of this river its envied fertility.* Lobo knows want of encouragement.

Johnson, it seems, nothing of the Nile in the rest of its passage, differed from Boileau, Voltaire, and D'Alembert, except that it receives great increase from many who had taken upon them to proscribe all moother rivers, has several cataracts like that al-dern efforts to write with elegance in a dead ready described, and that few fish are to be found in it; that scarcity is to be attributed to the river horse and the crocodile, which destroy the weaker inhabitants of the river. Something, likewise, must be imputed to the cataracts, where fish cannot fall without being killed. Lobo adds, that neither he, nor any with whom he conversed about the crocodile, ever saw him weep; and therefore all that hath been said about his tears must be ranked among the fables invented for the amusement of children.

language. For a decision pronounced in so high a tone, no good reason can be assigned. The interests of learning require that the diction of Greece and Rome should be cultivated with care; and he who can write a language with correctness, will be most likely to understand its idiom, its grammar, and its peculiar graces of style. What man of taste would willingly forego the pleasure of reading Vida, Fra castorius, Sannazaro, Strada, and others, down to the late elegant productions of Bishop Lowth? As to the causes of the inundations of the The history which Johnson proposed to himself Nile, Lobo observes, that many an idle hypothe-would, beyond all question, have been a valuable sis has been framed. Some theorists ascribe it addition to the history of letters; but his project to the high winds, that stop the current, and failed. His next expedient was to offer his as force the water above its banks. Others pre- sistance to Cave, the original projector of the tend a subterraneous communication between Gentleman's Magazine. For this purpose he the Ocean and the Nile, and that the sea, when sent his proposals in a letter, offering, on rea. violently agitated, swells the river. Many are sonable terms, occasionally to fill some pages of opinion, that this mighty flood proceeds from with poems and inscriptions never printed bethe melting of the snow on the mountains of fore; with fugitive pieces that deserved to be reEthiopia; but so much snow and such prodigious vived, and critical remarks on authors ancient heat are never met with in the same region. and modern. Cave agreed to retain him as a Lobo never saw snow in Abyssinia, except on correspondent and contributor to the Magazine. Mount Semen in the kingdom of Tigre, very What the conditions were cannot now be remote from the Nile; and on Namara, which known; but certainly they were not sufficient is, indeed, not far distant, but where there never to hinder Johnson from casting his eyes about falls snow enough to wet, when dissolved, the him in quest of other employment. Accordingfoot of the mountain. To the immense labours ly, in 1735, he made overtures to the Rev. Mr. of the Portuguese, mankind is indebted for the Budworth, Master of a Grammar-school at knowledge of the real cause of these inundations, Brerewood, in Staffordshire, to become his asso great and so regular. By them we are in- sistant. This proposition did not succeed. Mr. formed, that Abyssinia, where the Nile rises, is Budworth apprehended, that the involuntary full of mountains, and in its natural situation, is motions, to which Johnson's nerves were submuch higher than Egypt; that in the winter, from ject, might make him an object of ridicule with June to September, no day is without rain; that his scholars, and, by consequence, lessen their the Nile receives in its course, all the rivers, respect for their master. Another mode of adbrooks, and torrents, that fall from those moun- vancing himself presented itself about this time. tains, and, by necessary consequence, swelling Mrs. Porter, the widow of a mercer in Birmingabove its banks, fills the plains of Egypt with ham, admired his talents. It is said that she had inundations, which come regularly about the about eight hundred pounds; and that sum to a month of July, or three weeks after the begin-person in Johnson's circumstances was an affluning of the rainy season in Ethiopia. The different degrees of this flood are such certain indications of the fruitfulness or sterility of the ensuing year, that it is publicly proclaimed at Cairo how much the water hath gained during the night."

