2849. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 5 October 1816⁠* 

Keswick 5 Oct. 1816.

My dear Grosvenor

I have not looked with impatience for farther news from you, because whatever news you might have to send, I must needs finish a paper in time for the present number – for the love of 100 £. [1]  I have no intention of going to London unless there be a necessity for it. Application was made to me thro Gooch some months ago to revise a great book by Raffles upon the island of Java before it goes to press, [2]  – I leant ear to it for the lucre of gain, but have heard nothing more; – had it come to anything it might have brought me to town in November, but if I could be as well employed quoad [3]  money at home (which seems likely) in other respects the <home> employment would be better. I could wish myself independent of such considerations – if it were worth a wish as long as ones necessities are supplied. It is my fate to have more claimants upon me than usually fall to a mans <the> share of a man who has a family of his own, – & if Toms circumstances could be mended by a lift in his profession, [4]  – it would be a relief to me as well as to him.

That I shall make an appeal to the good sense of the country upon the existing state of things & the prospect before us, is very likely since my attention has been thus called to it. Indeed if there be a probability of doing good by it, there seems little reason for any further stimulus, & the thing may be done certainly as well, & perhaps more becomingly without any farther intimation from the Powers Above. [5]  I incline at present to write anonymously, – or under some fictitious name, – for were the book to attract notice (& if it does not it is will be useless) – a mystery about the author would very much increase its sale. In that case a change of publishers will would contribute to keep the secret, – & if I seek a new one Nicol [6]  would obviously be the man. In meditating upon this work I grow ambitious, & think of presenting such a view of things as whether it produce immediate benefit or not, may be have a permanent value both for matter & composition.

Pray inform me with the least possible delay whether as P. L. [7]  I am exempt from serving parish Offices, the people of Keswick having this day thrust honour upon me in the Office of Surveyor [8]  – (what the Devil it means they best know) but my appeal against the appointment must be made on the 12^th of this month. Whatever the office be I have neither knowledge, leisure, or inclination for it.

I am very glad you are Quarterlizing me. [9]  Abuse does good, & of that I have plenty, – but praise is more useful; & is not so liberally bestowed. I have seen a number of the Champion in which my name stands for text to a diss sermon nothing relating to me; – but at the conclusion it is said that the change in my opinions as implied in my last writings is that I recommend implicit submission, – hence it should appear that the said Champion had not read those writings. [10] Hunt & Hazlitt I know incessantly attack me, (– I have a good name for the latter Sir Tarquin of the Round Table, [11]  – he & Hunt advertising Essays under that title) this barking makes a noise, & noise calls attention; – so that as long as they have it not in their power to pass sentence upon me as a counter-revolutionists, such enmity is in its degree useful.

The children [12]  thank God are well, & so am I as far t as the husk is x concerned: – but the interior is as unlike what it was twelvemonths ago as the darkest November day is unlike the bright sunshine of a genial May morning. Time enough has not yet elapsed to make me feel that if H. were living he would no longer be the H whom from whom I am separated for life. [13]  When this comes to be the case the retrospect will be less painful. At present whenever I relapse into recollection of what has been, & every hour brings with it something that calls up these thoughts every object & every xxxxxxxx it is an effort to abstain refrain from tears. I go about my business as usual, – perform the ordinary functions of life, – see company, – go out visiting, – take Nash up the mountains, – talk, – reason, – jest, – but my thoug heart meanwhile is haunted, & tho thank God I neither undervalue the uses of my this world nor wish in any way to shrink from my part in it, – I could be right willing to say Valete. [14] 

This is too deep a strain, – give me my cap & bells! the Senhora is building a house in Borrowdale, & the river comes to visit her there. I recommend a life boat, a life-preserver, a cork under-waistcoat to be slept in, – & some lessons in swimming. – M^rs C. would not go up Causey Pike with us, I say she has been upon the Stool of Repentance ever since, & this is a subject of much dispute between us. She obstinately denies that she is upon the Stool, & I say she is upon the Stool; & she denies it; & I persist, & she grows angry, & then I pity her for being upon the Stool, & then she calls me names, – & so we go on, & I condole with her upon her present condition (being almost as pitiable as that sh the Nincompoopery in which she once existed six whole weeks,) – & I threaten her with a letter of condolence from you upon the subject, – & then her indignation falls upon you. Indeed I believe it would be unsafe for any person to mention the word Stool in her hearing.

Can you send me some money? – I am pauper & inops. [15]  The next number will float me. [16]  – I have a thousand things to say to you if you were here, – & have planned many expeditions into the vales & up the mountains when next you come. Remember me to all at home.

God bless you

RS.