511. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, [13 April 1800]*

Sunday night – Oh how the wind howls!

I will write from Falmouth if I have time. would we were arrived. Lisbon will revive many pleasurable feelings – but the gulph between! – if one did not live in an island now –

Grosvenor I go tomorrow morning. it is too late for the machine.¹ talk to Wynn about it. any thing may be sent after me. directed to my uncle – thus

The Rev. Herbert Hill

Chaplain to the British forces

Lisbon.

To the care of Capt . Yescombe.² Falmouth.

in that case the carriage to Falmouth, &, in civility, a letter of advice written – which also is prudent – as the Capt will look after the things –

Edith is miserably unwell & overcome by the prospect of leaving her sisters. for me – homo sum³ – & homo is used in the masculine gender, & the masculine is more worthy than the feminine. but I am somewhat more serious than usual. I am going for health – & would not willingly be laid to rest under the cypress & Judah Trees.⁴ I have insured my baggage, in case of capture. & then you know if I am drowned it is the Underwriters business.

God bless you Grosvenor – God bless you. Robert Southey –