"Robert Southey to Horace Walpole Bedford, 12 November 1794 * There was a time Horace when my life was heavy in listlessness — when I lookd forward & all was darkness without one ray to which I might guide my steps. strange alteration! now my soul never rests. in the tumult of emotion I have neglected to thank you for Piers Plowman [1] — or if I did thank you, have forgotten it."