3600. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 1 January 1821⁠* 

Keswick 1 Jan^y. 1821.

My dear G.

Why what a Jack-Ass must that Paternosterling [1]  be who could suppose that I would pay for setting up a poem [2]  for the purpose of sending it round to the damnable newspapers, with a liberal attention to the feelings of their double-damned editor, that there might be no preference or xxxxxxxx shewn, but that Peter Finnerty [3]  of the Chronicle, & the scourge of the Old Times, [4]  should have it as soon as the Courier! – I could not act with more imbecillity, nor with a <more> despicable subservience to the domination of these wretches, if I were actually a member of Cabinet Minister, Grosvenor; – rather than recognize, any claim in them to this sort of deference, or rather than show them any thing but defiance, I would put the ode behind the fire. I will not even send it to the Courier, – where a civility of this kind is due to Stuart, for having sent me that paper so many years: because next to getting rid of the task which the Laureateship imposes upon me of writing verses at stated times, the best thing I can do is to avoid publishing them, except when at my own choice, & my own time.

I will publish both Odes under the title of The Warning Voice, with the Vision. [5]  Allowing a blank title to each they will make twenty pages, – useful therefore in the way of stuffing. They will do as much good six weeks hence as they could now, – that is to say no great deal, – but still some; & the extracts which the newspapers may then make will tend to assist the sale.

You are wrong in proposing that I should rewrite half the Ode for the purpose of altering the dithyrambick measure in which it was purposely xxx cast, xx which is laid aside when it becomes unsuitable & taken up again in the last stanza, – & which is quite necessary to the character of the poem. – I cannot part with the 11^th stanza. Those lines in the latter half are some of the best of the Ode, x the part which precedes them is the stalk upon which they grow, & from whence they cannot be dissevered.

Every man who carries a watch in London ought to carry pistols. If the police will not protect us, we must protect ourselves – & by the time two or three villains had been shot in the street Government would be shamed into a sense of its duty. I hope Henry is quite recovered. Remember me to him & to Miss Page. I wish I had you all three here, beside this comfortable fire. The out-of-door glass at the north side of the house has never been more than one or two degrees below the freezing point. The snow keeps off, & the winds are still. I go tomorrow for Rydal & shall hope for a long proof about the end of the week.

When the book is finished you must get two copies bound alike, one for presentation, & the other for my Governess, – the materials & the manner at your worships choice. [6] 

If tea dealers play the trick which you suspect concerning discount, they differ from all other tradesmen. It is true they have it peculiarly in their power. I have discount chaxgex from my wine merchant, & for what little furniture I purchase.

God bless you

RS.