is only a wit among Lords.’

c. 1754 (see above)

‘They teach the morals of a whore, and the manners of a dancing master.’

 c.1754, referring to Lord Chesterfield’s published letters written to his son.

‘Lexicographer: a writer of dictionaries, a harmless drudge.’

 C.1755 (dictionary)

‘If a man does not make new acquaintance as he advances through life , he will soon find himself left alone. A man, Sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair.’

c.1755

‘No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned. A man in a jail has better food and commonly better company.’

c.1759