The Adventures of Roderick Random

Earl Sheerwit Approves the Tragedy

A gentlewoman in whose company Melopoyn happens to be tells him she is acquainted with the wife of a gentleman who knows a lady who has great interest with a person intimate with Earl Sheerwit, and offers to use her influence on his behalf. Since the earl bears the character of a Maecenas whose sole countenance and approbation can stamp value upon any work, Melopoyn accepts eagerly. The manuscript is withdrawn from Brayer’s hands and placed in the gentlewoman’s care, who labours so effectually that within a month it reaches the earl. A few weeks later Melopoyn hears with delight that Earl Sheerwit has read and very much approved the tragedy. Three more months of silence follow, during which he doubts the veracity of his informant, but he is at length forced to acknowledge that the news was true.

Lord Rattle Arranges Meeting with Mr. Marmozet

Encouraged by the civilities he has received and the desire Lord Rattle has shown to promote his play, Melopoyn writes an account of his ill fortune to his lordship, who condescends to ask a young squire of great estate, with whom he is intimate, to espouse Melopoyn’s cause and in particular to make him known to Mr. Marmozet, a celebrated player who has lately appeared upon the stage with astonishing éclat and bears such sway in the house where he acts that the managers dare not refuse anything he recommends. The young gentleman, diffident of his own interest, has recourse to a nobleman of his acquaintance, who at his solicitation is so good as to introduce Melopoyn to the celebrated actor.