8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Has been unwell and 'laid up', but is now better. [George and Janet's] wedding seems very near; wishes Elizabeth and Robert could be there. George is busy going over his book ["England Under The Stuarts"] with [Charles] Oman, and she thinks all but the last chapter will be finished before the wedding; he is taking a few days in the country from tomorrow. Charlie was 'triumphantly returned' for the North[umberland] C[ounty] C[ouncil] but looks tired; worries about him taking on more work. Mary looks very happy. Glad Elizabeth saw her 'pretty friend [sic] Mrs Salamon' [Jeanne Salamonson Asser] and had some music; Robert also writes that the Hardys [G. H. Hardy and his sister?] have come. Hopes Elizabeth gets to visit the Netherlands before returning to England. Looking forward to getting the things from Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht]; hopes there is a good reason for their sale at Taormina. Elizabeth must come to stay at Welcombe while Robert goes to his friends [G E Moore's reading party] if they are back in England by then. Sir George is reading newspapers each morning at the British Museum, which 'he hates doing'; he will finish this week. Booa [Mary Prestwich] is 'very beaming over George', and all [wedding] arrangements are going well.
Informs Sidgwick that he will have to write to the [British] Museum himself in order to obtain a reader's ticket; proposes that they write to the Head Librarian, and he encloses a letter accordingly [not included]. Reports the Hunts' arrival, but doubts that their presence will interfere with their plans for G[ ] S[ ].
British Museum - Thanks him for the two manuscripts: one a Tibetan ritual for the exorcism of devils, the other containing picture writing they cannot as yet read; will thank Capt. Kingdon Ward as well.
Begins mid-sentence stating that [his brother George's book "The Age of Wycliffe"] is 'a good piece of history', which shows up John of Gaunt as 'a sort of 14th century Taman[n]y ring boss'. Also recommends Rostand's "Les Romanesques", which he read recently and things is even better than "Cyrano". Cannot think of any more modern books for the moment; fears his list is 'chiefly composed of friends' and relations' books'; [Roger] Fry is also bringing out his book on Bellini soon, which is well worth getting. Asks Elizabeth to tell Mrs Grandmont that the Frys would like her to visit when she is in England; gives their address. He himself is getting a house near Dorking at Westcott, and will move in September, when he will be within a mile of the Frys; the house he is giving up at Haslemere is, though, very beautiful.
Supposes she has been back from Taormina a while; asks her to send some photographs, especially the ones of 'Mrs. Cacc. [Florence Cacciola Trevelyan] and the dogs' and himself in the loggia. The last few days of scirocco were 'a great bore', but he almost forgives it for preventing the trip up Monte Xerito as it 'made [them] those splendid waves among the rocks'; it also 'put [Elizabeth's] fiddle out of sorts' though, so he could not hear any more Bach suites. Heard Isaye [sic: Ysaÿe] play one yesterday, as well as the Mendelsohn concerto; he was in good form, and he will hear him again playing the Beethoven. Is having a musical week, as he has already seen Paderewski, for the first time, and will hear [Wagner's] "Tristram" tomorrow. 'Paddy was great fun, at all events to look at'; thinks he played a Chopin concerto better than the Beethoven. Spends most of his time at the British Museum library when he is in London; has found a translation of [Joost van den] Vondel there by a Dutch American; it is 'very conscientious and scholarly' but he does not think much of the blank verse; still, he can now go on where Elizabeth left off. Would like to know when Mrs G[randmont] is coming to England, and if Elizabeth is likely to be in London so he can 'make a display of [his] extensive and profound knowledge of Italian painting in the National Gallery'. Not sure whether he is going to Bayreuth yet; discusses times he could come to Holland.
