Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 16-21 January 1793: 'This day has been a most unpleasant one all except the earlier part of the morning when I read your favourite Horace. That beginning Qualem ministrum fulminis alitem struck me as well adapted to the present times & I think I shall attempt it this week — certain of falling as much short of Horace as his subject will be inferior to mine. notwithstanding the admiration with which I read his works there is a something in the character of the little fat parasite which sullies it very much.'