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Thanks Nora for the reviews of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which he returns to her [not included]. Agrees that the people who did not know Henry or his work are the people who disapprove of the book. Adds that they could not accommodate everybody. Also returns [letters from] J.B. Mayor, 'O[scar] B[rowning]' and Lady Rayleigh [not included]. Lists the publications from which he has reviews of the book, and undertakes to send Nora any that she has not got. Has already given away five copies of the book, and has 'not quite finished yet'.

States that he does not forget that Cowell was to be at Lugano on 10 September, and announces that he will give 'no possible clue' as to his own whereabouts, beyond stating that he is 'still at this ancient seat of learning', but intends to go the following week to Llandudno, where his people are. Remarks that he has not seen 'the annual J.J.C in the Times yet'.

Reports that Trotter has returned, and that he and Sedley Taylor went up Mont Blanc. Enquired whether they had seen Cowell, and Trotter said that he 'hooted all the way from Grindelwald to Chamounix', and claimed that Cowell must have heard him, but 'wouldn't cry "cuckoo" '. Reports that he had 'an [angels] visit from Bowen the other day, which gave light and life to [their] proceedings. Refers to a four oared race with Huntingdon that Bowen organised, and to the fact that [George Henry?] Richards was 'stroke of the University.' Declares that 'Trevelyan is a splendid correspondent' and that he seems to be enjoying himself.

Reports that Henry Sidgwick and Brandreth have both been [to Cambridge] during the previous week. States that he 'never saw Sidg in such a state of embarrassment'. He had just accepted a Rugby mastership, but seemed to have forgotten about his composition lecture the following term. Adds that Clark was at Constantinople, and so Sidgwick 'could not get out of his difficulty except by telegraphing; he wrote subsequently to Temple to decline altogether, but was immensely disgusted at his "Vaughnism" - and on Monday morning packed his bag, and rushed to Paris, overwhelmed with shame and chagrin, to learn dancing.'

States that he has promised Eve to take his place at Wellington College during the fellowship week, and that when the fellowship exam is over Trevelyan, Wilson, and possibly Tawney are going to join Young in Wales. Reports that '[a] man called Thomas Harvey brother to the blacksmith who fires the guns, unfortunately smashed his mother[']s brains out, and two other people[']s heads in with a hammer the other day, at Fen Ditton, he got off and eluded the police for five days, by [clearly] hanging himself 50 ft high on a tree, not 200 yds from his mother[']s house.' Sends his love to Browning.

Reports that Minnie gave birth to 'a very nice plump little boy' that morning', and is well. States that Edward was away for the birth. Adds that Elizabeth claims that the baby is like William. Refers to Henry's letter, and states that they are all astonished at his 'cheap board and lodging with instruction', but expresses concern about 'those dreadful scourges' which afflict him by night. Is grateful for his description of 'the strange ceremony at Aix.' Hopes that he will find a companion to travel with. Announces that Edward 'is emancipated now and in a few days, all being well with Minnie and his babe'. Adds that he intends to go to Marlborough for a few days and the following week to join the party at Nab Cottage for a week. States that Mr Lightfoot has induced him to do so, and she is sure that it will do him good. Complains that the weather is very gloomy. Reports that Edward was not very well when his boys went away, and she does not think he has fully recovered yet. Remarks on Minnie's selflessness with regard to Edward. Reports that she has heard from William, and is now writing to him at Innsbruck, where she supposes he and Mr [Francis?] Otter will be in a week's time. Adds that he wrote from Munich, and had seen Henry's friends Cowell and Browning on their way to him. Sends Edward's and Minnie's love to him.

Announces that it is '[a]ll right about Graham', and that they can regard it as a delegation, but they must let [Oscar?] Browning have the names. Reports that he has been reading Myers' proof, which seems to him 'quite the right thing', but suggests some additions and emendations. Claims that 'the previous Report of the Literary Committee affirmed unhesitatingly the existence of telepathic impressions', whereas [Myers' report] apparently treats this question as open.' States the necessity of reconciling the position of the former report with that of the new one. Also suggests some alterations to certain phrases used within the report. Reports that the lecture was 'fairly successful: so far as [Sidgwick] and Gurney [could] judge.' States that he [sent] [Gurney] Podmore's proposal, which he approves.

