It will surprise you to see me cite second Atkins, Case 136, Stiles
versus the Attorney-General, March 14, 1740, as authority for the
life of a poet. But biographers do not always find such certain
guides as the oaths of the persons whom they record. Chancellor
Hardwicke was to determine whether two annuities, granted by the
Duke of Wharton to Young, were for legal considerations. One was
dated the 24th March, 1719, and accounted for his grace's bounty in
a style princely and commendable, if not legal--"considering that
the public good is advanced by the encouragement of learning and the
polite arts, and being pleased therein with the attempts of Dr.
Young, in consideration thereof, and of the love I bear him, etc."
The other was dated the 10th of July, 1722.

Young, on his examination, swore that he quitted the Exeter family,
and refused an annuity of 100 pounds which had been offered him for
life if he would continue tutor to Lord Burleigh, upon the pressing
solicitations of the Duke of Wharton, and his grace's assurances of
providing for him in a much more ample manner. It also appeared
that the duke had given him a bond for 600 pounds dated the 15th of
March, 1721, in consideration of his taking several journeys, and
being at great expenses, in order to be chosen member of the House
of Commons, at the duke's desire, and in consideration of his not
taking two livings of 200 pounds and 400 pounds in the gift of All
Souls College, on his grace's promises of serving and advancing him
in the world.

Of his adventures in the Exeter family I am unable to give any
account. The attempt to get into Parliament was at Cirencester,
where Young stood a contested election. His grace discovered in him