Suggests older books she should read: Keats's letters, most of which are available in Sidney Colvin's edition though he advises getting Buxton Forman's four volume edition with the poetry; Butcher and Lang's translation of the "Odyssey"; Meinhold's "Sidonia the Sorceress" and "Amber Witch", translated by Lady Wilde and Lady Duff Gordon. Could lend her all of these books, as well as [Henry James's] "In a Cage" and his brother and father's books . Asks her to write with news and to say when would be best for him to come to Holland; he will write soon to the Grandmonts when he sends them [Thomas Sturge?] Moore's book. Thinks he remembers Elizabeth said she had never read Jane Austen; she should read them all, especially "Mansfield Park", "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma". Breaks off mid -sentence: 'by advising to...': 9/71 forms the rest of the letter.
A portion of what seems to be a poem by Robert Trevelyan based on the "Mahabharata", with some explanatory notes, is found with this letter but not referred to in it
British Museum - Has been making enquiries about the photographs and finds that they were photostats only, so no glass or film negatives exist; recommends an oculist in Hanover that saved the sight of a friend; is subscribing to the bibliography, and will ask Besterman to put the British Museum General Library and the Library of the Sub-Department of Ethnology on the list.
[Written in response to 101/174]:- States that he does not think Stuart so good a man as Hales, who is older and has had much more educational experience than the former. Declares that 'if they [Miss Clough and associates working to further female education] do not mind [Stuart's] age...his inexperience, and...want of any special qualification in the way of reading, - in every other respect the choice would be an admirable one.' Refers to his qualities; 'bright, eager, clever', etc.
Does not think he [Henry] shall be able to stand a speech-day and a dinner [at Rugby] on 20 June, 'much as [his] feelings are of course moved by the tercentenary', as he predicts his hay fever shall be bad. Announces his plan of spending a fortnight or so in London around that date, and plans to read at the British Museum in the day-time, and by night to 'prowl about the streets and observe human nature'. Remarks that none of Mrs Paul's novels are in the University Library. Asks her to tell Arthur that he will answer the letter he forwarded. Reports that there is a conspiracy [at Trinity College] now to call him 'A. Sidgwick', which, he remarks, 'is one of the inconveniences of having a brother better known in the world than oneself.'
Department of Printed Books, British Museum, London - Thanks him for his kind present, hopes they will visit.
Department of Manuscripts, British Museum, London, W.C.1. - Thanks her for the gift of a Frazer MS, referred to as a sketch, prophetic about the war, but asks if they may have something connected with 'The Golden Bough'.
British Museum - They have not one but fifteen mss. of the 'Fasti'; the oldest is Harl.2737, late 12th or early 13th century, five others are 13th century, remainder are of the 15th; the price quoted for the Vatican mss. is absurd, is he not sure they meant lire, 'you could buy them for less', Mussolini hasn't control of the Vatican but the Pope and Prefetto would be sympathetic with the needs of scholars. Accompanied by the envelope.
8 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - The wedding [between George and Janet Trevelyan] is over, and now the family is 'all married'; wishes Robert and Elizabeth had been there as it was a nice, well arranged occasion. She, Sir George, and Booa [Mary Prestwich] arrived by train in Oxford just in time for the Registry, which was 'in a shabby little first floor room', made nice with 'carpet & flowers' but much inferior to the Hague; description of the short ceremony there, with only the 'nearest relations' and some of George's friends. They then went to [Manchester] College to meet the friends who had just arrived by special train from London. The chapel is 'extremely pretty, with lovely Burne-Jones windows'. Order of service originally enclosed; describes the address, in which 'there was nothing the least doctrinal, but it was very high toned & 'ethical'". Many guests, including Meggy [Price], Annie [Philips], Harry Greg, 'a number of Wards & Arnolds & Croppers', the 'H.Y.T.s' [Harry Yates Thompson and his wife], 'the Bell connection, & the Stanleys in numbers'. Also Mrs [Alice] Green, Henry James, 'Ritchies, Freshfields, Sidgwicks, Mr [Hugh?] Clifford, the Holman Hunts, Russells, Muggins Runcimans', many Oxford people and 'an array of George's friends'.
They then went into the library, a 'fine room with beautiful woodwork, & painted windows, & a statue of Dr [James] Martineau' for tea, took the special train back and were in London by 6 pm. Sir George was unwell with a bad cold for two days before, but got through; it was a warm day and he does not seem worse this morning. George and Janet went to 'a quiet place in Surrey' for a few days then on to Cornwall; will then return to London to 'put their house in order & go abroad'. Describes Janet's wedding dress and travelling dress.