States that the 'Shakespeare of [their] age' [Mrs Lewes/George Eliot] has sent the 'enclosed' [not included], and asks Myers to return it. Looks forward to seeing Myers 'on Saturday.' Regrets that Browning 'does not give satisfaction', and confesses to being partly responsible, as he 'approved in a general way Browning's plea'. Claims to be 'rather vague as to [his] notions of teaching history by letter.' Declares Myers' pupils' letter to be 'very interesting, but states that it would 'somewhat perplex' him to answer it straightforwardly. Remarks that Taine 'certainly does overdo his philopaganism', and that he [Sidgwick] 'should administer Renan (suppressing his name)'. With regard to Lady Amberley states that he once saw her and thought she showed off and expected him to do the same too much. Claims that he has to be 'in unusually high spirits to feel pleasantly stirred by this variety of the neo-feminine type.

Letters from Browning dated 7 Dec. 1893, 30 Jan. 1906, 20 Oct. 1908.

Appreciates Sidgwick's long letter. Reports that he has been well informed of Trinity, and more particularly, of 'Apostolic' news. Refers to his present illness. Asks for Sidgwick's advice in relation to whether or not he should take the Tripos examination or to stake his credit on some future Fellowship Exam. Asks whether he should study Pindar, Martial, Propertius and others. States that if he has any time it must be devoted partly to history and partly to '[Gk] Comp'. Asks if it is 'not fearful to forget the Greek for the simplest words, and to feel as well able to compose an air as an Iambic'. Reports that to him were sent three copies of Horace [at the University of Athens by G. O. Trevelyan?] which he discusses. Claims that '[Burnand] would have written a more telling piece for the stage, and Trevelyan should have produced something more worthy of his pen for the general public', but says that it nevertheless gave him an hour's laughter. Expresses regret that he missed 'the Professor's [Rhesio]', and asks if he was Platonical or ironical [W. H. Thompson, Regius Professor of Greek?]. Refers to a report in 'the Standard' about M. Milnes' attempt to canvass for Lord Palmerston in Cambridge within a few hours of the Chancellor's death [Prince Albert, Chancellor of Cambridge University until his death]. Expresses his contentment that Sidgwick [and others] 'have thrown the mantle upon [John?] Stanning', and supposes that the Duke of Devonshire 'is pretty safe of the Chancellorship'. Presumes that [Oscar?] Browning 'must have come down heavy upon [Sidgwick and others]...with his loyalty, during the last few days.' Refers to 'the great American debate', and is glad that the Arbitration [ ] will now be squashed. Refers to Miller's arguments, which he claims he could not have endured any more than Sidgwick. Tells him to remind Cowell, if he is still at Cambridge, that he promised to write to him.

Ivyholt. - Apologises for the delay in writing: Helen wanted to address a poem to Trevelyan about his flowers though Fry has warned her Melodie Dolmetsch [sic: Elodie, Arnold Dolmetsch's second wife] had no success that way. Thinks they will not visit till the end of the month. Is reading Balzac. His portrait of the 'O.B.' [Oscar Browning] got very like but he has made him 'a little sanctimonious': thinks he will be able to put this right, but doubts whether he is good at likeness or character. The proofs [of his book on Giovanni Bellini] have gone; mocks himself for his Gallicisms. Offers to talk to White regarding the disagreement over Trevelyan's taking a lease on a house: thinks it would be best to insist the lease is terminable in case of building. Doodle of Pegasus. A line in Helen Fry's hand should introduce a poem, but nothing follows: incomplete letter?

Typewritten copy. Has not neglected the letter and enclosures Browning sent him from Adelboden: after considering the enclosures he is doubtful as to whether it is desirable that he should try to 'mix up' his ideas with Browning's. It is his belief that 'the matter of Political Science should be systematized on a more clearly evolutionary plan', which should be mainly confined within the limits of European development. Discusses the way in which Browning's lectures are laid out, and gives his suggestions as to their content, with reference to the city-states of ancient Greek and Rome, oligarchy, democracy, 'Tyrannis', federalism, medieval institutions, theocracy, absolute monarchy and so on. Says what he gives is a 'rough sketch', and remarks that it would probably not suit Browning's plan of lecturing. Also notes that Browning will 'have some trouble to effect a compromise between [his] ideas and [Basil?Hammond's'.

