He had his moments of falsity, could heap coarse and outrageous abuse on Warren Hastings, illustrate the horrors of the Revolution by casting a dagger on the floor of the House of Commons, and nourish hatred beyond the bounds of justice or measure.

But these things do not affect his position, nor take from the solid greatness of his work.
Boswell we have seen; after Burke and Boswell, Goldsmith was the most brilliant member of the Johnson circle.

If part of Burke's genius is referable to his nationality, Goldsmith's is wholly so.

The beginning and the end of him was Irish; every quality he possessed as a man and as a writer belongs to his race.

He had the Irish carelessness, the Irish generosity, the Irish quick temper, the Irish humour.