508. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 8 April 1800 ⁠* 

8 April 1800

My dear Grosvenor

Theophrastus says that Love is the disease of an idle mind. [1]  – Grosvenor did you never get to the top of a steep cliff – & then sit down & laugh at your companion who is crawling about the half way? Yes. Love is the effect of volition & idleness. Man must have some passion – & if it be not common ambition or science – or butterfly-hunting – why then he falls in love. it is a very wise thing to marry – but a very foolish one to be over anxious about it. but go on & prosper & God bless you.

Wynn says if I write to you you will send me a copying machine from the shop in the Strand where they are sold. Now my dear Grosvenor in executing this commission there must be no delay, no not even none. for we are all in the damnable hurry of preparation – which damnable hurry, in my situation is as good a phrase as Shakesperes dreadful note. [2] 

Rickman is gone for London – & I miss him much. God bless you. you shall get a letter from Falmouth.

Robert Southey

<8 April 1800>

10. Stokes Croft. Bristol.

Tuesday Morning.