2420. Robert Southey to Joseph Cottle, 13 May 1814 ⁠* 

Keswick. May 13. 1814

My dear Cottle

I have seen so dreadful a case of haemorrhage from the lungs terminate favourably that your letter alarms me less than it would otherwise have done. [1]  Basil Montagu, the younger [2]  continued to bleed at intervals for six weeks in January & February last: – & he has this day left Keswick without any dangerous symptom remaining upon him. Two other instances ha of the same kind have occurred within my knowledge. I will therefore hope for a favourable termination. – Your letter comes upon me when I am like a broken reed – so deeply has the loss of Danvers wounded me. Were I to lose you also I should never have heart to enter Bristol again.

Write to me, upon <when> you can without effort, to say how you go on; – meantime xx x your sister I dare say will have the goodness to let me know.

What answer shall I make to your exhortations? We differ perhaps (if indeed there be a difference) more in appearances, than in realities, – more in <the> forms than in <the> substance of our belief. I have already so many friends on the other side of the grave, that a large portion of my thoughts & affections are in another world, & it is only the certainty of another life which could make the changes & insecurity of this endurable.

May God bless you & restore you my dear old friend is the sincere prayer of

your affectionate

R Southey.