Complete Poetical Works of Robert Southey

by Robert Southey

  It is proper additionally to remark, that some apology or propitiation may be necessary toward those who regard every approximation to poverty, not as a misfortune, but a crime. Pecuniary difficulties, especially such as occur in early life, and not ascribable to bad conduct, reflect no discredit on men of genius. Many of them, subsequently, surmounted their first embarrassments by meritorious exertion; and some of our first men (like travellers, after having successfully passed through regions of privation and peril) delight even to recall their former discouragements, and, without the shame that luxuriates alone in little minds, undisguisedly to tell of seasons, indelible in their memories, when, in the prostration of hope, the wide world appeared one desolate waste! but they ultimately found, that these seasons of darkness, (however tenaciously retained by memory) in better times often administer a new and refreshing zest to present enjoyment. Despair, therefore ill becomes one who has follies to bewail, and a God to trust in. Johnson and Goldsmith, with numerous others, at some seasons were plunged deep in the waters of adversity, but halcyon days awaited them: and even those sons of merit and misfortune whose pecuniary troubles were more permanent, in the dimness of retrospection, only stand out invested in softer hues.

  Cervantes is not the less read, because the acclamations of praise were heard by him in his abode of penury. Butler, Otway, Collins, Chatterton, and Burns, and men like them, instead of suffering in public estimation from the difficulties they encountered, absolutely challenge in every generous mind an excess of interest from the very circumstances that darkened the complexion of their earthly prospects.

  In corroboration of this remark, in our own day, the son of Crabbe, who must have cherished the deepest solicitude for his father’s reputation, has laid bare to general inspection his parent’s early perplexities, by which impartial disclosures we behold the individual in his deepest depressions; worth enriched by trial, and greatness, by a refining process, struggling successfully with adversity. Does the example of such a man nobly bearing up against the pressures that surrounded him inflict obduracy on our hearts? On the contrary, while we feelingly sympathize with the poet, and deplore the tardy hand of deliverance, we pause only to transfer a reflex portion of praise to him whose magnanimous conduct has furnished so ample a scope for the tenderest emotions of our nature. This reflection will induce me not to withhold from false delicacy, occurrences, the disclosure of which none but the inconsiderate will condemn; and by which all the features of Mr. Coleridge’s character will be exhibited to the inspection of the inquisitive and philosophical mind.

  I proceed, therefore, to state that the solicitude I felt lest these young and ardent geniuses should in a disastrous hour, and in their mistaken apprehensions, commit themselves in this their desperate undertaking, was happily dissipated by Mr. Coleridge applying for the loan of a little cash, — to pay the voyager’s freight? or passage? No, — LODGINGS. They all lodged, at this time, at No. 48, College-Street. Never did I lend money with such unmingled pleasure, for now I ceased to be haunted day and night with the spectre of the ship! the ship! which was to effect such incalculable mischief! The form of the request was the following:

  My dear Sir,

  Can you conveniently lend me five pounds, as we want a little more than four pounds to make up our lodging bill, which is indeed much higher than we expected; seven weeks, and Burnet’s lodging for twelve weeks, amounting to eleven pounds.

  Yours, affectionately,

  S. T. COLERIDGE.

  Till this time, not knowing what the resources of my young friends were, I could not wholly divest myself of fear; but now an effectual barrier manifestly interposed to save them from destruction. And though their romantic plan might linger in their minds, it was impossible not to be assured that their strong good sense would eventually dissipate their delusions.

  Finding now that there was a deficiency in that material, deemed of the first consequence in all civilized states, and remembering Burgh’s feeling lamentation over the improvidence, or rather the indifference with which many men of genius regard the low thoughts that are merely of a pecuniary nature, I began to revolve on the means by which the two poets might advantageously apply their talents.

