CHAP. III.] ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE FEOM LITBRATUBB.
"solicit with the warmest ardour, and in which I cannot bear a
" refusal. I mean, dear Madam, that I may be allowed to subscribe
" myself,
fa Your ever affectionate and obliged kinsman,
" OLIVEB GOLDSMITH.
" Now see how I blot and blunder, when I am asking a favour."
In none of these letters, it will be observed, is allusion
made to the expected appointment. To make jesting boast
of a visionary influence with two hundred of the best wits in
Europe, was pleasanter than to make grave confession of
himself as a wit taking sudden flight from the scene of
defeat and failure. It was the old besetting weakness. But
shortly after the date of the last letter, the appointment was
received. It was that of medical officer to one of the
factories on the coast of Coromandel; was forwarded by
Doctor Milner's friend Mr. Jones, the East India director ;
and the worthy schoolmaster did not outlive more than a
few weeks this honest redemption of his promise. The
desired escape was at last effected, and the booksellers
might look around them for another drudge more patient
and obedient than Oliver Goldsmith.