That the history of an author must be found in his works is, in general, a true observation; and was never more apparent than in the present narrative.  Every aera of Johnson’s life is fixed by his writings.  In 1744, he published the life of Savage; and then projected a new edition of Shakespeare.  As a prelude to that design, he published, in 1745, Miscellaneous Observations on the Tragedy of Macbeth, with remarks on sir Thomas Hanmer’s edition; to which were prefixed, Proposals for a new Edition of Shakespeare, with a specimen.  Of this pamphlet, Warburton, in the preface to Shakespeare, has given his opinion:  “As to all those things, which have been published under the title of essays, remarks, observations, &c. on Shakespeare, if you except some critical notes on Macbeth, given as a specimen of a projected edition, and written, as appears, by a man of parts and genius, the rest are absolutely below a serious notice.”  But the attention of the public was not excited; there was no friend to promote a subscription; and the project died to revive at a future day.  A new undertaking, however, was soon after proposed; namely, an English dictionary upon an enlarged plan.  Several of the most opulent booksellers had meditated a work of this kind; and the agreement was soon adjusted between the parties.  Emboldened by this connexion, Johnson thought of a better habitation than he had hitherto known.  He had lodged with his wife in courts and alleys about the Strand; but now, for the purpose of carrying on his arduous undertaking, and to be nearer his printer and friend, Mr. Strahan, he ventured to take a house in Gough square, Fleet street.  He was told, that the earl of Chesterfield was a friend to his undertaking; and, in consequence of that intelligence, he published, in 1747, The Plan of a Dictionary of the English Language, addressed to the right honourable Philip Dormer, earl of Chesterfield, one of his majesty’s principal secretaries of state.  Mr. Whitehead, afterwards poet laureate, undertook to convey the manuscript to his lordship:  the consequence was an invitation from lord Chesterfield to the author.  A stronger contrast of characters could not be brought together; the nobleman, celebrated for his wit, and all the graces of polite behaviour; the author, conscious of his own merit, towering in idea above all competition, versed in scholastic logic, but a stranger to the arts of polite conversation, uncouth, vehement, and vociferous.  The coalition was too unnatural.  Johnson expected a Maecenas, and was disappointed.  No patronage, no assistance followed.  Visits were repeated; but the reception was not cordial.  Johnson, one day, was left a full hour, waiting in an antichamber, till a gentleman should retire, and leave his lordship at leisure.  This was the famous Colley Cibber.  Johnson saw him go, and, fired with indignation, rushed out of the house[l].  What lord Chesterfield thought of his visitor may be seen in a passage in one of that nobleman’s