Showing 23 results

Postmarked London E.C; addressed to Trevelyan at 53 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 1er. - Sends thanks to Trevelyan, [Antoine] Bibesco, and [Francis] Birrell for the 'charming message'. Wishes he could come to Paris, and will do so as soon as the war is over. Asks Trevelyan to give his regards to [André] Gide if he sees him; is sorry not to have met up with Gide again after they parted at Liverpool Street. If a 'feeling of abstract melancholy' comes over him, Trevelyan will know that Norton's 'heart is near'.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - Thanks his father for his letter [12/94?]. Bessie 'seems to have enjoyed her stay in London' and had a good journey to Holland. Is very glad his mother has recovered; expects she will soon be 'entirely well' after a stay at Welcombe in this 'fine weather'.

Has found organising the 'Easter party' rather difficult, involving much 'writing and telegraphing', but thinks all will 'come right'. George Moore usually organises it but 'gave it up at the last moment' and left everything to him. Has got the 'two latest elected apostles' to come: [James] Strachey and [Harry] Norton; they are both in their first year, so 'the destinies of the Society will be in their hands for a long time probably'.

[Ralph] Hawtrey, a Treasury official, is staying with Robert for his holiday; he is a 'nephew of the actor', whom Robert supposes his father will have seen in The Man from Blankney's [actually Blankleys: by Thomas Anstey Guthrie]. Theodore [Llewelyn] Davies 'insisted' on Hawtrey's transferral from the Admiralty to the Treasury, as he 'thought he was the kind of man required' there; this was an 'exceptional step', and Robert believes 'much criticised at the time', but he supposes it 'quite wise'. Hawtrey is 'a man quite of Theodore's type of mind'; expects he has less of his 'power of influencing and directing others', but still 'with the fine common sense and intellectual power, and the same good political tradition', since like Theodore Hawtrey is a Home-ruler as well as a Liberal.

Will write to Welcombe from the Swan Inn, Fittleworth to say how the gathering goes; will go there tomorrow, but how long he stays depends on what the others do. The 'Vesuvius eruption seems very bad'. Lord Rosebery is at his villa now: Robert hopes he will not 'act the part and meet the fate of the elder Pliny'.

13a Hanover Terrace, Ladbroke Grove, W.11. - Fears that he will not be able to visit this vacation because he has lectures to give and prepare and is going away for Christmas. Is sorry that she does not have better news of Norton and unsure whether being 'shut away in a rest-cure' is the best thing for him. Mrs Waley [Rachel Sophia Waley?] returns tomorrow; he understands she is much better.

Translation from "Eumenides" [in pencil, ink and red/blue pencil]. Translation of fragments from Euripides' "Meleager" and small part of "Choephori". Notebook also used from back in for draft of part of Trevelyan's "Meleager". Inside of one cover and facing endpaper has, as well as draft verse, calculations naming 'Sabbia and Carolina', [Harry] Norton and 'Goldie' [Lowes Dickinson], with note 'Goldie owes me 3 lire' [cf 15/20, letter to Julian Trevelyan dated 6 Apr 192, for reference to a trip to Italy with these two].

Apologises for not replying sooner to Trevelyan's letter of 4 Nov, which she only received a fortnight ago. Has been unsure of what to suggest to H. T. Norton: there are many books it might be useful to translate, but she is sure they are well known and Trevelyan's friend has probably already made the choice on which he asked their advice. As Trevelyan suggested Norton might translate something by her husband, she sends the five "discorsi parlamentari" he gave last year on general politics; the speeches have appeared in Italian, and after a while (since her husband is tired and overworked) will appear in a collection of his articles, but could still appear together in English translation. An article about her husband's "Révoluzione francese" appeared in the literary supplement of the "Times" on Dec 16; this suggested there should be an English version, but she does not think Norton wants to translate this kind of work. The Berensons are in New York, and the Salveminis miss them very much.

Originally enclosing a cutting from the "Manchester Guardian", which may interest Julian; knows he has 'long been much interested in American cotton'; knows nobody can be expected to read 'all that dull stuff about the Leonids and Nova Cygni'. Julian's mother is currently 'teaching the kitchen-maid at Tanhurst to play the violin' in the study, while he and [Harry] Norton sit by the drawing room fire. 'Mammy's hand' is getting better slowly. Peter [Elms] is 'shouting in the garden'. The sun is shining and there is some peat, 'or, as Mammy calls it, turf' on the fire. Mr Reynier came for a visit recently. Now has a letter to write to his Spanish friend Juan Menendez y Aranz[z de la Torre], which he should have done two months ago; is afraid Julian's handwriting is getting 'better and neater' than his own.

