 The poem is notable for its interesting portrayal of a hermit, who is fond of the natural world and his wilderness solitude but maintains a gentle, sympathetic demeanor toward other people.In keeping with eremitical tradition, however, Edwin the Hermit claims to "spurn the [opposite] sex".This poem appears under the title of "A Ballad" sung by the character of Mr. Burchell in Chapter 8 of Goldsmith's novel, "The Vicar of Wakefield".