602. Robert Southey to Charles Watkin Williams Wynn, 20 August [1801] ⁠* 

Your letter is just in time to catch mine. pray join me at the Lakes if you can – I should not like to leave them before the middle as it will be so near the beginning of September before I get there. but if you come about the fifth it will take us some time to explore them.

I wrote as I proposed to Longman – but he wanted to drive a bargain, because he thought I was at his mercy – so I have no engagement. for the Hindu tale – the Curse of Kehama – I have been reading all oriental books – & making notes for that & for Madoc as I found materials – even yet my determination is not fixed what to do for the ways & means – only that Madoc shall not be hurried [1]  –

I have got a Thalaba bound for George Strachey & have only delayed sendi[MS obscured] doubt whether his father [2]  still lives in Crown Street however there it must go at ra[MS obscured]

For two reasons I rejoice that you are not likely to visit Italy now – because we shall see Wales together now – &, I hope, some part of Italy together by & by

God bless you,

R S.