Two years later a
monument was erected to his memory in Westminster Abbey.
This short sketch of Goldsmith's life makes it clear that he lacked
strength of character and was wanting also in practical wisdom. Even
after he became a successful author his extravagance kept him poor, and
he died largely in debt. Many stories are told illustrating his
innocent vanity and the love of gay clothing which made him conspicuous
even in an age of ruffled shirts and silver knee-buckles. One of his
biographers describes him as arriving at a friend's house where he was
to dine, "with his new wig, with his coat of Tyrian bloom and blue silk
breeches, with a smart sword at his side, his gold-headed cane in his
hand, and his hat under his elbow." But while he had more than his
share of weaknesses, it must be granted that "e'en his failings leaned
to Virtue's side." He was sensitive, open-hearted, generous, and
kindly--always ready to help those less fortunate than himself. If in
Parson Primrose and in the "village preacher" of _The Deserted Village_
he has painted portraits of his father, the country curate, there is
something of himself as well in these lovable characters. Both in
poetry and in prose his style is easy and delightful; his humor has no
sting.
Pages:
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35