In this passage from the life of samuel johnson by james boswell, which of the highlighted words is a participle? eager to take any opening to get into conversation with him, i ventured to say, “o, sir, i cannot think mr. garrick would grudge such a trifle to you.” “sir,” said he, with a stern look, “i have known david garrick longer than you have done: and i know no right you have to talk to me on the subject.” perhaps i deserved this check; for it was rather presumptuous in me, an entire stranger, to express any doubt of the justice of his animadversion upon his old acquaintance and pupil. i now felt myself much mortified, and began to think that the hope which i had long indulged of obtaining his acquaintance was blasted. and, in truth, had not my ardor been uncommonly strong, and my resolution uncommonly persevering, so rough a reception might have deterred me forever from making any further attempts.