The diversion of baiting an ...

The diversion of baiting an author has the sanction of all ages and nations, and is more lawful than the sport of teasing other animals, because, for the most part, he comes voluntarily to the stake, furnished, as he imagines, by the patron powers of literature, with resistless weapons, and impenetrable armour, with the mail of the boar of Erymanth, and the paws of the lion of Nemea.
The diversion of baiting an author has the sanction of all ages and nations, and is more lawful than the sport of teasing other animals, because, for the most part, he comes voluntarily to the stake, furnished, as he imagines, by the patron powers of literature, with resistless weapons, and impenetrable armour, with the mail of the boar of Erymanth, and the paws of the lion of Nemea.
 Samuel Johnson

Quotes from the same author

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in a constant repair.
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 Samuel Johnson
To keep your secret is wisdom; but to expect others to keep it is folly.
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 Samuel Johnson
Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.
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 Samuel Johnson
Memory is the mother of all wisdom.
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 Samuel Johnson
Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions.
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 Samuel Johnson