ent fortune. A marriage took place, and to turr. his wife's money to the best advantage, he prc jected the scheme of an academy for education. Gilbert Walmsley, at that time Registrar of the Ecclesiastical Court of the Bishop of Litchfield, Such is the account of the Nile and its inun- was distinguished by his erudition, and the po dations, which it is hoped will not be deemed an liteness of his manners. He was the friend of improper or tedious digression, especially as the Johnson, and, by his weight and influence en whole is an extract from Johnson's translation. deavoured to promote his interest. The cele He is all the time the actor in the scene, and in brated Garrick, whose father, Captain Garrick, his own words relates the story. Having finish-lived at Litchfield, was placed in the new semied this work, he returned, in February 1734, to nary of education, by that gentleman's advice.his native city, and, in the month of August fol- Garrick was then about eighteen years old. An lowing, published proposals for printing by sub-accession of seven or eight pupils was the most scription the Latin Poems of Politian, with the that could be obtained, though notice was given History of Latin Poetry, from the Era of Pe- by a public advertisement,f that at Edial, near trarch, to the time of Politian; and also the Litchfield, in Staffordshire, young gentlemen are life of Politian, to be added by the Editor, boarded and taught the Latin and Greek LanSamuel Johnson. The book to be printed guages, by Samuel Johnson. in thirty octavo sheets, price five shillings. It is to be regretted that this project failed for

*After comparing this description with that lately given by Mr. Bruce, the reader will judge whether Lobo is to Jose the honour of having been at the head of the Nile near two centuries before any other European traveller..

The undertaking proved abortive. Johnson having now abandoned all hopes of promoting his fortune in the country, determined to become an adventurer in the world at large. His young pupil, Garrick, had formed the same resolution;

†See the Gentleman's Magazine for 1736, p. 418

and, accordingly, in March, 1737, they arrived pleted: a like design was offered to the public, in London together. Two such candidates for under the patronage of Dr. Zachary Pearce; fame, perhaps never before that day entered and by that contention both attempts were frusthe metropolis together. Their stock of money trated. Johnson had been commended by Pope was soon exhausted. In his visionary project for the translation of the Messiah into Latin of an academy, Johnson had probably wasted verse; but he knew no approach to so eminent a his wife's substance; and Garrick's father had man. With one, however, who was connected little more than his half-pay. The two fellow-with Pope, he became acquainted at St. John's travellers had the world before them, and each Gate; and that person was no other than the was to choose his road to fortune and to fame. well-known Richard Savage, whose life was afThey brought with them genius, and powers of terwards written by Johnson, with great elemind, peculiarly formed by nature for the differ- gance, and a depth of moral reflection. Savage ent vocations to which each of them felt himself was a man of considerable talents. His adinclined. They acted from the impulse of young dress, his various accomplishments, and, above minds, even then meditating great things, and all, the peculiarity of his misfortunes, recom with courage anticipating success. Their friend mended him to Johnson's notice. They beMr. Walmsley, by a letter to the Rev. Mr. Col- came united in the closest intimacy. Both had son, who, it seems, was a great mathematician, great parts, and they were equally under the exerted his good offices in their favour. He gave pressure of want. Sympathy joined them in a notice of their intended journey. "Davy Gar-league of friendship. Johnson has been often rick," he said, "will be with you next week; heard to relate, that he and Savage walked and Johnson, to try his fate with a tragedy, and round Grosvenor-square till four in the mornto get himself employed in some translation ing; in the course of their conversation reformeither from the Latin or French. Johnson is a ing the world, dethroning princes, establishing very good scholar and a poet, and I have great new forms of government, and giving laws to hopes will turn out a fine tragedy writer. If it the several states of Europe; till, fatigued at should be in your way, I doubt not but you will length with their legislative office, they began to be ready to recommend and assist your country-feel the want of refreshment, but could not mus- : men." Of Mr. Walmsley's merit, and the ex- ter up more than fourpence-halfpenny. Sa cellence of his character, Johnson has left a vage, it is true, had many vices: but vice could beautiful testimonial at the end of the Life of never strike its roots in a mind like Johnson's, Edward Smith. It is reasonable to conclude, seasoned early with religion, and the principles of that a mathematician, absorbed in abstract spe- moral rectitude. His first prayer was composed culations, was not able to find a sphere of action in the year 1738. He had not at that time refor two men who were to be the architects of nounced the use of wine; and, no doubt, occatheir own fortune. In three or four years after- sionally enjoyed his friend and his bottle. The wards Garrick came forth, with talents that as- love of late hours, which followed him through tonished the public. He began his career at life, was, perhaps, originally contracted in comGoodman's-fields, and there, monstratus fatis pany with Savage. However that may be, their Vespasianus! he chose a lucrative profession, connexion was not of long duration. In the and consequently soon emerged from all his dif- year 1738, Savage was reduced to the last disficulties. Johnson was left to toil in the hum-tress. Mr. Pope, in a letter to him, expressed ble walks of literature. A tragedy, as appears his concern for "the miserable withdrawing of by Walmsley's letter, was the whole of his stock. his pension after the death of the Queen;" and This, most probably, was IRENE; but, if then gave him hopes that, "in a short time, he should finished, it was doomed to wait for a more happy find himself supplied with a competence, with period. It was offered to Fleetwood, and reject-out any dependence on those little creatures ed. Johnson looked round him for employment. whom we are pleased to call the Great. The Having, while he remained in the country, cor- scheme proposed to him was, that he should reresponded with Cave, under a feigned name, he tire to Swansea in Wales, and receive an allow now thought it time to make himself known to ance of fifty pounds a year, to be raised by suba man whom he considered as a patron of litera-scription; Pope was to pay twenty pounds. This ture. Cave had announced, by public advertisement, a prize of fifty pounds for the best poem on Life, Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell; and this circumstance diffused an idea of his liberality. Johnson became connected with him in business, and in a close and intimate acquaint

