He was educated at a University of Edinburgh, and attend London in 1723 to work as a personal private instructor. There he became friendly using Alexander Pope, James Thomson, and more literary numbers. His right-known operate was written in the equivalent season: William and Margaret, adapted from either the traditional ballad. Around 1740, he collaborated with Thomsin on the masque, Alfred, which was the vehicle for Rule Britannia. His more plays & poetry, popular at the period, come largely forgotten, however he was a important plenty figure to become chosen by Henry St John, Viscount Bolingbroke as his literary executor. Bolingbroke's writings were edited & published by Mallet inside 1754.