was, but who can ill afford to maintain him, and I know that on
Christmas night last he actually walk'd about the streets all night,
rather than accept of her Bed, which she offer'd him, and offer'd
herself to sleep in the kitchen, and that in consequence of that severe
cold he is labouring under a bilious disorder, besides a depression of
spirits, which incapacitates him from exertion when he most needs
it--For God's sake, Southey, if it does not go against you to ask
favors, do it now--ask it as for me--but do not do a violence to your
feelings, because he does not know of this application, and will suffer
no disappointment--What I meant to say was this--there are in the India
house what are called _Extra Clerks_, not on the Establishment, like me,
but employed in Extra business, by-jobs--these get about L50 a year, or
rather more, but never rise--a Director can put in at any time a young
man in this office, and it is by no means consider'd so great a favor as
making an established Clerk. He would think himself as rich as an
Emperor if he could get such a certain situation, and be relieved from
those disquietudes which I do fear may one day bring back his
distemper--

You know John May better than I do, but I know enough to believe that he
is a good man--he did make me that offer I have mention'd, but you will
perceive that such an offer cannot authorize me in applying for another
Person.

But I cannot help writing to you on the subject, for the young man is
perpetually before my eyes, and I should feel it a crime not to strain
all my petty interest to do him service, tho' I put my own delicacy to
the question by so doing--I have made one other unsuccessful attempt
already--