273. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 19 November 1797 ⁠* 

Sunday. 19 Nov. 97.

Grosvenor I have found out a better fence for our Eutopia than Carlisles plantation of vipers & rattle snakes. it is to surround it with a Vacuum. for you know Grosvenor this would so puzzle the philosophers on the other side; & we might see them making experiments upon the atmosphere — to the great annoyance of dogs whom they would scientifically torture. besides — if we had any refractory inmate we might push him into the void.

But how could you blunder about Tuesday so egregiously. did not I say expressly dine at Grays Inn with me? look you. I am John Mays guest for some 24 hours. now in common civility I must dine one day with him; & we hope to be lodged on the Wednesday. so I hold myself engaged to the blackguard mess on Tuesday & the next day to him. you do not know him — but he is one whom I greatly respect — & I should like to have him on the right side of the vacuum. I have written to Wynn to explain this & call you an ideot. & now remember to meet me at his rooms on Tuesday as soon after three as you please.

I hate the journey — & yet going to London I may say with Quarles

My journey’s better than my journeys end.  [1]  a little home — Grosvenor — near the sea — or in any quiet country where there is water to bathe in — & what should I wish for in this life? & how could I be so honourably or happily employed as in writing?

If Buonaparte should come before I look like Sir John Comyns [2]  — oh that fine chuckle head was made for the law. I am too old to have my skull moulded.

Charles Lloyd is coming to London with me — & means to lodge in the same house. how all this chanced is a long & odd story. I could wish you to know him well — but it would be an effort to give his character — & I love not exertion. thus much however I will say — his feelings are too susceptible of neglect or kindness. they are not so blunt as we could wish them or as they should be for his own happiness. & a little attention to him in conversation, will & any trifling mark of kindness will highly gratify him.

And now God bless you. & give my love to Carlisle & to Horace.

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Your letter is arrived. why not trust the settled quietness to which my mind has arrived? it is wisdom to avoid all violent emotions. I would not annihilate my feelings — but I would have them under a most Spartan despotism. Grosvenor Inveni portum. spes & fortuna valete. [3] 

I have laid up the advice of Boethius in my heart — & prescribe it to you — so fare you well