This last
penance, 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 my 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 just
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,
demanded a categorical answer.
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