268. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 7 November 1797*

My good Grosvenor

I have not inclosed your letter — because I have not to inclose, I being at Bristol & it at Bath. this probably imports little. will you hold yourself engaged to dine at Grays Inn with me (if you still remain a member of that honourable society) on Tuesday the 19th? & I pray you write to me to let me know if that day will keep the term. now Grosvenor — forget not this, nor delay it, till the communication be useless. pour M. Coke¹ — I have sent for one & it is probably arrived by this.

I like not to return to London. almost could I prefer a snow-proof hovel in Siberia. nothing suits me in that foul city. I have few friends there — this matters little for I have enough — but the want of female society for Edith is an evil — & not likely to be remedied. Eh bien — that also imports little — for stir the fire & shut the shutters — & then I have all I want in the world in the room with me.

My Time is hurried & pen bad. so farewell

Yrs R Southey.

direct to Bath. I go Friday.

Tuesday Nov. 7. 1797.