GOLDO'NI, CAItLO, the most celebrated writer of comedy among the Italians, was b. at Venice in 1707, and received his first education at Rome. His father originally intended him for an actor, and fitted up a private theater for his diversion at home, but the boy showed no aptitude for histrionic performances, and in consequence he was sent to Pavia to study for the church. Goldoni, however, was still less fitted for being an ecclesiastic than an actor; and.was finally expelled from college for writing scurrilous satires. In 1731, after his father's death, he was received as nvocate; but finding the legal profession by no means lucrative, lie relinquished its practice, and set about com posing comic almanacs, which because highly popular. Several of his minor. comedies were represented about this time, and attracted much public favor by their novelty as well as their real merit. In 1736 he espoused the daughter of a notary of Genoa, and subsequently went to Bologna, where, having obtained an introduction to prince Lobkowitz, he was intrusted with the composition of an ode in honor of Maria Theresa. and with the organization of the theatrical •entertainments of the Austrian army. We next hear of him at Florence,,working assiduously at comedies, which were, however, but an earnest of his best pieces. On his return to Venice lie made very lucrative
arrangements with the manager of the theater of St. Luke, and after a visit to Boum passed into France, and was appointed Italian master to the royal children, which situation allowed him to devote himself tranquilly to his literary occupations. In Paris he produced one of his most admired comedies written in French, and entitled Le J3ourru. bienfaisant (The Benevolent Grumbler). It excited universal admiration, and drew forth a most eulogistic criticism from file pen of Voltaire. On the breaking out of the revolution, Goldoni lost his pension, and died (Jan., 1793) shortly before its resto ration by decree.of the cdnvention. The greater part of it was allowed to his widow, who likewise received the arrears due from the time' Of its cesSation. has left 150 comedies of unequal merit. The larger part are inimitable representations ef the events of daily life, under both their simplest and most complex aspects. One aim pervades iteadily all Goldoni's compositions—the advancement and elevation of honor able sentiments and deeds, and the flagellation of the prevailing vices and follies of the day.