45 Temple Fortune Hill, N.W.11. - Thanks Bob for his "Translations [from Latin Poetry]": a 'most attractive little book', with 'the print a joy'. Happy to see the 'lovely translation' of Catullus's "Epithalamium", he thinks for the first time; also loves Bob's translation of 'the old favourite "Vivamus, mea Lesbia..."' [Catullus 5], and quotes a line from a previous version of it which always makes him smile. Had not studied Leopardi before but likes Bob's versions, and also the Italian folk songs. José [his wife] asks him to thank Bob too. The 'great event' this week has been the arrival of Ethel [his aunt] and Sam: they have talked on the telephone, and hope to meet on the August bank holiday weekend; until then the Clausens are visiting his aunts at Gloucester and uncle in Dublin. Jane [his daughter] is doing well; thinks she is 'a forward child'. Asks when Bob and Bessie can come to visit; he hopes soon; they cannot come to the Shiffolds because of Jane.
45 Temple Fortune Hill, London, N.W.11. - Thanks Bob for the "Hymn to Demeter" [in this year's "From the Shiffolds"]: a 'very lovely Christmas present'; Bob 'must have had some difficulty with the metre'. Is still 'very apologetic' about missing a lunch: had just started a new job in the Central Office of the Exchange Control, and 'life was, and is, hectic'. He and José [his wife] are organising some carol singers this year; they practised last night and 'the singing was robust rather than harmonious', but it is a 'joy to sing again!'. They are considering starting a local madrigal society. Asks when the Trevelyans are coming to see Jane: she is a 'bonny baby', very active, and has grown so much recently that he does not think Bessie would recognise her, Hopes they will meet soon after Christmas, will 'use a better mnemonic' next year.