OLIVER GOLDSMITH. 



THE HISTORY OF A POET'S GARDEN. 



OF all men who form gay illusions of distant 

 happiness, perhaps the poet is the most 

 sanguine. Such is the ardor of his hopes, that 

 they are often equal to actual enjoyment ; he 

 feels more in expectance than actual fruition. 

 I have often regarded the character of this kind 

 with some degree of envy. A man possessed of 

 such warm imagination commands all nature, 

 and arrogates possessions of which the owner 

 has a blunter relish. While life continues, the 

 alluring prospect lies before him ; he travels in 

 the pursuit with confidence, and resigns it only 

 with his last breath. 



It is this happy confidence which gives life its 

 true relish, and keeps up our spirits amidst every 

 distress and disappointment. How much less 

 would, be done if a man knew how little lie can 



