294. Robert Southey to John May, 10 March [1798] ⁠* 

My dear friend

This voyage of my Uncle makes me somewhat uneasy, it could not be a slight indisposition that induced him to go to sea. & yet I think if his illness had been any ways alarming he would have asked leave of absence from the Factory. I pray you let me have the earliest intelligence you get from Lisbon respecting him. the Letter you sent me related entirely to my brother Tom, whom he wishes to get on the Lisbon station, where he can assist him probably by means of Ld. St Vincents, & whither Ld Proby will carry him, who is now expecting a frigate to return there. Ld Proby is Wynns cousin. [1]  this is well. & were I assured of my Uncles health, I should hope that our family affairs were assuming a better appearance than they have worn for the last seven years. I cannot but be uneasy respecting him.

This evening I traced with a pen the pencil notes of poor Ostervald in my copy of Les Trois Siecles. [2]  I never think of that man without feeling a great degree of interest – & something like regret that I should not have seen him at Lisbon. It is possible that this Revolution in Switzerland [3]  may open a return for him to his own country, & with fair prospects. It would give me much pleasure if I could convey to him a set of my books. but this the distance forbids. I never look at his drawings without recollecting that perhaps his present situation is sadly altered from what it was when he read these books. – these are painful thoughts. but what retrospect is not painful? I fear life is like a journey – we are never satisfied till we arrive at the end of it. we must always be looking on. & surely this proves a hereafter, or we might sleep away existence like a beast.

I have received a letter from Thomas, in which I am sorry to say, he complains of a relapse. should he be obliged once more to visit Lisbon he must give up his present situation, & the certain prospect it affords of soon realizing a comfortable independance.

Your account of E. Grigg [4]  concerns me, tho I well know that repeated disappointments will not discourage you from doing good. I fear little good can be done among the lower rank of those miserable women the victims themselves & the agents of evil. Among those who have been better educated, whose feelings have been cultivated, those lingering feelings that make their severest torture, afford something to work upon. they linger after principle is gone.

If you do not soon hear from Thornton [5]  it will be necessary to look elsewhere for assistance. It would be well for you to call on Wynn & consult with him; he is much interested in the scheme, & will be very glad to see you. I want to carry the begging box about while I am here, & hope to succeed where the Church Wardens have failed.

A Magazine Man [6]  has been requesting permission to publish my likeness – & I escaped an interview with him upon this subject by leaving London, just as he had enquired out my direction for that purpose. this was fortunate, as a refusal can always be better given on paper than verbatim.

My book [7]  is advancing; they give me three sheets a week & at that rate will compleat it soon. – Edith is much better than when she left London, tho still far from that state of health in which I wish again to see her. we are well situated on Kingsdown, the Buenos Ayres of Bristol [8]  exactly; & a walk of fifty yards leads us into the country. Can you not find time to visit us here? I should very much like to show you the country, & its many glorious prospects. they affect me strongly. I am a different being at London, & on these rocks. & you cannot have a better guide than me, who know every crag & every winding of the woods.

God bless you.

yrs affectionately

Robert Southey.

Nothing is settled about my mothers house – but I believe the Landlord [9]  will take it. in that case, if no unforeseen disappointment <occur> I hope to get into a house in the winter.

You will receive a copy of Musæus [10]  soon.

Saturday 10 March.