At Eton he was called dull, idle, slow, and was about the last boy in school of whom anything was expected.

He showed no talent, and had no desire to enter the army.

His industry and perseverance were his only redeeming characteristics in the eyes of his parents and teachers.

But at forty-six he had defeated the greatest general living, except himself.
Goldsmith was the laughing-stock of his schoolmasters.

He was graduated "Wooden Spoon," a college name for a dunce.