ance.

plan, though finally established, took more than a year before it was carried into execution. In the mean time, the intended retreat of Savage called to Johnson's mind the third Satire of Juvenal in which that poet takes leave of a friend, who was withdrawing himself from all the vices of Rome. Struck with this idea, he wrote that well-known poem, called London. The first lines manifestly point to Savage.

Of Cave's character it is unnecessary to say any thing in this place, as Johnson was afterwards the biographer of his first and most useful patron. To be engaged in the translation of some important book was still the object which "Though grief and fondness in my breast rebel Johnson had in view. For this purpose he proWhen injured Thales bids the town farewell; posed to give the History of the Council of Trent, Yet still my calmer thoughts his choice commend, I praise the hermit, but regret the friend, with copious notes, then lately added to a French Resolved at length, from Vice and London far edition. Twelve sheets of this work were printTo breathe in distant fields a purer air; ed, for which Johnson received forty-nine And fixed on Cambria's solitary shore, Give to St. David one true Briton more.' pounds, as appears by his receipt in the possession of Mr. Nichols, the compiler of that enter- Johnson at that time lodged at Greenwich, taining and useful work, the Gentleman's Maga-He there fixes the scene, and takes leave of his zine. Johnson's translation was never com- friend; who, he says in his Life, parted from

him with tears in his eyes. The poem, when | finished, was offered to Cave. It happened, however, that the late Mr. Dodsley was the purchaser, at the price of ten guineas. It was published in 1738; and Pope, we are told, said, "The author, whoever he is, will not be long concealed:" alluding to the passage in Terence, Ubi, ubi est, diu celari non potest. Notwithstanding that prediction, it does not appear that, besides the copy-money, any advantage accrued to the author of a poem, written with the elegance and energy of Pope. Johnson, in August 1738, went, with all the fame of his poetry, to offer himself a candidate for the mastership of the school at Appleby, in Leicestershire. The statutes of the place required, that the person chosen should be a Master of Arts. To remove this objection, the then Lord Gower was induced to write to a friend, in order to obtain for Johnson a Master's degree in the University of Dublin, by the recommendation of Dr. Swift. The letter was printed in one of the Magazines, and was as follows:

This scheme miscarried. There is reason to think, that Swift declined to meddle in the business; and to that circumstance Johnson's known dislike of Swift has been often imputed.

