 to bring it on the stage. - I applauded
his expedient, and was introduced to the friar, who having perused the tragedy,
was pleased to signify his approbation, and commended me in particular, for
having avoided all reflections upon religion. - He promised to use all his
influence with his son Supple, in my behalf, and to inform himself that very
day, when it would be proper for me to wait upon him with the piece. - He was
punctual in performing his engagement, and next morning gave me to understand,
that he had mentioned my affair to the manager, and that I had no more to do,
than to go to his house any time in the forenoon, and make use of his name, upon
which I would find immediate admittance. - I took his advice, put my performance
in my bosom, and having received directions, went immediately to the house of
Mr. Supple, and knocked at the door, that had a wicket in the middle, faced with
a net-work of iron, through which a servant having viewed me some time, demanded
to know my business. - I told him, my business was with Mr. Supple, and that I
came from Mr. O Varnish. - He examined my appearance once more, then went away,
returned in a few minutes, and said his master was busy and could not be seen. -
Although I was a little mortified at my disappointment, I was persuaded that my
reception was owing to Mr. Supple's ignorance of my errand; and that I might
meet with no more obstructions of the same kind, I desired Mr. O Varnish to be
my introductor the next time. - He complied with my request, and obtained
immediate admittance to the manager, who received me with the utmost civility,
and promised to read my play with the first convenience. - By his own
appointment I called again in a fortnight, but he was gone out; I returned in a
week after, and the poor gentleman was extremely ill; I renewed my visit in a
fortnight after that, and he assured me, he had been so much fatigued with
business, that he had not been able as yet to read it to an end; but he would
take the first opportunity; and in the mean time, observed, that what he had yet
seen of it was very entertaining. - I comforted myself with this declaration a
few weeks longer, at the end of which I appeared again before his wicket, was
let in, and found him laid up with the gout. I
