2823. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 21 July 1816⁠* 

Keswick 21 July 1816.

My dear Grosvenor

I will not burn your letter. What care I tho posterity should discover that you reviewed my books, [1]  because I wanted to make money by them; – there is neither sin nor shame in <my> standing in need of such “sweet remuneration,” [2]  nor in your contributing to promote me.

There is a full account of the degree of PL. [3]  (for such it seems it is) in a book which I do not possess, but which it is not difficult to find – Seldens Titles of Honour. [4]  & there is more concerning it, & more I apprehend to the purpose in Malones Edition of Drydens Prose Works. [5]  I pray you note well that the office has salary having been 100 marks, was raised for Ben Jonson [6]  to 100 pounds & a butt of Spanish Canary, – in those days a fair provision for a man of letters, – & I pray you exclaim against the abominable commutation which deprives me of my <the> Canary.

What I mean by the fitness of my accepting the office is this, – to have refused it must have been interpreted as arising from one of these causes – that I thought the office would dishonour me, – or that I thought myself incapable of raising the office to an in public opinion; – or that I some private feeling feelings or opinions rendered me unwilling to applaud the measures of government. And I think it is due to Scott that his refusal of it should be mentioned, & its true motive, – that being well holding some professional offices [7]  he did not it right to accept one of the very few situations which exist in this country for men of letters. It is the more xxxx proper to mention his that he declined the office & used his influence to have it offered to me, – because there were reports that a jealousy had existed between us, & vile verses were written upon the subject in the Satirist [8]  & for ought I know elsewhere, – & a conversation was actually fabricated as having taken place in no friendly tone between us at the Levee! [9]  I was seriously asked in a letter whether it were true!

Lastly as to the ER & the M Chronicle, [10]  – nothing more is required than t a reference to their predictions that my verses would be in the common-place stile of adulation, – proving equally a moral & intellectual degradation. I never see the M Ch. nor the Review, nor any of the Examiners [11]  &c. &c. in which I am indulged with with a plentiful but nevertheless useful, share of abuse. This however was what they predicted. – I suspect the Pilgrimage & the Lay are both slow in sale, [12]  – for Longman wrote to me the other day & made no mention of either. A reviewal would beyond all doubt assist their expedite their motions.

Wynn is coming with his brother, – whereby we shall have as little pleasure as possible in each others company.

Is your mother well enough to let you take a spell among the mountains, & drink Parfait Amour [13]  with M^r Nash? I am sitting to him, – he has begun also a beautiful drawing of the three younger girls. [14]  – One of the pleasures which I <had> promised myself from his visit, I was a portrait of Herbert. [15]  – I may write the name, – but I never dare mention it.

I am glad to hear such good news from his Majestys Exchequer. [16]  You need not send me any money till you receive it, pay day being so near at hand. Moreover I expect goodly guerdon [17]  from Murray as soon as the number is publishd, for the last article. [18] 

Remember me to all at home

God bless you

RS.