Will be in Cambridge on the following Friday; suggests that they might meet there and talk over the matter. If Browning is inclined to bring in Henry's ideas to some extent, he will be glad to frame a scheme that will be a kind of combination of both men's ideas. Is glad Browning has enjoyed his 'Kur [cure]'.

After writing his letter the previous night [105/28] he began to think that he had better work out his own syllabus for Browning: encloses a rough sketch of it [included]. Adds that he still adheres to the view expressed in his letter that if Browning does not agree with Sidgwick he had better not try to make compromise with him, as he will have enough to do in compromising with Hammond 'and other historical lecturers.'

Typewritten copy of Sidgwick's 'syllabus' in relation to Browning's lectures in Political Science. Lays out in point form his suggested subject matter, beginning with 'Object and method of Political Science. Definition of State, Political Society, Government' and so on Other subjects include 'Development of the city-state in Greece.', 'The gradual formation of West-European nations.', 'Mediaeval representative institutions.', modern democracy and institutions. Concludes with 'Final comparison and classification of different forms of polity.'

Regrets that he cannot come to visit Sidgwick in Cambridge that year. Explains that he could not leave home before 16 December, and that [Francis Warre?] Cornish is coming to stay on 20 December. Invites Sidgwick to visit him on his way to [John Jermyn?] Cowell, or after his visit. Informs him that if he comes soon after Christmas he will find [John Burnell?] Payne there, and probably Dr [David?] and Mrs Rowland. Mentions that [Oscar?] Browning might also pay a visit. Describes the search for water by 'young Okeden', and how it was discovered that an underground stream to a well in the village ran from north to south. Reports that the 'Tennyson boys' told him that the Times reported that their father had changed college 'in consequence of a quarrel with her bread and butter'. States that Tennyson was in no other college but Trinity.

The Shiffolds. - Glad to hear his parents are well, and hope soon to travel to Welcombe, before the cold weather begins. Here the weather is damp, but still quite warm. Spent a 'pleasant weekend' with George and Janet at Berkhamsted; they all paid a call to Matthew Arnold's daughter [], who lives near Tring. George has since sent his Manin [and the Venetian Revolution of 1848], which Robert and Bessie 'are reading aloud in the evening with great pleasure'.

Sees that Oscar Browning is dead; people will probably 'remember his faults rather than his merits, but King's [students] and dons often speak of him with a certain affection, especially the more liberal-minded ones'; he was generally 'in alliance' with these in University and College affairs, though Robert imagines he 'was apt to be a troublesome ally'. Julian 'writes cheerfully from Bedales, and seems to have begun the term well'.

The Shiffolds. - Went to London on Thursday for the [Apostles'] Dinner, which was a 'great success. George made a good Presidential speech, with an amusing apostolic myth... about why Tomlinson and not Macaulay was founder of the Society'. Sat between Forster and McTaggart. Dickinson 'spoke well and wittily about the O. B. [Oscar Browning]'; Walter Leaf and [Alfred North?] Whitehead were also good. The Vice-President, Thompson [perhaps George Derwent Thomson], 'took the precaution of writing out his speech, which though elaborate was above the average for Vice-Presidential speeches'. There were about twenty-eight or twenty-nine people present, 'rather more than usual'.

Left Bessie at home with a 'strained shoulder', she is recovering, though still has her arm in a sling. Will try to get to one of the performances of the Oresteia by the Balliol undergraduates; from what he hears it is unlikely to be very good. They acted it in various places in the south of England last year, though he did not see any performances himself. Expects they have improved; may go to see them at Winchester on 7 July. They are using his 'complete translation... published in January 1923, not the theatre version which was printed opposite the Greek for the Cambridge performance of 1921'. They do not of course act out the whole trilogy; should think they leave out a third or more. Sends love to his mother.

29 Beaufort St, Chelsea:- Has seen his mother's letter to Charlie; is glad to hear the journey 'has been so far so delightful'. Wonders if they will go on to Ravenna; since the weather is fine, he hopes they will. Once had 'an hour' in Bologna, 'chiefly a flying visit to the gallery'; thought that it 'with its collonades [sic] and fascinating though somewhat ugly towers seemed quite unlike any other town in Italy', and would have liked to see more of it.

