King's College, Cambridge. - Sorry to 'bombard' Bob: has seen Mr Bowes of Bowes & Bowes, the firm which usually publishes their acting editions, who says he cannot advise about printing until he knows whether Bob is going to do the whole translation. Asks if Bob can say as soon as possible: will hold off if he cannot decide yet, but it would be a 'great convenience' to be able to start printing; wants to know whether he can use Bob's "Agamemnon", cut as he has suggested [see 20/9], though modifications are possible as long as the length is not altered much and the 'musical scheme remains the same', and whether Bob will translate the parts of the "Choephoroe" and "Eumenides" needed. Also asks whether he has Bob's consent to negotiate with Bowes, or some other publisher; will submit any agreement to him for approval. Hopes that the effect of this abridged text on Bob's complete "Agamemnon" would be good; thinks that, with [Armstrong] Gibb's music, the 'abbreviated "Oresteia" has a good chance of being produced in both Greek and English, and hopes to do so himself one day at Cambridge. Would be a 'great help' to have Bob's estimate of when he could have the "Choephoroe" and "Eumenides" ready; would like to have the whole thing published in the autumn, if it can be done. It would be in a paper cover, with stage directions at a bare minimum and just a page at the beginning for Bob's 'editorial note' as it is necessary to keep costs down. Willing to meet Bob on 'every point of detail' to get his translation. Adds a note to say that Bowes thinks it possible that Macmillans might involve themselves in publication.
Grand Hotel du Kélenn, Carantec (Finistère). - Will be at this address until 25 September. Has asked Bowes to send proofs [of Bob's Aeschylus translation] to Bob and to himself; asks which of them should receive the other's corrected proof and send both back to Bowes. Bob should send the manuscript of his "Choephoroe" translation to Bowes when it is finished, who will hand it to the [Cambridge University] Press; also the "Eumenides" in due course. Feels 'a long way off' but needed to do some work and rest. [Armstrong] Gibbs played some of his music to him recently; thinks it is 'very good', though fears Gibbs's treatment of the Greek metres sometimes differs from Bob's. Thinks they should go ahead with the printing of the 'acting edition', and meet up with Gibbs in October to discuss how the text and music can work together. Asks in a postscript whether Bob has seen Gilbert Murray's "Agamemnon"; thinks it 'very Murrayesque', and that he has some 'very good ideas' about the play but his translation is 'not a patch' on Bob's.
Hotel du Kélenn, Carantec (Finistère). - Thanks Bob for his letter. Necessary to print [Bob's translation of Aeschylus' "Oresteia"] at once: the proofs must be ready for rehearsals next term, and he also wishes to send advance copies to schoolmasters before Christmas to try and get them to read this 'shortened "Oresteia"' with Bob's version to sixth-formers. Thinks the best plan is for Bob to send his "Choephoroe" to Bowes, keeping lines which had previously been cut if necessary. Recommends that Bob be as 'frank & simple as possible' in his translation of λιψουρία [desire to make water]; thinks they 'ought to make the nurse quite broad', and she will have a 'little folk tune in the orchestra' [music composed by Armstrong Gibbs]. Encourages Bob to get on with the "Eumenides"; will not object to use of Verrall if Bob does not; Verrall's version will 'not clash badly' with Bob's, and 'it's rather nice' to include his work. [D. W.?] Lucas is helping him with the Greek proofs; Sheppard thinks that Aeschylus would understand the point of the 'apostolic combination'. So they should certainly use Verrall if that would 'relieve the strain'. Is sorry to be so pressing. Is coming back at the end of September: they must meet 'immediately' if possible; suggests the weekend of 10 October. Wants Gibbs to be there as well. Tells Bob in a postscript to write to him at King's after 18 September, as he is 'going to wander in Brittany' for a while'.
Hotel du Kélenn, Carantec (Finistère). - In case his postcard [21/19] is 'delayed or, as I fear, unintelligible': has the "Agamemnon" proofs and Bob's manuscript; it 'looks good'; agrees with one of Bob's points, which they can discuss when they meet. Gives his address in Dinard for 18-23 September; will then return to England, and will be in London until 30 September. Can meet Bob in London or in Dorking; letter sent to the United University Club will find him, though he may stay at 46 Gordon Square [Maynard Keynes's house]. Would be good if Bob could arrange for [Armstrong] Gibbs to meet them; has just sent Gibbs a card about this; gives his address. Has told [George Brimley] Bowes to hold up "Cho[ephoroe]" and send back the manuscript to Bob if it is not being printed yet; if it is, Bowes is to contact the [Cambridge University] Presss to 'make the names of the characters more prominent' and try to get proofs to them by the 24th. Thinks Bob's version 'magnificent'.
Postmarked Dinard. - Thanks Bob for his card; will be at 46 Gordon Square at 2 pm on Friday; hopes they will find the house [Maynard Keynes's house] open. They will need a piano if [Armstrong] Gibbs comes, and might go to the O. &. C. [Oxford and Cambridge] Musical Club in Bedford Square. Is engaged for dinner at 7 pm, but they should have had time for 'good work'.
Postmarked Carantec. - Has received Bob's letter and proof [of "Agamemnon"]no further post here as he leaves on Friday. Has decided to return to England on 24 September; asks Bob to arrange a meeting with Armstrong Gibbs, giving his address, either at Dorking or 46 Gordon Square [Maynard Keynes's House], where Sheppard will be from 24-30 September. Thinks the "Agamemnon" looks 'very good'; tells Bob to hold up [the printing of the] "Choephoroe" if he likes; he should tell [George Brimley] Bowes.
Wildcroft, Danbury, Essex. - Thanks Trevelyan for his letter; unfortunately has to be away next week, so the only times he could meet him in London are two hours in the afternoon of Wednesday 29 September and any time between eleven and six on Thursday the 30th, with Thursday being more convenient; asks Trevelyan to suggest a time. Gives his address at Bournemouth for next week. [Gibbs composed music for Trevelyan's translation of Aeschylus' "Oresteia", performed in 1921 at Cambridge].
Wildcroft, Danbury, Essex. - Has just been 'dealing with' the "Eumenides" [reference to his music for Trevelyan's translation of Aeschylus' "Oresteia"?] from a proof copy: notes that the translation of the last four lines is missing, and quotes the Greek. Asks Trevelyan if he can send his translation to Goodwin & Tabb [music publishers]; Gibbs will instruct them to insert the missing lines. Notes one of the lines of Trevelyan's translation is difficult in the last verse, where one word is 'repeated 3 times by itself in the music'; supposes however that this does not matter.