The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey
Robert Southey to C. W. W. Wynn, 28 February 1806
“The intelligence* in your letter has given me more
pleasure than I have often felt. In spite of modern philosophy, I do not
believe that the first commandment is an obsolete statute yet, and I am very
sure that man is a better being, as well as a happier one, for being a husband
and a father. May God bless you in both relations of life!
“I shall be in London about the time when you are
leaving it. . . . . It is long since we have met, and I shall be sorry to lose
one of those opportunities of which life does not allow very many. It will be
nearly two years since you were here, and if our after meetings are to be at
such long intervals,
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| Ætat. 32. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 31 |
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there are not many to look on to. Many things make me
feel old;—ten years of marriage; the sort of fatherly situation in which
I have stood to my brother Henry, now a
man himself; the premature age at which I commenced author; the death of all
who were about me in childhood; a body not made of lasting materials, and some
wear and tear of mind. You once remarked to me how time strengthened family
affections, and, indeed, all early ones: one’s feelings seem to be weary
of travelling, and like to rest at home. I had a proof the other night in my
sleep how the mere lapse of time changes our disposition; I thought, of all men
in the world, ——* called upon me, and that we were
heartily glad to see each other. They who tell me that men grow hardhearted as
they grow older, have had a very limited view of this world of ours. It is true
with those whose views and hopes are merely and vulgarly worldly; but when
human nature is not perverted, time strengthens our kindly feelings, and abates
our angry ones. . . . .
“God bless you!
Yours affectionately,
R. S.”
Henry Herbert Southey (1783-1865)
The younger brother of Robert Southey; educated at Edinburgh University, he was physician
to George IV, Gresham Professor of Medicine, and friend of Sir Walter Scott.
Charles Watkin Williams Wynn (1775-1850)
The son of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, fourth baronet; educated at Westminster and Christ
Church, Oxford, Robert Southey's friend and benefactor was a Whig MP for Old Sarum (1797)
and Montgomeryshire (1799-1850). He was president of the Board of Control (1822-28).
