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2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Easy to give Will [Arnold Forster] the letter since he is staying here; harder to stop Bob 'apologising unnecessarily': George himself put 'too much heat into each one of [his] remarks', which provoked Bob's 'outburst'; sure he 'repaid [this] with interest'. Is going to hear Jan Hubrecht give a paper about the Netherlands tomorrow. Likes Geoffrey [Winthrop Young]'s poems ["Freedom"], which is 'natural'; thinks them 'stronger than his first lot ["Wind and Hill"].

Postmarked Dymock; addressed to Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Arrangements for meeting in London and their journey to Italy. Forster is definitely not coming with them. Has accepted Moore's invitation to dine; asks Trevelyan to get him to read to them. Abercrombie's brother [Patrick?] strongly recommends a stay in Milan for its Romanesque churches. Expects Catherine would like to talk with the Ken Lawsons.

2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W.1. - Is not sure of Bob's address, so will write one letter to be forwarded on. Glad they liked "Garibaldi III" ["Garibaldi and the Making of Italy"], and is obliged for the corrections. Saw Will A. F. [Arnold Forster] as he passed through London on his 'belated way out through London on his belated way out to Italy'; Will 'suffers badly from the A.T. [Artistic Temperament' in terms of making arrangements and so on; he finished his 'big Malvern picture' and portrait of Janet were finished the day before he sailed, and they have been sent to the New Eng[lish] Art Club show. Glad that Bob is with [Catherine and Lascelles] Abercrombie. The 'Tripoli horrors and the whole folly of the [Italo-Turkish] war, and George will does not think he will have the 'heart' to go to Italy for a long time; lacks heart for "English Songs of Italian Freeman", which Bob has read the preface to, and which George is due to bring out soon, nor even for "Garibaldi". Is 'delighted to hear about the Stadtholder [Julian]'s earliest remarks.

Robin Ghyll, Langdale, Ambleside. - Thanks Bob for his writing, and for going to Swanage [due to the fatal illness of George and Janet's son Theo]; sorry this journey was 'in vain'. Did not write or wire to Bob as he knew he would have left the reading party for Will [Arnold Forster]'s and did not know where that was. [Theo's death] is a 'very great blow indeed' to George and Janet, but Bob and Bessie's courage at that which reduced them 'from the state of having offspring to the state of having none at all' [the death of their son Paul] is an 'example'.

Casa Boccaccio, Thursday. - Glad to hear that Trevelyan got home safe. Waterfield has not yet seen the Mothersills. Has not yet heard from Wilfrid [Gibson] but presumes he is married and gone to the Gallows. The Abercrombies start from home on Monday and go straight to Grange [over Sands] on Wednesday; Marsh has asked them to lunch but there may not be time. "La Julia Grassa" has not returned, for which they are grateful, the "real Julia is doing admirably for us". This trip to Italy seems to have been even better than the last [in 1911]: very kind of Waterfield to have them at Aulla; the drive from Fivizzano to Castlenuovo was "glorious"; they liked Lucca too but the "zanzare" [mosquitos] plagued them; excellence of the wine provided by Will [Arnold-Forster] at Montefiano. Cannot sufficiently express their gratitude to Trevelyan. Sends love to Trevelyan, his family, and the Bottomleys. His wife asks for the name and address of Grant Watson's mother-to-be at Grange, as they have a book to return.

The Gallows, Ryton, Dymock, Gloucester. - Hopes Trevelyan is enjoying Seatoller; he himself has "constant northward yearnings", but the strongest "landskip-impression" in his mind is still Italy. Tremendous impression made by their tour of Florence, Perugia, Assisi and Siena; has discovered that, as a pessimist and anti-religionist. his nature demands sunlight. Hates to think of the passengers on the "Titanic" with the "awful booing mooing" of "Nearer my God to Thee" in their ears. Agrees with Trevelyan on the role of the chorus in Greek drama - it should not partake in the action (as seen in "Murrayed drama") - and discusses how the modern stage can accommodate it. Hopes to be able to stage Trevelyan's "Oresteia", and touches on an old debate between them about opera and verse drama. Has written nothing since returning from Italy, but is considering something called "The Lion of God" on the death of Ali. Has heard nothing yet of Forster. Is much worried because Lord A[lfred] Douglas has sued his friend Arthur Ransome over Ransome's book on Wilde.