  Soon after, finding Mr. Coleridge in rather a desponding mood, I urged him to keep up his spirits, and recommended him to publish a volume of his poems. “Oh,” he replied, “that is a useless expedient.” He continued: “I offered a volume of my poems to different booksellers in London, who would not even look at them! The reply being, ‘Sir, the article will not do.’ At length, one, more accommodating than the rest, condescended to receive my MS. poems, and, after a deliberate inspection, offered me for the copy-right, six guineas, which sum, poor as I was, I refused to accept.” “Well,” said I, “to encourage you, I will give you twenty guineas.” It was very pleasant to observe the joy that instantly diffused itself over his countenance. “Nay,” I continued, “others publish for themselves, I will chiefly remember you. Instead of giving you twenty guineas, I will extend it to thirty, and without waiting for the completion of the work, to make you easy you may have the money as your occasions require.” The silence and the grasped hand, showed that at that moment one person was happy.

  Every incident connected with the lives of literary men, especially at the commencement of their career, always excites interest. I have been, therefore, the more particular in detailing this circumstance, (except for its connexion, of no consequence) and proceed further to state, that now, meeting Mr. Southey, I said to him, “I have engaged to give Mr. Coleridge thirty guineas for a volume of his poems; you have poems equal to a volume, and if you approve of it, I will give you the same.” He cordially thanked me, and instantly acceded to my proposal.

  I then said to him, “you have read me several books of your ‘Joan of Arc’ which Poem I perceive has great merit. If it meet with your concurrence, I will give you fifty guineas for this work, and publish it in quarto, when I will give you, in addition, fifty copies to dispose of amongst your friends.” Without a moment’s hesitation, to this proposal also he acceded.

  I could say much of Mr. Southey at this time; of his constitutional cheerfulness; of the polish of his manners; of his dignified, and at the same time, of his unassuming deportment; as well as of the general respect which his talents, conduct, and conversation excited. But before reference be made to more serious publications, some notice will be taken of other objects of pursuit.

  Mr. Coleridge and Mr. Southey, now determined by their best efforts, in other ways than those detailed, to raise money for their projected expedition. They resolved therefore, to give the citizens of Bristol individual lectures, or series of lectures, on different subjects. Mr. Coleridge chose Political and Moral subjects; Mr. Southey chose History. On examining my old papers, I find most of the notices or prospectuses relating to these subjects.

  Mr. Coleridge’s first two lectures were delivered in the Corn Market in

  Wine-Street.

  Mr. Coleridge’s next two lectures were delivered the latter end of February, 1795, and afterwards were thrown into a small pamphlet, printed under the title of “Conciones ad Populum, or Addresses to the people.” After this he consolidated two other of his lectures, and published them under the title of “The Plot Discovered.” Two detached lectures were given at the Corn Market, and one at a room in Castle Green. All these lectures were anti-Pitt-ite.

  The next lecture given by Mr. Coleridge was in reprobation of the Slave

  Trade. The following was the prospectus: —

  ”To-morrow evening, June 16th, 1795, S. T. Coleridge, of Jesus

  College, Cambridge, will deliver, (by particular desire) a lecture on

  the Slave Trade, and the duties that result from its continuance.

  To begin at eight o’clock in the evening, at the Assembly Coffee

  House, on the Quay. Admission, One shilling.”

  His next lecture was (it is believed) on the Hair Powder Tax, in which his audie
nce were kept in good feeling, by the happy union of wit, humour, and argument. Mr. C.’s lectures were numerously attended, and enthusiastically applauded.

  It may amuse and gratify the reader, to receive a specimen of a lecture, descriptive of Mr. C.’s composition and reasoning, delivered at this time, and by which it will appear that his politics were not of that inflammable description which would set a world in flames.

  “… But of the propriety and utility of holding up the distant mark of attainable perfection, we shall enter more fully toward the close of this address. We turn with pleasure to the contemplation of that small but glorious band, whom we may truly distinguish by the name of thinking and disinterested patriots. These are the men who have encouraged the sympathetic passions till they have become irresistible habits, and made their duty a necessary part of their self-interest, by the long-continued cultivation of that moral taste, which derives our most exquisite pleasures from the contemplation of possible perfection.

