pose for which they were written, and the changes which they probably underwent in the hands of the preacher, may afford an argument against their forming a legitimate portion of those works which the author would have consented to give to the press. Nor perhaps have they ever been considered as adding much to his fame. In the powers of moral suasion, Johnson was unrivalled, but in divinity he was seldom more than a moralist. Illustrative notes have been appended, where certain events and circumstances required explanation, and dates and authorities were wanting. These were originally supplied by Johnson's first editor, Sir John Hawkins; afterwards by John Nichols, Esq. and Mr. Isaac Reed; and more recently by Mr. Malone, Mr. James Boswell, Jun., and the present Editor. London, Feb. 1823. ALEX. CHALMERS. To Miss *****, on her giving the Author a Gold and Silk Net-work Purse of her own weaving. To Miss *****, on her playing upon the Harpsichord in ib. Epitaphium in Thomam Hanmer, Baronettum Paraphrase of the above, by Dr. Johnson To Miss Hickman, playing on the Spinet Paraphrase of Proverbs, Chap. vi. Verses 6-1 Horace, Lib. IV. Ode VII. translated Lines written in Ridicule of Poems published in 1777 Parody of a Translation from the Medea of Euripides *Translation from the Medea of Euripides, verse 190 Translation of the two first Stanzas of the Song "Rio Verde, Imitation of the style of ***** Burlesque of some Lines of Lopez de Vega Translation of some lines at the end of Baretti's Easy Improviso Translation of a Distich on the Duke of Mo- AN ESSAY ON THE LIFE AND GENIUS OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL. D. WHEN the works of a great Writer, who has bequeathed to posterity a lasting legacy, are presented to the world, it is naturally expected that some account of his life should accompany the edition. The Reader wishes to know as much as possible of the Author. The circumstances that attended him, the features of his private character, his conversation, and the means by which he rose to eminence, become the favourite objects of inquiry. Curiosity is excited; and the admirer of his works is eager to know his private opinions, his course of |