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Bodleian Library, MS Eng. Lett. c. 22. Previously published: Kenneth Curry (ed.), New Letters of Robert Southey, 2 vols (London and New York, 1965), I, pp. 44–47; Charles Cuthbert Southey (ed.), Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey, 6 vols (London, 1849–1850), I, pp. 203–204 [in part; misdated 24 January 1794].
These letters were edited with the assistance of Carol Bolton, Tim Fulford and Ian Packer
For permission to publish the text of MSS in their possession, the editor wishes to thank the Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscript Library, Yale University; Berg Collection of English and American Literature, The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations; the Bodleian Library Oxford University; the British Library; Boston Public Library; the Syndics of Cambridge University Library; the Syndics of the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge; Haverford College, Connecticut; the Historical Society of Pennsylvania; the Hornby Library, Liverpool Libraries and Information Services; the Houghton Library, Harvard University; the John Rylands Library, Manchester; the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas; Luton Museum (Bedfordshire County Council); Massachusetts Historical Society; McGill University Library; the National Library of Scotland; the Newberry Library, Chicago; the New York Public Library (Pforzheimer Collections); the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York; the Public Record Offices of Bedford, Suffolk (Bury St Edmunds) and Northumberland, the Master and Fellows of Trinity College, Cambridge; the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne; the Trustees of the William Salt Library, Stafford, the Wisbech and Fenland Museum; the University of Virginia Library.
A research grant from the British Academy made much of the archival work possible, as did support from the English Department of Nottingham Trent University.
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Once more am I settled in Balliol — once more among my friends — alternately studying & philosophizing — railing at collegiate folly & enjoying rational society. my prospects in life totally altered — waiting eagerly to cut up human flesh & resolved to come out Æsculæpiust Preux were of a less dreadful nature than that of Werter.
I need not tell you with what pleasure my frequent perusals of Werter have been attended. for six months I was never without it in my pocket — the character is natural. at least it appeared so when tried by the touch-stone of my own heart. yet there are some minds upon which this would operate differently. to use a vulgar proverb “whats one mans meet is another mans poison. I consider suicide as a crime — as heinous as irrevocable. if you can suppose a man without connections friends or relations, still suicide would not be justifiable. while there is a possibility that life can be of service to society it is criminal to die.
the harpsichord at Maize Hill vibrated on your heart. I pitied & condemned you. excuse me if I expe suspected this from the first. your expressions were too warm for an acquaintance & too empassioned for a friend —
y. 18.
you see how long an interval has elapsed since I began your letter. the various occupations & amusements of a University must plead my excuse. & the decaying state of my eyes now so weak as totally to prevent reading or writing by candle-light must explain what hours I necessarily lose.
Continually am I asked at Christ Church, what does Horace Bedford mean to do with himself, & why is he wasting his time. to these questions I can give no answer — but it is time you should. it is necessary you should absolutely fix. if you chuse one of the three professions — come to Oxford if the Exchequer do not delay. I have often said this personally to you. you will excuse the repetition as you know the will with which it is made. the University is the place most proper for you, since you want society & know how to select it. do let me soon know what you mean to do. to continue vegetating thus is impossible.
& now to literary subjects. Glover has written the two Tragedies of Boadicea & Medea.
of blank lyrics my predilection strengthens. Milton Collins Glover & Sayersst of June & December.feelingly every morning at chapel.
Charles Collins was with us here two hours last night over a bowl of buttered beer. in that way I often see him. to his parties I never am invited, & of course never intrude. we are not so intimate as we were — perhaps for the reason in Lucan
Our society at Balliol continues the same in number. the freshmen of the term are not estimable (as Duppa says) & we are enough, with the three Corpus men who generally join us. the fiddle with one string is gone, & its place supplied by a harpsichord in Burnetts room. Lightfoot still melodizes on the flute & if I had but a Jews Harp the concert would be complete.
You do not know with what pleasure I opened Mrs Deacons letter, or how its contents damped my spirits for the day. I had been remarkably fond of Kate, & expected to hear of her so differently that the news electrified me. do let me know how she is now. Grosvenor I think delayed Mrs Ds letters if I may judge by the date. you will ease me of much anxiety by writing.
I have abjured shooting entirely from the extreme barbarity of the amusement. it gives me pleasure to find my sentiments on the subject similar to your brother. Seward
Lightfoot
Burnett & Lovell all dislike it equally. you may perhaps receive my Adieu to field sports ere long — the subject itself is pleasing — how I may handle it time will best discover. for writing in verse I really have not time, two letters are begun so — when to be finished I know not. my Botany Bay Eclogues
On Friday next my anatomical studies begin. they must be pursued with attention. Apollo
Horse Campbell of course is delighted that I partake his favourite study. he tells he means to acquire a general “anatomy & divinity I know. this year I shall make myself master of chemistry & botany. study the law next year; & when I know the rudiments of every science after I have taken orders apply myself to excel in any one of them.!!!!!!!!!
The Dean has obliged Horse Campbell to part with his horse. he wasted two hours for me yesterday in relating the history of his horse & dog. “Dr Pegge gave him me kxx you know, but he prefers my horses company to mine, for they are very loving. the horse put his head & licks the dog all over with his tongue, & so they converse in this manner” — & in this manner he converses, whilst I moralize upon the necessity of patience, & say yes & no with all the forbearance of Epictetus.
Do not forget my great coat &c.