The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-08-04

clare N aiter LIE that u wda q common TO
mark in Leyden, that in ell the peculisrilies
bf Goldsmith an elevation of mind was to
be noted a philosophical tone and manner;
the feelings Of gentleman, and the Ian
grage and information Of u scholar.
Sometimes in his emergencies, Goldsmith
undertook to teach the English language.
Il is true he was ignorant of the Dutch. but
he had srnattering Of the French, picked
up among the Irish priests at Ballymahon.
He depicts his whimsical embarrassment in
this respec-, in his account ia the Vicar OF
Wakefield Of the philosophical 1agabond
who went to Holland to teach the natives
EngliSh. without knowing word OF their
own language. Sometimes, when sorely
pnched, and sometimes, perhaps, flush, be
resorted 10 the gambling tables. which in
those days sbounded in Holland. His good
friend Ellis repeatedly warned him against
this unfortunate propensity. but in vain.l 1t
brought its own cure, or rather its own pun
ishment, by stripping him Of every shilling.
Ellis once more stepped in to bis relief
With a true lrlshmans generosity, but with
more considerateness than generally char.
ar.erises an Irishman. for he only granted
pecuniary aid on condition OF his quitting
the sphere OF danger. Goldsmith gladly
consented TO leave Holland. being anxious
TO visit other parts. He intended TO pro-
coed TO Paris and pursue bis studies there,
ard was furnished by his friend with money
for the journey. Unluckily, he rambled
into the garden Of florist Just before quit
ting Leyden. The tulip mania was still
prevalent in Holland, and some species Of
that splendid flower brought immense pri-
ces. In wondering through the garden,
Goldsmith recollected that his uncle Con-
tafine was tulip fancier. The thought
suddenly struck him that here was an op-
nnrinni,, Of sossipIng, IN delicate man.
ner, bis sense Of that generous uncle's past
kindnesses. In al instant his hand was in
his pocket a number Of choice and costly
tulipIoots were purchased and packed up
for MIR. Contarine; and il was nos until he
had paid for them that he beihoaght him
self that he had spent all the money Dor
rowed for his travelling expenses. Too
proud. however, to give up his journey. and
TOO shameIaced TO make another appeal Il
his friends liberalty, he determined &c
travel on foot, and depend upon chance and
good luck for the means Of getting forward;
and it is said that he actually yet off on q
tour OF the Continent, in February, IT'S,
with but one spare shirt, flute, and sin.
gle guinea. --au- "a. s-c-
Blessed" says one OF his biographies,
with good constitution, an advenluIou:
spirit, and with that thoughtless, or, perhaps
happy disposition which takes no care fol
tomorrow, he continued bis travels for 9
long time, in spite OF innumerable priva
lions. In his amusing narrative Of The
adventures of a "Philosophic Vagabond'
in the Vicar Of Wakefield" we fnG
Swallowed out the eIpedients be pursued
"l had some knowledge OF music, with 4
tolerable voice, now turned what wa.
once my amusement into present mean,
of subsistence. | passed among the harm
less peasants of Flanders, and among such
OF The French as were poor enough to be
very merry, for | ever found them sprightly
in proportion TO their wants. Whenever
approached peasants house toward night.
fall, played one Of my merriest tunes, and
that procured me no; only lodging. bul
subsistence for the next day; but ia truth
must own, whenever | attempted to enter.
tain persons of higher rank, they always
thought my performance odious, and never
made me any return for my entleavors 10
please them"
Al Paris he attended the chemical lee.
lures of Rouelle. then in great vogue, where
he says he witnessed "a bright a circle oil
beauty as graced the couIt OF Versailles
His love OF theatricals, also, led him 10 at.
tend the performances OF the celebrated &C.
'ress Msdemoiselle Clarion, with which he
was greatly delighted. He seems to have
looked upon the state of society with the
eye Of philosopher, but to have read the
signs OF the times with the prophetic eye of
poet. Ia his rambles about the environs
OF Paris, he was struck with the immense
quantities Of game running about al.
most In tame state; and saw in those
costly and rigid preserves for the an,use.
ment and luxury Of the privileged few. a
sure badge OF the slavery OF the people. ("
The slavery he predicted was drawing to.
ward close. "When | consider that these
Parlisments, the members Of which are ell
created by the court, and the presidents OF
which can only act by immediate direction.
presume even 10 mention privileges and
freedom. who till OF late received directions
from the throne with implicit humility:
when thus is considered, cannot help fan.
cylDg that the genius OF Freedom has en-.
tered THAI kingdom in disguise. Ii they
have but three weak mOnarchs more sue.
cesssivel y on the throne, the mask will be
laid ASIDE, and the country will certainly
once more be free Events have testified
to the sage forecast Of the poet.
During a bnef soloum in Paris be an.
pears TO have gained access to valuable so.
ciety. and to have had the honor end plea.
sure OF making the acquaintance of Vol.
taire; Of whom, in after years, he wrote a
memoir. "As a companion" says he, "no
man ever exceeded him when he pleased to
lead the conversation; which, however. was
not always the case. In company which
ne either dislikod or dsspised, few could be
more reserved than he; but when he was
warmed in discourse, and got over hesita-
Jung manner, which sometimes he was sub
Iect to, It was rapture TO hear him. His
neagre visage seemed insensibly to gather
beauty: every muscle in il had meaning !
and his eve bealned with umspal h,;ob,