794. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 9 June 1803 ⁠* 

So!

So!!

So!!!

So!!!!

So!!!!!

So M^r Grosvenor Charles Bedford – there are to be Cabinets [1]  among my friends – & I am not to be of the Cabinet Council! – And there are to be Authors among my friends – & I am not to have a presentation copy! & there are to be secrets & slights, & neglects, & incivilities & I am not to be affronted. M^r Grosvenor Charles Bedford. – M^r Grosvenor Charles Bedford but I will be affronted in the first place. Zounds! And I will have a presentation copy M^r Grosvenor Charles Bedford, or else – you M^r Upholsterer <or Joiner,> or Cabinet-Maker – or else – or else [2]  –

Are not you now a pretty fellow – a formosus homo [3]  – a καλος άυήρ [4]  – & aye & a gallows άυήρ [5]  to serve me such a trick? but give me leave to tell you M^r Bedford that the secrets of Cabinets are not so inscrutable as you Cabinet Ministers may suppose. The secrets of M^r Addingtons [6]  Cabinet get abroad, & the proceedings of M^r Bonapartes [7]  Cabinet get into the newspapers & there are ways & means whereby the secrets of M^r Bedfords Cabinet reach the ears of M^r Bedfords friends.

My address is No 12. St Jamess Place. Kingsdown. Bristol. & the Bristol Coaches all call at the White Horse Cellar. Piccadilly, & will safely convey the numbers of the Cabinet to

Sir

yr very humble Servant

Robert Southey.