It is mortifying to pursue a man of merit through all his difficulties; and yet this narrative must be, through many following years, the history of Genius and Virtue struggling with Adversity. Having lost the school at Appleby, Johnson was thrown back on the metropolis. Bred to no profession, without relations, friends or interest, he was condemned to drudgery in the service of Cave, his only patron. In Novem ber 1738 was published a translation of Crousaz's Examen of Pope's Essay on Man; "containing a succinct View of the System of the Fatalists, and a Confutation of their Opinions; with an Illustration of the Doctrine of FreeWill; and an Inquiry, what view Mr. Pope might have in touching upon the Leibnitzian Philosophy, and Fatalism. By Mr. Crousaz, Professor of Philosophy, and Mathematics at Lausanne." This translation has been generally thought a production of Johnson's pen; but it is now known, that Mrs. Elizabeth Carter "Mr. Samuel Johnson (author of London, a has acknowledged it to be one of her early perSatire, and some other poetical pieces,) is a na-formances. It is certain, however, that Johntive of this county, and much respected by some worthy gentlemen in the neighbourhood, who are trustees of a charity-school, now vacant; the certain salary of which is sixty pounds per year, of which they are desirous to make him master; but unfortunately he is not capable of receiving their bounty, which would make him happy for life, by not being a Master of Arts, which, by the statutes of the school, the master of it must be.

"SIR,

"Now, these gentlemen do me the honour to think, that I have interest enough in you, to prevail upon you to write to Dean Swift, to persuade the University of Dublin to send a diploma to me, constituting this poor man Master of Arts in their University. They highly extol the man's learning and probity, and will not be persuaded, that the University will make any difficulty of conferring such a favour upon a stranger, if he is recommended by the Dean. They say he is not afraid of the strictest examination, though he is of so long a journey; and yet he will venture it, if the Dean thinks it necessary, choosing rather to die upon the road, than to be starved to death in translating for booksellers, which has been his only subsistence for some time past.

son was eager to promote the publication. He considered the foreign philosopher as a man zealous in the cause of religion; and with him he was willing to join against the system of the Fatalists, and the doctrine of Leibnitz. It is well known that Warburton wrote a vindication of Mr. Pope, but there is reason to think that Johnson conceived an early prejudice against the Essay on Man; and what once took root in a mind like his, was not easily eradicated. His letter to Cave on this subject is still extant, and may well justify Sir John Hawkins, who inferred that Johnson was the translator of Crousaz. The conclusion of the letter is remarkable. "I am yours, IMPRANSUS." If by that Latin word was meant that he had not dined, because he wanted the means, who can read it, even at this hour, without an aching heart?

With a mind naturally vigorous, and quick ened by necessity, Johnson formed a multiplici ty of projects; but most of them proved abortive. A number of small tracts issued from his pen with wonderful rapidity; such as "MARMOR NORFCLCIENSE; or an Essay on an ancient prophetical Inscription, in Monkish Rhyme, discovered at Lynn in Norfolk. By Probus Britan nicus." This was a pamphlet against Sir Robert Walpole. According to Sir John Hawkins, a warrant was issued to apprehend the Author, who retired with his wife to an obscure lodging near Lambeth Marsh, and there eluded the search of the messengers. But this story has no foundation in truth. Johnson was never

