ONE OF OLIVER GOLDSMITH’S ADVENTURES.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 50, 17 July 1906, Page 8

ONE OF OLIVER GOLDSMITH’S ADVENTURES.

The following quaint anecdote is related of the celebrated Oliver Goldsmith’s last journey to Edgeworthstown prior to his entrance at college.

Having left home on horseback ; he reached Ardagh, where it was necessary for him to sleep, at nightfall. He had a guinea in his pocket, and was determined to enjoy himself. He asked for the best house in the place, and from a piece of Irish literal comprehension, or waggery, was directed to a private house instead of an inn.

Goldsmith had no thought of mistake, and being readily admitted by the servants, who, from his confidence, concluded that he was some well-known friend and invited guest of thoir master, he gave directions concerning 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 haying soon detected the youth's error, humoured his guest, causing wine and whatever else Oliver chose to order to be brought him ; accepting with his wife and daughters an invitation to supper at his own table, and receiving with becoming attention strict injunctions to have a hot cake ready for breakfast.'

It was not until he called for his bill that the abashed school-lad discovered his blunder, and learned that he had been entertained at the residence of an old acquaintance of his father.

The adventure was subsequently made to furnish the main incident in the celebrated and world-renowned comedy of “She Stoops to Conquer."