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 attendance so
little encouraged, that neither pride nor modesty would suffer me to
continue it. When I had once addressed your lordship in publick, 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
room, 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 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 publick
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
and most obedient servant,
SAMUEL JOHNSON."

It is said