The Vicar of Wakefield | Page 3

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This etext was prepared by Charles J. Griep, St. Anthony, MN.

THE VICAR
OF WAKEFIELD
A TALE
Supposed to be written by Himself
Sperate miseri, cavete faelices

ADVERTISEMENT
There are an hundred faults in this Thing, and an hundred things might
be said to prove them beauties. But it is needless. A book may be
amusing with numerous errors, or it may be very dull without a single
absurdity. The hero of this piece unites in himself the three greatest
characters upon earth; he is a priest, an husbandman, and the father of a
family. He is drawn as ready to teach, and ready to obey, as simple in
affluence, and majestic in adversity. In this age of opulence and

refinement whom can such a character please? Such as are fond of high
life, will turn with disdain from the simplicity of his country fire-side.
Such as mistake ribaldry for humour, will find no wit in his harmless
conversation; and such as have been taught to deride religion, will
laugh at one whose chief stores of comfort are drawn from futurity.
OLIVER GOLDSMITH

CONTENTS
1. The description of the family of Wakefield; in which a kindred
likeness prevails as well of minds as of persons
2. Family misfortunes. The loss of fortune only serves to increase the
pride of the worthy
3. A migration. The fortunate circumstances of our lives are generally
found at last to be of our own procuring
4. A proof that even the humblest fortune may grant happiness, which
depends not on circumstance, but constitution 5. A new and great
acquaintance introduced. What we place most hopes upon generally
proves most fatal
6. The happiness of a country fire-side
7. A town wit described. The dullest fellows may learn to be comical
for a night or two
8. An amour, which promises little good fortune, yet may be productive
of much
9. Two ladies of great distinction introduced. Superior finery ever
seems to confer superior breeding
10. The family endeavours to cope with their betters. The miseries of
the poor when they attempt to appear above their circumstances

11. The family still resolve to hold up their heads
12. Fortune seems resolved to humble the family of Wakefield.
Mortifications are often more painful than real calamities
13. Mr Burchell is found to be an enemy; for he has the confidence to
give disagreeable advice
14. Fresh mortifications, or a demonstration that seeming calamities
may be real blessings
15. All Mr Burchell's villainy at once detected. The folly of
being-over-wise
16. The