Arne was the acknowledged author of the libretti of many stage-pieces and wrote the poetry of numerous songs. His known libretti included "Don Saverio," 1750; "Artaxerxes," 1762; "The Guardian Outwitted," 1764; "The Rose," 1772; "The Cooper," 1772; "The Contest of Beauty and Virtue," 1773; a "Pasticcio," 1773; "Phoebe at Court," 1776; and "Whittington's Feast," 1776. NOTE TO PAGE 76. [31] Dr. Arne presents his love to Mrs. Arne, desiring to be inform'd of her health, which he sincerely hopes she enjoys. He cou'd not possibly call upon her in the hurry of this new Piece; but will take a speedy opportunity. Begs the favour of her signing the inclos'd receipt for the money he has paid, which he thinks was sixteen Guineas, and five more, sent herewith, make one and twenty. Reciev'd Nov. ye 21st, of Dr. Arne, the sume of twenty-one Guineas, in part of the money due to me, at the rate of forty pounds a year, agreed to be paid for my board, lodging and maintenance. Dr. Arne' Accot. of Arrears due to Mrs. Arne from the Allowance made to her of 16s. 8d. p. week, which from April 16th, 1771, to Novr. 26th following is Eight Months and two Days and which amounts to 26 18 10½ Recd. at Sundry times 16 16 0 --------- Remaining due 10 2 10½ 5 5 0 --------- 4 17 10½ [Illustration: CLIEFDEN IN 1740.] RULE, BRITANNIA. His Royal Highness Frederick Prince of Wales, son of King George the Second, was opposed to his father not only in politics, but also in his tastes and amusements. The King had no liking for, or appreciation of, British men and things; the Prince, on the contrary, assiduously cultivated a knowledge of the English laws and constitution, and strove to assimilate his tastes and feelings to those of the people he expected one day to rule and govern. He zealously promoted such measures as he thought desirable for the public welfare, and patronized men of eminence connected with arts, science, and literature. His beautiful residence, Cliefden,[32] on the banks of the Thames, was the recognized resort of the most distinguished men of letters and art. The under-secretary of the Prince was David Mallet, to whom he paid a stipend of two hundred pounds per annum; Thomson the poet was also one of his protégés. A change of government deprived Thomson of a lucrative appointment, and being introduced to the Prince of Wales the latter gaily interrogated him about the state of his affairs; the poet replied, "they were in a more poetical posture than formerly," whereupon the Prince granted him a pension of one hundred pounds a year.