HISTORICAL PREFACE TO THE RAMBLER. clear and elegant style. He died in 1792, and lies buried in St. Paul's cathedral. Having no children, he bequeathed the principal part of his property to his niece, since married to the Earl of Inchiquin, now Marquis of Thomond. We shall conclude our sketch of the life of this illustrious artist, by quoting his opinion of Dr. Johnson, which is equally honourable to himself and his friend. Speaking of his own discourses, our great artist says, "Whatever merit they have must be imputed, in a great measure, to the education which I may be said to have had under Dr. Johnson. I do not mean to say, though it certainly would be to the credit of these discourses if I could say it with truth, that he contributed even a single sentiment to them; but he qualified my mind to think justly. No man had, like him, the faculty of teaching inferior minds the art of thinking. Perhaps other men might have equal knowledge, but few were so communicative. His great pleasure was to talk to those who looked up to him. It was here he exhibited his wonderful powers. In mixed company, and frequently in company that ought to xi have looked up to him, many, thinking they had HISTORICAL PREFACE TO THE RAMBLER. THE long space which intervened between the GUARDIAN and the RAMBLER, from 1713 to 1750, was filled up by many attempts of the periodical kind, but scarcely any of these had a reformation of manners and morals for their object. A few valuable papers on general and useful topics appeared, but so incumbered with angry political contests, as to be soon forgotten. Dr. Johnson was the first to restore the periodical essay to its original purpose, and it will appear soon that there is none of his works on which he set a higher value than on his RAMBLER. He seems to have thought, that it would constitute his principal fame, and the learned world appear to have been of the same opinion. Its commencement was a matter of great importance with him; and he was so desirous to benefit the age by this production, that he began to write with the solemnity of preparatory prayer. In the volume of his Devotions, published soon after his death, we find the following, entitled "Prayer on the RAMBLER." 66 Almighty God, the giver of all good things, without whose help all labour is ineffectual, and without whose grace all wisdom is folly; grant, I beseech thee, that in this my undertaking, thy HOLY SPIRIT may not be withheld from me, but that I may promote thy glory, and the salvation both of myself and others: grant this, O Lord, for the sake of JESUS CHRIST, Amen." The first paper was published on Tuesday, March 20, 1750, and the work continued without the least interruption, every Tuesday and Sa turday, until Saturday, March 14, 1752, on which day it closed. The sale was very inconsiderable, and seldom exceeded five hundred copies: and it is very remarkable that the only paper which had a prosperous sale (No. 97) was one of the very few which Dr. Johnson did not write. It was written by Richardson, author of Clarissa, Pamela, and Sir Charles Grandison. Modern taste will not allow it a very high place, but its style was at that time better adapted to the readers of the RAMBLER than that of Dr. Johnson.-It may here be noticed, that the assistance our author received from correspondents amounted to a very small proportion. The four billets in No. 10, were written by Miss Mulso, afterwards Mrs. Chapone; No. 30, was written by Miss Talbot, and Nos. 44, and 100, by the learned and celebrated Mrs. Carter. Of the characters described in the RAMBLER, some were not altogether fictitious, yet they were not exact portraits. The author employed some, adventitious circumstances to produce effect. Prospero, in No. 200, was intended for the celebrated actor Garrick. By Gelidus in No. 24, the author is said to have meant Mr. Coulson, a mathematician, who formerly lived at Rochester. The man "immortalized for purring like a cat," was one Busby, a proctor in the Commons. He who barked so ingeniously, and then called the drawer to drive away the dog, was father to Dr. Saltar of the Charterhouse. He who sung a song, and by correspondent motions HISTORICAL PREFACE TO THE RAMBLER. of his arm chalked out a giant on the wall, was one Richardson, an attorney. Polyphilus, in No. 19, is said to have been drawn from the various studies of Floyer Sydenhem, but no produce of his studies is known except his translations. words we shall borrow on the present occasion. After noticing the mistakes Mr. Boswell had fallen into, on the subject of the perfection of the RAMBLERS at their first appearance, the editor of the "Essayists" says, "Is it not surprising that this friend and companion of our illustrious author, who has obliged the public with the most perfect delineation ever exhibited of any human being, and who declared so often that he was determined 'To lose no drop of that immortal man'-- It has been remarked by the editor of the "British Essayists" that the RAMBLER made its way very slowly into the world. This may be true, if spoken of its appearance in numbers. The style was new; it appeared harsh, involved, and perplexed; it required more than a transitory inspection to be understood; but this repulsive appearance was soon overcome: and few works have been more successful, when reprinted in volumes. It was admired by scholars, and that one so inquisitive after the most trifling recommended by the friends of religion and lite- circumstance connected with Dr. Johnson's charature, as a book by which a man might be taught racter or history, should have never heard or to think: and the author lived to see ter large discovered that Dr. Johnson almost re-wrote the editions printed in England, besides those which RAMBLER after the first folio edition. Yet the were clandestinely printed in other parts of Great alterations made by him in the second and third Britain, in Ireland, and in America. For some editions of the RAMBLER far exceed six thousand; years past the demand for it has been greater a number which may justify the use of the word than for any of the "British Essayists;" its in-re-wrote, although it must not be taken in its fluence on the literature of the age has been great. literal acceptation. A comparison of the first ediDr. Johnson is certainly not to be imitated with tion with the fourth or any subsequent edition perfect success, yet the attempt to imitate him, will show the curious examiner in what these where it has neither been servile or artificial, has alterations consist. In the mean time we may elevated the style of every species of literary com- apply to the author what he says of Pope-'He position. "In every thing we perceive more laboured his works, first to gain reputation, and vigour, more spirit, more elegance. He not only afterwards to keep it.' He was not content to began a revolution in our language, but lived till satisfy; he desired to excel, and therefore always it was almost completed." endeavoured to do his best: he did not court It has already been said that Dr. Johnson set a the candour, but dared the judgment of his readhigh value on the RAMBLER, and it may now beers; and expecting no indulgence from others, added that he bestowed a labour upon it, with which he never favoured any other of his works. This circumstance, which escaped the researches of all his biographers, was lately discovered by the editor of the British Essayists," whose he showed none himself. He examined lines and words with minute and punctilious observation, and retouched every part with indefatigable diligence till he had left nothing to be forgiven." THE RAMBLER. THE difficulty of the first address on any new occasion, is felt by every man in his transactions with the world, and confessed by the settled and regular forms of salutation which necessity has introduced into all languages. Judgment was wearied with the perplexity of being forced upon choice, where there was no motive to preference; and it was found convenient that some easy method of introduction should be established, which, if it wanted the allurement of novelty, might enjoy the security of prescription. Perhaps few authors have presented themselves before the public, without wishing that such ceremonial modes of entrance had been anciently established as might have freed them from those dangers which the desire of pleasing is certain to produce, and precluded the vain expedients of softening censure by apologies, or rousing attention by abruptness. The epic writers have found the proemial part of the poem such an addition to their undertaking, that they have almost unanimously adopted the first lines of Homer, and the reader needs only be informed of the subject, to know in what manner the poem will begin. deviation from modesty to recommend their own labours, and imagined themselves entitled by indisputable merit to an exemption from general restraints, and to elevations not allowed in common life. They, perhaps, believed, that when, like Thucydides, they bequeathed to mankind Kτпμa is dεì an estate for ever, it was an additional favour to inform them of its value. It may, indeed, be no less dangerous to claim on certain occasions, too little than too much. There is something captivating in spirit and intrepidity, to which we often yield, as to a resistless power; nor can he reasonably expect the confidence of others, who too apparently distrusts himself. Plutarch, in his enumeration of the various occasions on which a man may without just of fence proclaim his own excellencies, has omitted the case of an author entering the world; unless it may be comprehended under his general position, that a man may lawfully praise himself for those qualities which cannot be known but from his own mouth; as when he is among strangers, and can have no opportunity of an actual exer tion of his powers. That the case of an author is parallel, will scarcely be granted, because he necessarily discovers the degree of his merit to his judges, when he appears at his trial. But it should be remembered, that unless his judges are inclined to favour him, they will hardly be persuaded to hear the cause. In love, the state which fills the heart with a degree of solicitude next that of an author, it has been held a maxim, that success is most easily obtained by indirect and unperceived approaches, he who too soon professes himself a lover, raises But this solemn repetition is hitherto the pe- obstacles to his own wishes, and those whom culiar distinction of heroic poetry; it has never disappointments have taught experience, endeabeen legally extended to the lower orders of lite-vour to conceal their passion till they believe rature, but seems to be considered as an hereditary privilege, to be enjoyed only by those who claim it from their alliance to the genius of Ho iner. The rules which the injudicious use of this pre10gative suggested to Horace, may indeed be applied to the direction of candidates for inferior fame; it may be proper for all to remember, that they ought not to raise expectation which it is not in their power to satisfy, and that it is more pleasing to see smoke brightening into flame, than flame sinking into smoke. This precept has been long received, both from regard to the authority of Horace, and its conformity to the general opinion of the world; yet there have been always some, that thought it no their mistress wishes for the discovery. The same method, if it were practicable to writers, would save many complaints of the severity of the age, and the caprices of criticism. If a man could glide imperceptibly into the favour of the public, and only proclaim his pretensions to literary honours when he is sure of not being rejected, he might commence author with better hopes, as his failings might escape contempt, though he shall never attain much regard. But since the world supposes every man that writes, ambitious of applause, as some ladies have taught themselves to believe that every man intends love, who expresses civility, the miscarriage of any endeavour in learning raises an unbounded contempt, indulged by most minds with out scruple, as an honest triumph over unjust | fearful, for to such the