2504.1 Robert Southey to William Gifford [fragment], 25 November 1814 ⁠* 

I thank you for your congratulations respecting Roderick.  [1]  As to its immediate reception, I am poor enough to need its success, – but far too proud to feel either disappointment or mortification at its failure. – It has been the work of years, & is now cast upon the waters. Be it what it may, I cannot hope to produce anything better. – My bolt is shot, at my age the faculties of the mind are mature, & tho’ not yet tending upon decay, I suspect in myself a lack of enterprize which would not have been felt a few years ago.