2731. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 2 March 1816⁠* 

My dear Grosvenor

I have got rid of two or three defects, & shall probably make more amendments in the proofs. ‘Here was the heat & centre of the strife’ [1]  removes the awkward expression about La Haye. & you may have the younger twain instead of births for poor Berthas sake, – which is altered entirely to please you. [2] 

The names of rivers are among the Propria quæ maribus [3]  in Latin, but in English where precedent does not stand in the way we he them or she them at pleasure. Thus Cam is a male creature & Isis a Lady stream. [4]  Thames & Medway have had their nuptials celebrated in immortal song. [5]  Schedlt I think therefore might either be Mynheer or Myvrouw [6] 

Barton is a legitimate English word in common use, meaning I believe precisely what I there wanted to express an inclosed farm yard. [7] 

I have no objection to streak, if you think that line rather means a horizontal than a perpendicular mark – The context makes it clear which is meant but I would as willingly use one word as the other, & as streak occurs no where else in the poem, that is a reason why streak it should be. [8] 

You will observe that your ‘not hallowed’ came directly after the word spot. However I must get rid of the two lines; because I have some which resemble them too nearly afterwards, & as you say unhallowed is equivocal. [9] 

The proposed transposition is impracticable as you will xxxx <perceive> upon reperusal. The final stanzas come in their place, in the description of the field; & relate what has been done to the field, – how the vestiges of war have been removed. At Hougoumont the remarkable circumstance is that the garden has suffered nothing, but was just as it would have been if there had been no battle. I suspect that my conscience will not be satisfied till I have inserted something more about that garden, – but the humour must come first. [10] 

Let me use my tongue Grosvenor, – for what can I do without it.

You mistake the use of the ë. It is only employed in those cases where the e being commonly, or at least frequently mute, is to be in that place pronounced, – such a word for instance as beloved which is as often made three syllables as two, or two as three.

And now let me exhort you if you chuse to xxxx <write> the perfect tense of the pre verb to read differently from the present (which I agree with you is very desirable) not to give it the antiquated of redde for which is no xx analogy in our language. – If you are afraid that red may be mistaken for scarlet, redde mihi rationem [11]  why redd may not be used without the mute e at its tail?

____

Currente calamo [12]  has been the excuse for much careless writing, but my gallopping calamus [13]  really becomes too bad; & may very well puzzle any body for it often puzzles myself. I almost doubt whether you will be able to decypher what I wrote upon the receipt of your last; – & half resolve to <upon> attempting to amend a vile habit, more easily <to be> explained than justified.

The first proof came yesterday, it likes me well. I have laid down my chariot in it, [14]  – for as the line stood it looked very much as if I had kept one – I have got rid of the licentious ran, tho by substituting something which is more obnoxious to minute criticism, & some other trifling amendments are made. The poem tho alas at some distance still from its completion, is perfectly mapped out; – it divides itself as compleatly as Madoc [15]  into two parts, & I am provided with Greek mottos for each, of decorous & learned appearances, & another for the title page. [16]  At present I am in a part of the vision which promises well in all respects.

By the by I should <like> to have proofs of the prints sent down, – not to make remarks upon them, but to please myself & the children.

God bless you

RS.