"I fear there is more difficulty in this affair than these good-natured gentlemen apprehend, especially as their election cannot be delayed longer than the 11th of next month. If you see this matter in the same light that it appears to me, I hope you will burn this, and pardon me for giving you so much trouble about an imprac-known to mention such an incident in his life ticable thing; but, if you think there is a proba- and Mr. Steele (late of the Treasury) caused bility of obtaining the favour asked, I am sure diligent search to be made at the proper offices, your humanity and propensity to relieve merit and no trace of such a proceeding could be a distress will incline you to serve the poor found. In the same year (1739) the Lord man, without my adding any more to the trou- Chamberlain prohibited the representation of a ble I have already given you, than assuring you, tragedy, called GUSTAVUS VASA, by Henry that I am, with great truth, Brooke. Under the mask of irony, Johnson published "A Vindication of the Licenser from the malicious and scandalous Aspersions of Mr. Brooke." Of these two pieces Sir John Hawkins says, "they have neither learning nor wit,

"Sir,
"Your faithful humble servant,

"Trentham Aug. 1-t."

"GOWER."

nor a single ray of that genius which has since speeches, are well known, and universally ad blazed forth; but, as they have lately been re-mired. The whole has be collected in two printed, the reader, who wishes to gratify his cu- volumes by Mr. Stockdale, and may form a proriosity, is referred to the fourteenth volume of per supplement to this edition. That Johnson Johnson's works, published by Stockdale. The was the author of the debates during that period lives of Boerhaave, Blake, Barratier, Father was not generally known; but the secret tranPaul, and others, were about that time, printed spired several years afterwards, and was avowed n the Gentleman's Magazine. The subscrip- by himself on the following occasion: Mr. Wedtion of fifty pounds a year for Savage was com- derburne (now Lord Loughborough,)* Dr. Johnpleted; and in July 1739, Johnson parted with son, Dr. Francis, (the translator of Horace,) the the companion of his midnight hours never to present writer, and others, dined with the late see him more. The separation was, perhaps, Mr. Foote. An important debate towards the an advantage to him, who wanted to make a end of Sir Robert Walpole's administration beright use of his time, and even then beheld with ing mentioned, Dr. Francis observed, "That self-reproach the waste occasioned by dissipa- Mr. Pitt's speech, on that occasion, was the best tion. His abstinence from wine and strong li- he had ever read." He added, "That he had quors began soon after the departure of Savage. employed eight years of his life in the study of What habits he contracted in the course of that Demosthenes, and finished a translation of that acquaintance cannot now be known. The am- celebrated orator, with all the decorations of bition of excelling in conversation, and that style and language within the reach of his capride of victory, which, at times, disgraced a pacity; but he had met with nothing equal to man of Johnson's genius, were, perhaps, native the speech above-mentioned." Many of the blemishes. A fierce spirit of independence, company remembered the debate; and some even in the midst of poverty, may be seen in passages were cited, with the approbation and Savage; and, if not thence transfused by John-applause of all present. During the ardour of son into his own manners, it may, at least, be conversation Johnson remained silent. As soon supposed to have gained strength from the ex- as the warmth of praise subsided, he opened ample before him. During that connexion there with these words: "That speech I wrote in a was, if we believe Sir John Hawkins, a short garret in Exeter-street." The company was separation between our author and his wife; struck with astonishment. After staring at each but a reconciliation soon took place. Johnson other in silent amaze, Dr. Francis asked, "How loved her, and showed his affection in various that speech could be written by him ?” “Sir,” modes of gallantry, which Garrick used to render said Johnson, "I wrote it in Exeter-street. I ridiculous by his mimicry. The affectation of never had been in the gallery of the House of soft and fashionable airs did not become an un- Commons but once. Cave had interest with wieldy figure: his admiration was received by the door-keepers. He, and the persons em the wife with the flutter of an antiquated co-ployed under him, gained admittance; they quette; and both, it is well known, furnished matter for the lively genius of Garrick.