The Gallows, Ryton, Dymock. - Is almost through with the proofs of his book ["Emblems of Love"] and hopes to have it published next month. Enthuses about his first experience of Italy and its sunlight, but also the very different beauty of his surroundings now. He feels he can now start on the "Tragic Odes" they discussed. Is glad A. F. [Arnold-Forster] is better.

The Gallows, Ryton, Dymock. - Sends "The Book" ["Emblems of Love"]; his appreciation for Trevelyan's criticism. Is working on his dialogue book ["Speculative Dialogues"] and then will begin his book on Hardy; has also undertaken to give a lecture in Manchester and has many reviews to write. Thanks for the things Forster says Trevelyan has given them for the garden. Has Moore's book ["A Sicilian Idyll and Judith: A Conflict"].

The Gallows, Ryton, Dymock, Gloucester. - Arrangements for meeting in London for the Italian trip. Hopes Trevelyan can get hold of Moore. Will see Forster next day and ask him if he will start with them; he has done some excellent designs for [Moore's] "Judith". Will bring a translation of [St. Francis's?] "Fioretti", an Italian dictionary and grammar.

The Gallows, Ryton. Dymock, Gloucester. - Arrangements for departure on the Italian trip [see 1/39]. Has seen Forster who thought Settignano would be almost as good as Fiesole: this might be better than a pension, easier to work in and more removed from "Englishry". But will do whatever Trevelyan thinks best.

War Office. Dated 16th February, 1905 - Writes for [William] Arnold-Forster, who does not know Rev. Lorimer Fison, and so feels unable to sign the petition.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Thanks Benn for his letter and advice about Fiesole [in response to his own 16/28]; seems less likely now that they will be staying at Fiesole and will probably take the Kerr Lawsons' villa at Corbignano, since the 'young painter' [Will] Arnold Forster seems 'quite satisfied with that neighbourhood' for painting purposes; if not they will probably stay at the Italia or Aurora as Benn advises. They will probably start on 3 October, arriving on 6 or 7 October; will bring the Abercrombies to see Benn soon after that. Will be glad to read Benn's Milton essay. Apologises for his 'forgetfulness about the postage' and wishes for 'a universal penny post'.

Monk's Walk Cottage, Much Marcle, Dymock, Gloucester. - Thanks Trevelyan for his criticism of his play "Deborah", on which he reflects and will use as guidance for alterations in several places, though he will largely let the work stand. Will not try to keep blank verse throughout his next play; liked Trevelyan's approach in "Parsifal" very much. Will send "Deborah" to Arche [sic: William Archer?], but it is probably an experiment which ought not to be acted. Is glad that Trevelyan has told [William?] Arnold Forster that the Abercrombies live near his camp; they hope to see him.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Has arranged to go abroad early next month with [Lascelles] Abercrombie, his wife [Catherine], and [William] Arnold-Forster, 'the son of [Balfour's] War-minister'. They have been offered the Kerr Lawsons' house at Corbignano, and will probably go there, though he wishes they could find somewhere higher in the hills, either at or near Fiesole. Seems that Mr [Edward Strachan] Morgan cannot let Monte Fiano at the moment; this would have been perfect as 'Forster wants to paint the Arno valley from above' and there are splendid views there, but perhaps there is another house to let in the neighbourhood, or pension 'not too dear, nor too uncomfortable'. Very kind of the Kerr Lawsons to offer, but it is a way from the top of the hills; asks Benn to let them know if he knows of an alternative. Abercrombie says he had a 'very interesting letter' from Benn about his "[Sale of ] St Thomas", and seemed 'very pleased' by Benn's remarks.

47 Greenbank Road, Birkenhead. - Still in the north, and will not be returning until the end of the month, but will then be delighted to put up Trevelyan and [? William Edward] Arnold Forster, who will easily be able to walk or cycle to Monk’s Walk Cottage from the Wyche [Inn, Malvern]. Will start moving things over to the new house [at Dymock] on their return, but this will not affect Trevelyan's visit.

23, West Road, Cambridge. - Thanks Bessie for her letter; they will indeed 'all miss our beloved Will [Arnold-Forster], who was 'so much to us in our younger days'. His portrait of her hangs in the dining room here with an artificial light over it; they 'could not make much of it' in the [Trinity Master's] Lodge as the lighting was difficult, but now it is back in its proper place. She and George are 'happily back in this house'; hopes they will stay here 'forever' now; the Lodge was 'impossible' once she became 'so feeble in walking'. The Adrians have not yet moved in, since there are 'such huge repairs to be done' on the electric wiring and structural deficiencies; is 'thankful to be out of it'.

