2988. Robert Southey to Robert Bloomfield, 8 May 1817
2988. Robert Southey to Robert Bloomfield, 8 May 1817*
My dear Bloomfield
I very much regret that it has not been in my power to call upon you, & have the pleasure of shaking hands with a brother Bard whom I so truly esteem. [1] This I shall endeavour to do on my return. Tomorrow I set forth, meaning to be out of England about eight weeks, – not longer if possible.
How many events have happened both to you & to me, as well as to this great world since you & I met in the year 1802! [2] – This would be a painful subject to pursue, – nor indeed do I know who could bear to look back, – if he had not his deepest enjoyment in looking forward to that second & happier birth day which will restore to us in another world, if we are found worthy, all that we have lost in this.
God bless you.
Robert Southey.
Q Anne Street. 8 May. 1817
Notes
* MS: McLennan Library, McGill University. ALS; 1p. (c).
Previously published: The Letters of Robert Bloomfield, eds Tim Fulford and Lynda Pratt, Letter 313 <http://www.rc.umd.edu/editions/bloomfield_letters/HTML/letterEEd.25.313.html> BACK
