the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Horace Walpole Bedford : MS verses

Robert Southey to Horace Walpole Bedford, 11 December 1793: 'Let me turn to more chearful subjects. your verses were particularly good — & they have the additional merit of novelty in manner & metre. write more. fame is a very late consideration — but let us remember that Pope acquired independance by his Homer. let me say Horace that Popes abilities were not above comparison. undertake some great work. it will take up your attention certainly — you certainly have abilities for any work. chuse either epic or a metrical romance. & in the intervals exercise yourself in the lower ranks for with us lyrics are very subordinate.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Southey      Manuscript: Sheet

Horace Walpole Bedford : Ode to Indolence

Robert Southey to Horace Walpole Bedford, 7 June 1794: 'In return for your ode to Indolence I know nothing better than these strains to her eldest born. they immortalize a man who is the ne plus ultra of folly.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Southey      Manuscript: Sheet

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