OLIVER GOLDSMITH.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1522, 12 March 1886, Page 3

OLIVER GOLDSMITH.

A singular anecdote is related of Goldsmith's last journey to Edgeworth's town, previous to his entrance at college. Having left home on horseback, he reached Ardagh at nightfall, where it was necessary for him to sleep. He had a guinea in his pocket, and wat determined to enjoy himself. He aaked for the best house in the place, and from a piece of literal Irish comprehension of waggery was directed to a private house instead of an inn. Goldsmith had no thought of a mistake, and, being readily admitted by the servants, who, from his confidence concluded that he was some wellknown friend and invited guest of their master, he gave directions con* corning his horse, and being shown into the parlour, found there the owner of the mansion at his fireside— a Mr Featberstone, a gentleman of fortune, and somewhat of a wit. Oliver began to call about him with authority, as one entitled to attention} and his host having soon detected the youth's error, and being willing to enjoy an evening's amusement, humoured bis guest, caused wine, and whatever Oliver chose to order, to be brought him; accepted with his wife and daughters an invitation to supper at his own table, and received with becoming attention strict injunction! to have a hot cake ready for breakfast on the following morning* It was not till he called for his bill before quittiug the house, that the abashed school-lad discovered hie blunder, and learned that be had been entertained at the residence of an old acquaintance of his father. The adventure was subsequently cade to furnish the main incident in the comedy of " She Stoop* to j Conquer*" f