1889. Robert Southey to Mary Barker, 24 March 1811 ⁠* 

Keswick. March 24. 1811.

My dear Senhora

I was right glad to see Sir Edward’s hand this afternoon – sadly as it seems to have shaken. Now that I know where you are to be found let me gallop over a sheet of paper, – if the pen Senhora could but run as fast as the tongue, mine would soon distance the most expert short hand writer, supposing me to write as fast as I talk.

First you must send me your little modelling masters direction, – for Grosvenor Bedford said something about having my bust taken, – which be it known is the only operation connected with the fine arts that I will ever submit to again, – & if this is to be done your little friend shall do it. [1] 

Mrs. Carr [2]  is a clever woman. She knows me but very little – I once dined at her house, – some fourteen or fifteen years ago, & have met her once or twice since. James Losh gave me a letter to her husband [3]  when I went to London to lodge in 1797. He was too civil, and I did not take to him, – so the acquaintance dropt because I was not civil enough, – which was of course the natural consequence. – I cannot agree with Mr Wilson in thinking there is much in Longman, except an exceeding good nature, [4]  – & I verily believe a thoroughly kind heart, – in spite of a very heart-hardening trade, – for such that of a publisher is. I like him, & am always more glad to see him than I am to see nine tenths of my acquaintance.

You over-value the criticism in the Annual Register. [5]  It talks foolishly of Wordsworth & ridiculously of Campbell [6]  who is the mere creature of party criticism, & whose verses, one & all, are tinsel & trumpery. It overlooks Landor altogether, overpraises Crabbe, [7]  undervalues Bowles, & cruelly despises Bloomfield. Between ourselves the writer (God knows who he is) is right enough in placing me upon an equality with two of my contemporaries – but he had not sense enough to find them out. [8]  They are Wordsworth & Landor. – Coleridge might have been added if he pleased. Scott has that sort of talent in narrative poetry, which the Castle Spector [9]  exhibits in the drama, – the power of conceiving fine stage situations – this is his excellence, & if any person chuses to think that in this he excells me I shall not object to the decision. Upon no other point I humbly conceive can there be any comparison between us. As for Tom Commel as the Scotch call him, – upon my soul I should just as soon have expected to be measured with Tom Thumb upon a difference of opinion respecting which was the tallest.

I am closely employed upon the Register for 1809 [10]  which for my sins will be half as long again as that for the preceding year & till it is done I cannot stir. It will not be possible for me to set out these six or seven weeks. Whether Edith goes with me depends upon the state of the child – Katharine is very ailing, & I begin to fear it will hardly be possible to wean her by that time. [11]  Perhaps you may see me at Bath on my way back.

Kehama I believe is the way of being tolerably well abused, [12]  – for which Kehama himself cares quite as much the author. It is liked by all whom I wish to like it, & agree with you so far as to believe it will be a long while before the world will see anything else as good. Longman told me a month ago he had disposed of 322 copies. – 500 only were printed. This was the first sale, & then it is likely to stop. My name carries off anything to that amount, – the after sale depends for some years upon what such coxcombs as Jeffray  [13]  may please to pronounce upon it, – & so it is to be counted for nothing. – Pelayo [14]  hangs upon hand for want of time rather than inclination, – & more truly still for want of sleep rather than of time. The infant disturbs me, & so in the morning hours when I should be at my desk I am getting a little sound rest. Only 700 lines are written, – they are in the tone of Madoc, [15]  & what they should be. I have planned another poem & sent to America for books relating to it, – it being an American story. [16]  You will laugh to hear that the chief personage is a primitive Quaker.

My brother Tom has a daughter, – & something of the same kind is expected soon by Harry .

God bless you

RS.