Casa Boccaccio, Settignano, Firenze, Italy. - Thanks Julian for the two "Hurtenham News" and letters; is pleased that the newspaper [written by Julian for his imaginary town] is 'keeping up to the standard of the first number', which is very often not the case. Particularly 'admired the translation of the war-song', and would like to meet the translator and discuss poetry some day. This letter may not reach Julian at once if there is a strike in England. Originally enclosing some photographs of pictures in Paris. [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson and [Harry] Norton in this old house where 'a great Italian writer' [Boccaccio] lived. The weather is beautiful, there are lots of flowers and butterflies, but no cactuses, for which he would have to go further south. Hopes the strike will not stop Julian visiting Berkhamsted or his mother 'playing in the orchestra at Dorking'. An eight-year old boy here, 'half German, half Italian' [Cecil von Anrep?], knows some English and wants Robert to repeat "The Quangle Wangle ['s Hat". by Edward Lear] whenever he sees him; Robert has forgotten a few words and asks Julian to remind him of them.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Thanks Elizabeth for her letter and J[ulian]'s; he seems to have a great deal of imagination, 'sometimes about "Jesus" sometimes about the sea'. Glad Elizabeth changed the book; it was the only one she had as her stock of presents is very low. Lucky that there were no complications in Julian's illness; expects they are not in quarantine. Good that C[harles] and M[ary] so like having the twins [Hugh and Florence]; hopes the boy develops well as he 'must be very small'. Still recovering slowly [from shingles]. The oldest and biggest poplar tree 'snapped in the middle' last week, and is being cut up to carry away. Thanks Elizabeth for the paper about the peace conference in Holland; fears the war 'will go on for a very long time' and is very anxious: 'the next few months will be terrible'. Does not think she knows Mr [Harry?] Norton. Sir George has just heard that Charles F. Adams has died; he had not heard from him for a while; the older brother [Henry Brooks Adams, in fact a younger brother?] is still alive; he was here two years ago. Has had news of a great snow storm at Cambo last week, causing trains to stop and many other difficulties.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Thanks his father for his letter with 'the amusing enclosures'. His father did not send him 'the letter to the American Nation about Macaulay'; hopes it is not lost. Returns the Trinity College letter. Their friend [Harry] Norton, a fellow of Trinity who is staying here at the moment, says that 'so far the High Table Dinner has been maintained at its former level of excellence at the old price'; expects they will 'not do so badly, as they will still have fish on the meatless days, and there is nothing said of meat being prohibited at lunch'. Is afraid that 'fish is quite unobtainable' here.

The '"Home of British Poetry" seems to be a wonderful institution, and the report is priceless'; does not think he knows 'a single name in the List of Foundation Fellows. One seems to have heard of Alderman Ben Turner'. Diedrich is a 'bastardized form of Theodoric', or perhaps, vice versa, 'Theodoric is the Latin form of the Goth Diedrich'; believes it is quite a common German first name.

Bessie and Julian are both very well, and Miss Barthorpe has now returned.

13, Hanover Terrance, Ladbroke Grove, W. - Apologises for not writing sooner; has heard 'a good deal' about Trevelyan from Francis [Birrell?], [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson and [Harry] Norton. Is working on Li Po 'in deference to the wishes of the public', translating, amongst others 'about 15 that have been done before' by Giles, St-Denys, Pound and so on; when it is printed, it may 'amuse' Trevelyan to compare the versions. Has not changed his own opinion of Li Po at all, but is 'taking a lot of trouble with him', he thinks he may be 'making him seem better than he is'. Impossible to get across in translation that Li Po is 'so largely a patchwork': for instance, the reference in the "River Merchant's Wife" to Wei who appears in 'the "Robber Che [Chih]" (chapter 29 of "Chuang Tzu" [Zhuangzi])", or that in another poem to the sailor with whom seagulls played in "Lieh Tzu [Liezi]"; St-Denys had obviously never read Lieh Tzu. The Oxford [University] Press has accepted his "Japanese Poetry: the Uta", which will come out in the spring. Heard a story about Alix [Sargant Florence] in Cornwall: she wanted to try the cream, but was told it 'would only be sold in compliance with a doctor's certificate', so she wrote to James [Strachey] to get one from Noel [Olivier] who refused; supposes this was when she and Norton were in Cornwall. Now she is there with James, who has flu. Lytton is also ill, with shingles. Rather likes Fredegond [Shove]'s poems ["Dreams and Journeys"?] except for 'the sonnets & the mysticism; Norton 'complained they reminded him of country holidays'. Has talked to Adrian Stephen a few times at the [1917?] Club, and likes him 'better than Norton, or Clive [Bell], or James'. Asks if Trevelyan has seen W. H. Davies's new book; has not read it properly himself, but there are some 'good things in it'. Davies was recently annoyed that the newspapers had described his clothes at a poetry reading as 'homely', when his 'buttons alone cost more than anything Yeats had on'. Has had a 'very kind and generous letter from Cranmer-Byng, a quite unsollicited [sic] "peccavi"'.

