The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking :- Would have replied to his father's 'kind letter' about his book [Cecilia Gonzaga] earlier, but the day after it came he and Bessie 'became entire absorbed in [their] efforts to escape Amsterdam'; they have 'finally succeeded' and have just arrived home 'after a very bad passage'. They are 'both quite well again now'; Bessie will tell of their 'adventures, such as they were'; perhaps these would better be called 'anxieties', but Robert doubts if they would have 'got away' if they had not taken a 'very early train' on Tuesday. Is afraid 'things may be rather bad, as neither side has shown much good sense'. Would have been no good for Bessie to stay, as she could not have 'gone about' to visit her relations. Since his mother has kindly invited Bessie to Welcombe for a while, Robert will now as originally planned go to the Lizard for the 'annual Cambridge Easter party'.
Thanks his father for the review [Cecilia Gonzaga in the Times Literary Supplement, see 12/57] with which he was 'very pleased', especially as he recognises 'considerable truth" in most of its criticisms and therefore can be all 'the more gratified' by its praise. Whatever the play's 'faults and limitations', he has 'learnt a great deal from writing it'. Believes that the subject he has been working on this winter suits him better, and is probably in itself 'better and more original'. The characters in Cecilia are 'all real historical characters', except that 'Fortebraccio's sons were all rather commonplace condottieri who would never have had the opportunity or the inclination to fall in love with Cecilia'; the engagement with the Duke of Urbino is 'quite true, though the plot is entirely un-historical'. Recommends Symonds' Renaissance [in Italy], and also discusses the 'very beautiful medals' depicting Cecilia, Vittorino, Cecilia's father and brother by Vittore Pisano [actually Antonio Pisano: Pisanello], which he remembers his father showing him 'many years ago at the S. Kensington [Museum]'.
Is very glad to hear that his father's book [The American Revolution] is finished, and looks forward to reading it with great pleasure and curiosity, as he has 'only... heard a chapter or so read, and seen a few passages'. Has been nominated as a steward of the Royal Literary Fund, and thinks he will become a member 'by paying the Life Donation'; thinks from its report that it is 'an Institution that well deserves support', and should be able 'to do an immense amount of good, if wisely administered'. Sends his love to his mother.
