Gray the poet gives a similar account of him some years after:--"He is a thin, ill-made man, extremely tall and awkward, of a most unpromising countenance, a good deal resembling King James II., and has extremely the air and look of an idiot, particularly when he laughs or prays; the first he does not do often, the latter continually." Horace Walpole observed that "enthusiasm and disappointment have stamped a solemnity on his person, which rather creates pity than respect." 53 Frederick, Prince of Wales, at a Party (_606_) . . . . . M. LAROON? The Prince is at the head of the table, round which eight ladies and gentlemen are seated. He is pouring wine into a glass. Some thirteen persons, attendants, and a clergyman, are also in the room. Most of them are probably portraits. Altogether twenty-three small figures. On canvas, 3 ft. high, by 2 ft. 10 in. wide. This picture, though long labelled "Vanderbank," is probably by Marcellus Laroon, the younger, to whom it is attributed in an old catalogue. The likelihood that he is the painter is greatly strengthened by the close resemblance in style between it and the similar piece that follows--the personages evidently being the same. It is not certain what is the subject represented; though it has borne the above title for many years. In one of the Lord Chamberlain's old inventories it is stated to represent "a fête in honour of the marriage of the Duke of Wharton." 54 A Royal Assembly in Kew Palace . . . . . MARCELLUS LAROON. This represents some Royal assembly, apparently Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, the wife of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and her friends, in Kew Palace. The Princess in blue is pouring out the tea; a lady in white is singing; Handel is at the harpsichord, and "Orator" Henley close by. The equestrian portrait on the wall appears to be George II. Signed _Mar. Laroon_, and dated _1740_. Lent by Mr. Humphry Ward. 55 Matthew Prior . . . . . _By Thomas Hudson, after_ JONATHAN RICHARDSON. Half-length, seated, almost in profile to the right. On canvas, 3 ft. 4 in. high, by 2 ft. 9 in. wide. Lent by the Trustees of the National Portrait Gallery. Prior--poet, statesman, and diplomatist--published with Charles Montagu, afterwards Earl of Halifax, in 1689, "The City Mouse and the Country Mouse," intended to ridicule Dryden's "Hind and Panther." He was patronized by Dorset, who introduced him to the Court; and he was often employed in diplomatic offices. 56 Flower-Piece--_over the mantelpiece_ (_826_) . . . . . BAPTISTE. A green glass vase with chrysanthemums, poppies, honeysuckles, etc. Baptiste was a _protégé_ of Queen Mary, and painted a great number of flower-pieces to decorate Kensington and Hampton Court. 57 Portrait of Robert Boyle the Philosopher (_56_) . . . . . KERSEBOOM.