794. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 9 June 1803*

So!

So!!

So!!!

So!!!!

So!!!!!

So Mr Grosvenor Charles Bedford – there are to be Cabinets¹ among my friends – & I am not to be of the Cabinet Council! – And there are to be Authors among my friends – & I am not to have a presentation copy! & there are to be secrets & slights, & neglects, & incivilities & I am not to be affronted. Mr Grosvenor Charles Bedford. – Mr Grosvenor Charles Bedford but I will be affronted in the first place. Zounds! And I will have a presentation copy Mr Grosvenor Charles Bedford, or else – you Mr Upholsterer <or Joiner,> or Cabinet-Maker – or else – or else² –

Are not you now a pretty fellow – a formosus homo³ – a καλος άυήρ⁴ – & aye & a gallows άυήρ⁵ to serve me such a trick? but give me leave to tell you Mr Bedford that the secrets of Cabinets are not so inscrutable as you Cabinet Ministers may suppose. The secrets of Mr Addingtons⁶ Cabinet get abroad, & the proceedings of Mr Bonapartes⁷ Cabinet get into the newspapers & there are ways & means whereby the secrets of Mr Bedfords Cabinet reach the ears of Mr Bedfords friends.

My address is No 12. St Jamess Place. Kingsdown. Bristol. & the Bristol Coaches all call at the White Horse Cellar. Piccadilly, & will safely convey the numbers of the Cabinet to

Sir yr very humble Servant Robert Southey.
June 9th. 1803.