Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 4.djvu/281

Rh shower, though he did not omit what flattery could perform. He was only made a Commissioner of the Lottery, (1717,) and, what did not much elevate his character, a Justice of the Peace.

The success of his first play must naturally dispose him to turn his hopes towards the stage: he did not however soon commit himself to the mercy of an audience, but contented himself with the fame already acquired, till after nine years he produced (1722) "The Briton," a tragedy which, whatever was its reception, is now neglected; though one of the scenes, between Vanoc the British Prince and Valens the Roman General, is confessed to be written with great dramatick skill, animated by spirit truly poetical.

He had not been idle though he had been silent; for he exhibited another tragedy the same year, on the story of "Humphry Duke of Gloucester." This tragedy is only remembered by its title.

His happiest undertaking was of a paper, called "The Freethinker," in conjunction with associates, of whom one was Dr. Boulter, who, then only minister of a parish in Southwark, was of so much consequence to the Rh