“Though I never examined an account in my life (holding
it a less evil to be cheated than to cast up long sums, and fret myself about
l. s. d.), yet I think
| 32 | LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE | Ætat. 46. |
“I thank you for your solicitude concerning my readiness to give. But you do not know when I turn a deaf ear. The case of poor Page’s family is the only one in which I had not a cogent motive; there, perhaps, there was no better one than a regard to appearances—a tax to which I have paid less in the course of my life than most other persons. My unhappy brother Edward has at least the virtue of being very considerate in his demands upon me. They come seldom, and are always trifling. At present he is ill, perhaps seriously so. All that can be done for him is to take care that he may not want for necessaries while in health, nor for comforts (as far as they can be procured) when health fails him.
“In John Morgan’s case I acted from the double motive of good will towards him and his wife, and of setting others an example,—which has had its effect. There was an old acquaintance there; and for the sake of his mother, at whose table I have been a frequent guest, I would have done more for him than this, had it been in my power.
“People imagine that I am very rich, that I have great interest with Government, and that my patronage in literature is sufficient to make an author’s fortune, and to introduce a poet at once into full celebrity.
“Turner is about
to take an opinion concerning my claims, both in law and in equity, to the
Somersetshire Estates. Were I to recover them, I should
| Ætat. 46. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 33 |
“Last night I finished the Life of Wesley; but I have outrun the printer as well as the constable, and it may be four or five weeks before he comes up to me. Now I go dens et unguis to my Carmen, which, if I do not like when it is done, why I will even skip the task, and prepare for the coronation. Alas! the birthdays will now be kept; learn for me on what days, that I may be ready in time. I do not know why you are so anxious for rhyme. The rhythm of my Congratulatory Odes is well suited for lyrical composition; and the last poem which I sent you was neither amiss in execution, nor inappropriate in subject. God bless you!