Nice. - Is here for a few days on his way to Florence to see a friend; it is 'not an attractive town, but the weather is lovely'. Spent three days in Paris seeing people he got to know two years ago. He will be staying at the Casa Boccaccio with [Goldsworthy] Lowes Dickinson, [Harry] Norton and [Lascelles] Abercrombie: 'quite a houseful', but they will 'all get in somehow'. The Berensons, whose villa [I Tatti] is quite near, are still in America, though returning soon; Robert and his friends will still 'be able to use their library'.

Julian was recovering from his [whooping] cough when Robert left, and 'should be quite strong again by next term'. Robert sends thanks to his mother for her letter; will write to her soon from Italy; she asked if he would like the Times Literary Supplement, and he would be 'very glad to have it' if she can send it; the address will be Casa Boccaccio, Corbignano, Settignano, Florence, Italy. The house 'was Boccaccio's property', though Robert does not think he lived there.

Casa Boccaccio, Settignano, Firenze [on headed notepaper for I Tatti, Settignano, though headed address is crossed through]. - Hopes his letter will reach his father 'without too much delay'; they do not know yet 'whether a railway strike has begun [in Britain] but still hope there may be a settlement'. There is also a 'general strike at Pisa, owing to an outrage by the fascisti, which may delay the post. Bessie and Julian seem well; Julian 'has gone to the Georges [ie, to stay with George and Janet Trevelyan]' but is probably home by now. Robert is 'staying with [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson and [Harry] Norton in the Casa Boccaccio, near the Berensons' villa [I Tatti], 'in whose garden and library' Robert spends much time working. The Berensons are not yet here, but return before the end of the month. Generally the weather is good, with a little rain; the 'flowers and leaves are all coming out fast, and the cuckoo is singing', though he has not yet heard the nightingale.

Is 'just going to tea with an old lady, Mrs Forbes Moss [Irene Forbes-Mosse] who is the grand-daughter of Goethe's Bettina', about whom he is 'embarrassed to say' he knows little, except that she 'was one of many Goethe was in love with'; her grand-daugher 'married an Englishman, and is now a widow'. Sends love to his mother; will write to her soon.

86 Chesterton Road, Cambridge. - Is glad she liked the Gainsborough card, which he thinks is charming and worth keeping; Dorothy disposes of most of their cards, perhaps to hospitals, but he always keeps a few; reminisces about the scrap-books he and his siblings used to make while his father read aloud to them; he still has his books. His health was good enough for him to go to Buckingham Palace three weeks ago to get his 'badge and ribbon from the King' [the Order of Merit]; he also took Tim to the Christmas Feast at Trinity and saw George [Trevelyan] for the first time since he had retired as Master. Is hoping he will be able to come to Leith Hill Place next summer: was very disappointed not to be able to come. Also thinks well of Britten: very much enjoyed his "Let's Make an Opera", and Tim thought well of "Peter Grimes" and other things by him; not sure about "Billy Budd" when he heard it on the radio, however, thinking it 'scrappy' and full of what Vaughan Williams calls 'wrong notes'. Thought [Roy] Harrod's life of [Maynard] Keynes was not well judged, but he had not noticed exaggeration of the influence of Bloomsbury. Had forgotten that Norton stayed with the Trevelyans when he was ill; was very fond of him. Bessie seems to imply Bloomsbury harmed him; asks if this is what she thinks. Agrees that it is a good thing that [his niece] Riette has gone to live at Well Walk; Tim went to see them there and had a nice time; thinks Riette very charming. Is sorry Bessie has been laid up by neuralgia, but is glad Dr Bluth's treatment seems to have improved it.

The Shiffolds. - Thanks her for her letter. The weather has suddenly turned 'quite cold', though still fine. Bessie was going to London this morning, but has put it off till tomorrow since Clifford Allen, staying here with his fiancée was 'rather ill last night', though Robert thinks it is 'nothing serious'. He is 'generally much better, but is not at all strong yet'.

Had a 'quite cheerful letter' from Julian this morning, who seems to have liked the hamper Robert's mother sent him a great deal, and says he will write to her. Bessie 'enjoys her quartet in London, every Friday afternoon'; Robert usually comes to town for one or two nights. Visited [Harry] Norton at Penshurst last week; he 'seems a good deal better' and they hope he 'may get quite well before long. It has been a serious breakdown and melancholia, but nothing worse'. As she knows, Norton stayed with them at the Shiffolds 'all last winter', and went abroad with Robert last spring.

