LIFE OF GOLDSMITH. xv 



His wife is drawn as possessing many laudable qualifications; and her prevailing passion for 

 external parade is an inoffensive foible, calculated rather to excite our mirth than incur our 

 censure. The character of Olivia, the Vicar's eldest daughter, is contrasted with that of So- 

 phia, the younger; the one being represented as of a disposition gay and volatile, the other 

 as rather grave and steady; though neither of them seems to have indulged their peculiar 

 propensity beyond the bounds of moderation. 



Upon a review of this excellent production, it may be truly said, that it inculcates the purest 

 lessons of morality and virtue, free from the rigid laws of stoicism, and adapted to attract the 

 esteem and observation of every ingenious mind. It excites not a thought that can be injuri- 

 ous in its tendency, nor breaths an idea that can offend the chastest ear; or, as it has been 

 expressed, the language is such as "angels might have heard, and virgins told." The writer, 

 who suggested this pleasing idea, observes further, that, " if we do not always admire his 

 knowledge or extensive philosophy, we feel the benevolence of his heart, and are charmed 

 with the purity of its principles. If we do not follow, with awful reverence, the majesty of his 

 reason, or the dignity of the long-extended period, we at least catch a pleasing sentiment in 

 a natural and unaffected style." 



Goldsmith's merit, as a poet, is universally acknowledged. His writings partake rather of 

 the elegance and harmony of Pope, than the grandeur and sublimity of Milton; and, as we ob- 

 served before, from the authority of Dr. Johnson, he rivals every writer of verse since the 

 death of Pope; and it is to be lamented that his poetical productions are not more numerous; 

 for though his ideas flowed rapiJly, he arranged them with great caution, and occupied much 

 time in polishing his periods, and harmonizing his numbers. 



His most favourite Poems are the Traveller, Deserted Village, Hermit, and Retaliation. These 

 productions may justly be ranked with the most admired works in English Poetry. 



The Traveller delights us with a display of charming imagery, refined ideas, and happy ex- 

 pression. The characteristics of the different natiqns are strongly marked, and the predilec- 

 tion of each inhabitant in favour of his own ingeniously described. 



The Deserted Village is generally admired : the characters are drawn from the life. The 

 descriptions are lively and picturesque ; and the whole appears so easy and natural, as to 

 bear the semblance of historical truth more than poetical fiction. 



The Hermit holds equal estimation with the rest of his poetical productions; and its beau- 

 ties did not fail to attract the notice of the artist. The subject is delineated in a masterly 

 manner by the pencil of Mr. Kirk, to which ample justice is done by the engraving of Mr. 

 Anker Smith ; and, through the united skill of those ingenious artists, produces a very chaste 

 and elegant vignette. 



His last poem of Retaliation, to which we have before adverted, is replete with humour, free 



