2540. Robert Southey to Mary Barker, [c. 13 January 1815]⁠* 

Dear Senhora

I have thought of something which will be better than either Comedy or Novel, – as involving no difficulties of plan, story or narration. – Scenes in Cumberland & Westmorland. [1]  – You may put together all you know of the manners of the people in detached dialogues, – mix up with it what you like, – & make drawings for it, – to be engraved in some inexpensive way, – in outline as sketches: – or in the manner of Westalls Caves. [2]  And these will be a book for sale among the Lakers. –

This is a dismal business here. Edith is less agitated than she was at first, – because the first alarm is over, – but she suffers a great deal in many ways, & God knows when the abscess will fill, – & when it will end, or how, – for it is in a place where the consequences may be very distressing. Edmondson went to Carlisle on Wednesday, & it was but returned yesterday. – Considering the situation of the thing, I cannot but think he would do better by trying to disperse it (if that be possible) than by bringing it on. But we have not seen him since Tuesday morning! [3] 

God bless you

RS.

Saturday morning