Of poor dear Dr. Goldsmith there is little to be told, more than the papers have made publick. He died of a fever, made, I am afraid, more violent by uneasiness of mind. His debts began to be heavy, and all his resources were exhausted. Sir Joshua [Reynolds] is of opinion that he owed not less than two thousand pounds. Was ever poet so trusted before?

In this poignant reflection, Samuel Johnson expresses both admiration and disbelief over Oliver Goldsmith's precarious financial situation. Despite Goldsmith's successful literary career, he was unable to manage his finances, accumulating a significant debt of two thousand pounds. Johnson's rhetorical question underscores the irony that someone so accomplished could be so financially irresponsible, yet still command such trust from his creditors. This highlights the often precarious existence of writers in the 18th century, who, despite their talents and successes, grappled with economic instability. Johnson’s words also reveal a deep sense of personal loss and the precariousness of a writer's life, emphasizing how Goldsmith's mental distress exacerbated his physical decline. The quote encapsulates the complexities of trust, fame, and financial mismanagement in literary circles of the time.