718. Robert Southey to Charles Watkin Williams Wynn, 14 September [1802] ⁠* 

Dear Wynn

I have been to Taunton & slept two nights in my Uncles house. he was very civil – powdered his wig which is only done on Sundays – changed his vest & moved into the best parlour. I found a strange man living a comfortless life. his dress shabby – his manners boorish. a strong understanding wasted – & good feelings habitually suppressed till they have been almost destroyed. he keeps no company & his establishment is almost miserly. there is plenty – but every where a meanness – the pride of wealth, & the passion of accumulation eternally counteracting each other. before I went down his phrase respecting me was that I was a damned shrewd fellow – he now thinks me not long for this world – & says – my voice is gone already. he himself I think is nearer the end of his lease. He never said he was glad to see me – never uttered a hint respecting my views in life nor those of any of his family – never said he should be glad to see me again – but when Tom & I left him followed us to the door – shook us heartily by the hand, & wished us a pleasant tower. he is proud of Tom, wants him to make an appearance in the world – knows he has only a Lieutenants half pay – & yet has not the heart to give him a single guinea. I talked with him – laughd with him & made him laugh – he pushd the bottle – loaded my plate with fruit – broached his best beer for me –, still it was not comfortable – I heard the click of the clock – & the hum of the gnats at evening, & the crumbling of a wood fire – & a man never hears those sounds if he is enjoying himself. the ice however is broke. if his property takes the legal course [1]  I shall have enough – if he makes Tom his heir there is enough for both. Ld Somerville [2]  had been long looking out for that inheritance – but now he has foolishly quarrelled with the old man – & so the only rival is removed. the chance of the reversion from that quarter is greater than you allow – for he is not a hale man. I heard at Lisbon that the seeds of consumption were in him. he is a good man & a useful man – & his death would be a loss to the community. I only wish it may be his humour to continue single.

I thank you for your letter & shall look upon <you> as godfather elect to my first boy. I thank you too for the request in one of your late letters to be entrusted with what papers I may leave. Will you let me prefix one page to Madoc that shall bear your name & the arms of Rodri? [3]  a few words will express a great deal – & I have long xx thought of such a page with pleasure & pride.

The Cid [4]  is fairly transcribed. where shall I send it? Elmsleys address is to the care of M^r Sam. Macknight. W. S. Edinburgh. [5]  my Keswick scheme is destroyed [6]  – & the world all before me. Tom wants a walk into Wales – & I am going with him down the South Coast – a house there would suit me for climate – for oeconomy – & for the language – in which I should greatly forward myself – & breed up an interpreter in little Margaret xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx till we find one of course we stay where we are.

God bless you.

R S.

Kingsdown