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 with the noblest sentiments of liberty, was, however, con- 205 sidered at the time to contain a considerable portion of party spirit, and the character of Trollio, the Swedish minister, as intended for Sir Robert Walpole: but it may be doubted whether this minister gained any thing by prohibiting its performance, since he could not suppress its publication. By the prohibition, curiosity was awakened in an uncommon degree, and it excited an enthusiastic ardour in his favour, amongst his friends and of the public generally, who were not biassed by the other party, and the author was more richly rewarded than he would have been by the profits of the theatre. Above a thousand copies were subscribed for, at five shillings each, and by the sale of subsequent editions, he cleared about a thousand pounds. Dr. Johnson appeared at his side, and wrote a very ingenious satirical pamphlet, entitled " A Complete Vindication of the Licensers of the Stage from the mali- cious Aspersions of Mr. Brooke, Author of Gustavus Vasa, BROOKE. 1789," 4to. The fame Brooke acquired by this play, seemed the earnest of a prosperous career, and as at this time the prince proposed Mrs. Brooke as wet-nurse to the child of whom the princess was then pregnant, the most flattering prospects opened to his imagination. He hired a house at Twickenham, near to Pope's, furnished it genteelly, and sent for Mrs. Brooke and family. But, alas! his fiattering prospects were soon obscured; he was taken ill, and his complaint continued so violent and obstinate, that his physicians considered his life in danger, and advised, as a last resource, his native air. He accordingly removed thither, and soon recovered. But when his return was expected by his friends, to their great surprise he parted with the house at Twickenham, and determined to remain in Ireland. For a conduct so apparently inconsistent, both as to interest and inclination, he declined accounting for. It afterwards appeared Mrs. Brooke was alarmed at th zeal with which he espoused the cause of the opposition,