The Adventures of Roderick Random

Seeking Earl Sheerwit’s Favor

A gentlewoman offers to use her influence on Melopoyn’s behalf, knowing someone acquainted with a lady of great interest with a person intimate with Earl Sheerwit, a nobleman of Maecenas character in the nation. Melopoyn accepts eagerly and withdraws the manuscript from Brayer. Within a month the play reaches the earl, who reads and approves it. Despite these hopes, three months pass with no further development, and Melopoyn begins to suspect the intelligence was false.

Introduction to Mr. Marmozet

Lord Rattle writes to a young squire to espouse Melopoyn’s cause, particularly to make him acquainted with Mr. Marmozet, a celebrated player of astonishing eclat who wields great influence over his theatre. The squire procures an introduction to Marmozet, who reveals that Earl Sheerwit has spoken highly of the play and sent him the copy with a message expressing desire that he act in it next season. Marmozet praises the piece effusively and agrees to appear in it, provided he is engaged for the season. He requests the manuscript to review in the country, promising to write within ten days with observations. Melopoyn embraces the expectation of seeing his play acted to the greatest advantage.

Marmozet’s Broken Promises

Six weeks pass without word from Marmozet. He finally writes that he has made remarks and will share them at a meeting, but advises placing the play immediately with the manager having the best company, as he is uncertain whether he will be engaged. Melopoyn’s friend warns that this uncertainty is a scandalous evasion—Marmozet is already engaged or in terms with Mr. Vandal, and intends to disappoint Melopoyn in favor of a new comedy he has purchased for his own advantage. Melopoyn suspects prejudice in his friend’s account.

Vandal’s Rejection

Upon Marmozet’s return, they discuss the play cordially, though Marmozet’s remarks are more unfavorable than expected. Melopoyn answers the objections and believes he has won Marmozet over. However, Marmozet now professes ignorance of Earl Sheerwit’s opinion and admits his interest with Vandal is insufficient alone. He advises applying directly to the earl for a message to the manager. Through the gentlewoman’s channels, a promise of the message arrives, conditional on assurance of Vandal being unengaged to other writers. Later intelligence reveals that Marmozet had previously informed the earl the play was altogether unfit for the stage. Melopoyn obtains Vandal’s assurance that he is free of engagements and receives the play, rehearsing it without delay. When Melopoyn attends at the appointed time, Vandal pronounces the play improper for the stage and rejects it, offering groundless and unintelligible objections. Melopoyn suspects Vandal has not read it at all. He later learns Vandal’s judgment has been disordered by superstition and the tyranny of his wife.

Suspicions of Treachery

Melopoyn entertains doubts of Marmozet’s integrity when he compares the circumstances of his conduct. Lord Sheerwit speaks of Marmozet with great contempt, resenting his insolence in opposing the earl’s taste. A hot-headed friend visits and affirms that Marmozet is the sole occasion of the disappointment, having acted with perfidious dissimulation. He claims Marmozet employed all his art to prejudice the ignorant manager, motivated by avarice to undermine another author of established reputation whose tragedy might interfere with the comedy Marmozet had purchased to bring on for his own benefit. The friend describes Marmozet as courted for his buffoonery and talent for mimicking, rather than any virtues of the heart. Melopoyn argues against these asseverations but cannot entirely dismiss them, though he dares not doubt Marmozet’s innocence given his continued favor with the earl.

A Lady’s Intercession

Melopoyn despairs of seeing his play acted and considers other employment. His landlord, considerably indebted and expecting payment from third-night profits, makes another effort. Through dint of interest, the landlord procures a message from a lady of fashion to Mr. Brayer, who venerates her. She desires Brayer to set up the play forthwith, promising she and all her friends will support it. She engages his best actors and the play is received again, reviving Melopoyn’s hopes. However, Brayer remains so engrossed by business of vast consequence that he cannot find time to read it until the season is far advanced, despite having perused it before.