Ventnor News

Goldsmith's Poverty.

In 1758, two years after Goldsmith returned from his wanderings on the continent, he presented himself at Surgeons' Hall for examination as a hospital mate with the view of entering the army or navy; but he suffered the mortification of being rejected as unqualified. That he might appear before the examining surgeon suitably dressed Goldsmith obtained a new suit of clothes, for which Griffiths, the publisher of the Monthly Review, became security. The clothes were to be returned immediately when the purpose was served, or the debt was to be discharged. Poor Goldsmith having failed in his object and probably distressed by urgent want, pawned the clothes. The publisher threatened, and Goldsmith replied: "I know of no misery but a jail, to which my own imprudence and your letter seem to point. I have seen it inevitable these three or four weeks, and by heavens, request it as a favor--a favor that may prevent something more fatal. I have been some years struggling with a wretched being, with all that contempt and indigence bring with it, with all those strong passions which make contempt insupportable. What, then, has a jail that is formidable?" Such was the hopelessness, the deep despair of this imprudent but amiable author who has added to the delight of millions and to the glory of English literature.