Craik, after citing a number of the shortcomings of the novel and its artificial tone, proceeds thus with his estimate: "Yet there is that in the book which makes all this comparatively of little consequence the inspiration and vital power of original genius, the charm of true feeling, some portions of the music of the great hymn of nature made audible to all hearts. Notwithstanding all its imperfections, the story not only amuses while we read, but takes root in the memory and affections as much, almost, as any story that was ever written."

us

The critic then points out the charm of Dr. Primrose's character, the good qualities of Mrs. Primrose, and the human kindliness in which the family is presented. "These," he writes, "are the parts of the book that are remembered," and points out that, after all, it is the story, the mere plot, that is least important in a great work of fiction.

This estimate of the charm of the novel goes far to give us a key to the power of

Goldsmith's other work-the same sympathetic kindliness that presents without bitterness or cynicism the human soul that lies in each of his characters.

As for seeking light upon the characteristics of his times, we shall find only a little in the pages of the "Vicar." The story has to do so much more with the life-drama of its characters than with other outward circumstances, that it is not of great importance as a document preserving manners and customs.

From Chapter II we may gather something of the ordinary way of spending a day in a family whose circumstances were easy. In Chapter IV there is a sketch not only of the home life, but also of the house and the daily customs of the inmates. In Chapter XX, besides the sketch of the life of an usher in a small school, we have that of an adventurer living upon his wits, a life that is supposed to reflect much of Goldsmith's own hardships. And when the "Vicar" falls into misfortune, his imprisonment gives us

some idea of the sufferings of those whose misfortunes had thrown them into the debtors' prisons.

Minor points that help us to acquaintance with small social customs are found in the notes to the novel. Thus we have a day's journey on horseback reckoned at about forty miles, and we are told of the customs on Christmas, Valentine's Day, Shrovetide, and so on; are made acquainted with various ballads and with popular characters; with the species of fancywork favored by women; have references to the books most in vogue, and we learn that it was not uncommon for ladies of family to swear, gamble, and take snuff. But most such minor customs go and come, and should not be considered as characteristic of a half-century.

CHAPTER XII

EVENTS CONTEMPORARY WITH THE "VICAR"

GOLDSMITH'S novel was published in 1766, in the same year that Lessing's "Laocoon" appeared, a book that created a new era in esthetic culture and literature. It was the attempt of a most clearsighted critic to lay down the principles underlying the creation of great works of art, and especially to show the difference between subjects as treated by poets and by artists. The general effect of the book is all that can be here hinted at. It may

be regarded as the first step toward putting the science of esthetics on a wellunderstood and logical basis-a matter of the utmost importance in securing just criticism and thereby making it certain. that good work should be encouraged and bad work condemned. The principle he

points out has been well stated in these words: "Each art is subject to definite conditions and can accomplish great results only by limiting itself to its special function."

It might be said that it was characteristic of this whole age to analyze and sift matters down to their final principles. We may observe this tendency at work everywhere. In economics it was shown in the attempts of statesmen to look beyond mere local conditions for the reason of the riots that were brought about primarily because of the high price of breadstuffs.

In American affairs this disposition to look directly to first principles rather than to be misled by the surface of legal enactments had a most powerful influence upon the future of the Colonies, and, in fact, brought about the Revolution. There was on the part of the English ministry a disposition to be as lenient toward the Colonists as was possible, so long as they could establish the principle of compelling the