2472. Robert Southey to Greeton Evans, 20 August 1814
2472. Robert Southey to Greeton Evans, 20 August 1814 *
Keswick. 20 August 1814.
Fearing lest the letter which I have directed to your acquaintance at Manchester [1] should not arrive, till he has left that city, (for I did not receive yours till yesterday) – I send this thro a different channel. [2] Nothing would grieve me more than to be thought capable of throwing aside a letter like yours without noticing it as it deserves. Believe me Mr Evans, when I tell you that that letter has made me most desirous of becoming acquainted with a man whom nature seems to have endowed with a wise & happy temper of mind more valuable than any brilliancy of talents, <or than any gift of fortune.>
I can only repeat now what was said in my reply of yesterday. It will give me great pleasure to peruse any of your productions, I will tell you with perfect sincerity whether it appears to me advisable to publish them or not, – & xx in case of publication will most chearfully give you every assistance in my power. You may direct to me under cover to CWWilliams Wynn Esqr. M. P. Llangedwin, Oswestry. Remb Remember that my name must not appear on the direction to him, & that the weight of the xx inclosure & its cover must not exceed one ounce, in either of which cases it would become chargeable.
Tell me more of yourself, – the history of your intellectual life, – your age, – your habits, – whether you are married or single &c: you have excited in me so strong an interest that I am desirous of knowing xx whatever relates to you. And tell me the name of the Gentleman of whose indulgence you speak, – for he too is entitled to a large portion of respect.
You tell me of the pleasure which you have felt in reading my poems. I am so far a proud man that the common xxxx praise affects me as little as common censure; – but when any work of mind finds its way into a heart & mind like yours, the hope with which it was written is fulfilled.
Believe me Mr Evans
With the best wishes for your welfare, & with sincere respect
Yrs &c
Robert Southey.
