Pièce 38/1-2 - Letter from Charles Waldstein to Nora Sidgwick

1 doc

Claims that he has been so busy of late that he has not had time to write to her on a subject that interests him deeply. Announces that he intends to write 'a conversational letter' on his thoughts about Henry Sidgwick, and will leave it to her to make whatever use of it she thinks fit. Refers to Henry's participation in the reorganisation of Classical Studies in Cambridge University and in England, and remarks on the fact that he was not a supporter of compulsory classics. States that they owe a great deal to Colvin and B[even] for their contribution, but states that besides them nobody has done more to fix and to develop Classical Archaeology in Cambridge than Bradshaw and HS. Recalls his the beginning of his own lecturing in Cambridge, and the r�le that HS played in it. Claims that, personally and professionally, HS was of great help to him for the entire period they knew each other, and declares that he 'selfishly' misses him, as he does Bradshaw. States that the memory of such men cannot die as long as those whom they have benefited live, and that it is the duty of the latter that the memory of their benefactors remain after they themselves have departed. Recalls two conversations he had with HS after his operation, and refers to the 'calm and serene way in which he talked about his past life and about death', which was 'in keeping with his lofty mind and character.' Refers to one of the talks, when James Bryce joined them, and HS was asked whether he had written an autobiography. Also recalls a conversation HS had with a learned German professor, in which the latter asked him whether they had a class of learned people in England, and HS replied that they did, and they were called Prigs. Hopes that the letter will be of use to NS.