These works did not bring him in much money; but, in 1815, he determined to win the height of dramatic fame in his "Bertram; or, the Castle of St.Aldebrand," a tragedy.

He submitted the drama to Walter Scott, as from an "obscure Irishman," telling him of his sufferings as an author and the father of a family, and imploring his kind opinion.

Scott replied in the most friendly manner, gave him much good advice, spoke of the work as "grand and powerful, the characters being sketched with masterly enthusiasm"; and, what was practically better, sent him L50 as a token of his esteem and sympathy, and as a temporary stop-gap until better times came round.

He moreover called the attention of Lord Byron, then on the Committee of Management of Drury Lane Theatre, to the play, and his Lordship strongly recommended a performance of it.

Thanks to the splendid acting of Kean, it succeeded, and Maturin realized about L1,000.
"Bertram" was published by Murray, a circumstance which brought him into frequent communication with the unfortunate Maturin.