Page:The plan of a dictionary of the English language - Samuel Johnson (1747).djvu/44

 of such variety I shall be often bewildred, and in the thethe [sic] mazes of such intricacy, be frequently entangled; that in one part refinement will be subtilised beyond exactness, and evidence dilated in another beyond perspicuity. Yet I do not despair of approbation from those who knowing the uncertainty of conjecture, the scantiness of knowledge, the fallibility of memory, and the unsteadiness of attention, can compare the causes of error with the means of avoiding it, and the extent of art with the capacity of man; and whatever be the event of my endeavours, I shall not easily regret an attempt which has procured me the honour of appearing thus publickly,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's

Most Obedient and

Most Humble Servant,

SAM. JOHNSON.