An Extract From BOSWELL'S Letter To Johnson

When Boswell,then relatively unknown in the British Literary Circle,came out with his maiden edition of a book written by him,he approached Johnson,who was then well known in the Literary world,to write the preface for his publication.Johnson,who was proud of his standing in the Literary Circle,was reluctant to do so for a Newcomer and this deeply disappointed Boswell,who decided to come out on his own with his publication without being dependent on Johnson for the preface.Much to the amazement and Rejoice of Boswell,the maiden edition proved an instant success and within a very short time he found it necessary to come out with the second edition.


Johnson,this time, on his own, volunteered to write the preface.It was now Boswell's turn to decline Johnson's offer.How Boswell did this politely but firmly is the subject matter of his famous letter to Johnson Which is even to date considered a Master Piece in English Literature.
Given below is an extract of the relevent portion from this letter that Boswell wrote to Johnson.

QUOTE---- "Is not a patron ,my Lord,one who looks unconcerned when a man stuggles for life in water,and when the man reaches the shore,encumbers him with help?The notice which you have been pleased to take of my labour,had it been early would have been kind.But it has been delayed till I am indifferent and cannot enjoy it,till I am solitary and cannot exile it ,till I am known and do not want it.I hope it is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligation where no benefit has been received or unwilling to acknowledge help where none existed and where Providence had enabled me to do it myself"

Compiled By Baiyu