Where village statesmen talked with looks profound, and news much older than their ale went round

Where village statesmen talked with looks profound, and news much older than their ale went round

Oliver Goldsmith, a renowned Irish writer and poet, was known for his keen observations of human nature and society. In his works, he often depicted the simple yet profound interactions that took place in rural villages, where the village statesmen would gather to discuss important matters and share news with one another.

The line "Where village statesmen talked with looks profound, and news much older than their ale went round" perfectly captures the essence of Goldsmith's portrayal of village life. In these small communities, the local leaders, or statesmen, would come together to discuss the pressing issues of the day. Despite their humble surroundings, these men were respected for their wisdom and experience, and their conversations were filled with depth and insight.

Goldsmith's description of the news being "much older than their ale" highlights the timeless nature of the stories and gossip that circulated in these villages. In a world where information traveled slowly and was often distorted in the retelling, the news that reached the ears of the village statesmen was often outdated and embellished. However, this did not diminish the importance of these stories, as they served as a form of entertainment and connection for the villagers.