Robin Ghyll, Langdale, Ambleside. - Has not yet been able to send George's 'travel budget', as he has wanted it as reference for his articles for the "Contemporary" and "Nation' about his 'adventures'; will send 'the whole bundle of letters' as soon as she can. Explains about her 'silly little accident', caused by jumping over a flower-bed at Stocks; had to lean on 'Humphry's pushcart' to get back to the cottage, and Dr Harrison had to bring one of the 'best surgeons from St Thomas's' to see her as after bed-rest she had 'one hip inches higher than the other'. The surgeon said she could come up to Robin Ghyll as long as she arranged to have massage, which is now speeding her recovery. Mary and Humphry are very well, and have had 'their beloved "Cousin Will" [Arnold-Forster] to play will'; he however is leaving tomorrow, and returns to Italy in about ten days. Great fun to show Bob around at Whitsuntide; wonders if he will ever 'beguile' Bessie here too.

2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Sends the 'little portrait of the Stadtholder [Julian?]' she promises; asks Bessie to pass on the photograph of Humphry to Caroline. Loved Bessie's letter about 'Julian's as yet inarticulate spirits'; she shouldn't mind his speech a little late, as she herself has just had '3 Trevies together at breakfast' - George, Charles, and Mary - and her 'head is still singing with it'. Is being 'such a lady', since 'if things go all right this week & next there'll be a new little Trevy being made in this world'; is resting on the sofa, taking hansoms beyond walking distance, and 'enjoy[s] it very much' as she was 'born lazy'; gives her lots of time for writing her 'Theo book'. Good that Bob is having a nice time at Settignano; wonders whether the 'wandering William [Arnold Forster?] will ever make up his mind to start in pursuit'; he is meant to be staying with them for a night or two on the way, but she has heard nothing from him.

Casa Boccaccio. - Thanks his mother for her letter. Has also just had a postcard from Bessie in London saying she has found Julian 'very happy, though a bit livery after the journey'. He seems to have enjoyed his stay at Wallington very much; Robert is 'so glad he seems to have given you and Papa so much pleasure'. Wants to see him 'very much', but thinks he would be 'unwise' to return before the end of the month as the weather is 'splendid' again and he should be able to do more work. The Abercrombies went home on Wednesday; [Will Arnold] Forster is here now and has been 'rather seedy' but is better now. He is a 'very pleasant companion'.

Is sorry George is 'so depressed', and sympathises with him about Italy [the Italo-Turkish war], but 'really one cannot bear the burdens of the world beyond a point, even the burdens of the sins of one's favourite country'. They had a 'delightful tour round Arezzo, Assisi, Perugia, Siena and San Geminianio [sic: Gimignano]'. The 'colours now are at their best, as the oaks are beginning to turn'. Is very sorry that his parents had some trees blown down in the latest storm.

Sends love to his father, is 'very glad he is going to bring out his Vol I this winter'. He wants to publish his own book in the Spring, but wants to include Ariadne [The Bride of Dionysus] and will 'have to consult Donald [Tovey]'. Is glad she enjoyed Tovey's 'Casals concert': Casals is a 'wonderful player, and Donald always plays his best with him'. Now must go out 'onto the hills to work'.

Casa Boccaccio. - Thanks his mother for her letter; asks her to tell Bessie that he will write to her tomorrow. Is glad to have a good account of her and Julian. The weather here is 'now quite hot again'. Is getting on 'fairly' with his work, and is having a pleasant time. The Abercrombies seem to enjoy it here very much, and Lascelles has got on well with his work. They are 'very pleasant companions'. [Will] Arnold Forster has not yet arrived, but they expect him next week.

Has a 'very uneventful' life here, and has not yet been down to Florence. Occasionally dines with the Berensons, and met Edith Wharton 'the novellist [sic] there' last time; she 'seemed clever', but he did not see much of her; she says [Henry] James is 'very much better'. Hears James is coming to Welcombe at Easter. Wharton does not think James' 'last book [The Outcry], about picture-dealing, one of his best; and it seems anyhow to have been originally designed as a play'.

Must finish now, as the weather is so good. Expects it was 'too late for the Grafton to ask for the picture'; she should see the show if possible. They hear nothing about the [Italo-Turkish] war here, and he does not take an Italian paper. Sends love to his father, Bessie and Julian.