It is a mortifying reflection, that Johnson, with a store of learning and extraordinary talents, was not able, at the age of thirty, to force his way to the favour of the public. Slow rises worth, by poverty depressed. "He was still," as he says himself, "to provide for the day that was passing over him." He saw Cave involved in a state of warfare with the numerous competitors, at that time struggling with the Gentleman's Magazine; and gratitude for such supplies as Johnson received dictated a Latin Ode on the subject of that contention. The first lines,

"Urbane, nullis fesse laboribus,

Urbane, nullis victe calumniis,"

brought away the subject of discussion, the names of the speakers, the side they took, and the order in which they rose, together with notes of the arguments advanced in the course of the debate. The whole was after wards communicated to me, and I composed the speeches in the form which they now have in the Parliamentary Debates." To this discovery Dr. Francis made answer: "Then, Sir, you have exceeded Demosthenes himself; for to say that you have exceeded Francis's Demosthenes, would be saying nothing." The rest of the company bestowed lavish encomiums on Johnson; one, in particular, praised his impartiality; observing, that he dealt out reason and cloquence with an equal hand to both parties. "That is not quite true," said Johnson; "1

put one in mind of Casimir's Ode to Pope Ur- saved appearances tolerably well; but I took

bun:

"Urbane, regum maxime, maxime
Urbane vatum."-

The Polish poet was, probably, at that time in the hands of a man who had meditated the history of the Latin poets. Guthrie the historian nad from July 1736 composed the parliamentary speeches for the Magazine; but, from the beginning of the session which opened on the 19th of November 1740, Johnson succeeded to that department, and continued it from that time to the debate on spirituous liquors, which happened in the House of Lords in February 1742-3. The eloquence, the force of argument, and the splen dour of language displayed in the several]

care that the whig dogs should not have the best of it." The sale of the Magazine was greatly increased by the Parliamentary Debates, which were continued by Johnson till the month of March 1742-3. From that time the Magazine was conducted by Dr. Hawkesworth.

In 1743-4, Osborne, the bookseller, who kept a shop in Gray's-Inn, purchased the Earl of Oxford's library, at the price of thirteen thousand pounds. He projected a catalogue in five octavo volumes, at five shillings each. Johnson was employed in that painful drudgery. He was likewise to collect all such small tracts as were in any degrees worth preserving in order to reprint and publish the whole in a collection

Afterwards Earl of Roslin. He died Jan. 1805

He was told that the Earl of Chesterfield was a friend to his undertaking; and in consequence of that intelligence, he published, in 1747, The Plan of a Dictionary of the English Language, addressed to the Right Honourable Philip Dormer, Earl of Chesterfield, one of his Majesty's princi pal Secretaries of State. Mr. Whitehead, after wards Poet Laureat, undertook to convey the manuscript to his Lordship: the consequence was an invitation from Lord Chesterfield to the author. A stronger contrast of characters could

called "The Harleian Miscellany." The catalogue was completed: and the Miscellany, in 1749, was published in eight quarto volumes. In this business Johnson was a day-labourer for immediate subsistence, not unlike Gustavus Vasa working in the mines of Dalecarlia. What Wilcox, a bookseller of eminence in the Strand, said to Johnson, on his first arrival in town, was now almost confirmed. He lent our author five guineas, and then asked him, "How do you mean to earn your livelihood in this town?" "By my literary labours," was the answer. Wil-not be brought together; the Nobleman, celeCox, staring at him, shook his head: "By your literary labours!-You had better buy a porter's knot." Johnson used to tell this anecdote to Mr. Nichols; but he said, "Wilcox was one of my best friends, and he meant well." In fact, Johnson, while employed in Gray's-Inn, may be said to have carried a porter's knot. He paused occasionally to peruse the book that came to his hand. Osborne thought that such curiosity tended to nothing but delay, and objected to it with all the pride and insolence of a man who knew that he paid daily wages. In the dispute that of course ensued, Osborne, with that roughness which was natural to him, enforced his argument by giving the lie. Johnson seized a folio and knocked the bookseller down. This story has been related as an instance of Johnson's ferocity; but merit cannot always take the spurns of the unworthy with a patient spirit.*

