The Adventures of Roderick Random

第六十三章

Mr. Melopoyn continues his lengthy and dispiriting account of the theatrical world’s corruption and caprice. Despite receiving praise from Lord Rattle, who calls his tragedy the best “coup d’essai” he has ever seen, Melopoyn finds his work subjected to endless alterations demanded by various patrons, managers, and actors, each of whom promises to champion his cause while ultimately delaying or abandoning his manuscript. His play passes through the hands of several managers—Brayer, Bellower, and Vandal—each of whom makes elaborate promises that come to nothing, and Melopoyn is particularly undone by the perfidious conduct of Mr. Marmozet, a celebrated actor who appears supportive but secretly undermines his interests, even contradicting Earl Sheerwit’s favorable opinion of the tragedy to serve his own mercenary purposes. After repeated disappointments, Melopoyn is finally reduced to complete destitution when his landlord dies and his creditors seize his possessions, leaving him arrested for debt and imprisoned, where he has languished for five weeks sustained only by the charity of fellow prisoners.

Lord Rattle’s Patronage

Mr. Supple introduces Melopoyn to Lord Rattle, a young nobleman of fine taste in dramatic writings who possesses great influence. Lord Rattle assures him that patronage will support his play against envy and ignorance, acknowledging that merit alone will not bring success. Mr. Supple provides a letter of introduction, and Melopoyn’s landlord procures new clothes to make him more presentable to the patron. Melopoyn presents his tragedy at Lord Rattle’s lodgings and is instructed to return in a week.