BROOKE, IIENnv, dramatist and novelist, was born in 1708, in the house of Rantavan, co. Cavan, Ireland. His father was a wealthy clergyman. Young B. was first sent to school to one Felix Somerford, where he so distinguished himself that his tutor, in the fullness of his heart, prophesied that he would play a great part in life. His talent for rhyming first made itself evident here, and it received further development while lie resided at Dr. Sheridan's school in Dublin. In 1724, he went to study law in London, and became the chosen friend of Pope and Lyttleton. From the heart of this brilliant literary society he was recalled to Ireland by a dying aunt, who left him guardian of her child, a girl of twelve. B. put the child to a Dublin boarding-school, and married her secretly two years thereafter. Four or five years subsequently, when his wife had borne him three children, lie removed to London, and once more became a bright par ticular star in the galaxy of metropolitan genius. In London, he published a poem, entitled Universal Beauty, which Pope admired, and of which he perhaps turned a coup let here and there. Shortly after, 13. returned to Ireland; but in 1736, be was again in
London, and was introduced to the prince of Wales, who cultivated his friendship, and made him presents of books and china. About this time, he published his play, entitled Gustavus Vara, full of the noblest sentiments, and the most inconceivable characters. In 1740, B. was taken ill, and returned to his native country, where he published several books, and a tragedy, The Earl of Wdstrnoreland, which was performed in Dublin. In his later years he removed to Dublin, and died there in 1783. The sonorous eloquence of his plays has not saved them from oblivion; and his novel, entitled The Fool of Quality, is the only work of his which is likely to meet the eyes of modern readers. It was originally published in five volumes, and was greatly admired by John Wesley. A new edition was published in 1859, with a preface by the Rev. C. Kingsley.