though correct, unaffectedly easy. We find the notes of every part in their proper and best places, without the parade of intruded learning; and his passages never quit the path of nature in search of unmeaning flourish and extravaganza. His airs are generally sweet and attractive; often original, and always illustrative of the poet's idea. His symphonies and accompaniments are, with few exceptions, so incorporated in the melody, in point of affinity and congeniality of character, as to mark his knowledge of their true use and design. His divisions are flowing, seldom far-fetched, and not unfrequently formed in the very spirit of the air they are meant to embellish; a propriety rarely found in his contemporaries. His bases, though not always the choicest that might have been selected, are respectably arranged, and in no instance, that I recollect, betray the want of information in the established laws of composition. In his overtures we find great variety and readiness of conception. Spirit, vigour, tenderness, and pathos exhibit themselves in turn ; and his scores universally bespeak a thorough acquaintance with the powers of the band, as well as much judgment in effect. The reader, by combining these requisites, will form some idea of the Herculean task of good composition; and, by attributing them. to Mr. Shield, will do justice to that gentleman's genius, taste and science. But estimable as Mr. Shield may appear as a musician, from this just comment on his professional merit, he has, as I every where learn, still stronger claims to approbation from the excellence of his private character. He is a kind husband, an attentive son, and a sincere friend. Tenderness, benevolence, honour, and innocent conviviality are the predominant characteristics of his heart; and useful intelligence, readiness of conception, and solidity of judgment form the distinguishing features of his mind. Mr. Shield had been many years married, and has often been heard to remark that he ought to be the happiest of mortals at home, because he has the best of wives, and that he considers the power he possesses of contributing to the support of his mother as one of the greatest blessings heaven could have bestowed upon him. Of the quality of his compositions I have spoken at large, and to the best of my judgment; their quantity or number will be found in the following list : Sprigs of Laurel, Arrived at Portsmouth, Travellers in Switzerland, The Lock and Key, Netley Abbey, Chorusses, dances, dirges, glees, songs, &c. &c. THE RIGHT HON. SIR GEORGE YONGE, BART. K. B. SIR George Yonge having devoted these fortyfive years past to a public life, is justly entitled to a niche in these biographic illustrations. He received his education at Eton College, from whence, to complete his studies, he was sent to Leipsic, where, by uncommon diligence, he enriched his mind with much valuable knowledge. His father, the celebrated Sir William Yonge, was a character well known in the political history of the last reigns. His eminent abilities, and talent for speaking, with the exquisite melody of his voice, attracted general notice, rendered him a valuable supporter of the minister, and procured those honourable situations which have since been possessed by his son. * A cir * On a great augmentation of the naval and military force being moved for in the House of Commons in 1724, Sir William, then Mr. Yonge, was appointed by the ministry to oppose the powerful A circumstance respecting Sir William's voice, rather uncommon, we shall just notice, which is, that its sweetness of tone continued unimpaired, though he had the misfortune to lose the whole of his teeth. He was an elegant, well-bred man, a scholar, a poet, and an affectionate father. He was not a little proud of the well-directed application of his boy, sparing no pains to qualify him for that political sphere to which rank, and other propitious circumstances, intitled him to look forward. His father dying, Sir George Yonge was very early called to act as one of the legislators of his country. In the year 1754, being then just of age, he was chosen member for Honiton in Devonshire: a borough represented by his ancestors for a series of years, and where, from local interest and attachment,* he came in not only independent, but possessed influence enough to bring in the other representative. A person thus circumstanced became worthy of the minister's attention. During his residence abroad, his time was not powerful arguments advanced by the celebrated Mr. Shippen against the measure. For some particulars of Mr. S. consult Rev. Mr. Coxe's "Memoirs of Sir Robert Walpole, 3 vols. 4to. 1798." *This verifies a remark of the late Dr. Johnson's, "that a very rich man, from low beginnings, may buy his election in a borough; but cæteris paribus, a man of family will be preferred. People will prefer a man for whose father their fathers have voted, though they should get no more money, or even less. This shews that the respect for family is not merely fanciful, but has an actual operation." 1 wholly wholly engrossed by his private studies. To initiate himself into a knowledge of the world he travelled, and, we believe, some diplomatic minister took him under his patronage. During his attendance in parliament, many great and important discussions were brought forward, and, as he constantly grounded himself in the argument of the several topics in agitation, we have every inducement to conclude that he voted from conviction. In the year 1766, he was appointed one of the Commissioners of the Admiralty. From the year 1754, until the general election in 1796, he continued to represent Honiton; then he declined offering himself as a candidate, and, on that occasion, was complimented with an appropriate address from his former constituents, expressive of their regret, and testifying their high sense of his long and faithful services. Considering his life as devoted to senatorial duties, he has well acquainted himself with the principles of government, and the nature of civil liberty. He opposed Lord North's administration, and, on most occasions, his name will be found as the people's friend, and a friend to every measure that tended to advance the real dignity and happiness of his country. When the amiable Marquis of Rockingham came into power, he was called on to make a part of the administration; indeed an hereditary claim seemed to point him out as intitled to fill the very honourable station of Secretary at War, and accordingly, early |