Received the box of things from Taormina yesterday [see 11/93]; 'very nice, & just suitable for a bazaar'; will write and thank Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht] for ordering them. Sir George sends love, and thanks for Robert's last letter; he is reading Lord Acton's letters 'with amusement and interest', having had to stop work for a while; she thinks 'working too long at the B.M. [British Museum] made him ill' and is 'sure it is full of germs'. Charles and Mary were 'much to the front' at the wedding, and Mary looked 'magnificent'; dined with them last week in North Street, where everything is arranged nicely. Supposes Robert and Elizabeth will return to lots of business about the new house and hopes it goes well: 'the old judge [Sir Roland Vaughan Williams] has had plenty more time to think it over'. Sir John Swinburne's engagement has been broken off. Hester Lyttelton and Victoria Buxton are both going to be married.
Refers to her invitation to himself and Nora to visit her from Monday to Thursday of the following week, which Nora cannot accept because of the Society of Psychical Research experiments at Brighton. Asks if she would like him to come by himself for two nights. Explains that he could not come for more, as he managed to disengage himself from attendance at the Brighton experiments in order to work on his book, but that he shall be reading at the [British] Museum library, and could come from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning without undue pressure on his conscience.
2, Cheyne Gardens. - Has signed the transfer and sent it on to Maurice Bell. Has seen [Ralph] Hawtrey 'about the B.M. [British Museum] salaries question' [see also 14/65]; seems that the pay scale is the same as 'for the majority of the Civil Servants', though 'the Treasury, Home Office, Education, and India' and perhaps another earn more. George thinks the British Museum employees should be on this higher scale, but fears 'the Treasury would be stiff'. Charles is going to enquire how the pay of the 'higher posts' at the Museum compare with that of those 'the ordinary Civil Servant rises to', so Bob should 'prod him about it' when he sees him; he is 'quite sympathetic'. Waiting for news about Bessie [due to give birth]; sends love to her and Caroline; leaves England on Friday morning.
2, Cheyne Gardens. - Has discussed the 'pay of the B. M. [British Museum] people' with Charles, who says that if he is provided with their salaries, so that he can compare them with those in the Civil Service at Whitehall, he will 'move in the matter' if they prove to be lower 'without some due reason'; he seems 'a pretty good hand at getting things done'. Asks Bob to get hold of 'a tabulated statement' of British Museum employees' salaries 'at the different stages of their careers'; he himself will get one for Whitehall. Believes that if the situation is as bad as Bob believes at present, there is a chance of something being done.
56 Bevington Road, Notting Hill, W.- Was an assistant librarian at the British Museum before resigning to serve in the Crimean War; hopes Literary Fund might assist. Mr Ralston of the British Museum will testify in his favour. Appends list of publications.
Cricklewood, London, N.W. - Is acquainted with Houghton through Leeds Exhibition; is trying to obtain a literary pension for [Stefano Ignazio] Valletta, whom he found in sad want at the British Museum Library. Encloses copy of letter from Gladstone and draft of Memorial to the Prime Minister [Disraeli]; asks if Houghton will add his name. Valletta is a scholar with no political connections. Postscript: sends a lecture in English by Valletta [no longer present]. (2 ff.)
Enclosed: copy of letter, 26 Dec. 1874, from William Ewart Gladstone to George Redford (1 f.). Gladstone's own rule forbids his signing the Memorial, but this letter may be used; his sense of Valletta's fitness for aid from the Royal Bounty is confirmed by the Duke of Simoneta's letter. Also draft Memorial in favour of S. I. Valetta, teacher of Italian language and literature in London for forty years.
