# Letter 477: Mr. Belford, to Richard Mowbray, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Belford urgently summons Mowbray and Tourville to intercept Lovelace, who is in a frantic state, riding between Piccadilly and Kensington, awaiting news that may drive him to despair. Belford warns of the dire consequences of libertinism, hinting at imminent tragic news.

## Themes in this chapter

### Libertinism and Morality

Belford explicitly condemns 'triumphant libertinism' and its bitter consequences, framing Lovelace's distress as a moral reckoning.

### Suffering and Redemption

Lovelace's frantic state and Belford's ominous warning suggest suffering as a precursor to potential redemption or ruin.

## Character check-ins

### John Belford

Writes urgently to Mowbray, expressing concern for Lovelace's state and condemning libertinism.

### Richard Mowbray

Recipient of the letter; Belford urges him to find Lovelace.

### James Tourville

Mentioned as a companion Belford hopes will accompany Mowbray.

### Robert Lovelace

Subject of the letter; described as riding crazily, awaiting devastating news.

### Will

Lovelace's servant, who brings news to Belford and will guide Mowbray.

## Key lines

> Throw yourself the moment this comes to your hand, (if possible with Tourville), in the way of the man who least of all men deserves the love of the worthy heart; but most that of thine and Tourville; else the news I shall most probably send him within an hour or two, will make annihilation the greatest blessing he has to wish for.

Come immediately, with Tourville if you can, to intercept the man who least deserves your affection but most needs it; otherwise the news I will send him soon will make death seem like a mercy.

_Belford's urgent plea to Mowbray to prevent Lovelace from receiving devastating news alone._

> See the blessed effects of triumphant libertinism! Sooner or later it comes home to us, and all concludes in gall and bitterness!

Behold the glorious results of a life of debauchery! Eventually it catches up with us, ending in bitterness and regret.

_Belford's moralizing reflection on the consequences of libertine behavior._

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