“I am ready, desirous, and able to bear a part in this
said Review. You will, however,
think it odd, that the very subject on which you think me most able, is one
which I should rather avoid. I have not the sort of talent requisite for
writing a political pamphlet upon the state of Spain; these things require a
kind of wire-drawing which I have never learnt to perform, and a method of
logical reasoning to which my mind has never been habituated, and for which it
has no natural aptitude. What I feel about Spain you know; what I think about
it is this,—the country has much to suffer, in all probability there will
be many and dreadful defeats of the patriots, and such scenes as have never
been witnessed in Europe since the destruction of Saguntum and Numantia may
perhaps be renewed there. Joseph will very
likely be crowned at Madrid, and many of
| Ætat. 34. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 183 |
“Now Grosvenor,
understand me clearly. I could not fill half a score of pages by dilating and
diluting this—that is, I should be a sorry pamphleteer; but I believe
myself to be a good reviewer in my own way, which is that of giving a succinct
account of the contents of the book before me, extracting its essence, bringing
my own knowledge to bear upon the subject, and, where occasion serves,
seasoning it with those opinions which in some degree leaven all my thoughts,
words, and actions. If you had read the Annual Reviews, you would comprehend this better by example than I
can make you in a letter. Voyages and travels I review better than anything
else, being well read in that branch of literature; better, indeed, than most
men. Biography and history are within my reach; upon any of these topics I will
do my best. . . . . You know my way of thinking upon most subjects. I despise
all parties too much to be attached to any. I believe that this country must
continue the war while Bonaparte is at the
head of France, and while the system which he has perfected remains in force; I
therefore, from my heart and soul, execrate and abominate the peace-mongers. I
am an enemy to any further concessions to the Catholics; I am a friend to the
Church establishment. I wish for reform, because I cannot but see that all
things are tending towards revolu-
| 184 | LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE | Ætat. 34. |
“Thus much is said to you that it may be said through you. To yourself I add that the pay proposed will be exceedingly suitable to my poor finances, and that the more books of travels they send me the better. I had almost forgotten to say, that if a fit text be sent me, the subject of converting the Hindoos is one upon which I am well prepared.
“Farewell, and God bless you!
