211.
To William Lisle Bowles

Address: The Revd W. L. Bowles | Donhead MS. Yale University Lib. Pub. A Wiltshire Parson, by Garland Greever, 1926, 32.

Stowey near Bridgewater. Monday, Oct. 16th, 1797

My dear Sir

At last I send you the Tragedy complete & neatly transcribed -I have sent another to Mr Linley. -- I endeavoured to strike out the character of Warville, the Englishman; and to substitute

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some more interesting one -- but in vain! -- So I have altered his name, made him a German, and a nothing at all. Perhaps, I had better have given Albert a confidential Servant -- he might have cleaned Albert's shoes, &c -- whereas what Maurice does or can do, is not quite so clear. -- In truth, I have fagged so long at the work, & see so many imperfections in the original & main plot, that I feel an indescribable disgust, a sickness of the very heart, at the mention of the Tragedy. If there be any thing with which I am at all satisfied, it is -- the style. I have endeavoured to have few sentences which might not be spoken in conversation, avoiding those that are commonly used in conversation. ---- You, I know, will forward it to Mr Sheridan with all speed; and will be so kind as to write to him on the subject. ---- Excepting for the money which would be gained if it succeeded, I am not conscious of a wish relating to the piece. It is done: and I would rather mend hedges & follow the plough, than write another. I could not avoid attaching a pecuniary importance to the business; and consequently, became anxious: and such anxieties humble & degrade the mind. --

I hope you are well -- give my respects to Mrs Bowles, & believe me with great sincerity

Your obliged
S. T. Coleridge

P.S. I should very much wish to see your Progress of Discovery before it is printed -- you might be sure, that I would shew it to no human being, except my Wife. ----

You will be so kind as with the Tragedy to transmit this little volume to Mr Sheridan. 1