OLIVER GOLDSMITH'S LIFE AND TIMES. [BOOK m.
1759. slighted by so short-lived creature as man, it is certain
jiiTii. that he who despises the theatre adds short-sightedness to
short life.* If he is a rich man, he will be richer for hearing
there of what account the poor may be; if he is a poor man,
he will not be poorer for the knowledge that those above him.
have their human sympathies. Sir Thomas Over-bury held
a somewhat strong opinion as to tin's; thinking the play-
house more necessary in a well-governed commonwealth than
the school, because men were better taught by example than
by precept: and it seems at any rate, however light the dis-
regard it has fallen into now, of at least equal importance
with many of the questions which in these days form and
dissolve governments, whether a high and healthy entertain-
ment, the nature of which, conservative of all kindly relations
between man and man, is to encourage, refine, and diffuse
humanity, might not claim, in some degree, the care and
countenance of the State.
This grave remark occurs to me here, because grave dis-
appointments in connection with it will occur hereafter; and
already even Garrick's fame and strength had been shaken
by his difficult relations with men of letters. " I am as much
" an admirer of Mr. Garrick," said Mr. Ealph, in his
Case of Authors by Profession, published in 1758, " and his
" excellences, as I ought to be: and I envy him no part of
" his good fortune. But then, though I am free to acknow-
" ledge he was made for the stage, I cannot be brought to
" think the stage was made only for him.; or that the fate of
" every dramatic -writer ought either to be at his mercy, or
" that of any other manager whatever; and the single
* "At all other assemblies," says Johnson characteristically (in The Idler),
" he that comes to receive delight, will be expected to give it; but in the theatre,
" nothing is necessary to the amusement of two hours, but to sit down and be
" willing to be pleased."