260 Mary Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham. - Apologises for not replying sooner to Trevelyan's letter, which arrived on the day of his return to the [Birmingham Repertory] theatre; has been very busy since, and also 'perplexed' about his contribution. "The God of Quiet" will be on stage from 7 October, and he likes to have his plays published by the time of production if possible. May also want to publish it and two other one act plays in a book next spring. Asks when the "Annual [of New Poetry]" will be published, whether Constables would agree to him publishing the play in book form next spring - if they gave him reasonable terms he would be happy to publish with them, and what would be the latest date he can decide whether to send the play or some new poems for the "Annual".
260 Mary Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham. - Received Trevelyan's letter just as he was about to write about a 'complication' which has arisen: since he had not heard from Constables, he thought that there could be a problem about republishing his play ["The God of Quiet"] which is due to go on stage a week on Saturday. Having heard nothing from the publishers, he decided this morning to risk getting a small edition of the play published [encloses a similar edition of "The Storm" as an example], which is now with the printers. Two options now are: send something else [for publication in the "Annual of New Poetry"], or include the "God of Quiet" in the "Annual" despite the separate publication. Does not think this would affect the sales of the "Annual", but would still suggest taking a smaller share of the profits. Asks Trevelyan to let him know as soon as possible what should be done; thinks no harm will be done since Constables will not have started setting up for print yet; thinks Trevelyan's 'single judgment', without consultation of the other contributors, should suffice.
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Station Street. - Is 'very flattered' by the offer to play Prometheus [in Trevelyan's translation of Aeschylus' play], and grateful to [Gordon] Bottomley for thinking of him. Mr [Terence] Gray had not told Toyne which part he wanted to play; he heard about it from Clifford Allen via his mother. Has asked his current employers about being released to act for Gray and Trevelyan; was told that the Birmingham Repertory Company 'never stood in the way of their members'. However, they have treated him well after he had been 'out of interesting work for some time', and he gathers that his release would 'greatly inconvenience them' at the moment; therefore felt 'morally obliged' to refuse Gray's offer, much to his own 'personal chagrin'. Encloses the program for the season [no longer present] for reference: is not playing an 'interesting ' part until the fifth part of "Bach to Methuselah" [by G. B. Shaw], starting on 20 October. Would be 'honoured' to play the part next term if it would really not 'inconvenience' Gray to postpone the production until then, and would be free any time after 14 December; could get released at any time if necessary to play the part, but as explained is reluctant to do so unless 'absolutely necessary'. Unless Trevelyan thinks it necessary to see Toyne acting, any day would suit him to meet; has indicated his parts in the enclosed program.