2430. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 29 May 1814 ⁠* 

Line 7 Of – preferable to with, because With begins the following sentence, [1] 

43 After the mention of Atahalipa  [2]  that wide empire can only refer to Peru. the person indicated is Hernando de Soto  [3]  whose name is previously mentioned, & introduces the digression – a little lengthy I grant you, – but it is a favourite with me & with my two Ediths, [4]  who have been reading with me the history of this expedition in the Inca Garcilasos Spanish, [5]  – it is one of the most interesting books in the language. You will have observed too that in this section I have been somewhat lavish of ornament, as the subject required.

86. The rattling tufts, are the keys of the ash as they are called in Somersetshire, they rattle with a wind in which the leaves are silent [6] 

114 – Excellent woman – might remind you of Excellent wench – good authority for such an exclamation [7] 

117 You are right the expression is awkward – but I laboured long & vainly to make it better, & almost despair of success in another attempt [8] 

257 – 1 – the rhyme had escaped me – perhaps because they are not so strongly marked to the ear as to the eye [9] 

Lionet [10]  I found in some old book – the English Cleopatra [11]  I believe, – but it must be good English.

273–4 – An oversight in altering the passage. – read for it a foul thing grotesque – [12] 

294 – I cannot remove the repetition without injury [13] 

There must of necessity be a brief historical preface, – much in the manner of that to Madoc. [14]  The passage which Cumberland praised must have been the concluding sentence, which having been said once applies to this poem as well. [15]  – There is no use in multiplying announcements of the poem. – the booksellers are already in quite eager enough to have it in time for their summers half year, – which is impossible. And as for the public a certain number of persons will order it whenever it appears, – & out of that numbering advertisements are not likely to induce purchasers. You may gift give me a lift if you can thro M^r Braithwaite [16]  get a br short notice into the European Magazine. [17]  These minor publications have this effect, from a certain reputation which they possess for impartiality in the circle wherein they circulate

Toms bust must be directed to him at Samuel Castles Esq^re Durham. [18]  – which is far enough from Keswick. But if Smith holds his intention of sending one to Miss Barker, that may come in the same box with mine. [19]  Pay for them if you please out of the next quarter. It is well that I have such a bank to draw on. I sometimes think that my life would almost furnish as compleat an example of the Bank of Faith, as Huntingdons – he of the breeches. [20] 

Ballantyne has a portion of the notes in his hands to print a-la-Scott with a different paging, that when the text is done the publication may not be delayed. [21]  I am in the 20^th book, & look forward to a rapid completion. That the poem will not disappoint expectation I am by no means so well satisfied as you appear to be; – but I dare say no person will see so many faults in it as I shall do.

Sara Coleridge is better, – but these have been perilous symptoms, – the more so as Hartley has now given decided proof that there is scrofula in the blood. Kate mends, but is not as she in health. I have my usual summer companion, but not as yet with its usual violence. I suppose it will ripen & flourish when the warm weather comes – I could be unhappy enough if I pleased. Coleridges conduct is bringing on a train of distresses upon his family which it has been easy to foresee, & impossible to prevent. They have only at this time an income of £67–10/ the whole of which as you may well suppose xxxx goes is x required for the schooling, & clothing of the two boys. [22]  If they are to be put forward in life – it x must literally be by the charity of their fathers friends, & the mother & daughter fall upon me for support. Of course this is for yourself alone. If I were in opulence this would be well, & even as it is, I have so much confidence in the Bank of Faith that I have no more unpleasant feeling upon the subject than a proper indignation – which however does not wholly overcome my pity for the most compleat <deplorable> case of moral insanity & guilt that perhaps was ever yet exhibited. Were I really in fashion for a few years, I should certainly be in affluence; – but this neither is, nor is likely to be, the case.

The green book is arrived, [23]  & Murray has sent me Odes & Songs of Triumph enough to put me in good upon good terms with my own Carmen – [24] 

I am so near the end of Roderick that it is high time my mind were made fairly up upon the subject of the next poem. Peradventure I shall <may> write you at length upon my dreams & doubts. Another month, if there be no unforeseen check or interruption will bring this work to its close. I am transcribing the 19 book for you: – it is very short; – the interview between Roderick & his mother. The 20^th moves into the Moorish camp & brings Count Julian into sight. Perhaps you will have stared in the xxxxxx acclamative book at the word auriphrygiate [25]  – I have a note about it, – it is “choice <apt> sweet & well cull’d I assure you;” [26]  – the 21^st brings Florinda & Guisla to the Moors, the former returning to her father, upon a promise that he will in nothing force her inclinations, – the latter deserting to them with intelligence that Pelayo, has removed the wo his the women & children to the Cave; – Orpas xxxx xxx Julian is murdered in the night by Orpas’s instigation, – but a scene later takes place before he dies between him his daughter & Roderick – who has accompanied her to the camp as a Priest. The miraculous battle of Covadonga [27]  then concludes the story.

God bless you

RS.

May 29. 1814