3650. Robert Southey to John Abraham Heraud, 13 March 1821⁠* 

Keswick. 13 March. 1821

My dear Sir

Your letter of Feb^y 3 & the MSS. [1]  reached me only this afternoon. In the state of feeling which you describe your own to be I am afraid you will not always have taken into your account of time the probability that this packet should have lain so long at Longmans, waiting for an opportunity of conveyance. I write immediately, that you may <not> look for an answer one day longer, – tho of course it has only been in my power to look at the concluding scenes of the Perjured Son. [2]  Tomorrow I shall begin to look at <read> the latest of these compositions. They cannot do more than what the Legend [3]  has done, – give proof of abundant facility & power. I have no doubt of your power; no doubt of your ultimate success. Only endeavour to calm & regulate your feelings, – to be hopeful, without impatience; – & of all things beware how you contract a habit of watching & analysing analysing your own sensations, – for it is a perilous habit both to body & mind.

I will write to you as soon as I have read the Baron of Kendal. [4]  This letter is merely to relieve you from anxiety, & to assure you of the interest which I take in your welfare.

God bless you.

Yrs very truly

Robert Southey.

My poem came with your packet. I trust therefore that you have received a copy. – In the last line of the first page, the metre is spoiled by the omission of a letter in the last word, which ought to be Glaramara. [5]