Let but these works be once done, and the responsibility off my conscience, and I have no doubt or dread of afterwards obtaining an honourable sufficiency, were it only by school books, and compilations from my own memorandum volumes. The publication of my Shakspeare and other similar lectures, sheet per sheet, in Blackwood, with the aid of Mr. Frere’s short-hand copies, and those on the History of Philosophy in one volume, would nearly suffice.
I was unspeakably delighted to see Mrs. Allsop look so charmingly well. My affectionate regards to her, and a heart-uttered Happy, Happy, Happy Christmas to you both, one for each, and the third for the little girl, who (Mr. Watson assures me) has now the ground work and necessary pre-condition of thriving, though it may be some time before a notable change in the appearances may take place for the general eye.
God bless you, and your friend,
S. T. Coleridge.[131]
T. Allsop, Esq.
The Shakespeare Lectures as arranged for Blackwood were probably written out by one of Coleridge’s friends. The History of Philosophy consisted of the Lectures commenced 14th December 1818. The Logic is still in MS. (Dykes Campbell, Life, 251, note).
Mrs. Coleridge and Sara came to Highgate and remained till the end of February (Ainger, ii, 65, 71). Mrs. Coleridge wrote that “our visits to Highgate have been productive of the greatest satisfaction to all parties.” It was at this time that Sara and her cousin, Henry Nelson Coleridge, first met.
Letter 208. To Allsop
Grove, Highgate, Dec. 10th, 1823.
My dear Allsop,