The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 03 · Chapter 56Hermeticus
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[Footnote l: In the sixth chapter of Rasselas we have an excellent story of an experimentalist in the art of flying. Dr. Johnson sketched perhaps from life, for we are informed that he once lodged in the same house with a man who broke his legs in the daring attempt.]
No. 200. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1752.
Nemo petit, modicis quae mittebantur amicis A Seneca, quae Piso bonus, quae Cotta solebut Largiri; namque et titulis, et fascibus olim Major habebatur donandi gloria: solum Poscimus, ut caenes civiliter. Hoc face, el esto, Esto, ut nunc multi, dives tibi, pauper amicis. JUV. Sat. v. 108.
No man expects (for who so much a sot Who has the times he lives in so forgot?) What Seneca, what Piso us'd to send, To raise or to support a sinking friend. Those godlike men, to wanting virtue kind, Bounty well plac'd, preferr'd, and well design'd, To all their titles, all that height of pow'r, Which turns the brains of fools, and fools alone adore. When your poor client is condemn'd t' attend, 'Tis all we ask, receive him as a friend: Descend to this, and then we ask no more; Rich to yourself, to all beside be poor. BOWLES.