33. To Grosvenor C. Bedford Esq:
Keswick, Dec. 24, 1822
Dear Stumparumper,
So long a time has elapsed since I sent you the commencement of my remarks upon the peculiar language spoken by ... which I have denominated the lingo-grande, that I fear you may suppose that I have altogether neglected the subject. Yet such a subject, as you must perceive, requires a great deal of patient observation, as well as of attentive consideration; and were I to flustercumhurry over it, as if it were a matter which could be undercumstood in a jiffump (that is to say in a momper), this would be to do what I have undertaken shabroonily, and you might shartainly have reason to think me fuffling and indiscruckt. Upon my vurtz I have not dumdawdled with it, like a dangleampeter; which being interpreted in the same lingo is an undecider, or an improvidentur, too idle to explore the hurtch mine which he has had the fortune to discover. No, I must be a stupossum indeed to act thus, as well as a slouwdowdekcum, or slowdonothinger; and these are appellations which she has never bestowed upon me; though, perhaps, the uncommon richness, and even exuberance of her language has not been more strikingly displayed in anything than in the variety of names which it has enabled her to shower upon my devoted person.
* * * * *
And so-o-o,
Dear Miscumter Bedfordiddlededford,
I subcumscribe myself,
Your sincumcere friendiddledend and serdiddledeservant,
Robcumbert Southey diddiedouthey.
Student in the Lingo-Grande, Graduate in Butlerology, Professor of the science of Noncumsensediddledense, of sneezing and of vocal music, P.L. and LL.D. etc etc.
FOOTNOTES:
[116] See Wordsworth's Triad.