Works of Washington Irving (Volume 9); Goldsmith (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1870. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. Bailies forth as a Law Student. -- Stumbles at the Outset. -- Cousin Jane and the Valentine. -- A Family Oracle.-- Sallies forth as a Student of Medicine. -- Hocus-pocus of a Boarding-House. -- Transformations of a Leg of Mutton. The mock Ghost. -- Sketches of Scotland. -- Trials of Toadyism. -- A Poet's Purse for a Continental Tour. NEW consultation was held among Goldsmith's friends as to his future course, and it was determined he should try the law. His uncle Contarine agreed to advance the necessary funds, and actually furnished him with fifty pounds, with which he set off for London, to enter on his studies at the Temple. Unfortunately, he fell in company at Dublin with a Roscommon acquaintance, one whose wits had been sharpened about town, who beguiled him into a gambling-house, and soon left him as penniless as when he bestrode the redoubtable Fiddle-back. He was so ashamed of this fresh instance of gross heedlessness and imprudence, that he remained some time in Dublin without communicating to his friends his destitute condition. They heard of it, however, and he was invited back to the country, and indulgently forgiven by his generous uncle, but less readily by his mother, who was mortified and disheartened at seeing all her early hopes of him so repeatedly blighted. His brother Henry, too, began to lose patience at these successive failures, resulting from thoughtless indiscretion; and a quarrel took place, which for some time interrupted their usually affectionate intercourse. The only home where poor erring Goldsmith still received a welcome, was the parsonage of his- affectionate forgiving uncle. Here he used to talk of literature with the good simple-hearted man, and delight him and his daughter with hia verses. Jane, his early playmat...