102. Robert Southey to Charles Watkin Williams Wynn [fragment], [between c. 3–9 September 1794]*

[MS missing]magine a piece tolerable which represents both parties [MS missing] their own opinions & makes Barrere¹ the only villain [MS missing]believe me when I say we wrote a good drama. the [MS missing] to lie entirely in the Convention. Coleridge took [MS missing] last Tuesday to London to sell it or print it — [MS missing] Lecoridge² of both Universities. vexed as I really [MS missing]th of Robespierre³ I never laughed more than whilst [MS missing] the subject.

my friendly remembrances to [MS missing]les Bunbury!

you will receive two or three [MS missing] three weeks. as for Joan circumstances [MS missing]t & you will serve me essentially by getting [MS missing] been long burthensome to my friends — thank [MS missing]nds & on the banks of the Suquehannah [MS missing]ir & break the bread of independance. can [MS missing]lking with Ariste in the evening, & looking [MS missing] pleasure the tranquillity of closing day [MS missing] source of comfort”?

Written this morning on the road to Bath.⁴

———

With many a weary step at length I gain Thy summit Lansdown; & the cool breeze plays Gratefully round my brow, as hence the gazeReturns to dwell upon the journied plain.Twas a long way & tedious, tho to the eye Fair is the extended vale, & fair to view The varied trees of many a fading hueThat rustle as the wild wind passes by.Even so it fares with man — with fond delightBack oer the distanced days he turns his sight And weeps to think they will return no more.Far be from me in such sad thoughts to roamFor surely I ere-long shall reach my home And pleasant is the way that lies before.

[MS missing]

Sweet is the opening morn when all around <oer the sky>⁵ The new-born Sun expands his roseate ray —And lovely to the musing Minstrels eye Sinks the last splendor of departing day.But lovelier is the smile of one we love Than all the charms in Natures ample swayAnd sweeter than the music of the groveThe voice that bids us welcome. such delight Be ours Ariste on the distant shore. When all the labour of the day is oerWilt thou not smile & welcome? at thy sightMy heart will bound to rapture! far removd To woodland scenes where Care intrudes n[MS missing]We must be blest beloving & belovd.

[remainder of MS missing]