367. Robert Southey to Daniel Stuart [fragment], 3 January 1799*

My dear Sir

Whether or no the following dramatic fragment is upon too invidious a subject, you must be a better judge than me. if you think so throw it behind the fire. I wrote it with a feeling of interest that makes me think it good.

yrs truly R. Southey.

Dramatic fragment.

The scene in Holland. the time about 1570.¹

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Ellis. Not complain? Endure in silence? suffer with beast patience Oppressions such as these?

Klaus. Nay – an it please you Rail on – rail on! no doubt when you are feeling The vengeance of the state, twill comfort you Amid your dungeon miseries to reflect How valiantly you talkd! – you know Count Roderick – He would be railing too.

Ellis And what has followed?

Klaus I saw him in his dungeon. tis a place Where the hell-haunted murderer might almost Rejoice to hear the hangman summons him. By day he may divert his solitude With watching thro the grate the snow-flakes fall, Or counting the long icicles above him, Or he may trace upon the ice-glazed wall Lines of most brave sedition! & at night The frosty moon beam for his meditation Lends light enough. he told me that his feet Were ulcered with the biting cold. – I would Thou hadst been with me Ellis.

Ellis. But does Philip² Command these things? or knowingly permit The punishment to go before the judgement?

Klaus. Knowest thou not with what confidence the King Reposes upon Alva?³ & admit, As sure I trust, to hear & to redress Injustice be with him one act, the groans Of misery reach not to the royal ear.

Ellis. But sure Count Rodericks service –

Klaus. Powerful plea! He served his country & his country paid him The wages of his service. why but late A man that in ten several fields had fought His countrys battles, by the hangmans hand Died like a dog. & for a venial crime – A deed that could not xxx trouble with one doubt A dying man. at Lepanto⁴ he had shared The danger of that day whose triumph broke The Ottomans power, & this was pleaded for him; Six months they stretchd him on the rack of hope, Then took his life.

Ellis. I would I were in England!

Klaus. Aye get thee home again! you islanders Live under such good laws, so mild a sway, That you are no more fit to dwell abroad Than a doting mothers favorite to endure His first school hardships. We in Holland here Know tis as idle to exclaim against These state oppressions, as with childish tears To weep in the stone, or any other curse Wherewith Gods wrath afflicts <us>, & for struggling – Why twould be like an idiot in the gout Stamping for pain!⁵

[MS missing]

Or if, the drudge of house maids daily toil, Cobwebs & dust thy pinion white besoil, Departed Goose! I neither know nor care, But this I know that thou wert very fine Seasoned with sage & onions & port wine.⁶

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Jany. 3. 99.