2 Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Thanks Bob for "The Bride of Dionysus": has read it with 'the greatest delight' and thinks it easily the strongest thing he has published, except perhaps "Sisyphus" which was very different. Also likes the short poems and the [translations] of Lucretius and "Attys" [Catullus 63]. The "Bride" is the 'only good libretto' he has ever read. Thinks Bob's conception of Dionysus is 'right, certainly legitimate and successful'; Will A[rnold] F[orster] says that Bob and Vernon Lee 'had a royal row over it'; as far as he can tell Bob is perfectly entitled to portray the god as 'more dignified and fundamental than Titian's Bacchus'. Very much hopes that the opera can be performed.

The View, Upper Wyche, near Malvern. - Thanks her for her letter; hopes she is 'quite well' now and has not found the cold weather trying; it has been 'fearfully cold' up here, though today is better. Expects Bessie will be going to his mother at Welcombe today; believes she 'had to change her plans because of visits'. Would like very much to go home by way of Welcombe after Easter: perhaps Bessie could come over here for a week or two, though this would be best early next week since 'the house will be full on Easter Sunday, and perhaps on the Thursday before Easter'. Colwall is the nearest station.

Gets on well with [Will] A[rnold] Forster, a 'very pleasant companion'. Does not remember Malvern at all,'nor the chickenpox'. This is a 'beautiful place'; they are 'nearly up at the top, and have a very wide view from the windows', and the lodgings are comfortable. Expects Julian will enjoy being at Welcombe; will be 'very glad to see him again'. A pity nurse [Catt] did not 'quite get well again at Eastbourne', but hears she is better. Sends love to his father.

Marine Hotel, Criccieth. - Was 'very grieved' to hear from Bessie yesterday of Aunt Meg's death: had 'felt it was likely, but did not know it was so near'. Is 'very sorry for Phil and Robin'; wrote yesterday to Phil. She was 'always very kind and affectionate' to Robert, and 'very kind to Bessie from the first'; will 'always think of her most affectionately'.

Hopes his mother's stay at Eastbourne [with Bessie] has made her 'really better, and that this trouble won't undo any of the good'. Bessie reports that Julian is well, and that nurse [Catt?] 'seems on the whole better'; she will have gone home yesterday. Encloses George's article, which is 'very well done'.

Is staying here until next Wednesday; will then go to Malvern for a week or two with [Will] A[rnold] Forster. Robert's friend here, [Gordon] Bottomley, is 'rather better, but it is a bad case [of TB]'. Sends love to his father.

Greatwood, Falmouth, Cornwall. - Has had a pleasant week with Lord Stonehaven, head of the Conservative Central Office; conversation on Beaverbrook and Mosley has been congenial though international relations and war have been more difficult topics. Much likes Hilton [Young]. Has enjoyed seeing Lady Falmouth [Kathleen, wife of 7th Viscount Falmouth?] and taking tea at the Orangery at Trevissick. Is going tomorrow to see the Arnold Forsters. Has been reading Augustine's Confessions with interest; wonders why religion makes people 'so denunciatory'; possible role of religion 'for the masses' of making the world 'more odd and interesting' as 'cultivation' does for him. Two children here: Wayland Hilton Young, who is 'competent, cocky and insolent', and his friend Tony White, whose mother might know the 'C. Trevys', and who suffers like Forster from night-terrors exacerbated by Hilton's reading aloud of [Conan Doyle's] 'The Speckled Band'.

Has decided to go to London so that his masseur can attend to the neuritis in his arm; this means he probably will not be able to visit. Best wishes for the year. The weather in Cornwall has been very blustery, but he has enjoyed the Forsters [William and Ka Arnold-Forster?] very much.

Basset Down, Wroughton, Wilts. - Thanks Bob for the book ["The Bride of Dionysus"], and wishes he could have stayed in London to do so in person; thinks it 'so fine'. The 'operatic convention' has made it very concentrated - 'every line tells' - and the 'long delay' in preparation has given it 'that last "trade-finish"', so as George was saying recently it is the only libretto ever 'that was moving by itself'. Comments on 'what stuff Vernon Lee did talk about the Dionysus business'. Thinks it will be a 'tremendous climax', with the audience so excited that they 'forget to fuss about opera cloaks and all that'. Asks how everyone is, and how Bob's new book is going; hopes the British public will 'play up'. Is going back to Monte Fiano for a year from 1 June, so has been 'having a rampage and seeing lots of people before retiring to [his] wonderful hermitage'. Asks whether Bob will be in London on 20 or 23 May. Wonders if Bob got his last letter and call at 2 Cheyne Gardens; left a parcel for him there.