The Gentleman's Magazine

Gentleman's Magazine:

AND

Historical Chronicle.

For the YEAR MDCCXCI.

1.70

VOLUME LXI.

PART THE SECOND.

PRODESSE ET DELECTARE--

E PLURIBUS UNU M.

G3
V.70

By SYLVANUS URBAN, Gent.

LONDON, Printed by JOHN NICHOLS,
at Cicero's Head, Red Lion Paffage, Fleet-Street;
for DAVID HENRY, late of St. John's Gate.
And fold by ELIZ. NEWBERY, the Corner of St. Paul's
Church Yard, Ludgate-Street. 1791.

Dr. JOHNSON'S Letter to the Earl of CHESTERFIELD.

MY LORD,

Feb..... 1755

HAVE been lately informed, by the proprietors of the World, that two papers, in which my Dictionary is recommended to the publick, were written by your Lordship. To be fo diftinguished is an honour which, being very little accustomed to favours from the great, I know not well how to receive, or in what terms to acknowledge.

When, upon fome flight encouragement, I first vifited your Lordship, I was overpowered, like the reft of mankind, by the enchantment of your addrefs, and could not forbear to with, that I might boast myself le vainqueur du vainqueur de la terre; that I might obtain that regard for which I faw the world contending. But I found my attendance fo little encouraged, that neither pride, nor modefty, would fuffer me to continue it. When I had once addreffed your Lordship in public, I had exhaufted all the art of pleafing, which a retired and uncourtly fcholar can poffefs. I had done all that I could; and no man is well pleated to have his all neglected, be it ever fo little.

Seven years, my Lord, have now paffed fince I waited in your outward room, or was repulfed from your door; during which time I have been pushing on my work through difficulties, of which it is ufelefs to complain; and have brought it at laft to the verge of publication, without one act of affittance, one word of encouragement, or one smile of favour. Such treatment I did not expect, for I never had a patron before.

The Shepherd in Virgil grew acquainted with Love, and found him a native of the rocks.

Is not a patron, my Lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man ftruggling for life in the water, and, when he has reached ground, encumbers him with help? The notice which you have been pleafed to take of my labours, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am folitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it. I hope it is no very cynical afperity not to confefs obligations where no benefit has been received; or to be unwilling that the publick thould confider me as owing that to a patron, which Providence has enabled me to do for myself.

Having carried on my work thus far with fo little obligation to any favourer of learning, I fhall not be disappointed, though I fhould conclude it, if lefs be poffible, with lefs; for have been long wakened from that dream of hope, in which I once boasted myself with so much exultation. My LORD,

Your Lordship's most humble
and most obedient fervant,
SAMUEL JOHNSON.

LOND.GAZETTE