1735. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 19 January 1810 ⁠* 

My dear Grosvenor

I consign the frame maker to the Devil. Here are the frames over my chimney, opening every one of them at the jointures like so many oysters at low water in a hot summers day.

Herbert sends you a kiss, & will be exceedingly joyous at receiving any pictures of birds & beasts which you will please to send him. Edith is six years old – I hardly know what you could send her – perhaps nothing better than a drawing book – the easiest which could be copied.

I am not in want of money – so pay yourself from this first quarte[MS torn] The carriers I believe have lost for me some MSS of Kehama  [1]  on its way to the printer, containing the first six sections.

Take care of yourself Grosvenor. I am afraid you doctor yourself too much: the warm bath is a good thing, – but bleeding & starving will never do. You give me a bad account, – & yet I fear you make the best of it. Put yourself under good advice, – & do not trust to your own –

God bless you

RS.

Jan^y 19. 1810.