received; though, indeed, I am promised something of that sort from
Sweden.

'How my new edition will be received I know not; the subscription has
not been very successful. I shall publish about March.

'If you can direct me how to send proposals, I should wish that they
were in such hands.

'I remember, Sir, in some of the first letters with which you favoured
me, you mentioned your lady. May I enquire after her? In return for the
favours which you have shewn me, it is not much to tell you, that I wish
you and her all that can conduce to your happiness. I am, Sir, your most
obliged, and most humble servant,

SAM. JOHNSON.'

'Gough-square, Dec. 24, 1757.'


In 1758 we find him, it should seem, in as easy and pleasant a state of
existence, as constitutional unhappiness ever permitted him to enjoy.


'TO BENNET LANGTON, ESQ., AT LANGTON, LINCOLNSHIRE.

'DEAREST SIR,--I must indeed have slept very fast, not to have been
awakened by your letter. None of your suspicions are true; I am not
much richer than when you left me; and, what is worse, my omission of an
answer to your first letter, will prove that I am not much wiser. But