Through the generosity of an uncle he was enabled to go to Oxford. He already took great delight in verse making and was a strong, noble youth with a vivid imagination.
In 1794 Southey made the acquaintance of Coleridge. The two young men dreamed of a world of their own creation. They would go to America and live as brothers. Each would take a wife, and they would live an ideal life, tilling the soil and studying among rural surroundings. They had friends ready to join them, and Southey was especially eager to carry out this scheme for he loved Edith Flicker, who promised to be his wife.
But Edith was penniless, and Southey was cast off by his aunt when she learned of the intended marriage. Young Southey had written an epic poem on Joan of Arc and received fifty pounds for it—a most timely assistance.
Soon after the publication of “Joan of Arc” Southey’s uncle arrived from Lisbon and persuaded Robert to return with him. On the day he sailed he was secretly married in Redcliffe Church, Bristol.
On Southey’s return from Spain he gave up his former plans for founding a brotherhood, but was still busy with schemes for tragedies, comedies, and romances which were to be written.
He spent twelve months in London drudging over law books and then spent another year traveling through England. His health failing, he made a second visit to Portugal, taking his wife with him. On his return he accepted the position of secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for Ireland, but soon gave up the position and went to Greta Hall, Keswick, the home of Coleridge, where he spent the remainder of his life. Here Southey showed his true greatness, supporting his own and Coleridge’s families by his literary work, and always showing the loving nature of a good father, husband, and friend.
In 1813 Southey was made Poet Laureate, a recognition of his youthful work, for he now devoted the greater part of his time to prose writing. The “History of Brazil,” “History of Portugal,” and the lives of Nelson, Wesley, and Cowper are among his best known works.
He spent what time he could in studying and found pleasure in the friendships of Charles Lamb, Wordsworth, Landor, and Shelley.
He was offered a baronetcy, and later, a seat in Parliament, but declined both honors.
He died on the 31st of March, 1843, his death being hastened by overwork.