He proclaims himself. Dr. Johnson (1709-1784) She trusts she will never more feel ambitious to see her name in print. Charlotte Brontë (1816-1855) Declines the honour of the Grand Cross of the Bath together with a pension. Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) HE PROCLAIMS HIMSELF Dr. Samuel Johnson to Lord Chesterfield1 MY LORD, February 7th, 1755. I have been lately informed by the proprietor of The World, that two papers, in which my Dictionary is recommended to the public, were written by your lordship. To be so distinguished 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 some slight encouragement I first visited your lordship, I was overpowered, like the rest of mankind, by the enchantment of your address, and 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 attend 1 In the early years of Johnson's Grub-Street life, he had vainly sued for Lord Chesterfield's patronage and had received only rebuffs. When seven years later the news spread abroad that Johnson's great work was completed and that the Dictionary was upon the eve of publication, Lord Chesterfield, who, it is said, had flattered himself with expectations that the magnum opus would be dedicated to himself, attempted, by writing two flattering papers in "The World," to bring about this desired result. Dr. Johnson, in discussing Lord Chesterfield's conduct with Boswell, said, Sir, after making great professions, he had, for many years, taken no notice of me; but when my Dictionary was coming out, he fell a-scribbling in 'The World' about it. Upon which, I wrote him a letter, expressed in civil terms, but such as might show him that I did not mind what he said or wrote, and that I had done with him." This is that famous letter. 66 ance 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 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 favour. 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 labours, 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 favourer 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. |