GOLDSMITH’S GRATUITIES

Evening Star, Issue 22619, 10 April 1937, Page 6

GOLDSMITH’S GRATUITIES

MAKING MOST OF EMPTY PURSE Oliver Goldsmith was once invited to spend a week-end at the country estate of Lord Nugent, an invitation which he accepted with great enthusiasm, since it came at a time when his purse was literally empty except for one lonely shilling. It usually was, indeed, due to habitual extravagance and careless generosity. The food was excellent, the wine even more so, and Goldsmith found it very easy to overlook the fact that his week-end was soon over, A week passed, a second, a third—and Lord Nugent began to talk of a long journey which he was absolutely compelled to make in the very near future. His guest finally realised that he could delay his own departure no longer—but certain difficulties were involved; he had no money for gratuities for his lordship’s 24 servants, and naturally it was unthinkable that he leave without adhering to this_ necessary formality. Nor was there time to turn for help to his London friends. What to do?

Suddenly a thought struck him. He went to the village shopkeeper and had his shilling changed into 24 shiny new halfpennies. The next morning, as he was taking his leave, the 24 servants lined up ou the front steps, each standing stiffly at attention with .right hand outstretched to receive their tip, according to the dictates of custom. The writer, with an expression of gracious benevolence, pressed one of the shiny coins into each hand and ascended the waiting carriage with princely dignity. Suddenly one of the servants noticed that, instead of the usual gold piece ho had received a copper halfpenny, and he rushed down after the moving cab. “Sir,” he cried, breathlessly “ you, you made mistake! ” “‘How so? ’’ asked the writer inno- “ Sir ” went oil the lackey, pale under his powdered wig, with trembling voice, “Sir, this is a halfpenny!” Goldsmith nodded. “ Certainly, my good man. I never give less! And the carriage rolled bn.