7. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, [before 23 April 1792] ⁠* 

Dear Bedford

You may easily conceive with what reluctance I am obliged to withdraw from the Flagellants. it is like parting with a limb. I can resist or even despise reproach or persecution — intreaties I cannot. I have suffered much since I saw you — a very little more will overset the balance of reason — drop the Flagellant I must! yet I will do this with you. I will continue to write more papers & publish a volume compleat with you under another title — you know I mentioned this volume formerly — this will do & whatever odium at present attends us will be abated.

if this next paper be mine it must be cancelld — I know not what to do — the prospect before me is horrible & if I look for shelter it only appears in the ———

I am again going to Theobalds but to feel myself a burden to my friends I can hardly bear — you have offered me an asylum at Brixton & I shall be very glad to remain there a few days. yet I do not despair. I must drop the F. but I will still write with you in the manner I have proposed —

yours sincerely

Robert Southey