 promised to countenance and support it as much as they
could; and Lord Rattle assuring me, that he would act the part of a careful
nurse to it, desired me to carry it home and alter it immediately according to
their remarks: -- I was fain to acquiesce in his determination, and fulfilled
his injunctions with all the expedition in my power; but before I could present
the new copy, my good friend Mr. Supple had disposed of his property and patent
to one Mr. Brayer; so that fresh interest was to be made with the new manager. -
This task Lord Rattle undertook, having some acquaintance with him, and
recommended my performance so strongly, that it was received.
    I looked upon myself now, as upon the eve of reaping the fruits of all my
labour: I waited a few days in expectation of its being put into rehearsal, and
wondering at the delay, applied to my worthy patron, who excused Mr. Brayer on
account of the multiplicity of business in which he was involved; and bid me
beware of teizing the patentee. - I treasured up this caution, and exerted my
patience three weeks longer; at the end of which, his lordship gave me to
understand that Mr. Brayer had read my play, and owned it had undubitable merit;
but as he had long been pre-engaged to another author, he could not possibly
represent it that season; though if I would reserve it for the next, and in the
interim make such alterations as he had proposed by observations on the margin,
I might depend upon his compliance.
    Thunderstruck at this disappointment, I could not, for some minutes, utter
one syllable: At length, however, I complained bitterly of the manager's
insincerity in amusing me so long, when he knew from the beginning, that he
could not gratify my desire. - But his lordship reprimanded me for my freedom,
said Mr. Brayer was a man of honour, and imputed his behaviour with respect to
me, to nothing else but forgetfulness. - And indeed I have had some reason since
that time, to be convinced of his bad memory; for, in spite of appearances, I
will not allow myself to interpret his conduct any other way. - Lord Rattle
observing me very much affected with my disappointment, offered his interest to
bring on my play at the other house, which I eagerly accepting, he forthwith
wrote a letter of recommendation to Mr. Bellower, actor, and prime minister to
Mr. Vandal, proprietor of that theatre; and desired me to deliver it with my
tragedy,
