2173. Robert Southey to Henry Herbert Southey, 4 November 1812 ⁠* 

Keswick. Nov. 4. 1812.

My dear Harry

Imprimis [1]  you have a fourth niece, whose name is to be Isabel.

Secondly the Papagaio [2]  is safe & in excellent quarters. He is consigned to the Senhoras care, & in a fair way of becoming a great favourite. He is a bird of great natural parts, & calls over all the names that he has yet heard.

Thirdly, tell Gooch to write to Ballantyne & ask for his business money. [3]  Between ourselves B. the bookseller is one of those gentlemen who are honest with good looking-after.

I am sorry for your sufferings, & a little apprehensive that I may one day sympathise in them more feelingly, – as this cursed disease seems to belong to the family. My share of it however is as yet very slight.

I am sending the books of Pelayo [4]  as they are transcribed to Bedford, & have desired him when he has done with them to consign them to your care. It is the copy which is ultimately destined for the press. Keep them as long as you like, & show them to whom you please. I am getting on rapidly with the poem. Gooch is one of the few persons whom I wish to see it.

Longman was desired to send Gooch the Omniana, [5]  & to send your copy there also. Remember me to G. I am ashamed that I have not written to him, – but indeed it has been from want of leisure. You can hardly conceive how incessantly I am employed.

RS.