from Mallet for Agamemnon. The epilogue, said to be written by a
friend, was composed in haste by Mallet, in the place of one
promised, which was never given. This tragedy was dedicated to the
Prince his master. It was acted at Drury Lane in 1739, and was well
received, but was never revived. In 1740 he produced, as has been
already mentioned, The Masque of Alfred, in conjunction with
Thomson. For some time afterwards he lay at rest. After a long
interval his next work was "Amyntor and Theodora" (1747), a long
story in blank verse; in which it cannot be denied that there is
copiousness and elegance of language, vigour of sentiment, and
imagery well adapted to take possession of the fancy. But it is
blank verse. This he sold to Vaillant for one hundred and twenty
pounds. The first sale was not great, and it is now lost in
forgetfulness.

Mallet, by address or accident, perhaps by his dependence on the
Prince, found his way to Bolingbroke, a man whose pride and
petulance made his kindness difficult to gain or keep, and whom
Mallet was content to court by an act which I hope was unwillingly
performed. When it was found that Pope clandestinely printed an
unauthorised pamphlet called the "Patriot King," Bolingbroke in a
fit of useless fury resolved to blast his memory, and employed
Mallet (1749) as the executioner of his vengeance. Mallet had not
virtue, or had not spirit, to refuse the office; and was rewarded,
not long after, with the legacy of Lord Bolingbroke's works.

Many of the political pieces had been written during the opposition
to Walpole, and given to Francklin, as he supposed, in perpetuity.
These, among the rest, were claimed by the will. The question was
referred to arbitrators; but, when they decided against Mallet, he