shortness of every single claims, and exhorbitant expectations. The arti- paper is a powerful encouragement. He that fices of those who put themselves in this hazard- questions his abilities to arrange the dissimilar ous state, have therefore been multiplied in pro- parts of an extensive plan, or fears to be lost in tion to their fear as well as their ambition; and a complicated system, may yet hope to adjust a are to be looked upon with more indulgence, as few pages without perplexity; and if, when he they are incited at once by the two great movers turns over the repositories of his memory, he of the human mind, the desire of good and the finds his collection too small for a volume, he fear of evil. For who can wonder that, allured may yet have enough to furnish out an essay. on one side, and frightened on the other, some He that would fear to lay out too much time should endeavour to gain favour by bribing the upon an experiment of which he knows not the judge with an appearance of respect which they event, persuades himself that a few days will do not feel, to excite compassion by confessing show him what he is to expect from his learning weakness of which they are not convinced; and and his genius. If he thinks his own judgment others to attract regard by a show of openness not sufficiently enlightened, he may, by attendand magnanimity, by a daring profession of their ing to the remarks which every paper will proown deserts, and a public challenge of honours duce, rectify his opinions. If he should with too little premeditation encounter himself by an un and rewards? The ostentatious and haughty display of them-wieldy subject, he can quit it without confessing selves has been the usual refuge of diurnal writers; in vindication of whose practice it may be said, that what it wants in prudence is supplied by sincerity, and who at least may plead, that if their boasts deceive any into the perusal of their performances, they defraud them of but little time. Quid enim? Concurritur-hora Momento cita mors venit, aut victoria læta. The battle join, and in a moment's flight, Death, or a joyful conquest, ends the fight. FRANCIS. The question concerning the merit of the day is soon decided, and we are not condemned to toil through half a folio, to be convinced that the writer has broke his promise. his ignorance, and pass to other topics less dangerous, or more tractable. And if he finds, with all his industry, and all his artifices, that he cannot deserve regard, or cannot attain it, he may let the design fall at once, and, without injury to others or himself, retire to amusements of greater pleasure, or to studies of better prospect. No. 2.] SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1749-50. Ante fugam, absentemque ferit gravis ungula campum. Th' impatient courser pants in every vein, STATIUS POPE It is one among many reasons for which I purpose to endeavour the entertainment of my countrymen by a short essay on Tuesday and Saturday, that I hope not much to tire those whom I THAT the mind of man is never satisfied with shall not happen to please; and if I am not com- the objects immediately before it, but is always mended for the beauty of my works, to be at breaking away from the present moment, and east pardoned for their brevity. But whether losing itself in schemes of future felicity; and my expectations are most fixed on pardon or that we forget the proper use of the time now in praise, I think it not necessary to discover; for our power to provide for the enjoyment of that having accurately weighed the reasons for arro- which, perhaps, may never be granted us, has gance and submission, I find them so nearly been frequently remarked; and as this practice equiponderant, that my impatience to try the is a commodious subject of raillery to the gay, event of my first performance will not suffer me to and of declamation to the serious, it has been riattend any longer the trepidations of the balance. diculed with all the pleasantry of wit, and exag There are, indeed, many conveniences almost gerated with all the amplifications of rhetoric. peculiar to this method of publication, which may Every instance, by which its absurdity might ap naturally flatter the author, whether he be con- pear most flagrant, has been studiously collect fident or timorous. The man to whom the ex-ed; it has been marked with every epithet of tent of his knowledge, or the sprightliness of his contempt, and all the tropes and figures have been imagination, has, in his own opinion, already called forth against it. secured the praises of the world, willingly takes Censure is willingly indulged, because it althat way of displaying his abilities which will ways implies some superiority; men please soonest give him an opportunity of hearing the themselves with imagining that they have made voice of fame; it heightens his alacrity to think a deeper search, or wider survey than others, in how many places he shall hear what he is and detected faults and follies, which escape now writing, read with ecstacies to-morrow. He vulgar observation. And the pleasure of wanwill often please himself with reflecting, that the toning in common topics is so tempting to a author of a large treatise must proceed with anx-writer, that he cannot easily resign it; a train iety, lest, before the completion of his work, the attention of the public may have changed its object; but that he who is confined to no single topic, may follow the national taste through all its variations, and catch the aura popularis, the gale of favour, from what point soever it shall blow. Nor is the prospect less likely to ease the doubts of the cautious, and the terrors of the of sentiments generally received enables him to shine without labour, and to conquer without a contest. It is so easy to laugh at the folly of him who lives only in idea, refuses immediate ease for distant pleasures, and, instead of enjoying the blessings of life, lets life glide away in preparations to enjoy them; it affords such opportunities of triumphant exultation, to exem plify the uncertainty of the human state, to