Now settled in fashionable London, England, Tom spends his time socialising with wealthy people and enjoying a life of leisure. He presides over a gathering of musicians, fencing masters and cultural tutors, all eager to profit from his wealth. The scene gently satirises upper-class pretence and displays of refinement, showing how Tom adopts the manners of high society without genuine substance. This scene marks his transition from heir to consumer of luxury.
In the written verse we are told that wealth and success can be deceptive, they are shallow pleasures that act as distractions. As a result a person may forget their values and become drawn to a life of excess:
"Prosperity (with harlot's smiles, Most pleasing when she most beguiles,) How soon, sweet foe, can all thy train Of false, gay, frantic, loud, and vain, Enter the unprovided mind, And memory in fetters bind; Load Faith and Love with golden chain, And sprinkle Lethe o'er the brain! Pleasure, in her silver throne, Smiling comes, nor comes alone; Venus comes with her along, And smooth Lyaeus ever young; And in their train, to fill the press, Come apish Dance, and swoll'n Excess, Mechanic Honour, vicious Taste, And Fashion in her changing vest".