THE

VICAR OF WAKEFIELD

AND OTHER WORKS.

BY

OLIVER GOLDSMITH.

With Introductions, Notes, and a Life of Oliver Goldsmith,

ON TE

PAGE

LIFE OF OLIVER GOLDSMITH

INTRODUCTION

THE VICAR OF WAKEFIELD.

CHAPTER I.-The description of the Family of Wakefield, in which a kindred

likeness prevails, as well of minds as of persons

ix

3

CHAPTER II.-Family misfortunes.-The loss of fortune only serves to increase

the pride of the worthy

CHAPTER III.—A migration.-The fortunate circumstances of our lives are gene-

rally found at last to be of our own procuring

7

CHAPTER IV.-A proof that even the humblest fortune may grant happiness,

which depends not on circumstances but constitution

CHAPTER V.—A new and great acquaintance introduced.—What we place most

hopes upon, generally proves most fatal

CHAPTER VI.-The happiness of a country fire-side

CHAPTER VII.-A town wit described.-The dullest fellows may learn to be

comical for a night or two.

CHAPTER VIII.—An amour, which promises little good fortune, yet may be pro-

ductive of much .

CHAPTER IX.-Two ladies of great distinction introduced.—Superior finery ever

seems to confer superior breeding

CHAPTER X.-The family endeavours to cope with their betters.-The miseries of

the poor when they attempt to appear above their circumstances .

CHAPTER XI.-The family still resolve to hold up their heads

CHAPTER XII.-Fortune seems resolved to humble the Family of Wakefield.-

Mortifications are often more painful than real calamities .

CHAPTER XIII.—Mr. Burchell is found to be an enemy; for he has the confidence

to give disagreeable advice.

39

CHAPTER XIV.-Fresh mortifications, or a demonstration that seeming calamities

may be real blessings

CHAPTER XV.-All Mr. Burchell's villany at once detected.—The folly of being

CHAPTER XVI.-The family use art, which is opposed with still greater

CHAPTER XVII.-Scarcely any virtue' found to resist the power of long and

pleasing temptation

CHAPTER XVIII.-The pursuit of a father to reclaim a lost child to virtue

CHAPTER XIX.-The description of a person discontented with the present govern-

ment, and apprehensive of the loss of our liberties