The poet could not accept this view of his merits.

Of the "Curse of Kehama" he wrote: "I was perfectly aware that I was planting acorns while my contemporaries were setting Turkey beans.

The oak will grow, and though I may never sit under its shade, my children will.

Of the 'Lady of the Lake,' 25,000 copies have been printed; of 'Kehama', 500; and if they sell in seven years I shall be surprised." Scott wrote a kindly notice of Southey's poem.

It was not his way to cut up his friend in a review.