828. Robert Southey to John Rickman,
[24 August 1803]
*
You have probably heard how my home comforts
have been cut down to the ground. my little
girl was laid by the side of Mrs
Danvers yesterday. she was the little wonder &
favourite of the neighbourhood. & I loved her better
than man ought to love any thing of such uncertain
existence.
We are going to Keswick, the best
place for poor Edith who is almost heart broken. hers are all
chronic feelings, & it will be long before she recovers.
As for me Suppression is so much my habit & system that
a stricture ought to be my natural death. I work double
tides, work bodily at packing – talk – eat – as I should do.
I am resigned & shall soon be contented – chearful &
even joyous – but happy as I have been to that full extent
& with that full knowledge of my own happiness, that
cannot be till I have another child, if it please God to
give me another, nor even then unless it should be such as
the one we have lost.
God bless you.
RS.
The books arrived. you will have a good account of my
time if my health holds out.