40 Well Walk, Hampstead, NW. - Thought the "Annual [of New Poetry]" had been abandoned due to the publication of the new "Georgian Poetry"; asks who the contributors are. Offers his own "Micah", or some shorter pieces if that is too long; would like to keep the manuscript as long as possible to continue work. Has read much of [Bob's translation of'] "Agamemnon", comparing it with Browning's; will compare it with Paul Claudel's next time he goes to the British Museum. Bob's version 'reads very well on the whole', though there are still too many lines which 'no one writing English would pass or feel to be happy'; increasingly doubts whether Aeschylus's original is 'quite the model of style it is supposed to be'. Quotes an example of the 'interesting and poetical meanings" often found in Browning's translation but 'altogether unrepresented' in Bob's; asks whether these are different readings of doubtful passages, or whether Browning has invented them. Glad that Julian has quite recovered. Hopes that Bob is 'offering pages [in the "Annual"] to all the best people' and that it will not be 'hole-in-the-cornerish'. Adds postscript saying that Miss Bridges's book had 'some first rate things in it'; has also just read "Poems of Alban" by Emilia Stuart Lorimer, which had a few 'fine things', and thinks Bob should 'try to have one or two ladies'.
Explains his failure to write sooner on a succession of visitors, and the May examination. Presumed that Arthur would give her news of him. Reports that he has very nearly got through his work, and that he intends to be finished it in the next four hours. In relation to his private work reports that marks are to be added up in conclave the following day, followed by a dinner. Intends to go to London on Wednesday or Thursday, and hopes to get rid of his hayfever there. Hopes to find a lodging somewhere near the British Museum, as he wishes to use the library. Does not think he will venture down to Rugby 'until the end of the perilous season.' Reports that he has just heard from Tawney, who is staying in the Bernards' house on the Lake of Geneva, and who is 'bent on matrimonial designs.' He wants Henry to 'go and back him up'. Henry feels inclined to go as it would probably be the last he shall see of Tawney apart from a flying visit to England.
Refers to his health and reports that he feels very well, but that his hayfever causes him some discomfort. Asks his mother to tell Arthur to read Nina Balatka. Does not think that it can be by Trollope, but states that it is 'a very decided and very successful imitation of his manner'. Supposes that she will see William before he goes, and refers to his competition against W. Jackson. Reports that he saw Edward the previous day 'as a D.D.', and states that Mr Martin looks better.
Union Society, Cambridge. - Spent all day yesterday [the beginning of term?] 'seeing people and getting [his] pictures and books in'. Has put Bob's books, 'mostly school classics', in the gyp room. Likes his rooms very much: the two places he is 'fondest of in the world are the old court and the cloisters'. [Maurice] Amos is in [Bertrand] Russell's rooms, [George] Gooch the rooms opposite Collins's, and [Henry Graham] Dakyns in the 'tower by the carriage entrance'; these are 'historical stairs', since Horace Walpole visited a friend in Dakyns' new rooms. MacT[aggart]'s lectures will be attended by 'Amos, Gooch, a lady, and Dickinson and Wedd probably'. Has acquired two statuettes of Assyrian kings, copied from originals in the British Museum, which he thinks are 'very fine' and 'almost as original' as Bob's 'Hindoo god was'. Came by the late train, so had no evening in London to go to the theatre. Amos has heart trouble, 'having overworked himself', and may even be unfit to study this year: MacT[aggart] says he is well ahead with his reading and could do his tripos with not much more work if the worst came; his mother is here and George took tea with her and Maurice yesterday. Asks if Bob has any 'gossip or scandal' from [Harrow] Founder's Day. Notes in a postscript that the 'two fellows who live opposite you [ie Theodore and Crompton Llewelyn Davies]' were here recently 'both in great force', Theodore bathed 'on a raw morning with Moore as usual'.
