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2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Bob's letter [14/203] 'moved [him] very much'; is too distressed to answer it properly, and 'the mugwump is not morally in a position to hold his own against either side'. Has 'never admired Charles more', and thinks he and the anti-war side have a 'most useful part to perform', but can currently go no further. Sets out his own position: since Britain in the war, he believes that it is vital to win it, and therefore does not want to say publicly what he feels about the policies which led to it since this would be discouraging; feels quite differently than Charles and Bob about Belgium, being 'thrilled' by the heroism of its people, and appalled by German forward planning and railway building; also cares more for France than Bob does, thinking 'the German nation and culture and soul can survive a beating' but it France has 'another 1870... they will never hold up their heads again', and the fear of German hegemony is enough to overcome even his 'great fear of Russia'; objects to the systems of entente and alliance as much as ever, which have created this 'universal catastrophe... out of a genuine local quarrel'; fully recognises the danger of Russia ending up as the strongest power, but the German threat is a 'more pressing and locally nearer danger', and though the Germans are 'no doubt afraid of the Slavs' the course they have followed to protect themselves - the partition of Poland, the 'land policy in Prussian Poland', and the attack on France through Belgium - is 'to say the least, unfortunate'.

Does not think the British are blameless, but believes that they are 'on the right side' and must win, or the 'world will be far worse than it was before, and even worse than it will be when we have won!'. Agrees with much of what Charles and his friends say and thinks someone should say it, but does not believe it is 'any more the whole truth than the Wells point of view', though Charles, [Edmund] Morel, [Ramsay] Macdonald and Norman Angell are each 'worth 20 of Wells'. May be going out to Greece and the Balkans with Noel Buxton and Basil Williams next week, as Britain is trying to 'reconstitute the Xtian Balkan League', though in some sense he feels 'it hardly matters what one does or thinks in this doomsday'. Asks Bob, however much he disagrees with George, to believe he is 'absolutely heartbroken and think it far the greatest catastrophe in human history', and that his feeling about 'the Sartor passage' ["in Carlyle's "Sartor Resartus" against war] is 'even stronger than it was; however, unsure whether the world can truly 'adopt complete pacifism and survive' when there are 'devils' like the Russian and German militarists in power. Greatly admires Bob's letter and respects his views, and 'despise[s]' his own, but 'can't help it'.

Fron Isallt, Treaddur Bay, Holyhead, North Wales. - Wishes he could have welcomed Trevelyan at the Bridges, but the house is let to Maurice [Llewelyn Davies], his sister-in-law and daughters; he himself will return to England next week and would like to see Trevelyan to discuss 'the rival attractions of clink, hard labour & work of national importance, including the building of the lofty rhyme' [subsequent to them becoming liable to conscription]. Considers that having married an Irishwoman he himself has become a neutral: Trevelyan might do the same. Has not seen Bertie [Russell] but is very concerned about his situation [Russell's conviction for pacifist activities]. Feels the legal appeal will be of no use, that Russell should make a written statement, and that his friends should concern themselves with the mitigation of the punishment and do what they can to save him from imprisonment. Has been taking steps along these lines with Buckler; from what he hears from Morel, Russell should not suffer six months of ordinary imprisonment. Is enjoying a family holiday by the sea; Richard can walk miles and climb any rocks. Version of the Arethusa legend by Llewelyn Davies originally enclosed.

Kings Coll Camb. - Thanks Trevelyan for sending the "Antigone": thinks the choral rhythms are good and could be an interesting influence for English poets. Thompson has been trying his own translation of the play, and Dickinson will send him Trevelyan's to compare. Wishes that Sheppard had more interest in reproducing the original rhythms in the Cambridge Greek Plays. Beryl de Zoete wants to train the next chorus, but also does not seem to be planning Greek rhythms. Death of [Edmund Dene] Morel is very sad. Is 'very gloomy' about Egypt, and about Lord Cecil; comments scathingly on English morals. Has got to 'the last month' in his work ["The International Anarchy, 1904-1918"] which is complicated but he thinks unimportant 'since the war was already there waiting for years before'.