At Table

When at table, he was totally absorbed in the business of the moment; his looks seemed riveted to his plate; nor would he, unless when in very high company, say one word, or even pay the least attention to what was said by others, till he had satisfied his appetite , which was so fierce, and indulged with such intensity , that while in the act of eating, the veins of his forehead swelled, and a strong perspiration was visible. To those whose sensations were delicate, this could not but be disgusting; and it was doubtless not very suitable to the character of a philosopher, who should be distinguished by self-command. But it must be owned that Johnson, though he might be rigidly ABSTEMIOUS, was not a TEMPERATE man, either in eating or drinking. He could refrain, but he could not use moderation . He told me that he had fasted for two days without inconvenience, and that he had never been hungry.