# Letter 498: Mr. Belford, to Richard Mowbray, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Belford responds to Mowbray, reporting that Lord M. is with the frenzied Lovelace and urging that Lovelace be persuaded to go abroad upon recovery. He notes Colonel Morden's suspicion that the case was more than seduction, hinting at revenge. Belford advises Mowbray to use health as a motive for travel, and reflects on the need for moral reform, citing Belton's death, Lovelace's frenzy, and Sinclair's wretched condition.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Belford urges moral reform in light of Belton's death, Lovelace's frenzy, and Sinclair's condition, emphasizing the possibility of redemption.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Belford writes to Mowbray out of concern for Lovelace's welfare and the group's moral state, showing loyalty among the libertine circle.

## Character check-ins

### John Belford

Writes to Mowbray, reflecting on Lovelace's frenzy and urging moral reform.

### Richard Mowbray

Recipient of Belford's letter; Belford comments on his 'impenetrable' nature.

### Robert Lovelace

Reported to be in a frenzy; Belford hopes for his recovery and travel abroad.

### Colonel Morden

Inconsolable, suspects the case was more than seduction, hints at revenge.

### Lord M.

Is with Lovelace during his frenzy.

## Key lines

> I most earnestly wish, that on his recovery he could be prevailed upon to go abroad.

I strongly hope that once he recovers, he can be convinced to travel overseas.

_Belford suggests sending Lovelace abroad for his safety and recovery._

> Mr. Morden, who is inconsolable, has seen by the will, (as indeed he suspected before he read it), that the case was more than a common seduction; and has dropped hints already, that he looks on himself, on that account, as freed from his promises made to the dying lady, which were, that he would not seek to avenge her death.

Mr. Morden, deeply grieving, has realized from the will that this was more than a simple seduction, and he now hints that he considers himself released from his promise to Clarissa not to seek revenge.

_Morden's suspicion and potential intent to avenge Clarissa's death._

> Let me most earnestly conjure thee, and the idle flutterer, Tourville, from what you have seen of poor Belton's exit; from our friend Lovelace's frenzy, and the occasion of it; and from the terrible condition in which the wretched Sinclair lies; to set about an immediate change of life and manners.

I urgently implore you and the frivolous Tourville, considering Belton's death, Lovelace's madness and its cause, and Sinclair's dreadful state, to immediately reform your lives and behavior.

_Belford calls for moral reform among his libertine friends._

## Links

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