3750. Robert Southey to Elizabeth Browne, 27 November 1821⁠* 

Keswick. 27 Nov. 1821

My dear Madam

What shall I say to you & your dear family under this affliction, – the heaviest of all those which come to us in the regular course of nature? [1]  – The Lord gave, – & the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! [2]  These words are inscribed on my dear Herberts grave-stone: and your heart feels the support which is to be found in religious resignation to the will of God, – as mine has felt it in its anguish.

I have now one friend the less in this world, – & one more in that better one, – toward which I am every day advancing on my journey. xxx not knowing how soon I may find myself at the journeys end.

In mourning for this excellent man you have the consolation of knowing that his life was happy & that you contributed in no xxxx xxxxx little degree to its happiness.

The post-mark & the seal of D^r Nicholls [3]  letter gave me a sad foreboding, which was but too well verified by its contents. I had long & anxiously been looking for news of Wade, [4]  – but this was indeed an unexpected blow.

M^rs Southey joins with me in sorrowful remembrances to the two Miss Brownes, [5]  & in intreating that you will let us hear of you when the task of writing will not be too painful. Give my love also to poor little Mary. [6]  And be assured my dear M^rs Browne that among the many who will sympathize with you in this deprivation there is not one who entertained a higher regard for the good man whom we have lost, nor who will remember him with more lasting respect than he who now in grief & sincerity subscribes himself

Your affectionate friend

Robert Southey.

God bless & comfort you.