While a student, Gray gained a considerable reputation for his skill in Latin verse, publishing some in the '30s. He pursued careers as a barrister and later in civil law, but ultimately devoted himself entirely to scholarly pursuits once he no longer had to worry about earning an income. As a fellow-commoner at Cambridge, he could "live as a gentleman on a limited income, and indulge his passion for learning" (DNB). He was reluctant to publish his works. Mason argues that Gray's pride led him to "despise the idea of being an author professed," which may explain why Gray worked so hard at trying to remain anonymous. The DNB aptly quotes: ‘though without birth or fortune, or station, his desire was to be looked upon as a private independent gentleman, who read for his amusement’ (Temple). He was offered the poet laureateship by the lord chamberlain, which he declined.