The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-09-18

knew so little, and in which he was destined
to become so famous. The premises are
now occupied by Mr.. Egan, who kindly
showed me through the rooms, and who gave
me memorials of Goldsmith.
In his early days divers utter simplicity
of character, and unsuspecting confiding
natrre seems TO have exposed him to the
ridicule of his companions and fellow stu
dents. AT Athlone and Edgeworthstown, to
which places he was successfully sent to
school to prepare himself for the university,
he was more distinguished as
THE BUTT OF HIS FELLOWS
than for his proficiency in learning. He
entered Trinity college, Dublin, at the age
of 16, In the capacity of "sizer" and for
education and board. He managed, with
his Characteristic tendency to get into
trouble. to be expelled from the college, but
through the influence of Henry, his brother
he was reinstated, and remained there for
two years. He was poor student, but oc-
casionally gave indication of the possession
of superior talent Edmund Burke was also
a student in the college at this time, but
there was no acquaintanceship between them
then. Goldsmith took his b. A. degree IN
l749 the lowest In the class. He resolved to
enter the church, but was rejected on ac-
count of his deficient scholarship and his
morals. He resolved TO try the law and &C
tually set out for London 10 enter himself at
the Temple, but he was plundered by some
sharper at Dublin. He finally went TO Edin
burgh to study medicine, and after various
adventures finally obtained a degree in
medicine at Padua, Italy. After that with
out money and without friends, he led
THE vAGABoND LIFE OF TRAMP
travelling through Italy, Switzerland. France,
Belgium and Holland. To his experience
IN these wanderings the world is indebted
for that noble poem. "rhe Traveller" dedi-
Gated to his brother Henry, whom he dearly
loved. In his "Philosophic Vagabond" he
states how he managed to subsist during his
wanderings through France and Italy. He
carried his flute with him. on which instru-
ment he seems to have been a somewhat
proficient performer. He says: when
ever l approached peasants house toward
nightfall | played one OF my most merry
tunes, and that procured for me not only
lodgings, but subsistence for the next day."
Through the towns and villages which he
passed he gave his performances In the open
air to the rustic dwellers under these warm
skies, and always met with a sympathetic
response. He alludes to these wanderngs
in 'The Traveller" in the following lines:
How often have led thy sportlve choir
And haply, though my harsh touch, ALTERING
But Knocked all skill and moved the dancers
skill,
Yet would the village praise my wondrous
power.
Alike all ages; danes OF ancient days
Have led their children through the mirthful
And the gay grandsire skilled in gestIc lore,
Has frisked beneath the burden Of three
score.
IN LONDON.
He arrived in London In 1856, being then
% years OF age, without friends, without
money, and without employment. Gold.
smith is described as a man about five feet
six inches in height, OF strong but not heavy
build. OF fair complexion, with brown hair.
His features were plain, and far from hand
some. His manners were simple and natural,
and without polish or elegance. He was al
ways cheerful and animated IN society, and
boisterous in his mirth. He had "A good
heart and great benevolence OF character.
He possessed no personal attractions, and
all his claims TO admiration were founded
on the kindlineSs ofhis nature, and the grace,
elegance and beauty OF his pastoral compost
tions. He became the friend OF great men
and an honor to his country through these
simple gifts alone. He was the bosom friend
OF Samuel Johnson, who loved MIN much
and who grieved more than any one else
when he was dead.
After his return To London Goldsmith
tried various modes OF employment without
success. He obtained an ushership III school
a situation which he says himself he detest
ed Here he says he twas up early aud late
was brow-beat by the MASTER hated for his
ugly face by the mistress. worried by the
boys, and was generally the laughing stock
OF the school, He soon left this employ
ment and tried the practice of medicine as
an assistant in an establishment on Fist
| Street hill, and afterwards on his own &C
count at Southwark.
HIS EVIL GENIUS FOLLOWED HIM
and be could not succeed. He finally began
correcting proof sheets for the printer, anc
at this EN- ployment, with some other literary
work, he managed TO exc out meager ex
/ ietence for six years He began 10 contrib
ute articles to the periodicals. and wrot'
/ necessarily for various magazines. lie began
/ 10 be known In the literary world and valued
as a contributor by publishers In 1850 hs
made the acquaintance of DIR. Johnson, anc
/ from that time forward his literary success
was assured and permanent
Goldsmith became "A member of the Lit
erary club" limited at first 10 nine mem
bers. among which were Burke, Johnson
Garrick, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and other meI
OF note. He never shone in conversation
and often exposed himself to the rldicule o
the whole club He was thought by SOM
of the members to be an anonymous writer
unworthy OF admission into such high soci
ely, out eventually Que VI Nnt pTOuucnt hOu
ors the club enjoyed was owing to the fac
II numbered Goldsmith among its members
In Boswel's Life OF Johnson we learn tina
Reynolds applied the epithet TO Goldsmith
of 'the inspired idiot" who wrote like al
angel and talked like fool.
After the publication OF THE Traveller,
under his own name, he published
1.-THE VICAR or WAKEFIELD"
and then turned his attentionto the produc
ton of comic plays in which field he wa
quite ms successful as in any other. Although
he gained considerable sums OF money b.
his literary works, his natural improvidenc'
and generosity always kept him in debt, AM
sometimes almost drove him TO distraction
In 1872 Goldsmith began TO exhibit symI
toms OF failing health, and in consequence
of these symptoms was compelled to retrea
TO the country In IVA he was attacked b.
n nervous fever from which he never recoy
cred aud he died in commissions on TIN
morning OF April 4 OF that year, and wa
buried In the Temple burying ground
mourned by many illusirious friends.
Such Is the briefest possible outline OF tn
life OF this man Of humble origin who earn