692. Robert Southey to Mary Barker, 9 July 1802*

Senhora

The Bashaw writes because some five weeks have elapsed since he hath written – but what hath He of the three tails¹ to write about – of – or concerning? the tongue runneth faster than the pen – yea it hath more power. the pen commandeth only twenty six letters – it can only range between A and Z – these are its limits – like all before & after life. (I had forgotten and-pussey-and:)² but my tongue – my omnipotent manufacturer of all noises – who shall limit its creative allmightiness? – We have a parrot living five doors distant.³ with him I do converse from the window. he hath taught me to articulate new tones. – Moreover there is no filling up the pauses of the goose quill with the little amiabilities that relieve conversation – with a whoop – or a whistle – or a twirl – or a face – as “that man” used to do. & besides I have no time for writing – & also I do’nt like, & likewise it is not my custom – & eke I approve it not – yea it is altogether idleness – very vanity & vexation of spirit – waste of ink – abuse of paper – wear & tear of pen.

The Grunter ought to write for me, & tell you all our goings on. how Mrs Lovell has had a swelled face – how Bellas⁴ knee is be-blistered to the general inconvenience – & how Tom is arrived from the West Indies. but the Grunter would not tell you certain circumstances which ought to be made known in form of complaint from the offended & injured Bashaw – how he (guess Senhora if you can what the domestic disarrangement is?) – how he can – (stretch now your imagination as if it were made of indian-rubber to find it out –) how he can not – (go to the cunning woman and ask what –) he cannot get a pair of clean pantaloons.

The great Bashaw is just. Mrs Danvers does not take Irish blackguard.⁵ he hath laid by the Snuff for the Senhora.

——

You have heard of George Dyers letter,⁶ have you seen his Poems? the new Edition in two volumes? ⁷ brimfull of Dyerisms – for what other name will express that combination that characterizes all about him! – I hear of a review of my own poems inserted in the Poetical Register⁸ – one of the works which has grown out of the ruins of the Anthology⁹ – by Miss Seward.¹⁰ they tell me it is like her poem to me¹¹ – praise & censure equally extravagant – sugared bile – oil & vinegar.

I have been historifying successfully¹² – Amadizing¹³ with less good will. – poetizing little or none. yet Kehama¹⁴ has got on a little way – very little – but good. & that in the uphill road of the connecting parts which having no interest in the matter must derive all their beauty from the manner. I shall soon arrive at the land of miracles & marvels & call up my storms & fears & darkness – & bring God’s & Ghosts into action. if it be not a good Poem Woe to my ears! & it must be written soon for a good reason. behold why.

My business with Corry is pretty well wound up – & I am paid off. now then at liberty to fix – you know there is a necessity for fixing. a library & a nursery ought to be stationary. I am resolved to live near Richmond if John May can find me a house. but what is a house without furniture? & how is furniture to be had without money? & how can I get money without writing? Therefore will the Curse of Kehama be forthcoming this next winter. Necessity sends some men to the gallows – some to prison. me it always sends to the press.

Do you go into Wales?¹⁵ When do you go? if you go you must make Bristol going or returning in your way – if you do not go, you must make a journey to Bristol expressly. There is much to be seen about Bristol – & I am here for my last long visit. when once I quit it I return here no more except for a week or ten days just to see Danvers. the place is unpleasant to me. there are recollections that poison every path which I used to take with very different feelings. So if I do not show it you this autumn I shall never do it. besides you know we do not permit proxy¹⁶ – it savoureth too much of king – & queenliness.¹⁷

fare you well. the whole rigmarole of remembrances you will consider as set down in due forms –

So God bless you – Yrs affectionately – & in earnest at the end of the LetterRobert Southey.

July 9. 1802, Kingsdown.