3299. Robert Southey to John King, [c. 21 May] 1819⁠* 

Keswick. 30 June. 1819 [1] 

My dear King

You are the only friend I have in the world, who never sends me a line to tell me of his goings on, – & it so happens that I never by any accident happen to hear of you thro a third person. That you are very busy I know, – & so am I; – of my occupations indeed you will very shortly receive a substantial proof. But before I speak of that let me tell what provocation induces me to address you at this time.

A Lady for whom I am a good deal interested is at this time, & will <be> for three or four weeks more, resident within a few doors of you. I have given her reason to expect that you will call upon her as a friend of mine, & the reason why I have done so is this; – she is an invalid, – xxx to what degree I know not, but I know the value of your advice, – & to your attention to a like request of mine Alstone acknowledges that he is indebted for his life, [2]  – America will one day bear witness how well that life was worth saving. And perhaps this may be little less so, xxx for this Lady is unquestionably a woman of genius. My knowledge of h acquaintance with her as yet has only been thro the medium of pen, ink & paper, so you may gratify my curiosity by telling me what kind of personage she appears. & I have only to tell you that her name is Miss Bowles, & that she is at present at N^o 19 in the Mall on a visit to some relations.

And now a few words concerning myself. – I have a son: three months old, by name Charles Cuthbert, to all<->appearance a strong & thriving infant. He had very <nearly> cost his mother her life, & she has had ever since the birth a succession of complaints, from which she is not yet recovered, tho I trust now convalescent. The four girls [3]  are well, – Edith as tall as her mother. – I am hard upon the close of my 45^th year, & perceive in myself certain infirmities connected with decay. My father xxx reached only to 48, – my mother only to 50. What the length of my lease may be God knows, & I have no other solicitude about it than to make the best use of while it while it lasts. Six years would enable me to compleat all that I have begun.

One great work is drawing fast toward its completion. The last chapter of my History of Brazil [4]  is far advanced in the press, & in the course of a month you will receive the concluding volume, – a work of prodigious labour it has been, this volume especially, being drawn in great part from manuscript materials. As soon as the last sheet is printed I set off for London where I shall remain from four to six weeks. [5]  Would that there were any likelihood of meeting you there! As soon as I return the history of the Peninsular War goes to press. [6]  Indeed the main reason for which I leave home is to see some papers relating to it. [7] 

My brother Tom removed into my neighbourhood this spring, & is now settled in Newlands, four miles off, – a most beautiful spot. He has five <six> children! [8]  – Hartley Coleridge has lately obtained a fellowship at Oriel. [9] 

The life of Wesley [10]  stands still during my absence. It will be a very curious book. – I have two poems in hand, – one a full-length narrative, the scene in New England, [11]  – the other will form a single small volume, the scene in Paraguay. [12]  the first in irregular rhyme, passing into the dramatic form occasionally, – the second in Spensers stanza. I am tolerably satisfied with both as far as they are advanced.

Write to me, & tell me of yourself & your family. [13]  – I hear about once a year from poor Cottle, – otherwise Bristol would hav I should have as little present connection with Bristol as with the deserts of Arabia. Remember me to M^rs King

& believe me always

yr affectionate friend

Robert Southey.