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| Samuel Johnson |
Samuel Johnson (1755),
Preface to the English Dictionary
Johnson was not
always a conventional guest. Graciously treated, he responded in like
manner, but offended, Johnson could wield a pen dripping with
vitriol.
(Samuel Johnson
writes to Lord Chesterfield, Feb. 7, 1755.)
Vol. 39, pp. 206-207 of
The Harvard Classics
Letter
to the Right Honorable the Earl of Chesterfield
February 7, 1755.
MY LORD:
I HAVE lately
been informed by the proprietor of The World, that two
papers, in which myDictionary is recommended to the public, were
written by your Lordship. to be so distinguished is an honor 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
some slight encouragement, I first visited your Lordship, I was
overpowered, like the rest of mankind, by the enchantment of your
address; and I could not forbear to wish that I might boast myself
‘Le vainqueur du vainqueur de la terre’; that I might obtain that
regard for which I saw the world contending; but I found my
attendance so little encouraged, that neither pride nor modesty would
suffer me to continue it. When I had once addressed your Lordship in
public, I had exhausted all the art of pleasing which a retired and
uncourtly scholar can possess. I had done all that I could; and no
man is well pleased to have his all neglected, be it ever so little.
Seven
years, my Lord, have now passed, since I waited in your outward
rooms, or was repulsed from your door; during which time I have been
pushing on my work through difficulties, of which it is useless to
complain, and have brought it at last to the verge of publication,
without one act of assistance, one word of encouragement, or one
smile of favor. Such treatment I did not expect, for I never had a
Patron before.
The
shepherd in Virgil grew at last 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 struggling for
life in the water, and, when he has reached ground, encumbers him
with help? The notice which you have been pleased to take of my
labors, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed
till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and
cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it. I hope it is
no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit
has been received, or to be unwilling that the Public should consider
me as owing that to a Patron, which Providence has enabled me to do
for myself.
Having
carried on my work thus far with so little obligation to any favorer
of learning, I shall not be disappointed though I should conclude it,
if less be possible, with less; for I 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,
Most
obedient servant, SAM. JOHNSON.
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