Hopes to see Charles today: has not seen him for a long time. Bernard Shaw came to dinner with them [Robert and Roger Fry] recently: they had 'the greatest difficult in getting him to eat or drink anything', and he would 'scarcely eat' a risotto they had 'specially prepared for him, because he detected a flavour of animal gravy in it'. Shaw 'made up for his fastidiousness by talking the whole evening', and Robert 'was very glad to listen'; has written a one act play about Napoleon [The Man of Destiny, first performed in Nov 1897], and has been 'studying military history for some time'. Robert thinks he ought to 'turn out something original in the Napoleonics'.

Roger has 'practically finished his portrait of Mrs W[iddrington?]', having 'considerably altered the face' since Robert's mother saw it, 'when it was very unsatisfactory'; Robert now thinks it 'very good'. To Roger's 'great amusement', the 'O. B. [Oscar Browning]' has commissioned a portrait from him.

Saw the Holman Hunts last Sunday; they were 'charmed' by the flowers his mother sent them. The 'old boy is painting a picture which promises to be the ugliest he has yet done. It has great merit in many ways, but in his old age he he seems to have lost all idea of what combinations of colours are beautiful'. Is going this evening to a 'Mottle concert [one conducted by Felix Mottl?]': has not heard except the Mikado for a 'dangerously long time*. Hopes his father is 'enjoying himself, and is reading his Dante regularly'.

They are beginning to work again, and are preparing for a very long term; wishes that 'Convocation, instead of persecuting some miserable heretic, would fix Easter to the same day of the month every year'. Remarks that he should have written all his letters on his visits instead of having them all to write now when he ought to be reading Euripides. Enjoyed all his visits very much: found [Oscar] Browning just returned from Paris where he had been inspecting French schools. Refers to a letter of Brownings in Tuesday's Times, signed O.B. Remarks on the lack of freedom in French schools, and a Frenchman's views that English boys were 'beaucoup plus sages: mais... beaucoup moins intelligents' [much better behaved, but much less intelligent].

Reports that he was in Wellington College, but states that he 'could have dispensed with the [Isackes], who he found became a bore. Observes that Martin 'is growing interesting',and remarks what a thorough Sidgwick he is. Predicts that 'the other boy [Arthur] will be much finer-looking', and asserts that the baby [Nelly] looks like Minnie. Asks his mother when she expects Arthur [home], and reports that he has heard of him from Cobb, who has been in Dresden. Mentions that his friend Payne is gone as a master to Wellington College, and asks her to tell this to Arthur. Hopes that she enjoyed her visit to Oxford. Asks her to send two books that he left: The Statesman's Yearbook and 'Colonel Browne's Persian MS'. Reports that he read 'a delicious story in the Cornhill of Feb. called "Tid's old Red rag of a shawl".' Would like to know by whom it was written, as it is 'by no hand familiar' to Sidgwick, and 'wonderfully fresh, animated, and original' [the author was Henrietta Keddie].

Letters from Oscar Browning, Sir Geoffrey Butler, H. M. Butler, Randall Davidson, Lord Durham, George W. E. Russell, G. P. Gooch, J. L. Hammond, R. G. Longman, Charlotte Lilas Ramsay, George Trevelyan and including a letter to Gordon Butler from A. W. R. D.

Entreats Sidgwick not to be persuaded by 'O.B.' [?Oscar Browning, representing Eton in the Apostles] or by anyone else that 'these lists represent the ordinary condition of the school.' Refers to mathematics, and a comparison with Rugby.

Scores for: 'Love of Good'; 'Love of Beauty'; 'Pride of Intellect'; 'Lust of Power'; 'Desire for Independence'; 'Kindness'; 'Sensationalism'; 'Sensuality; and 'Love of Work' given for 'O. B.' [Oscar Browning], Dr Johnson, Montagu Butler; Verrall; Welldon; Plato; and 'Ashley B[ickersteth]'. Plato scores highest with a total of 62 out of 90, and Butler lowest with 43. On a separate sheet, the characteristics are drawn in a spiral from 'Love of God' out to 'Love of Work'.

Writes to express his admiration for the book Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir, which he found very interesting. States that he 'knew most of it before, but...did not expect to find it stated so vividly in a manner to attract those who did not know him.' Remarks that in the book, however, there is nothing about 'the teaching of political as distinguished from antiquarian history, and the training of teachers' - two questions that Henry and he often used to discuss; says since Henry's death he has had no one to help him [in the latter question] 'except the Master of Peterhouse [Adolphus Ward], who is very busy.' Says he has many of Henry's letters, and asks if he should send them to Nora. Asks her to let Arthur Sidgwick know what he thinks of the book.

