1298. Robert Southey to Charles Watkin Williams Wynn, [25 March 1807]*

Not to St Lucie – tho it were thousands instead of hundreds.¹ With my present income I am content, – but certainly had far far rather it came from a quarter where it could be better spared. I say this from no feeling of repugnance at accepting such support; – had you your brothers fortune I would rather receive from you than from government – as it is, if you can pension quarter me upon the Treasury – by all means do. – Of course in this topsey-turveying I never thought of myself, – except indeed in a sort of half hope that Tom might have been promoted. As for the question on which you are ousted it may perhaps surprize you to hear that I think with the King & the Bishops.² oh – But what a rascal rabble are to come in! – You will carry your point the next reign. – & possibly come again into power before that time comes – meantime Mrs Wynn will pass her summers in Wales instead of Westminster; – & I think one might whisper congratulation to her, rather than condolence. –

God bless you. When you are, like Christian, rid of your load³ – I will tell you of my new arrangements⁴ – which are likely to produce better fruit that his Majestys – consisting in currants & gooseberries. I am taking root here among the mountains –

RS

Wednesday