Casa Boccaccio, Settignano, Florence, Italy. - Sorry to hear that Julian has had a bad cold; Elizabeth has sent his two first letters; glad he is getting on well [at Bedales], expects Elizabeth will visit soon. The 'common people speak Italian just like Arrius [in Catullus 84]' and put aspirates after their consonants. Glad they pronounce Latin 'properly' at Bedales; afraid he himself is 'shaky' about his 'v's'. Asks to be remembered to Mr [Reginald] Roper. Originally enclosing some photographs taken in this villa and the garden here; the library is modern but 'in the old Italian style', and he works or writes letters in it every morning, going up into the hills when the weather is fine. Large quarries and caves there, but he has met 'no tribe of Troglodites'; expects the Romans 'drove them all over the Alps'. Also originally enclosing some stamps (one Estonian) which the librarian has just received in the post. Sees there will be a by-election at Darlington, and hopes Julian will use his 'influence with the Mayor of Hurtenham [his imaginary town' in favour of any Labour candidate; though he expects Labour do not have much chance. Asks to be remembered to the [Thomas Sturge] Moores if Julian sees them, and to Igor [Anrep?].
Is sorry that Trevelyan has 'this bother' [of going before a tribunal as a conscientious objector] and is very happy to provide a statement attesting to his honesty. Suggested version originally enclosed for approval; this is now not present but the letter is on a sheet of paper used by Fry for a draft of the statement which is cancelled but still legible. Fry is sorry he missed the [Apostles'?] dinner; now is back at Bo Peep [Alciston, Sussex] and working hard. If Julian [Fry] is still at Bedales next term, which depends on his tribunal, will tell him to look after Julian [Trevelyan] at Dunhurst. Hears Dunhurst is now greatly improved. Will write to Roper, whom he thinks is doing much good at Bedales. Trevelyan will know Fontanelle, as he knows 'all the books' (quotes Mallarme in French); but he himself did not and finds him witty and wise.