Reports that his headmaster 'has commited himself to the teaching of physics' at Eton, and is unable to find anyone to come and teach it there. Asks Sidgwick if he thinks it worthwhile to invite Danby, who is at Trinity, to the school to teach the subject during June and July. States that the post would only be temporary as Hornby 'has an Oxford man in view whom he hopes to appoint.' Claims that his contemporaries at Trinity 'are not so much interested in the enlargement of schooling', and doubts whether they knew Danby by sight. Reports that there are soon to be 'two men resident [at Eton] one professing experimental science the other natural history, [say] botany', and that the mathematical teachers begin that week 'teaching the element of mechanics and astronomy.'

Relates that seven or eight of their classical men will be working [at] French, and that a third French master is to be added to the two existing ones, but cannot be found. Also reports that their German, 'hitherto an extra master, is to teach about thirty volunteers out of the first hundred boys', that the Italian master probably will do the same, and that 'Hornby thinks of absorbing the residue, in logic, himself.' States that 'play hours remain unbroken' however. Announces that he has asked Balfour to let him see the questions Sidgwick set him in philosophy. Expresses the hope of persuading John [Mozley?] 'to do the same in King's'. Reports that a year ago he sent to the latter a schedule of Jowett's and Ilbert's subjects for essays, 'but nothing came of it.'

Assures Sidgwick that Hornby would remunerate Danby 'like any London lecturer such as Rodwell when Browning [tried]', and that he would be 'made comfortable'. Declares that Eton is 'a very pleasant place in summer.'

Points out two mistakes in Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir; one being on page 115, which states that Kegan Paul was Rector of Bailie, Wimborne. Explains that Bailie was the name of the town in which he lived, and that he was actually Rector of Sturminster Marshall. Also points out that Nora's brother Frank Balfour died on the Aiguille Blanche, and not on the slopes of Mont Blanc.

On headed notepaper, address Eton College, motto 'Be just and fear not'. - Condolences on the death of Lady Houghton. Also asks for help with membership of the Athenaeum and Cosmopolitan Clubs.

Letter of acceptance for the 1905 Apostles' dinner.

Headed 'Trinity College'. Handwritten note [addressed to HS], and other handwritten emendations.

94: re Oscar Browning.

Seatoller, Borrowdale, Keswick. - Thanks his mother for her letter. The weather has not been so good recently, but any rain has been brief. Bessie seems 'very well at Rottingdean [where she is visiting her friend Jeanne Salomonson]' and is coming here on the 5th; wonders if it would suit for them to come to Wallington around the 13th or 14th, but expects Bessie will be writing about this. Does not think he will finish his play here, but will read it to her if she likes; will at least have done more than half of the final act.

The new Slade Professor is 'a certain Walstein [Charles Waldstein, later Walston]; he has held the position before and 'proved his incompetence'. He is 'the most notorious snob in Cambridge, far out-doing the O. B. [Oscar Browning], and a quite odious man as well''. Thinks his father met him recently there, and 'did not get a good impression'. Seems that it was settled that Fry should have the professorship, but 'at the last moment Poynter and Walstein, who is a great intimate with royalty, got it settled their way instead. Everyone is very angry': Sidney Colvin 'is said to be quite furious'.

That is a 'personal matter', and Robert only knows one side, but 'the bigger issue is really important'. Almost 'all the merit and intelligence among both artists and students has for a long time 'been outside and opposed to the [Royal] Academy', and yet the Academy has 'enormous power in many directions'. The 'Chantrey Bequest affair' is of 'secondary importance' in itself, but may 'serve as an occasion to break their power'. Certainly not the case of only a narrow clique '(the New Eng[lish Art Club, for instance) that is hostile to the Academy, but all who care strongly about art'; nor is the hostility 'a personal attack on Poynter, who is more intelligent than most of them', and Robert believes him to be 'a perfectly straight man according to his lights'.

Has a gun at Wallington, though may have 'Bowen's gun [which came to Robert after E E Bowen's death] sent there' from Westcott. Should have said that it is 'now really settled' about their house: the clearing of the site was to start last week, it is due to be finished by February 20 [1905], with the roof being on by 20th November [this year]. They are 'very glad all the bother is over'.