The Mill House, Grantchester, Cambridge. - Arrangements for a gathering [at the Swan at Fittleworth, Sussex, see 2/33 and 2/34] over Easter. [Robin] Mayor is named twice in Trevelyan's list; he should also include Henry Dakyns, Alfred Whitehead and North [Whitehead]. Should think by Wednesday there will be room for 'V.W.' [Vaughan Williams], and room for 'Dakyns pere' and Arthur [Dakyns] at any time. The back of the paper seems to show drinks consumed: Norton and Strachey appear as well as names mentioned in the letter.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Glad Robert was interested in the ceremony at Cambo [the unveiling of the war memorial?]; there was a 'very imposing gathering of people', and he discovered a minute in that he should not be 'making a speech, but... preaching a sermon'; strange to 'preach one's first sermon at 82'. Good to hear about Bessie; hopes the Tanhurst concert went well. Has been looking through Paley's edition of Aeschylus, which he has thoroughly studied and annotated in the past; quotes some of Uncle Tom [Macaulay]'s comments on the plays of the "Oresteia". Will be grateful to [Harry?] Norton for his copy of Aksakoff. [Charles and Mary's son] Geoffrey Washington Trevelyan was registered today as 'born on the 4th July, having been born at 12.10 on the 5th, summer time'. Since Georgie was born on 5 November, the two boys 'were born on the two "Journées" of the Anglo-Saxon Race'.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Comments under the date that it is 'a precious dreary bank holiday'. Asks whether 'Mr Clifford Allen is of the publishing firm'. Asks for the name and address of the friend who lent them Aksakov's "Russian Gentleman" so they can return it; mistakes [Harry] Norton's name for 'Norrey', though remembers that he is a fellow of Trinity; perhaps Elizabeth can bring any later volumes; wonders whether these might cover 1812, the 'biggest thing of modern history except our recent Armageddon'. Caroline has been reading Robert's [translation of] Lucretius, while he himself has been comparing it with the Latin; quotes Lord Courtney's praise of Lucretius, from Gooch's 'excellent biography'.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Glad to have cheerful news of Julian. Looked up Robert's guest [Harry Norton] in the "Cambridge Calendar" but found his copy was 'too archaic'; will treat himself to a new one next year, and an Oxford one too since he is now a Fellow of both Universities. Has been reading the end of [Aeschylus's] "Eumenides", as well as Plato, including the "Ion" for the first time.

c/o J. Raverat, Villa Adèle, Vence, Alpes Maritime, France. - Sends a cheque, which he asks Trevelyan to acknowledge. Norton leaves today, and Dickinson will move on 'rather reluctantly' to [the Berensons at] I Tatti at the end of the month, where he will meet Trevelyan. Fears that Norton is not much better in his mind and dreads returning to England, though they have got on well together. Lytton 'much feted'; Dickinson agrees with Trevelyan that his second book ["Queen Victoria"] is very good, but prefers his earlier ["Eminent Victorians"] because of the subjects. Was at the 'V. Mad.' last night.

Weybridge. - Asks if Trevelyan can come to him, so that his mother can see him; suggests a date. Expects to be at West Hackhurst at the end of the year. Has seen Goldie [Dickinson], and something of [Harry] Norton.

20 Marmion Rd, Sefton Park, Liverpool. - Pressure of work has kept him in Liverpool, and he will not be able to get away to Italy. Sorry to miss Trevelyan's company, and guilty as he feels he has probably prevented someone else being invited. Hopes they are all enjoying the Casa [Boccaccio?], and sends regards to Dickinson and Norton.

British Museum, W.C.1. - Sorry he missed Trevelyan, who must stay with them next time he comes to London. Has done some 'miscellaneous T'ang poems', mainly by contemporaries of Po Chu-I, and encloses one [no longer present]. Is going to Tidmarsh [home of Lytton Strachey] on Sunday and is most excited: wants to see 'the education of those patient females' with his own eyes. Is attending a meeting of the Philological Society to hear a paper on 'the Ergonics [sic] of the Japanese Language'; does not know 'in the least what that means'. Asks if Trevelyan heard James Strachey's 'address to the 1917 Club on the Sex Question" on Tuesday evening. Can see 'the unmistakeable figure of [Harry] Norton] from the window, perhaps going from Gordon Square to 'tea with his sister Betty in Grays Inn'. Asks if Trevelyan has read the "Poet's Pilgrimage" by W. H. Davies, which he almost liked better than 'the tramp book' ["The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp"]

Madeira Cottage, Lyme Regis. - Intends to go to Paris on March 15th, then Vence, and on to Florence at the beginning of April. Is keen to see Trevelyan, Norton, Abercrombie and Clifford Allen. Asks if he might be accommodated comfortably, and if Allen will have all he needs for his health. Can come later to avoid overcrowding. Will see Trevelyan in Cambridge.