2217. Robert Southey to John Rickman, [early February 1813] ⁠* 

My dear R.

I have been wishing Coleridge joy of his Remorse: [1]  the success of which will occasion some proper chagrin, if not shame, in Sheridan [2]  & Kemble. [3]  Had they brought it out when it was written, [4]  C. might probably (yea probably, – for the applause of pit, box & gallery would are the best stimulant for him) – have produced a dozen other such plays, or better, in the years which have intervened since they rejected this. Better however late than ever, – & it is a most seasonable prize in the lottery for his family.

I liked Rokeby [5]  as well as the elder brethren of the same family, – but what I hear others say of it induces a suspicion that there will not be an advance of another thousand in the price of the next poem.

RS.