provinces never. The English are a noble-minded, generous
people, and whoever here deserves encouragement or reward,
is certain to obtain either or both: but it must be a
brilliant man, indeed, whose light can be perceived across
the Atlantic."

"I entertain, Sir," I said, "a very strong prejudice
against relying on patrons. Dr. Johnson, after a long
and fruitless attendance on Lord Chesterfield, says:
'Seven years, my Lord, have now past, since I waited in
your outward rooms, 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 bad a patron before."

"Ah!" said Mr. Hopewell, "a man who feels that he is
wrong, is always angry with somebody else. Dr. Johnson,
is not so much to be admired for the independence that
dictated that letter, as condemned for the meanness and
servility of seven years of voluntary degradation. It is
no wonder he spoke with bitterness; for, while he censured
his Lordship, he must have despised himself. There is
a great difference between a literary and a political
patron. The former is not needed, and a man does better
without one; the latter is essential. A good book, like
good wine, needs no bush; but to get an office, you want
merits or patrons;--merits so great, that they cannot be