The next year (1727) he distinguished himself by three publications:
of "Summer," in pursuance of his plan; of "A Poem on the Death of
Sir Isaac Newton," which he was enabled to perform as an exact
philosopher by the instruction of Mr. Gray; and of "Britannia," a
kind of poetical invective against the Ministry, whom the nation
then thought not forward enough in resenting the depredations of the
Spaniards. By this piece he declared himself an adherent to the
Opposition, and had therefore no favour to expect from the Court.

Thomson, having been some time entertained in the family of Lord
Binning, was desirous of testifying his gratitude by making him the
patron of his "Summer;" but the same kindness which had first
disposed Lord Binning to encourage him, determined him to refuse the
dedication, which was by his advice addressed to Mr. Dodington, a
man who had more power to advance the reputation and fortune of a
poet.

"Spring" was published next year, with a dedication to the Countess
of Hertford, whose practice it was to invite every summer some poet
into the country, to hear her verses and assist her studies. This
honour was one summer conferred on Thomson, who took more delight in
carousing with Lord Hertford and his friends than assisting her
ladyship's poetical operations, and therefore never received another
summons.

"Autumn," the season to which the "Spring" and "Summer" are
preparatory, still remained unsung, and was delayed till he
published (1730) his works collected.

He produced in 1727 the tragedy of Sophonisba, which raised such