  Accustomed to regard all the affairs of man as a process, they never hurry, and they never pause. Theirs is not the twilight of political knowledge, which gives us just light enough to place one foot before the other: as they advance, the scene still opens upon them, and they press right onward, with a vast and varied landscape of existence around them. Calmness and energy mark all their actions. Benevolence is the silken thread that runs through the pearl-chain of all their virtues. The unhappy children of vice and folly, whose tempers are adverse to their own happiness, as well as to the happiness of others, will at times awaken a natural pang, but he looks forward with gladdened heart to that glorious period when justice shall have established the universal fraternity of love. These soul-ennobling views bestow the virtues which they anticipate. He whose mind is habitually impressed with them, soars above the present state of humanity, and may be justly said to dwell in the presence of the Most High. Regarding every event, as he that ordains it, evil vanishes from before him, and he views the eternal form of universal beauty.”

  At one of his lectures, Mr. Coleridge amused his audience by reciting the following letter from Liberty to his dear friend Famine; the effect of which was greatly heightened by Mr. C.’s arch manner of recitation. It should be understood that there was at this time a great scarcity in the land.

  Dear Famine,

  You will doubtless be surprised at receiving a petitionary letter from a perfect stranger, but, Fas est vel ab hoste. All whom I once supposed my unalterable friends, I have found unable, or unwilling to assist me. I first applied to GRATITUDE, entreating her to whisper into the ear of Majesty, that it was I who had placed his forefathers on the throne of Great Britain. She told me that she had frequently made the attempt, but had as frequently been baffled by FLATTERY: and, that I might not doubt the truth of her apology, she led me (as the Spirit did the prophet Ezekiel) “to the door of the COURT, and I went in and saw — and behold! every form of creeping things.” I was however somewhat consoled, when I heard that RELIGION was high in favour there, and possessed great influence. I myself had been her faithful servant, and always found her my best protectress: her service being indeed perfect freedom. Accordingly, in full confidence of success, I entered her mansion, but, alas! instead of my kind mistress, horror-struck, I beheld a painted, patched-up old —— . She was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, and on her forehead was written “MYSTERY.” I shrieked, for I knew her to be the dry-nurse of that detested Imp, DESPOTISM.

  I next addressed myself to PRUDENCE, and earnestly besought her to plead my cause to the Ministers; to urge the distresses of the lower orders, and my fears lest, so distressed, they should forget their obedience. For the prophet Isaiah had informed me “that it shall come to pass, that when the people shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves and curse the King.” The grave matron heard me, and, shaking her head, learnedly replied, “Quos Deus vult perdere dementat.” Again I besought her to speak to the rich men of the nation, concerning Ministers, of whom it might soon become illegal even to complain — of long and ruinous wars, and whether they must not bear the damage. All this quoth PRUDENCE, I have repeatedly urged, but a sly imposter named EXPEDIENCE has usurped my name, and struck such a panick of property, as hath steeled the hearts of the wealthy, and palsied their intellects. Lastly I applied to CONSCIENCE. She informed me that she was indeed a perfect ventriloquist, and could throw her voice into any place she liked, but that she was seldom attended to unless when she spoke out of the pocket.

  Thus baffled and friendless, I was about to depart, and stood a fearful lingerer on the isle which I had so dearly loved — when tidings were brought me of your approach. I found myself impelled by a power superior to me to build my last hopes on you. Liberty, the MOTHER of PLENTY, calls Famine to her aid. O FAMINE, most eloquent Goddess! plead thou my cause. I in the mean time, will pray fervently that heaven may unstop the ears of her Vicegerent, so that they may listen to your first pleadings, while yet your voice is faint and distant, and your counsels peaceable.

  “I remain your distressed suppliant,

  LIBERTY.

  The following is the prospectus of Mr. Coleridge’s series of Political lectures.

  S. T. Coleridge proposes to give, in Six Lectures, a comparative view of the English Rebellion under Charles the First, and the French Revolution.

