2512. Robert Southey to [John Wilson Croker], 6 December 1814 ⁠* 

Keswick. 6 Dec^r. 1814.

My dear Sir

I am three hundred miles from town, & were I there upon the spot I should not know of whom to ask a question which it behoves me to have resolved, – except of you. New Years Day is at hand, & whether I am expected to bring forth a New Years Ode more nefasto majorum, [1]  or not, I am altogether ignorant. Last year Sir Wm Parsons wrote to me as I was leaving town, & desired he might have the Ode as soon as possible. I sent him such a portion as made a whole of itself sufficient for his purpose; & that I might not be deficient in any proper civility, told him that if any other parts of the Carmen [2]  would suit him better, I hoped he would take just what he pleased, – & therefore submitted the whole to his choice. He never thought proper to take the slightest notice of my letter, & whether any portion of the Ode were performed, or if the ceremony were dropt, I know not. But I rather xxxx think it must have been waived, because no part of the poem appeared in the papers till the whole was published; [3]  & otherwise the portion performed would most probably have been procured by the papers in the usual way. Tell me according to your judgement whether I may rest in peace upon this subject, or if you think it necessary that I should tax brains which are bona fide better employed?

If you are of the opinion that I may hold myself absolved, shall I insert these lines in a copy of Roderick, [4]  for presentation. Understand I pray you, that I am far from wishing to be thought obtrusive with such things, & only wish to do it, if it xxx ought to be done & could not without some impropriety be left undone.

The si quid merui  [5]  qualifies the aere perennius; [6]  & there is no want of precedent to justify the tone. But I am solicitous to do what is proper, – not to make use of the verses.

Few public measures have ever given me so much satisfaction as your late Admiralty measures. [7]  These are the real radical reforms, of which not many are wanting to render the strength & the prosperity of this country as permanent, as human institutions are capable of being made. I shall do my best to hold this up in its proper light.

Will you not smile to hear that I had written not less than fifty six-lined stanzas upon the intended marriage with the Prince of Orange; – a good many of which are not convertible to the xxx xx any other Prince. [8]  This is one of the miseries of human life which cannot fall to every ones portion. However I have my labour for my pains (which is all I ever should have had) & a good laugh xxx at my disappointment. It is not the first time that in a restless apprehension of being too late, I have been <found myself> too soon.

Ferdinand [9]  affects to patronize letters! He has been visiting the royal Printing Office at Madrid, <where> xxx they xxx struck off in his presence inscriptions to his honour in Castillan, Latin, Greek, Hebrew & Arabic, – & these are the only importations I can now get from Spain!

Believe me my dear Sir

Yrs with sincere respect

Robert Southey.