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.[3] 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;[4] 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 audience 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,[5] 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.[6] 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,