the shipwrecked were lately treated upon the French coast impelled me to place in contrast the conduct of an English woman and her parents under like circumstances, as it occurred some years ago.  Almost immediately after I had composed my tribute to the memory of Grace Darling, I learnt that the Queen and Queen Dowager had both just subscribed towards the erection of a monument to record her heroism, upon the spot that witnessed it.

Of public news I say nothing, as you will hear everything from quarters more worthy of attention.  I hope all goes on to your satisfaction, mainly so at least, in your new government, and that the disposition which you will have taken with you to benefit the people under your rule has not been, nor is likely to be, frustrated in any vexatious or painful degree.

Yesterday I went over to Keswick to attend the funeral of my excellent friend, Mr. Southey.  His genius and abilities are well known to the world, and he was greatly valued for his generous disposition and moral excellence.  His illness was long and afflicting; his mind almost extinguished years before the breath departed.  Mr. Rogers I have not been in communication with since I saw you in London, but be assured I shall bear in memory your message, and deliver it, if he and I live to meet again.  And now, my dear Sir Wm., repeating the united best good wishes of Mrs. W. and myself, for you and Lady Gomm, and for your safe return to your own country, I remain, in the hope of hearing from you again,

Most faithfully your much obliged,
W. WORDSWORTH.

My nephew is still in the Ionian Islands.[191]

[191] Memoirs, ii. 392-4.

131. Contemporary Poets:  Southey’s Death:  ‘The Excursion,’ &c.

TO PROFESSOR REED.

Rydal Mount, March 27. 1843.

MY DEAR MR. REED,

* * * * *

You give me pleasure by the interest you take in the various passages in which I speak of the poets, my contemporaries, who are no more:  dear Southey, one of the most eminent, is just added to the list.  A few days ago I went over to Keswick to attend his remains to their last earthly abode.  For upwards of three years his mental faculties have been in a state of deplorable decay; and his powers of recognition, except very rarely and but for a moment, have been, during more than half that period, all but extinct.  His bodily health was grievously impaired, and his medical attendant says that he must have died long since but for the very great strength of his natural constitution.  As to his literary remains, they must be very considerable, but, except his epistolary correspondence, more or less unfinished.  His letters cannot but be very numerous, and, if carefully collected and judiciously selected, will, I doubt not, add greatly to his reputation.  He had a fine talent for that species of composition, and took much delight in throwing off his mind in that way.  Mr. Taylor, the dramatic author, is his literary executor.