he had expended much thought, and some labour, and which promised to prove a source of permanent income, at least for a few years to come, occasioned him considerable vexation, and tended no doubt to that depression of spirits frequently affecting the latter part of his life. Had he lived, probably something of the kind would have been attempted; by its failure we have at least lost some papers which from the talents to be employed upon them could not have been without value.

Encouraged by the success attending the Roman and English histories, he had in the preceding year commenced that of Greece on the same abbreviated plan. When one subject wearied him another was always at hand to be taken up, and the readiness with which he turned his mind to each, gives us an idea of his facility. One volume of the work was now completed, but on the plea of that urgent necessity so often pleaded, and from whatever causes so often felt, Griffin as the agent of other booksellers paid him the copy money in June for both volumes.

Doubts however have been started whether he really had any hand in it, although the whole was printed off at the period of his death, and published about two months afterwards; for these suspicions there was no just cause. Bishop Percy not aware of his labours in this field, and probably not having read the work, felt disposed to hesitate in believing it his, but several other friends

knew how he was employed and saw portions of the manuscript. The following receipt in his own handwriting for the consideration agreed upon, is still extant. But without this testimony, the internal evidence affords to any one familiar with his manner, sufficient proof of its origin. The same merits and defects, the same occasional peculiarity of phrase *, identity of sentiment, elegance of style, and clearness of narration, mark this as forcibly as any of his writings, while its ease will cheat us into the belief until the trial be made, that we could tell the same story equally well.

"June 22. 1773. †

"Received two hundred and fifty pounds for writing and compiling the History of Greece from Mr. William Griffin for which I promise further assignment on demand.

"OLIVER GOLDSMITH."

* Several of these, were it necessary to descend to detail, might be pointed out. Thus the word strike is used two or three times in an unusual sense. In the Deserted Village we find

"Unfit in these degenerate times of shame

To catch the heart and strike for honest fame."

In Grecian History, vol. i. p. 166.

"Some skirmishing between the Persian cavalry and the wing of the Grecian army, in which the latter were successful, seemed to give a presage of future victory, which however for ten days neither side seemed willing to strike for."

In the Vicar of Wakefield George Primrose's literary acquaintance means to "strike for a subscription."

From the Collection of William Upcott, Esq. The work was published June 15. 1774.

The introductory remarks, not less just than admirably stated, discover the writer, for they reiterate thoughts previously advanced in one of his Essays, and transplanted into the Citizen of the World, when published in volumes. The concluding figure had been used in the Life of Parnell. "The fabulous age therefore of Greece must have no place in history; it is now too late to separate those parts which may have a real foundation in nature, from those which we owe to folly and the imagination. There are no traces left to guide us in that intricate pursuit; the dews of the morning are past, and it is vain to attempt continuing the chase in meridian splendour."

This work is rather more elementary than that of Rome, and considerably more so than that of England, about six hundred and eighty very moderate sized octavo pages being devoted to it up to the death of Alexander. For an elementary work this is perhaps enough. Exclusive of the mass of admitted fable in which its earlier history is involved, the improbability of many of the details of more recent date which juvenile credulity is accustomed to believe, and courtesy has permitted to assume the name of history, are utterly beyond the pale of rational belief. Nay, many of the supposed deeds of heroism, the asserted self-denials, the reputed wisdom, the impossible virtue, the institution of and submission to revolting and impracticable laws, the battles where a few hundreds are made to contend with

and overcome on all occasions thousands and tens of thousands of enemies, the merits of every description assumed by the Greeks, but never yet seen in any community of men where we had the testimony of strangers to corroborate their own pretensions, exhibit that strong tinge of oriental exaggeration with which local position made them familiar. Much of what we are thus told, is contrary to the history of man, and therefore contrary to truth; much is owing to their being almost solely their own historians; much to national characteristics as a vain, versatile, boastful people, desirous of claiming kindred qualities with the divinities they worshipped. "Man, plain historical man,'

in the language of Goldsmith, "seems to have no share in the picture." From this cause perhaps and the limits within which he was necessarily confined, he has entered less at large into their civil than military annals.*

An anecdote connected with this history, communicated by a gentleman of much literary research † who believes his authority to be good, is at least amusing. It may detract something from its authenticity to remember, that the historian whose name is used on the occasion, did not appear as such publicly until after the death of Goldsmith, though the peculiar nature of the pursuits in which he was engaged may have been known among his literary acquaintance.

* A French translation of the History of Greece, by M. P. F. Aubin, appeared in 1802.

+ Dawson Turner, Esq.

While engaged at his desk in composing the concluding portion of the work, Gibbon called upon him in the Temple, when after the usual preliminary salutations the Poet observed" You are the very person of all others I wish to see. I am writing a History of Greece, and have been taxing my recollection in vain for the name of that Indian King who gave Alexander so much trouble." Gibbon amused at his perplexity and inclined to jest with it, or to punish his indolence in not referring to authorities, replied with an inward chuckle, “Oh, I can settle that point in a moment; it was Montezuma." "You are right, no doubt," said the absent Poet after a moment's hesitation, as if he nevertheless entertained some doubt, and wrote it down. Gibbon however believing that the jest might actually go forth in sober earnest, would not permit it to stand, but seemingly recollecting himself, exclaimed after a short pause, "Oh no, I mistake; I meant to say Porus, not Montezuma."

The carelessness implied by the story receives countenance from what occurred on another occasion, regarding a book and a writer now equally forgotten; yet the labours of the Poet considered, we may find some apology for his negligence in the almost unceasing nature of his drudgery.

Among the necessitous authors who resorted to his chambers for advice or pecuniary assistance, was one who had proved rather a frequent and troublesome visitor. Tired at length of solicitations, or having nothing with which to silence them, he