brated for his wit, and all the graces of polite behaviour; the Author, conscious of his own merit, towering in idea above all competition, versed in scholastic logic, but a stranger to the arts of polite conversation, uncouth, vehement, and vociferous. The coalition was too unnatural. Johnson expected a Maecenas, and was disappointed. No patronage, no assistance fol|lowed. Visits were repeated; but the reception was not cordial. Johnson one day was left a full hour, waiting in an antichamber, till a gentleman should retire, and leave his lordship at leisure. This was the famous Colley Cibber. Johnson saw him go, and fired with indignation, rushed out of the house. What Lord Chesterfield thought of his visiter may be seen in a passage in one of that Nobleman's letters to his son. "There is a man, whose moral charac ter, deep learning, and superior parts, I acknowThat the history of an author must be found ledge, admire, and respect; but whom it is so in his works, is, in general, a true observation; impossible for me to love, that I am almost in a and was never more apparent than in the pre- fever whenever I am in his company. His figure sent narrative. Every era of Johnson's life is (without being deformed) seems made to disfixed by his writings. In 1744, he published grace or ridicule the common structure of the the life of Savage; and then projected a new edi-human body. His legs and arms are never in tion of Shakspeare. As a prelude to that de- the position which, according to the situation of sign, he published, in 1745, "Miscellaneous Ob- his body, they ought to be in, but constantly servations on the Tragedy of Macbeth, with Re- | employed in committing acts of hostility upon marks on Sir Thomas Hanmer's Edition;" to the Graces. He throws any where, but down which were prefixed, "Proposals for a new Edi- his throat, whatever he means to drink: and tion of Shakspeare," with a specimen. Of this mangles what he means to carve. Inattentive pamphlet Warburton, in the Preface to Shaks- to all the regards of social life, he mis-times and peare, has given his opinion: "As to all those mis-places every thing. He disputes with heat things, which have been published under the indiscriminately, mindless of the rank, charactitle of Essays, Remarks, Observations, &c. on ter, and situation of those with whom he dis Shakspeare, if you except some critical notes on putes. Absolutely ignorant of the several graMacbeth, given as a specimen of a projected edi-dations of familiarity and respect, he is exactly tion, and written, as appears, by a man of parts and genius, the rest are absolutely below a serious notice." But the attention of the public was not excited; there was no friend to promote a subscription; and the project died, to revive at a future day. A new undertaking, however, was soon after proposed; namely, an English Dictionary upon an enlarged plan. Several of the most opulent booksellers had meditated a work of this kind; and the agreement was soon adjusted between the parties. Emboldened by this connexion, Johnson thought of a better habitation than he had hitherto known. He had lodged with his wife in courts and alleys about the Strand; but now, for the purpose of carrying on his arduors undertaking, and to be nearer his printer and finend, Mr. Strahan, he ventured to take a house in Gough-square, Fleet-street.

*Mr. Boswell says, "The simple truth I had from Johnon himself. 'Sir, he was impertinent to me, and I beat

the same to his superiors, his equals, and his inferiors; and therefore by a necessary consequence, is absurd to two of the three. Is it possible to love such a man? No. The utmost I can do for him is, to consider him a respectable Hottentot." Such was the idea entertained by lord Chesterfield. After the incident of Colley Cibber, Johnson never repeated his visits. In his high and decisive tone, he has been often heard to say, "Lord Chesterfield is a Wit among Lords, and a Lord among Wits."

In the course of the year 1747, Garrick, in conjunction with Lacy, became patentee of Drury-Lane playhouse. For the opening of the theatre at the usual time, Johnson wrote for his friend the well-known prologue, which, to say no more of it, may at least be placed on a level with Pope's to the tragedy of Cato. The playhouse being now under Garrick's direction.

†Dr. Johnson denies the whole of this story. See Bos nin; but it was not in his shop, it was in my own cham-well's Life. vol. i. p. 128. Oct. edit. 1804. č. i Letter CCXII.

her

(b)