598. Robert Southey to Charles Biddlecombe, 17 August 1801 ⁠* 

My dear friend

Your absence from Burton during Rickmans short stay there was unlucky. he has desired me to write to his father, [1]  who, I am really ashamed to find is troubled with my business. I have so fully explained what should be done that there can be no need to trouble him with a letter – & less any thing should not be explicit I again repeat the directions, which – apologizing to him for this trouble from me – you will have the goodness to show him, & consider as the last will & testament of the affair.

My Mother would have the beds & bedding reserved. bedsteads & all else to be sold. the books & boxes of linen should be packed for travelling – & the prints – the two of Niobe [2]  & Ceyx & Alcyone [3]  might however be sold. for these things I beg house room of you for awhile. the contents of my large deal desk were better shifted into a packing case. I leave a gap in the letter lest any codicil might occur. – there is some gin – let this be taken at its contraband price – & drink my health in what little claret remains.

I sent the keys some ten days ago with the Anthology [4]  not knowing you had received one. it may xxxxx be packed with the other books

Alas the Squire. [5]  I would recommend the Jonson & Davenant epitaph [6]  for him – O rare old Wag – ! his death however must have lessened the mortality, of turkeys &c, for twelve miles round. Of Lady Strathmores funeral [7]  I received an odd account from Rickman. [8]  You do not mention Corbin [9]  of whose well-doing I should like to hear.

Thalaba is some two months old. it is Longmans property – that is the first edition, so that his interest is as much concerned as mine in the sale. its general reception I cannot prognosticate – but from all the tidings that reach me in my own circle it is liked as I could wish. certainly it is very very superiour to all my other books. have you seen Cottles Alfred? [10]  I do not advise you to buy it – nor the Laureats which is shorter & dearer [11]  – in good rhymes & deadlily dull. I am pleased with Godwins reply to Parrs Spital Sermon [12]  – except that there is at the end one loathsome cursed passage for which I could in right vexation root up his nose. his folly in thus eternally making himself a mark for abuse is inconceivable. come kick me – is his eternal language. yet is the man a good creature – brimfull of benevolence – as kind hearted as a child would wish. it should be known to his credit that he is a father to Imlays child. [13] 

Davy, whom you know by name as my friend, & as the rising pride of his country, is removed to the Royal Institute. with a good salary – where he will equally serve himself & the public. [14]  He is a heavy loss to Bristol – yet have we in his place a man of great talent, extensive knowledge, & delightful conversation. a Swiss of middle age, whom German Frenchman & Englishman might almost claim as countryman with such equal facility does he speak each language. Cottle is busy in berhyming King Davids psalms [15]  – foolishly in my mind – but Death has made such havock in his family [16]  that he is turned Calvinist again, & in will one day be immersed in the mud & mire of methodism. poor Amos Cottle! I miss him – he was a pleasant companion, & a man whose knowledge & powers were daily increasing.

When next you write direct to me at Coleridges, Keswic, Cumberland. We depart about Thursday next. pay yourself from the produce of the furniture – the residue remit to my mother – directing to M^r. [MS torn]anvers – Kingsdown. an I shall still remain your debtor – & that [MS obscured] way not easily discharged – for much hospitability – & many unforgettable acts of friendliness. to your mother [17]  – to M^r Coleman [18]  my remembrances & your little girl [19]  when she is old enough must know me by name as an acquaintance to be. Ediths good wishes with mine –

believe me

yours as ever

Robert Southey.