2 Turner Drive, N.W.11. - He and [his wife] José have just come back from a fortnight at Grindelwald; 'delighted' to find Bob's "Windfalls" on their return. Glad that Bob has included 'such lovely things' as his essays on solitariness and the Wallington Ponds. They will much enjoy reading aloud from the book, a 'pastime... learned from the Shiffolds'. The weather in Switzerland was 'wretched', but they still managed two twenty mile walks and climbed the Faulhorn on the 'few glorious days'; the food and change of scene helped José get over her appendicitis and complications, and she has 'now caught the travelling bug' as he knew she would; he 'must try to get her to Italy'. They are currently busy as José's sister is getting married on Saturday; he has had to 'make up for arrears of weeding in [his] vegetable allotment'. Sends love to Bessie; wishes Bob could have done the walks in Switzerland with them.
45 Bernard St, W.C.1. - Received a 'grand Xmas card' from Bob on Friday ["A Dream"?]: it cheered him up just when he was feeling miserable because of a cold. Read the poem aloud to a friend, who liked it very much. Hopes to hear Bob read it aloud when he comes to the Shiffolds, which he hopes to do by about Christmas. Re-read last year's card a few weeks ago and likes it, but this is even better. Adds a postscript saying that Jack Dodd and John [Luce] did not come on Saturday: if he does not hear from John, he will send [a Christmas present from Bob? see 4/119] to Gloucester [where John's relatives live] and ask them to forward it to him. Thinks John is upset that Tet Htoot has not been in touch; this is because Tet Htoot 'wasn't in a fit state to write to him, and the sort of letter [he] would write... in such moods would not cheer [John] up & would bore him to tears'. Bob's card now gives him an 'excuse' to John and 'make amends'.
Coniston; addressed to Julian at 7 Villa Brune, Paris XIVme. - Everyone sends love from Coniston; they go home tomorrow. They did not go up Helvellyn by Striding Edge [shown on the postcard], 'or any other way'. Hopes Julian's film is 'coming out well'. They have been to see Gordon [Bottomley], and the Luce children [John and Sandra] came to tea and were 'very jolly'. Signed by Bob, 'C.A' [Clifford Allen] and Joan [Allen].
Sends a 'brief Postscript' to his letter to Bessie to thank Bob for "Windfalls", "From the Shiffolds", and his translation of the "Eclogues and Georgics". Has told Bessie what he thinks of "Windfalls", which is 'much the same as what [his son] John says of them'; jokigly criticises Bob for using 'different to'. Asks him to write another volume of literary criticism: Bob is so 'right & just... here, & how interesting!' with 'living racy slants' on those he loves or hates; "Solitariness" is a 'masterpiece'. Was 'amazed at [Bob's] youthful vigour' on a long day climbing on the Untersberg [in 1935], and has the 'same feeling' about "Windfalls" and how 'fresh & fit' Bob's mind must be. In the Christmas carols ["From the Shiffolds"], he got a 'savage satisfaction' from "Rabbits and Foxes"; also thinks "Helen", in the metre of "Rose-cheeked Laura" is 'masterly', asks whether the metre is the invention of [Thomas] Campion or classical. Would love to read an essay by Bob on Campion - or on Fulke Greville, Herrick, Marvell, Donne, Gogarty, Ford or Waller: 'Everything almost'. Also much more to say about Milton; asks Bob to write more on Shelley as he has read 'nothing so fine about him as "The Poetry of Ecstasy" since Mrs Campbell's book ["Shelley and the Unromantics" by Olwen Ward Campbell?]. Bob must also have 'thousands of things to say' about the Greek poets.
West Watch, Ferry Drive, Wraysbury, Staines. - Is sorry to have caused trouble by leaving his rucksack behind, and thanks Trevelyan for rescuing it; would have been sorry to lose the anthologies it contained. The "Beggars' Opera" was great fun and it is a shame Trevelyan could not join them [Waley and John Luce]. Enjoyed the week in the Lakes very much, including the games of chess; trusts Trevelyan did finally beat Ted Lloyd [Edward Mayow Hastings Lloyd?].
Hotel Desmeules, Tadoussace, P.Q, Canada. - She, Sam, and Dr MacLean are taking a holiday, near where Rupert Brooke tried to swim the Saguenay river. Looks forward to receiving Trevelyan's "Windfalls", and stresses how much his poetry meant during the war. Was worried not to have heard from Bessie, since they are such good correspondents; conversely, only worries about Gordon when she sees his handwriting. Sure that someone from Dublin will 'prove adaptable' and solve the Trevelyan's domestic problems. Asks if John has mentioned that her nephew, John Victor, has been elected Fellow of Trinity College Dublin; it is a good thing for her brother, who lost his wife and daughter during the war, to have him near. Hopes Trevelyan will have a good time in Italy. Salvemini wrote that he found it 'exhilarating' to be back there and had faith the peasants would solve their political problems. Have been reading reports of the Olympic Games in London. Sorry to hear that Julian has been ill; medical profession in England rather in turmoil over the new laws [the establishment of the National Health Service]; shocked by Sandra's account of her confinement, and glad she and the baby are doing well now. She and Sam are coming to England next year and look forward to seeing the Trevelyans then.
