were of gold.

[41.] The self-dependent lordlings. Probably in no country in the
world have the nobility been so popular as in England. It has been
said that an Englishman "dearly loves a lord."

[42.] Repelling and repelled. Goldsmith, who grew up among the
warm-hearted people of Lissoy, was doubtless often hurt by the apparent
coldness of his English friends.

[43.] One sink of level avarice. At the time _The Traveller_ was
written many noted English statesmen had low moral standards and were
willing to use corrupt means to gain their ends. Still, the great body
of the people were but slightly affected by this state of things, and
England was soon to enter upon a new and better era.

[44.] Those who think, etc. Americans believe that the thinkers should
toil and the toilers think. When Goldsmith's line was written great
ignorance prevailed among the working classes in all European countries.

[45.] Rich men rule the law. Bribery was common in England at the
time. Although conditions gradually improved, many abuses remained
until they were swept away by the famous Reform Bill of 1832.

[46.] The wealth of climes, etc. It will be remembered that England
was having serious trouble at the time this poem was written, both with
the people of India and with the American colonists.

[47.] Her useful sons, etc. The slave trade was not abolished in the
British Empire until 1807.