The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey
Robert Southey to Grosvenor C. Bedford, 11 September 1816
“Keswick, Sept. 11. 1816.
“Upon mature deliberation, I am clearly of opinion that
it would be very imprudent and impolitic for me to receive anything in the
nature of emolument from Government at this time, in any shape whatsoever. Such
a circumstance would lessen the worth of my services (I mean it would render
them less serviceable), for whatever might come from me would be received with
suspicion, which no means would be spared to excite. As it concerns myself
personally, this ought to be of some weight; but it is entitled infinitely to
greater consideration if you reflect how greatly my influence (whatever it may
be) over a good part of the public would be diminished, if I ![]()
| 210 | LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE | Ætat. 43. |
![]()
were looked upon as a salaried writer. I must, therefore,
in the most explicit and determined manner, decline all offers of this kind;
but at the same time I repeat my offer to exert myself in any way that may be
thought best. The whole fabric of social order* in this country is in great
danger; the Revolution, should it be effected, will not be less bloody nor less
ferocious than it was in France. It will be effected unless vigorous measures
be taken to arrest its progress; and I have the strongest motives, both of duty
and prudence, say even self-preservation, for standing forward to oppose it.
Let me write upon the State of Affairs (the freer I am the better I shall
write), and let there be a weekly journal established, where the villanies and
misrepresentations of the Anarchists and Malignants may be detected and
exposed. But all will be in vain unless there be some check given to the
licentiousness of the press, by one or two convictions, and an adequate (that
is to say) an effectual punishment.
“It would be superfluous to assure you that, in
declining any immediate remuneration, I act from no false pride or false
delicacy. Proof enough of this is, that at first I was willing to accept it.
But I feel convinced that it would (however undeservedly) discredit me with the
public. Every effort, even now, is making to discredit me, as if I had sold
myself for the Laureateship. While I am as I am, these efforts recoil upon the
enemy, and I even derive advantage
* “What think you of a club of Atheists
meeting twice a week at an ale-house in Keswick, and the landlady
of their way of thinking?”—To C. W. W.
Wynn, Esq., Sept. 11.
1816. |
![]()
![]()
| Ætat. 43. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 211 |
![]()
from them. Do not argue that I suffer them to injure me
if I refuse what might be offered me for fear of their censures. It is not
their censures; it is the loss of ostensible independence, however really
independent I should be. At present, in defiance of all that malignity can
effect, I have a weight of character, and the rascals fear me while they hate
me.
“God bless you!
Grosvenor Charles Bedford (1773-1839)
The son of Horace Walpole's correspondent Charles Bedford; he was auditor of the
Exchequer and a friend of Robert Southey who contributed to several of Southey's
publications.
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).
