. . . . . “I am writing from Ormsby, the dwelling-place of Mr. Manning, distant six miles from Yarmouth. We came here yesterday to dinner, and leave it to-morrow evening. I have begun some blank verse to you and laid it aside, because, if I do not tell you something about this place now, I shall not do it at all. . . . . This part of England looks as if Nature had wearied herself with adorning the rest with hill and dale, and squatted down here to rest herself. You must even suppose a very Dutch-looking Nature to have made it of such pancake flatness. An unpromising country, and yet, Edith, I could be very happy with such a home as this. I am looking through the window over green fields, as far as I can see,—no great distance; the hedges are all grubbed up in sight of the house, which produces a very good effect. A few fine acacias, whitethorns, and other trees, are scattered about; a walk goes all round, with a beautiful hedge of lilacs, laburnums, the Gueldres rose, Barbary shrubs, &c. &c. Edith, you would not wish a sweeter scene, and being here, I wish for nothing but you; half an hour’s walk would reach the sea-shore.
“I had almost forgot one with whom I am more intimate
than any other part of the family. Rover,—a
noble dog, something of the spaniel, but huge as a mastiff, and his black and
brindled hair curling close, almost like a lady’s wig. A very
sympathising dog, I assure you, for he will not only shake
| Ætat. 23. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 335 |
“We went yesterday in the morning to the ruins of
Caister Castle, once the seat of Fastolffe, where, after wasting a great part of his fortune in
the French wars, and being defeated at Patay, and disgraced in consequence of
his flight, he retired to quarrel with his neighbours. The ruin is by no means
fine, compared with several I have seen, but all these things produce a
pleasant effect upon the mind; and besides, it is well when I am writing about
the man, to have some knowledge of everything knowable respecting
| 336 | LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE | Ætat. 23. |