Union Society, Cambridge. - Hopes Bob will be visiting soon. Is 'very busy' getting to know people, 'finding plenty of friends of a younger generation' so he will 'not feel shelved next year'. This is important as 'both [Ralph] Wedgwood and [G.E.] Moore are particularly lazy' about doing so: Moore is 'much more wrapped up in his metaphysics' and this 'seems to make him quite unconscious of the outside world'; he 'never says a word at Hall' or makes any effort to get to know anyone; it is 'really rather sad', for himself, and because he 'might be so very valuable' if he tried 'to influence people or educate them'; he is 'a king of debate' and they have 'grand meetings [of the Apostles' Society] largely owing to him. Hopes that their relation [Walter] Greg, 'a man of very great ability', will be chosen for the Society this year. Young [Felix] Wedgwood is 'very [emphasised] young, but very clever and original... If his brother is the Puritan he is the cavalier'. Was at '[Godfrey] Locker-Lampson's place' recently seeing their library; was most interested in the original Blake editions; the "Songs of Innocence" are 'most wonderful"; describes the "Tiger" in detail. Bob should try and see Blake's books at the B[ritish] M[useum], as they give a different idea of Blake than the '"Book of Job", where there is more thought and possibly [emphasised] less genius', though George himself likes that best. Would like to tell Bob about an interpretation he has of the "Book of Thel".
Department of Prints and Drawings, British Museum, London W.C.; addressed to Trevelyan c/o Mrs Wilson, Myers Farm, Silverdale, near Carnforth. - Comments on times they might meet in London later in the month; cannot go to the China Society reception, as he would be unable to leave the Museum early enough. Hopes Trevelyan will be able to visit him here on one of the days he suggests.
56 Chester Square, S.W. - Tells Mrs Trevelyan not to 'trouble much about the Belgian modern songwriters' [when answering her questions for the "Song" article for "Grove's Dictionary of Music & Musicians", see 18/39]: has just remembered she could write to Mrs Speyer, as she is sister of Maurice Kufferath in Belgium who should know about 'rising musicians'. Very interested to hear Mrs Trevelyan will be staying with Julius Röntgen, to whom Ethel Smyth gave her an introduction last autumn; asks her to tell him about the books, including van Duyse, she got on his advice. Asks whether Professor Röntgen himself has composed many 'real songs (Kunstlieder)' and whether they have Dutch or German words. His opinion seemed to be that not many 'good modern characteristically Dutch songs' were being written, with most new songs being more like German ones. Asks Mrs Trevelyan if she could indicate which Dutch songs were considered the best. The British Museum has bought the Closson collection of Belgian songs at her request, so when she recovers [from pleurisy] she can study it there. Hopes she can meet Mrs Trevelyan at some point and thank her in person for her help.
Eaton Square - Re Milnes' recommendation of Mr Patmore for vacancy in British Museum.
Three letters concerning the loan of MSS from Trinity College.
29 Beaufort St, Chelsea:- Has just returned from Harrow, where he goes to 'get a game [of football] once a week' to keep himself 'very fit in body and mind'. Bowen had got up a 'team of masters and old boys' against the boys of his house, 'which is very good this year'. Robert's team were 'Somehow' beaten 6-0, but Bowen 'covered himself with glory, playing better than he has done for years'; he also told Robert he 'played like a hero'.
Met Charlie in the morning at the B[ritish] M[useum] Library, 'getting up the question of State Railways'; he is 'much interested in a scheme for a progressive periodical [the Progressive Review] which [William] Clarke, late of the Chronicle, and a young Socialist, [Ramsay?] MacDonald, are going to start next year. It is to be to these dregs of times what the Edinburgh Review was to be to those other dark days'. It 'promises to do well', and Robert wishes it 'God-speed', though they say it 'has as yet no Brougham, much less its Sidney Smith'. Bernard Shaw, whom Robert saw recently in a restaurant, told him 'with his usual superb egotism', that if they had wanted the paper to succeed, they ought to have asked him to 'write a series of articles, as he knew the secret of making a splash and drawing the gaze of the public'. However, 'Clarke cant stand G.B.S., calling him an anarchist and a Jacobin', and Shaw is a 'little piqued at being out of it'.
