was distributed among his poor relations.

None of the rest whom we have named enjoyed any share of the royal
bounty, except W. Whitehead, who succeeded to the place of laureate
at the death of Cibber; and some of them whose merit was the most
universally acknowledged, remained exposed to all the storms of
indigence, and all the stings of mortification. While the queen lived,
some countenance was given to learning. She conversed with Newton, and
corresponded with Leibnitz. She took pains to acquire popularity; the
royal family on certain days dined in public, for the satisfaction
of the people: the court was animated with a freedom of spirit and
vivacity, which rendered it at once brilliant and agreeable. At her
death that spirit began to languish, and a total stagnation of gaiety
and good humour ensued. It was succeeded by a sudden calm, an ungracious
reserve, and a still rotation of insipid forms. *

* George II. by his queen Caroline, had two sons and five
daughters, who attained the age of maturity. Frederick,
prince of Wales, father to his present majesty George III.;
William duke of Cumberland; Anne, the princess royal,
married to the late prince of Orange, and mother to the
present stadtholder; Mary, landgraviate of Hesse-Cassel;
Louisa, late queen of Denmark; Amelia and Carolina, who were
never married.

{GEORGE II. 1727-1760}

MUSIC.

England was not defective in other arts that embellish and amuse. Music
became a fashionable study, and its professors were generally caressed
by the public. An Italian opera was maintained at a great expense, and
well supplied with foreign performers. Private concerts were instituted
in every corner of the metropolis. The compositions of Handel were
universally admired, and he himself lived in affluence. It must be
owned at the same time, that Geminiani was neglected, though his genius
commanded esteem and veneration. Among the few natives of England who
distinguished themselves by their talents in this art, Green, Howard,
Arne, and Boyce, were the most remarkable.

PAINTING AND SCULPTURE.

The British soil, which had hitherto been barren in the article of
painting, now produced some artists of extraordinary merit. Hogarth
excelled all the world in exhibiting the scenes of ordinary life; in
humour, character, and expression. Hayman became eminent for historical
designs and conversation pieces. Reynolds and Ramsay disti