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98 and assistance from fortune. The wealth of the lady of whom he made choice, though her least recommendation to those who estimated her virtues, was to Sir Aubrey her principal attraction, his views aiming at aggrandisement;—to rise, and to become renowned in his profession, being the chief and buoyant hope which ever gave animation and energy to his resolves.

His military prowess was marked with an ability ensuring success, defying the opposition of those casual obstacles which almost every individual must expect to encounter, even in the pursuance of schemes the most wise and best concerted. Talents prompted by zeal and activity can seldom remain long unnoticed, and particularly when fortune lends her aid to place them in a conspicuous light. Thus the father of De Brooke became distinguished, no less by his intrepidity than by his counsel: considered as one of the most experienced generals of the day, fame and honour attended him. The friend of his sovereign, the favourite at court, his interest and influence were unbounded. Successively appointed to stations of the highest eminence and responsibility in the kingdom, great was the splendour of his public character.

Let us now contemplate him in private life,—as