3692. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 3 June 1821⁠* 

3 June 1821. Keswick

My dear G.

If my presentation list for the Vision [1]  had not been of a most formidable length, I should have put Cunninghams name upon it – it was at my pens point, but I took the prudential side, & when I do that, which is not very often, it is generally repented of, as is in the present case –

I always spell Judgement with an e, as I do acknowledgement – dgm being unpronounceable.

I read all my proof sheets xxxxx twice aloud, – once on the day when they arrive & a second time on the morrow, – except the proofs for the QR. [2]  which require more breath than I can afford. I weight every section upon the ear, & take especial care as far as possible to avoid all ambiguity of language, which our pronouns sometimes render very difficult. The passage to which you allude I cannot of course refer to, but I dare say the Prince means Ferdinand, because it is not likely that I should distinguish Godoy by that appellation in a sentence or paragraph which related to both. [3]  The 26 sheet is now before me, & I sent off a supply of MSS last night. – I am very glad you like it as far as it goes. The migration of the Braganza family, the situation of Lisbon under Junots tyranny, & the account of the Sebastianistas in the same chapter, are subjects which it would require some skill in bad writing to have spoilt in the telling. [4] 

I have at this time two other proofs on the table, – one of Lope de Aguirre [5]  (the last sheet but one) – the other of the QR. [6]  concerning which you may do some service if you will tell Gifford that I had better keep it till the whole is before me, because I perceive a certain Thomas Cromwell has just published a book about his ancestor, which should be sent me without delay, that I may notice it, if it be of no other use. [7]  Pray let him send me a duplicate of the proofs, – provided I have the whole as it was written, he may cut away to his hearts content.

Aguirre will make an interesting little volume, the 34^th which I shall have published in that size, if the Carmen Nuptiale, & Carm. Aulica are bound together in one. [8] 

It did not occur to me in my last to ask if you had paid Sharon Turner the expences incurred in consequence of Lord Somervilles death, [9]  which are in fact only what he expended for me – for he has always given me his own time & services. The Dogstar has also some demands upon you for xxx sundries expended on my account. – inter alia, a very magnificent montero, [10]  which I am now sporting.

Have you seen the portrait in the Percy Anecdotes from poor dear Nash’s miniature of me? [11]  – Had it occurred to me in time I would have had these lines from Ovid placed underneath it

perhaps we might proceed with the line without much impropriety considering that in historical romance Troynovant is the name of London –

– nec illiacos cætus nisi rerus adibat [13] 

I shall not give up the hope of seeing you. My daugher Edith has a good x genius for the best kind of domestic manufactures wines sweetmeats &c – yesterday there was a second brewing of what is called ginger wine, but of which the former brewing vied with perry. We reckon upon you at the drinking thereof.

Poor Cupn had on a blister last night for a swelled face, which strangely enough seems to have endemic here during <the> hot suns & cold winds which have of late prevailed. A gathering was apprehended under the ear, at the point of the jaw. The remedy sorely troubled him all night; what effect it may have is yet to be seen, – at present he is chearful & happy. – You would be much amused with him.

And now I must spend the rest of the evening with Oliver Cromwell.

God bless you

RS.