1752. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 6 March 1810 ⁠* 

March 6. 1810

Dear Grosvenor

The inclosed are sent because I think you will like to see the rest of the poem while in this state, [1]  – & because however ungraciously you may think I receive your criticisms I always profit by such as appear to me well-founded. Tom is on shore at present, & therefore you will let the Great Man [2]  direct them to him at Dr Southey’s, Durham. Whether you may agree with me I cannot tell, – but this 19th Section appears to me to have just that as much allegory, – that is to say spiritualization of of mythology as it is compatible with poetry.

The printing gets on rapidly, – you will find many material alterations when it comes before you in a volume.

How are you Grosvenor? – Your state of health gives me many uneasy thoughts, – I hope you have put yourself under good directions, & that you will not either act upon any theory of your own, or risk any imprudencies.

God bless you

RS.

I am afraid I never sent you the overflowing joy & thanks of your Godson & of Edith when the packet of books arrived. They were both as happy as they could be. Herbert has very high ideas of the nature of God fathership, – it reminds him of books, pictures, & seals, & is always admitted to be a valid reason for a kiss whenever I require one upon that score, to be received in trust & sent remitted to you in the next letter.