 no other remedy (said he) but to
keep it till the next season for Mr. Brayer, and alter it at your leisure, in
the summer, according to his directions - I was now reduced to a terrible
alternative, either to quit all hopes of my tragedy, from which I had all along
promised myself a large share of fortune and reputation, or to encounter eight
long months of adversity in preparing for, and expecting its appearance. - This
last pennance, painful as it was, seemed most eligible to my reflection at that
time, and therefore I resolved to undergo it.
    Why should I tire you with particulars of no consequence? I wrestled with
extreme poverty, until the time of my probation was expired; and went to my Lord
Rattle in order to remind him of my affair, when I understood, to my great
concern, that his lordship was on the point of going abroad, and, which was
still more unfortunate for me, Mr. Brayer had gone into the country; so that my
generous patron had it not in his power to introduce me personally, as he
intended: However, he wrote a very strong letter to the manager in my favour,
and put him in mind of the promise he had made in behalf of my play.
    As soon as I was certified of Brayer's return, I went to his house with this
letter, but was told he was gone out. - I called again next day early in the
morning, received the same answer, and was desired to leave my name and
business; I did so, and returned the day after, when the servant still affirmed
that his master was gone abroad; though I perceived him, as I retired, observing
me through a window. - Incensed at this discovery, I went to a coffee-house hard
by, and inclosing his lordship's letter in one from myself, demanding a
categorical answer, I sent it to his house by a porter, who returned in a few
minutes, and told me Mr. Brayer would be glad to see me at that instant. - I
obeyed the summons, and was received with such profusion of compliments and
apologies, that my resentment immediately subsided, and I was even in pain for
the concern which this honest man shewed at the mistake of his servant, who, it
seems, had been ordered to deny him to every body but me. - He expressed the
utmost veneration for his good and noble friend Lord Rattle, whom he should
always be proud to serve; promised to peruse the play with all dispatch, and
