The Adventures of Roderick Random

Rejection by Mr. Bellower

Melopoyn eagerly accepts Lord Rattle’s offer to approach Mr. Bellower, actor and prime minister to Mr. Vandal at another theatre. He delivers the letter and tragedy but waits an hour in the lobby before being admitted. Bellower says he is extremely busy, promises to peruse it soon, and bids Melopoyn return in a week. Melopoyn is astonished at Bellower’s pert and supercilious behavior. Upon returning, he is twice told Bellower is engaged and cannot see him. When finally granted an audience, Bellower claims he has not yet read the play. Nettled by this treatment, Melopoyn demands his manuscript with resentment. Bellower dramatically produces a bundle and throws it on the table, displaying such disorganization that seven plays are spread before him. Melopoyn identifies and retrieves his own tragedy, struck dumb by the number of new plays yearly offered to the stage. Lord Rattle receives his complaint but rebukes him for precipitation, advising he must endure player humours if he intends to write for the stage. The only remedy is to wait for the next season with Brayer.

Waiting for the Next Season

Melopoyn wrestles with extreme poverty through the eight months until the next season. He approaches Lord Rattle only to learn his lordship is about to go abroad and Mr. Brayer has gone into the country. Lord Rattle writes a strong letter of recommendation to Brayer and reminds him of his promise regarding the play.

A Second Attempt with Brayer

Upon learning of Brayer’s return, Melopoyn visits his house twice and is told he is gone out, though Melopoyn perceives Brayer observing him through a window. Incensed, Melopoyn sends a letter demanding a categorical answer. Brayer immediately summons him and receives him with profuse compliments and apologies, explaining the servant’s mistake. He expresses veneration for Lord Rattle, promises to peruse the play with dispatch, and presents Melopoyn with a general order for the season. Melopoyn avails himself of the privilege to attend performances and converse behind the scenes with Brayer about the play. Despite frequent inquiries, Brayer remains too busy to review it, and the season wastes apace. When another new play appears in the papers—written, offered, accepted, and rehearsed within three months—Melopoyn suspects perfidy. He later ascribes Brayer’s behavior to want of memory or judgment rather than malice.