  The subjects of the proposed Lectures are,

  FIRST. The distinguishing marks of the French and English character, with their probable causes. The national circumstances precursive to — 1st, the English Rebellion. — 2nd, the French Revolution.

  SECOND. The Liberty of the Press. Literature; its Revolutionary powers. Comparison of the English, with the French Political Writers, at the time of the several Revolutions. Milton. Sydney. Harrington. — Brissot. Sieyes. Mirabeau. Thomas Paine.

  THIRD. The Fanaticism of the first English and French Revolutionists.

  English Sectaries. French Parties. Feuillans. Girondists. Faction of

  Hebert. Jacobins. Moderants. Royalists.

  FOURTH. 1st, Characters of Charles the First, and Louis the

  Sixteenth. 2nd, of Louis the Fourteenth and the present Empress of

  Russia. 3rd, Life and Character of Essex and Fayette.

  FIFTH. Oliver Cromwell, and Robespierre. — Cardinal Mazarine, and

  William Pitt. — Dundas, and Barrere.

  SIXTH. On Revolution in general. Its moral causes, and probable

  effects on the Revolutionary People, and surrounding nations.

  It is intended that the Lectures should be given once a week; on Tuesday Evenings, at eight o’clock, at the Assembly Coffee House, on the Quay. The First Lecture, on Tuesday, June 23d, 1795. As the author wishes to ensure an audience adequate to the expenses of the room, he has prepared subscription tickets for the whole course, price Six Shillings, which may be had at the Lecture Room, or of Mr. Cottle, or Mr. Reed, Booksellers.

  Mr. Coleridge’s Theological lectures succeeded, of which the following is the prospectus.

  Six Lectures will be given by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, on Revealed

  Religion, its Corruptions, and its Political Views.

  These Lectures are intended for two classes of men, Christians and Infidels; to the former, that they be able to give a reason for the hope that is in them; to the latter, that they may not determine against Christianity, from arguments applicable to its corruptions only.

  The subjects of the FIRST LECTURE, are — The Origin of Evil. The

  Necessity of Revelation deduced from the Nature of man. An

  Examination and Defence of the Mosaic Dispensation.

  SECOND. — The Sects of Philosophy, and the Popular Superstitions of

  the Gentile World, from the earliest times to the Birth of Christ.

  THIRD. — Concerning the Time of the Appearance of Christ. The Internal

  Evidences of Christianity. The External Evidences of Christianity.

  FOURT
H. — The External Evidences of Christianity continued. Answers to

  Popular and Philosophical objections.

  FIFTH. — The Corruptions of Christianity, in Doctrines. Political

  Application.

  SIXTH. — The grand Political Views of Christianity — far beyond other

  Religions, and even Sects of Philosophy. The Friend of Civil Freedom.

  The probable state of Society and Governments, if all men were

  Christians.

  Tickets to be had of Mr. Cottle, Bookseller.

  Sometimes a single Lecture was given. The following is an Advertisement of one of them.

  To-morrow Evening, Tuesday, June 16th, 1795, S. T. Coleridge will deliver (by particular desire) a Lecture on the Slave Trade, and the duties that result from its continuance.

  To begin at 8 o’clock, at the Assembly Coffee House, on the Quay.

  Admittance, One Shilling.

  It may be proper to state that all three of my young friends, in that day of excitement, felt a detestation of the French war then raging, and a hearty sympathy with the efforts made in France to obtain political ameliorations. Almost every young and unprejudiced mind participated in this feeling; and Muir, and Palmer, and Margarot, were regarded as martyrs in the holy cause of freedom. The successive enormities, however, perpetrated in France and Switzerland by the French, tended to moderate their enthusiastic politics, and progressively to produce that effect on them which extended also to so many of the soberest friends of rational freedom. Mr. Coleridge’s zeal on these questions was by far the most conspicuous, as will appear by some of his Sonnets, and particularly by his Poem of “Fire, Famine, and Slaughter;” though written some considerable time after. When he read this Poem to me, it was with so much jocularity as to convince me that, without bitterness, it was designed as a mere joke.