which Goldsmith is supposed to have had specially in mind, are there reproduced. References to them will be found in the ensuing notes. The text here adopted (with exception of ll. 117–20) is that of the fifth edition of _The Vicar of Wakefield_, 1773[4], i. pp. 78–85; but the variations of the earlier version of 1765 are duly chronicled, together with certain hitherto neglected differences between the first and later editions of the novel. The poem was also printed in the _Poems for Young Ladies_, 1767, pp. 91–8.* The author himself, it may be added, thought highly of it. ‘As to my “Hermit,” that poem,’ he is reported to have said, ‘cannot be amended.’ (Cradock’s _Memoirs_, 1828, iv. 286.) * This version differs considerably from the others, often following that of 1765; but it has not been considered necessary to record the variations here. That Goldsmith unceasingly revised the piece is sufficiently established. Turn, etc. The first version has— Deign saint-like tenant of the dale, To guide my nightly way, To yonder fire, that cheers the vale With hospitable ray. For yonder faithless phantom flies. _The Vicar of Wakefield_, first edition, has— ‘For yonder phantom only flies.’ All. _ Vicar of Wakefield_, first edition, ‘For.’ Man wants but little here below. Cf. Young’s _Complaint_, 1743, _Night_ iv. 9, of which this and the next line are a recollection. According to Prior (_Life_, 1837, ii. 83), they were printed as a quotation in the version of 1765. Young’s line is— Man wants but Little; nor that Little, long. modest. _Vicar of Wakefield_, first edition, ‘grateful.’ Far in a wilderness obscure. First version, and _Vicar of Wakefield_, first edition:— Far shelter’d in a glade obscure The modest mansion lay. The wicket, opening with a latch. First version, and _Vicar of Wakefield_, first edition:— The door just opening with a latch. And now, when busy crowds retire. First version, and _Vicar of Wakefield_, first edition:— And now, when worldly crowds retire To revels or to rest. But nothing, etc. In the first version this stanza runs as follows:— But nothing mirthful could assuage The pensive stranger’s woe; For grief had seized his early age, And tears would often flow. modern. _Vicar of Wakefield_, first edition, reads ‘haughty.’ His love-lorn guest betray’d. First version, and _Vicar of Wakefield_, first edition:— The bashful guest betray’d. Surpris’d, he sees, etc. First version, and _Vicar of Wakefield_, first edition:— He sees unnumber’d beauties rise, Expanding to the view; Like clouds that deck the morning skies,