This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ...speedily secured by the publication of his drama of Elfrida, in the year 1752; this was followed, after a short interval, by Caractacus, which performance contains some of his finest writing, particularly the odes. In the year 1754, he took holy orders, and was fortunate enough to obtain the patronage of the Earl of Holdernesse, who procured for him the appointment of Chaplain to his Majesty, and presented him with the valuable rectory of Aston, in Yorkshire. Previous to his leaving college, Mason had attracted the attention of the poet Gray by his imitations of L' Allegro and II Pensieroso; and from the congeniality of their pursuits and dispositions, a friendship was speedily contracted, which terminated only on the decease of the latter in 1771. This circumstance exhibits, in an eminent degree, that warmth and fervour of affection which characterized Mason through life; he regarded the genius of Gray with an enthusiasm "bordering upon idolatry." And upon the melancholy event of his decease, he took upon himself the office of his biographer, and the editor of such part of his works as were in a state fit for publication. Besides the church preferments which we have mentioned Mason to have attained in the early part of his life, he was appointed Canon Residentiary and Precentor of the Cathedral of York. For the latter office, which he discharged with unwearied attention and ability, he was peculiarly qualified, from his knowledge of the science of music, and the warm affection he felt towards it, of which he evinced a very sufficient proof in his interesting Essays, Historical and Critical, on English Church Music, Gray bequeathed to him the whole of his library and MSS. printed at York, 12mo. 1795. Of the sister art of...