SHORTLY after the publication of The Vicar of Wakefield, in 1766, Goldsmith began to think of writing a comedy, and in 1767 The Good-Natured Man was submitted for Garrick’s approval. Garrick, however, insisted upon great alterations being made, and Goldsmith declining to comply, the comedy was declined. It was, however, accepted by George Colman, the elder, then manager of Covent Garden Theatre, and there produced in January 1768, the Prologue being written by Dr Johnson. The result was fairly suc-cessful, though the scene of the bailiffs was objected to as being “ low,” and was afterwards cut out on the stage, to be restored, however, shortly afterwards, when the play was published. The Good-Natured Man ran for ten nights, and Goldsmith’s share of the profits was £400. A further sum of £100 was received by him from the publication of the pla
