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OLIVT2K GOLDSMITH S LIFE AND TIMES. [BOOR n.
" of or in the lewd embraces of a prostitute.
** Can an Eii^Iis-hnwn bear this," continued Goldsmith, in a
wlikli showy with wbut spirit lie at this time entered
the feeling of the dtty, "and not burn with
" those fues to religion, to liberty, and
" Ms ? And should not every attempt to promote
" indignation meet at least indulgence, though
" it not applause. Could the present perform-
44 teuch an individual to value his religion, by contrasting
fc4 it tlie spirit of Popery; could it contribute to
4* of liberty, by showing their unhappy
** situation wliuse possessions are held by so precarious a
** tenure as tyrannical caprice; could it promote his zeal in " the of humanity, or give him a wish to imitate the
4* of the sufferer, or redress the injuries of oppression;
u indeed, the author will not have wrote in vain."
But wliy stood " James Villington " on the title page of
book, instead of " Oliver Goldsmith/' since the names
both unknown ? The question will not admit of a
doubtful answer, though a braver I could wish to have given.
At this point there is evidence of despair.
Xot without well-earned knowledge had Goldsmith passed
through the task-work of the Monthly Review; faculties which lay unused within him, were by this time not ; and a stronger man, with a higher constancy and fortitude, might with that knowledge have pushed resolutely on, and, conquering the fate of those who look hack when their objects are forward, found earlier sight of the singing tree and the golden water. But to him it seemed hopeless to climb any further up the desperate steep ; over the dark obstructions which the world is glad to interpose between itself the best labourers in its service, he had not as yet |
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