“His mind resembled the vast ampitheatre, the Colisæum at Rome. In the centre stood his judgement, which like a mighty gladiator, combated those apprehensions that, like the wild beasts of the Arena, were all around in cells, ready to be let out upon him. After a conflict, he drives them back into their dens; but not killing them, they were still assailing him.”

— James Boswell, book The Life of Samuel Johnson

Referring to Johnson (26 October 1769)
The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. (1791)

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James Boswell23

Scottish lawyer, diarist and author 1740–1795

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