[Roger] Fry has a cold today and has taken to his bed 'as he always does at the slightest alarm'; this is sensible as 'his colds are both more sudden and more formidable than other people's'. He is doing well otherwise, and has 'just finished some theatrical scenery for a friend [a pencil note suggests this is 'Badley - [at] Bedales']' - the wood in Midsummer Night's Dream] - which is as good as anything Robert has seen by him, 'though you can't get very rich colour effects in tempera'. Their next door neighbours, Ricket[t]s and Shannon, have 'just brought out a magazine... a single Christmas number [The Pageant]' for which they have obtained contributions from 'all the great names in the literary and artistic word' such as Swinburne, Bridges, Maeterlinck, Verlaine, Burne Jones and Watts. There is 'some fine work in it, and some very queer'; Robert's friend [Thomas Sturge] Moore has two short poems included, though Robert does not think them his best. Will show his parents the magazine when they return. Shannon and Ricketts are 'taking to publishing poetry'; he believes they 'make a great success', and hopes that knowing them 'might be useful in the future'.
Is putting this letter into an envelope he finds 'on C[harles]'s table' with his parents' name on it but not yet their address. Expects they will soon be in Rome. Is going to see Aunt Annie [Philips] next week' does not plan to go abroad as he is 'very well, and do not feel the cold'. He will go to Welcombe for a few days, but otherwise stay in London unless 'the frost gives [him] colds'. Is glad their travelling is going so well, and that they like Gregorovius: it is 'always pleasant work welcoming a new historical star', though he doubts this one is 'of the first magnitude'.
Inquires as to whether he left any 'Boot, Shoes or Goloshes' in his bedroom at her house. Quotes lines of verse 'The heart, bereaved, of why and how..' [from A Song of Autumn by Clough]. Asks her to send any of these items to him, if found, to an address in London. Informs that he writes the postcard in the British Museum Library, because [the staff] will not bring him the books he ordered.
British Museum, London, W.C.1. - Hopes the 'anti-flu apparatus' [see 17/27] has reached Trevelyan; it 'may puzzle the customs-authorities'; supposes Trevelyan will get leave at Christmas. London is 'intolerable this week' [due to the armistice]; it is 'impossible to get dinner at a restaurant' because of the crowds; supposes things will 'subside gradually. Paris must have been even more emotional'. Hopes Trevelyan can 'bear that sort of thing'; he himself 'very much dislike[s] women's voices which are so prominent at times like these'. The [British Museum] Print Room is as 'good a refuge from Peace as it was from War'. The conscientious objectors are all wondering whether their services will still be require, most favour 'eloping'. His younger brother [Hubert] hopes to get into the Treasury until 'Peace is properly fixed up'; his other brother [Sigismund] will of course go back when he is out of hospital'. Looks forward to 'tremendous conversations about Literature' when Trevelyan returns.
Department of Manuscripts, British Museum, London, W.C.1. - In the letter of 22 March he reports that he cannot accommodate Frazer past May 1st, as staff is increasing and space is not available; would like to have a manuscript of Frazer's in the library. In the letter of 23 March he thanks her for the gift.
Invites her up [to Cambridge] for Easter Sunday. Says that he will write again from town, where he is going to stay with his friend Cowell. States that he shall be back in Cambridge by the following Wednesday or before. Reports that he has begun reading at the British Museum, and praises the facilities there. Refers to an enclosed list of questions [not included] sent to him from his aunt, which, he admits, he has neglected. Observes that some of the difficulties are theological, not critical, and believes that the writers 'had at best a very dim realization of the immortality of the soul.' Undertakes to write to his aunt also.
13, Hanover Terrace, Ladbroke Grove, W.11. - Has signed an agreement with Constable & Co. to publish "One Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems" by 1 May [1918]; it will be sold at six shillings. Has not been doing much translation recently, but researching Chinese letters; thinks these would be good. There are only seven of Po Chu-i's surviving. Unfortunately the [British] Museum is 'very poor in this branch of literature', but there is a collection of 'letters by famous men' at the Cambridge University Library. Asks Trevelyan whether he will be in town; perhaps he will see him at the 1917 Club on Wednesday. Copies out a poem he has written, beginning 'On the back of a visiting-card / On a spill picked out of the grate...' which he fears is 'rather absurd'.