Note 115 — HOGARTH ILLUSTRATED.

Of Henley's absurdities we have heard much; but they had their source in an adoption of that manner which he knew would be agreeable to his auditors, rather than in ignorance. The following circumstance proves he was a man of some humour:—

"I never," says a person who knew little about the doctor, "saw Orator Henley but once, and that was at the Grecian Coffeehouse, where a gentleman he was acquainted with coming in, and seating himself in the same box, the following dialogue passed between them:—

Henley. "Pray what is become of our old friend Dick Smith? I have not seen him for several years."

Gentleman. "I really don't know. The last time I heard of him he was at Ceylon, or some of our settlements in the West Indies."

Henley (with some surprise). "At Ceylon, or some of our settlements in the West Indies! My good sir, in one sentence there are two mistakes. Ceylon is not one of our settlements, it belongs to the Dutch; and it is situated, not in the West, but in the East Indies."

Gentleman (with some heat). "That I deny!"

Henley. "More shame for you! I will engage to bring a boy of eight years of age who will confute you."

Gentleman (in a cooler tone of voice). "Well,—be it where it will, I thank God I know very little about these sort of things."

Henley. "What, you thank God for your ignorance, do you?"

Gentleman (in a violent rage). "I do, sir. What then?"

Henley. "Sir, you have a great deal to be thankful for."