This was the ballad of 'Edwin and Angelina', otherwise known as 'The
Hermit'. It originated in certain metrical discussions with Percy, then
engaged upon his famous 'Reliques of English Poetry'; and in 1765,
Goldsmith, who through his friend Nugent (afterwards Lord Clare) had
made the acquaintance of the Earl of Northumberland, printed it
privately for the amusement of the Countess. In a revised and amended
form it was subsequently given to the world in 'The Vicar of Wakefield'.
With the exception of an abortive attempt to resume his practice as a
medical man,--an attempt which seems to have been frustrated by the
preternatural strength of his prescriptions,--the next memorable thing
in Goldsmith's life is the publication of 'The Vicar of Wakefield'
itself. It made its appearance on the 27th of March, 1766. A second
edition followed in May, a third in August. Why, having been sold (in
part) to a Salisbury printer as far back as October, 1762, it had
remained unprinted so long; and why, when published, it was published by
Francis Newbery and not by John Newbery, Goldsmith's employer,--are
questions at present unsolved.
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