 that indulgent parent died, and
left my mother and me in very indigent circumstances. - A near relation
compassionating our distress, took us into his family, where I brought my fable
to a conclusion; and soon after, my mother quitted this life. - When my sorrow
for this melancholy event had subsided, I told my kinsman, who was a farmer,
that having paid my last duty to my parent, I had now no attachment to detain me
in the country, and therefore was resolved to set out for London, and offer my
play to the stage, where I did not doubt of acquiring a large share of fame as
well as fortune; in which case I should not be unmindful of my friends and
benefactors. - My cousin was ravished with the prospect of my felicity, and
willingly contributed towards the expence of fitting me out for my expedition.
    Accordingly, I took a place in the waggon, and arrived in town, where I
hired an apartment in a garret, willing to live as frugally as possible, until I
should know what I had to expect from the manager, to whom I intended to offer
my play. - For though I looked upon myself as perfectly secure of a good
reception, imagining that a patentee would be as eager to receive, as I to
present my production; I did not know whether or not he might be pre-engaged in
favour of another author, which would certainly retard my success. - On this
consideration too, I determined to be speedy in my application, and even to wait
upon one of the managers, the very next day. For this purpose, I enquired of my
landlord, if he knew where either, or both of them lived; and he being curious
to know my business, and at the same time, appearing to be a very honest
friendly man (a tallow-chandler) I made him acquainted with my design; upon
which he told me, that I went the wrong way to work; that I would not find such
easy access to a manager as I imagined; and that if I delivered my performance
without proper recommendation, it would be as one to a thousand if ever it
should be minded. - Take my advice (said he) and your business is done. - One of
the patentees is a good catholick, as I am, and uses the same father who
confesses me. - I will make you acquainted with this good priest, who is an
excellent scholar, and if he shall approve of your play, his recommendation will
go a great way in determining Mr. Supple
