2797. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 26 May 1816⁠* 

26 May. 1816

My dear Grosvenor

I have made the transposition which you suggested & I think with advantage. But I have not omitted the stanza – the substitution of thro thy will for by, [1]  removes part of your objection, – & I have none myself to the occurrence of man & mankind in company. [2] 

Now Grosvenor as I do not know the form of a dedication to such cattle as this, – that is to say the Royals & Highnesses & Devoteds & Superlatives & Etcæteras, you must do this for me, & send it to Pople, – for which purpose I inclose to you the title-page. [3]  The proof I return tomorrow, – he will receive it Thursday, & the book will be ready for the Book-binder by the Monday following, so look you after the Court copies for the two Governesses, [4]  & send me the form of my epistle in time.

About the half title to the Epilogue – you are right – but we have begun with a Mup Mumpsimus, [5]  & so with a Mumpsimus we must end. The half title to the Proem should only have had that word & the Lay kept for the Dream alone, [6]  – – but as the Lay stands to Prologue it must now to Epilogue also, – with no flagrant impropriety indeed, – all three, being integral parts of the same poem.

I am glad you like the poem, & am sure it is a good one: but whether it may please the person to whom it is addressed I know not; – it is not very likely that it should, – & as far as concerns me individually not very immaterial: – far otherwise indeed when considered as an indication of the mind & feeling of the Presentee. – But I really think you may give it a hearty shove in the Quarterly, – & if the book should be like Lord Grenville, – that sort of shove you know is the very thing [7]  which it will stand in need of. [8]  The breath of praise tells to advantage when we have all sails set

I sent Elmsley the Pilgrimage, - [9]  & sent it to Herries also. The Lay will be so little a book that perhaps you can get some conveyed for me in Treasury franks

My chest is better, – & I think I am now able to judge what will be the permanent effect upon my spirits; [10]  – a good body left, – but no more sparkling; – the for any other person time would have done this long ago.

Remember me to all at home & so God Bless you

RS.

You may chuse about the title page – I think it is better without my name, – that we may not have Laureate twice, [11]  – but these things are utterly unimportant & you may do as you please. Send them however with the Dedication as soon as you can.