The Adventures of Roderick Random

Mr. Bellower’s Dismissive Treatment of Melopoyn

When Melopoyn returns at the appointed time he is told that Bellower is engaged and cannot see him. He calls again some days later, waits a long time, and is finally received, only to be told that the play has not yet been read. Nettled at this treatment, Melopoyn demands his manuscript with marked resentment, citing Lord Rattle’s recommendation. Bellower, in a theatrical tone, opens the drawer of his bureau, pulls out bundle after bundle, flings them on the table, and with great disdain invites him to take whichever play he pleases — or all seven. Melopoyn singles out his own tragedy and departs, struck dumb less by the actor’s insolence than by the sheer number of new plays offered to the stage each year, and he laments how far the dignity of a poet has fallen since the days of Euripides and Sophocles. He carries his complaint to Lord Rattle, who taxes him with precipitation and tells him he must learn to bear with the humours of the players if he intends to write for the stage.

Lord Rattle Advises Waiting for Next Season

With no remedy left, Lord Rattle advises Melopoyn to keep the tragedy until the next season for Mr. Brayer and to spend the summer leisurely altering it according to the manager’s directions. Melopoyn is thus confronted with a terrible alternative: either abandon all hope of a play that had long promised him fortune and reputation, or endure eight long months of poverty in preparing for and awaiting its appearance. He chooses the latter, wrestles with extreme poverty until the period of his probation is ended, and then repairs to Lord Rattle, only to discover that his patron is on the point of going abroad, and that Mr. Brayer has likewise gone into the country. Lord Rattle, unable to introduce him personally as he had intended, writes a very strong letter on his behalf to Brayer, reminding the manager of the promise he had made in favour of the play.