rouse | guine, may, indeed, be easily vitiated by the mortals from their dream, and inform them of luxurious indulgence of hope, however necessary the silent celerity of time, that we may believe to the production of every thing great or excelauthors willing rather to transmit than examine lent, as some plants are destroyed by too open so advantageous a principle, and more inclined exposure to that sun which gives life and beauty o pursue a track so smooth and so flowery, than to the vegetable world. attentively to consider whether it leads to truth. Perhaps no class of the human species requires This quality of looking forward into futurity, more to be cautioned against this anticipation of seems the unavoidable condition of a being, happiness, than those that aspire to the name of whose motions are gradual, and whose life is pro- authors. A man of lively fancy no sooner finds gressive: as his powers are limited, he must use a hint moving in his mind, than he makes momeans for the attainment of his ends, and intend mentaneous excursions to the press, and to the first what he performs last; as by continual ad- world, and, with a little encouragement from flatvances from his first stage of existence, he is per-tery, pushes forward into future ages, and progpetually varying the horizon of his prospects, he must always discover new motives of action, new excitements of fear, and allurements of desire. The end therefore which at present calls forth our efforts, will be found, when it is once gained, to be only one of the means to some remoter end. The natural flights of the human mind are not from pleasure to pleasure, but from hope to hope. He that directs his steps to a certain point, must frequently turn his eyes to that place which he strives to reach; he that undergoes the fatigue of labour, must solace his weariness with the contemplation of its reward. In agriculture, one of the most simple and necessary employments, no man turns up the ground but because he thinks of the harvest, that harvest which blights may intercept, which inundations may sweep away, or which death or calamity may hinder him from reaping. nosticates the honours to be paid him, when envy is extinct, and faction forgotten, and those, whom partiality now suffers to obscure him, shall have given way to the triflers of as short duration as themselves. Those who have proceeded so far as to appeal to the tribunal of succeeding times, are not likely to be cured of their infatuation; but all endeavours ought to be used for the prevention of a disease, for which, when it has attained its height, perhaps no remedy will be found in the gardens of philosophy, however she may boast her physic of the mind, her cathartics of vice, or lenitives of passion. I shall, therefore, while I am yet but lightly touched with the symptoms of the writer's malady, endeavour to fortify myself against the infection, not without some weak hope that my preservatives may extend their virtue to others, whose employment exposes them to the same danger. Laudis amore tumes? Sunt certa piacula, quæ te Is fame your passion? Wisdom's powerful charm, FRANCIS. Yet as few maxims are widely received or long retained but for some conformity with truth and nature, it must be confessed that this caution against keeping our view too intent upon remote advantages is not without its propriety or usefulness, though it may have been recited with too much levity, or enforced with too little distinction; for, not to speak of that vehemence of deIt is the sage advice of Epictetus, that a man sire which presses through right and wrong to its should accustom himself often to think of what gratification, or that anxious inquietude which is is most shocking and terrible, that by such rejustly chargeable with distrust of Heaven, sub-flections he may be preserved from too ardent jects too solemn for my present purpose; it fre- wishes for seeming good, and from too much de quently happens that by indulging early the rap-jection in real evil. tures of success, we forget the measures neces- There is nothing more dreadful to an author sary to secure it, and suffer the imagination to than neglect; compared with which, reproach, riot in the fruition of some possible good, till the hatred, and opposition, are names of happiness; time of obtaining it has slipped away. yet this worst, this meanest fate, every, one who dares to write has reason to fear. There would, however, be few enterprises of great labour or hazard undertaken, if we had not the power of magnifying the advantages which we persuade ourselves to expect from them. When the knight of La Mancha gravely recounts to his companion the adventures by which he is to signalize himself in such a manner, that he shall be summoned to the support of empires, solicited to accept the heiress of the crown which he has preserved, have honours and riches to scatter about him, and an island to bestow on his worthy squire, very few readers, amidst their mirth or pity, can deny that they have admitted visions of the same kind; though they have not, perhaps, expected events equally strange, or by means equally inadequate. When we pity him, we reflect on our own disappointments; and when we laugh, our hearts inform us that he is not more ridiculous than ourselves, except that he tells what we have only thought. It may not be unfit for him who makes a new entrance into the lettered world, so far to suspect his own powers as to believe that he possibly may deserve neglect; that nature may not have quali fied him much to enlarge or embellish knowledge, nor sent him forth entitled by indisputable supe riority to regulate the conduct of the rest of mankind; that, though the world must be granted to be yet in ignorance, he is not destined to dispel the cloud, nor to shine out as one of the luminaries of life. For this suspicion, every catalogue of a library will furnish sufficient reason; as he will find it crowded with names of men, who, though now forgotten, were once no less enter The understanding of a man naturally san-prising or confident than himself, equally pleased |