There
was a trembling consultation as to the expediency of bringing the
volume under the notice of Johnson. "One of his pointed sarcasms, if
he should happen to be displeased, would soon find its way into all
companies and spoil the sale." "I think it would be well to send in
our joint names, accompanied with a handsome card, such an one as you
will know how to fabricate, and such as may predispose him to a
favourable perusal of the book, by coaxing him into a good temper, for
he is a great bear, with all his learning and penetration." Fear
prevailed; but it seems that the book found its way into the dictator's
hands, that his judgment on it was kind, and that he even did something
to temper the wind of adverse criticism to the shorn lamb. Yet parts
of it were likely to incur his displeasure as a Tory, as a Churchman,
and as one who greatly preferred Fleet Street to the beauties of
nature; while with the sentimental misery of the writer, he could have
had no sympathy whatever. Of the incompleteness of Johnson's view of
character there could be no better instance than the charming weakness
of Cowper.
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