Gents Mag 1850 part 1 p.353

Gents Mag 1850 part 1 p.353




	introduction


	list, 3rd qtr 19th century

	Gentleman's Magazine 1850 part 1 p.353
book review Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey
	Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF ROBERT SOUTHEY.* IT is fortunate for the world that Mr. Southey was possessed so strongly by what he calls the disease of epistolising, for it has given us a copious and interesting work of autobiography, which, as it proceeds, will probably afford much curious information on the poetry and literature of the times, as well as contain an account of his opinions on questions connected with social condition, the political changes, and religious state of society during the period in which he was so careful and anxious an observer. People will differ in their sentiments in regard to the merit of Mr. Southey's poetry, and to the rank which he may be entitled to hold among his contemporary rivals; but no one can justly refuse praise to the general excellence of his various writings when separated from the temporary influence of party, and when connected with subjects of deeper and more permanent interest. In variety of knowledge, in earnestness of purpose, in animation of feeling, in elegance and purity of language, and in flowing harmony of style, he was not easily to be surpassed. On graver subjects he wrote with a vigour and strength that commanded attention even when it did not win assent; and on lighter, with a sportive grace, a liveliness, and a spirit that were never extinguished or impaired by the quantity of matter they were called upon to enliven and illume. The present work, if it proceeds with the fullness with which it has commenced, will probably present us with a very adequate resemblance and portraiture of the original; for already, and even in its commencement, it has exhibited him both in the strength and weakness of his character. It has shown alike the excellence of his principles, and the waywardness of his fancy; the sterling goodness of his disposition, and the unalterable eccentricity of his conduct. Nothing could be more strange and imprudent than the course of his early life; nothing more pure and virtuous than the disposition which impelled him by honourable exertions to win his independence and his fame. The opening scenes of his youthful years certainly were not very promising, or full of much augury for future good. He was expelled from school for a satire on the master. He left a university, which he hated and ridiculed, without benefit by its instruction, sharing its honours, or profiting by its rewards. His religious opinions spread into the barren regions of Unitarian and Socinian dissent. In politics he was a leveller, to the extent of a communion of property. When just of age he made a marriage which for ever offended those on whose bounty and care he had depended from his birth; and, to crown all, he declined entering any profession by which, with his industry and abilities and connexions, he might have assured to himself an honourable maintenance and a distinguished station. To most men such a morning of life would soon have closed in hopeless darkness and distress, but Southey's genius and goodness saved him from this miserable fate. He had always, it appears, a firm reliance on his own powers, an ambition of literary and poetical fame, and a steady industry which could enable him to obtain them. Thus he compensated by subsequent application, for the loss he suffered for his foolish contempt of the valuable instruction which academical studies would have afforded him; while sounder reflection and deeper knowledge in time set him right in his theology and political theories. His marriage seemed to bring him a greater portion of happiness than could have been obtained by a wealthy dower, or other gifts of fortune. He acquired valuable friends, whose assistance was extended at the very time it was most urgently needed,† when the bounty of his relatives was withdrawn, and his own
	* "The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey. Edited by his Son, the Rev. Charles Cuthbert Southey, M.A. Curate of Plumbland, Cumberland. Vols. I.and II. (To be completed in six volumes.)" † Without Mr. Wynn's allowance of 160l. a year, it does not appear how Mr. Southey could have derived an existence, or from what quarter it could have been supplied. REV.

	next page

Lakes Guides menu.