the first musical work by the subject of these memoirs that he openly avowed, was a set of six sonatas for two violins and a bass, printed in 1747, and dedicated to the earl of holdernesse; to whose notice the author had been presented by some of the titled friends and protectors to whom he had become accidentally known.

the earl not only accepted with pleasure the music and the dedication, but conceived a regard for the young composer, that soon passed from his talents to his person and character. many notes of lord holdernesse still remain of kind engagements for meetings, even after his time was under

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the royal, though honourable restraint, of being governor of the heir apparent.[6] that high, and nearly exclusive occupation, lessened not the favour which his lordship had had the taste and discernment to display so early for a young man whom, afterwards, with pleasure, if not with pride, he must have seen rise to equal and general favour in the world.

at holdernesse house,[7] the fine mansion of this earl, young burney began an acquaintance, which in after years ripened into intimacy, with mr. mason, the poet, who was his lordship’s chaplain.