Dr. Goldsmith, who had been a peculiar favourite in the set, as much, perhaps, for his absurdities as for his genius, was already gone; though still, and it may be from this double motive, continually missed and regretted: for what, in a chosen coterie, could be more amusing,—many as are the things that might be more edifying,—than gathering knowledge and original ideas in one moment, from the man who the next, by the simplicity of his egotism, expanded every mouth by the merriment of ridicule?
Mrs. Montagu, Mrs. Boscowen, Mrs. Crewe, Lord Loughborough, Mr. Dunning,[28] Lord Mulgrave, Lord Westcote, Sir Lucas and Mr. Pepys[29] Major Holroyd,[30] Mrs. Hinchcliffe, Mrs. Porteus, Miss Streatfield, Miss Gregory,[31] Dr. Lort, the Bishops of London and Peterborough (Porteus and Hinchcliffe), with a long et cætera of visitors less marked, filled up the brilliant catalogue of the spirited associates of Streatham.
MR. MURPHY.
But the most intimate in the house, amongst the Wits, from being the personal favourite of Mr. Thrale, was Mr. Murphy; who, for gaiety of spirits, powers of dramatic effect, stories of strong humour and resistless risibility, was nearly unequalled: and they were coupled with politeness of address, gentleness of speech, and well bred, almost courtly, demeanour.
He was a man of great erudition,[32] without one particle of pedantry; and a stranger not only to spleen and malevolence, but the happiest promoter of convivial hilarity.
With what pleasure, and what pride, does the editor copy, from an ancient diary, the following words that passed between Dr. Johnson and Mr. Murphy, relative to Dr. Burney, upon the first meeting of the editor with Mr. Murphy at Streatham!
Mrs. Thrale was lamenting the sudden disappearance of Dr. Burney, who was just gone to town sans adieu; declaring that he was the most complete male-coquet she knew, for he only gave just enough of his company to make more desired.
“Dr. Burney,” said Mr. Murphy, “is, indeed, a most extraordinary man. I think I do not know such another. He is at home upon all subjects; and upon all is so highly agreeable! I look upon him as a wonderful man.”
“I love Burney!” cried Dr. Johnson, emphatically: “my heart, as I told him—goes out to meet Burney!”