“Among the other causes which have from day to days, and from days to weeks, and from weeks to months, put off the intention of writing to you, one has been the hope and expectation of hearing from you. Of you I heard an ugly story—that my head had fallen on yours*; in which accident I, as well as you, had a merciful escape, for if that bust had been your death, it would have left a life-long impression upon my spirits. . . . .
“I am very much taken up with reviewing, without which, indeed, I should be in no comfortable situation; for the sale of my books in Longman’s hands, where the old standers used to bring in about
* A bust of my father, which Mr. Neville White possessed, had fallen upon him, but fortunately without doing serious injury. |
| 22 | LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE | Ætat. 55. |
“Though I am not sanguine, like my brother Tom, and have no dreams of good fortune coming to me on one of the four winds, I have, God be praised, good health, good spirits, and goodwill to do whatever work is necessary to be done. Next month I trust you will receive a volume of poems, which I hope may have better fortune in Murray’s hands than the Tale of Paraguay had in Longman’s; for of that 1500 copies have not sold, nor are likely to sell. My Colloquies, also, will follow it, if they are not ready quite as soon. These will be read hereafter, whatever be their fortune now. I should tell you that Murray sent me an extra 50l. for my paper on the Roman Catholic Question.*
“My last paper in the Foreign Review was upon the Expulsion of the Moriscoes; a subject chosen because it was well timed, showing what dependence
* “You will have seen my paper upon the Catholic Question in the Quarterly Review,—very deficient, as every thing must he which is written upon the spur of the moment. There is so much more to he said which was not said for want of room, that if I thought it would avail anything I would have a pamphlet ready for the meeting of Parliament”—R. S. to J. R. Nov. 1. 1828. |
| Ætat. 55. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 23 |
“Our best and kindest remembrances to all who are near and dear to you. Mine, in particular, to your excellent mother. I can hardly hope to see her again on earth, but assuredly we shall meet hereafter, and in joy; in the land where all things are remembered.
“God bless you, my dear Neville!
