James Boswell - The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides (1785)

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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
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
'Sir,' said Mr Johnson, 'a lawyer has no business with the justice or injustice of the cause which he undertakes, unless his client asks his opinion, and then he is bound to give it honestly. The justice or injustice of the cause is to be decided by the judge.'

James Boswell
I fancy mankind may come, in time, to write all aphoristically.

James Boswell
Such groundless fears will arise in the mind, before it has resumed its vigour after sleep!

James Boswell
In every place, where there is any thing worthy of observation, there should be a short printed directory for strangers.

James Boswell
My lord and Dr Johnson disputed a little, whether the savage or the London shopkeeper had the best existence; his lordship, as usual, preferring the savage.

James Boswell
Influence must ever be in proportion to property; and it is right it should.

James Boswell
Boswell: But, Sir is it not somewhat singular that you should happen to have Cocker's Arithmetic about you on your journey? Dr. Johnson: Why, Sir if you are to have but one book with you upon a journey, let it be a book of science. When you read through a book of entertainment, you know it, and it can do no more for you; but a book of science is inexhaustible.

James Boswell