Rev. William Mason

He was esteemed at College, where I had the good fortune to be acquainted with him, to be one of the chief ornaments of the University; is now married, and preferred in Yorkshire by Lord Holdernesse, and Precentor of York. His friend, Mr. Gray of the same College, dying, 1771, left him £500, all his books, MSS., musical instruments, medals, &c. and executor to do with his papers as he should judge.

On Friday, Jan. 7, 1774, I was assured for certain that he was the author of The Heroic Epistle, &c. 1773. When I read it, I easily saw the reason of its great character, exclusive of its being well written, in fine poetry; and running through so many editions. Satire and ill nature is always acceptable. The King himself is not spared in several places of this short and snarling poem; so his ministers need not grumble that they are under the lash. He shews himself too much of a party-man throughout. I am sorry for it, as I had a great veneration for his character. — HE DENIES IT — 14th edit. in 1777.