rise to distinction as a scholar. He entertained a positive aversion for mathematics, and his appreciation of the classics seems to have been that of the poet rather than of the critic. There is however no evidence that he was distinguished for irregularity of conduct; and it is not true that he was expelled for taking part in a street riot attended with loss of life. Four of the ringleaders in this affair were expelled, and four of the participators publicly admonished; Goldsmith was one of the latter.

Shortly after this untoward event Goldsmith obtained one of the minor exhibitions, of which there are so many in Trinity College, Dublin; and, to celebrate his success, he convened a dancing party of young ladies and gentlemen in his college-rooms. On this occasion his tutor, a Mr Wilder, committed an indiscretion as flagrant as his pupil's, by proceeding to Goldsmith's rooms, as soon as he heard of the irregularity, and administering personal chastisement on the spot. Goldsmith could not stomach the affront, quitted the University, and sold his books and clothes, with the intention of travelling to Cork, and there embarking for America. With characteristic indecision, however, he wandered about Dublin till only one shilling remained in his pocket. He then set out for Cork, but had not walked far, when he was reduced to such extremities that, after a twenty-four hours' fast, a handful of grey peas, given him by a girl at a wake, seemed to him the most delightful repast he had ever made. Necessity now obliged him to communicate with his brother Henry, who effected a reconcilia tion between him and his tutor, and restored him to the University where he took his degree of B.A. on the 27th February 1749. Goldsmith left the University not only without distinguished acquirements as a scholar, but without a definite lifeaim; and nearly two years were now passed in miscellaneous light reading, and in visiting among friends. Though conscious of having no vocation for the sacred office, he applied to the bishop of Elphin for ordination, and was rejected, according to some because he was too young, according to others because the bishop believed in an exaggerated account of his irregularities at college, and according to others still, because he had appeared before the bishop in scarlet breeches! His friends, who had urged him to make the application, were greatly disappointed, himself not at all. About this time he acted for nearly a year as tutor in the family of a Mr Flinn. On leaving this situation, which he did on occasion of some quarrel, none of his relations knew for six weeks what was become of him, and to this period belong the adventures of which he wrote so delightfully naive an account to his mother. Mounted on a good horse, and with £30 in his pocket, he went to Cork, where he sold his horse, and prepaid his passage to America. For three weeks, contrary winds prevented the vessel from sailing, and, when a change of wind carried her * Prior's Life of Goldsinith, Vol. I.. D. 119

1749-1758