THE VICAR OF WAKEFIELD. A Tale. BY 'DR. GOLDSMITH. SPERATE MISERI, CAVETE FELICES. LONDON: PRINTED FOR JOHN SHARPE, 256 M DCCC XXVIII. ADVERTISEMENT. THERE are a hundred faults in this thing, and a hundred things might be said to prove them beauties but it is needless. A book may be amusing with numerous errors, or it may be very dull without a single absurdity. The hero of this piece unites in himself the three greatest characters upon earth; he is a priest, a husbandman, and the father of a family. He is drawn as ready to teach, and ready to obey-as simple in affluence, and majestic in adversity. In this age of opulence and refinement, whom can such a charac ter please? Such as are fond of high life, will tur with disdain from the simplicity of his country fireside; such as mistake ribaldry for humour will find no wit in his harmless conversation and such as have been taught to deride religion, will laugh at one whose chief stores of comfort are drawn from futurity. OLIVER GOLDSMITH. b CONTENTS. 1. DESCRIPTION of the family of Wakefield, in which a kindred likeness prevails as well of minds as of 2. Family misfortunes. The loss of fortune only serves to increase the pride of the worthy. 3. A migration. The fortunate circumstances of our lives are generally found at last to be of our own pro- 4. A proof that even the humblest fortune may grant hap- piness, which depends not on circumstances, but 5. A new and great acquaintance introduced. What we place most hopes upon generally proves most fatal 6. The happiness of a country fireside 7. A town wit described. The dullest fellows may learn to be comical for a night or two 8. An amour, which promises little good fortune, yet may be productive of much.......... 9. Two ladies of great distinction introduced. Superior finery ever seems to confer superior breeding.... 10. The family endeavour to cope with their betters. The miseries of the poor when they attempt to appear 11. The family still resolve to hold up their heads 12. Fortune seems resolved to humble the family of 13. Mr. Burchell is found to be an enemy; for he has the 72 |