The University of Rochester, College of Arts and Science, Rochester, New York, Biological Laboratories. - Was very touched by Trevelyan's letter and poem, and sent both on to Salvemini who deemed the poem 'worthy of Horace'. She and Sam send their warmest thanks. Has been in correspondence with Salvemini since sending him a note on impulse last Christmas; he has just asked if he can give a lecture at Rochester on 'peace aims' and she thinks the President should 'jump at the chance'. John wrote her a letter while staying with Joan Allen; he seemed cheerful, but rather bored. Very interested to hear about Julian, but Trevelyan's best news is that he is still writing poetry: this has inspired her to get on with her scientific paper. Gordon has written twice to ask if he can come next spring, but he may not have received her replies and much might interfere. He definitely said that he was retiring. She and Sam will befriend Quentin Keynes.
152 Robert'shaus, Yonkers, N.Y. - Sent Trevelyan a message in her last letter to Bessie to explain her delay in thanking him for "Thamyris": has spent the summer on research and fears when she returns home she will only be able to talk about the therapeutic action of sunlight. "Thamyris" interested her very much": she enjoyed the chapter on technique, which reminded her of an afternoon spent with Trevelyan at the Shiffolds; has always liked to analyse rhythm in poetry. Is lucky to be working with probably 'the only scientist in this country' who cares about poetry [Samuel Clausen?], and has lent him the book. Hopes that Trevelyan's suggestion that the rise of science inevitably means the death of poetry is not true, even if Darwin says his science spoiled his appreciation of poetry: 'common ground between poets and scientists' is needed. Apologises for only half answering Bessie's last letter; hopes she will send her manuscript if she has not made other plans. Gordon hopes to come home next spring with his wife and children.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - Apologises for not writing sooner: has been ill, and nursing Gordon who was also ill; also has to work on her Greek. Gordon is a 'strict teacher'. It is an honour to have Trevelyan's "Oedipus Coloneus" inscribed to them, especially to her 'an ignoramus and savage from Burma'. Quotes "Acts" in Greek [Acts 13.25]. Is glad that she waited to see John. Hopes Miss Simpkins is getting better. Sends love to Julian, Ursula, and Philip. They do not know when they will be allowed to return to Burma; will certainly visit to say goodbye before they do.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - Is very sorry to hear of Trevelyan's accident. If Bessie needs her to help nurse him when he comes out of hospital, they should let her know. Is doing a lot of gardening to keep warm. They have just received a telegram from John to say he has got back safely.
Postmarked Gloucester. - Relieved to hear Sturge Moore is none the worse. John is also well: after much anxiety, a wire has come from him indicating that he is in north Cornwall.
Postmarked Gloucester. - Will reserve a ticket for Trevelyan for the operas and concerts mentioned in the previous letter [4/163]; perhaps they can all leave Salzburg and go on to Italy together, the Luces to Venice and Trevelyan to Vallombrosa. The offer to escort John and Sandra is kind; will write to Arthur Waley and ask him to book rooms for them at the Gablerbräu. Sends love to Bessie and hopes all goes well with her eyes.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - John has been awarded a scholarship at King's College, Cambridge. Luce is overjoyed, and thanks Trevelyan, John's 'teacher and preacher'.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - He and Teetee have been ill for a week: apologises for not replying sooner. It is a great honour to have Trevelyan's "Oedipus Coloneus" inscribed to him and Teetee: she deserves it, having started Greek at age fifty and gone from Mark's Gospel to Acts to Book IV of the "Odyssey"; he himself has not, unless buying Dioscorides' "De Materia Medica" and Müller's "Geographi Graeci Minores" counts. When Teetee comes to visit, Trevelyan should start her on Sophocles: she may find the "Antigone" easier than the "Coloneus". John has left for a round of visits, including to the Trevelyans and Joan Allen. He seems much matured and kindlier; is beginning to think of the future and re-read Horace; may be free of the army by summer. Sorry to hear of Miss Simpkins' heart strain. Is delighted to hear the news of the Röntgens: are they warm enough for the winter? Warmth is 'Angela Lavelli's desideratum in Paris'.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - Is very grateful for the present [Trevelyan's edition of Arthur Waley's poems, "From the Chinese"] and encloses a revised version of his poem [see also 4/173, 183 and 184]. Explains the allusion in the final couplet: a Chinese story which has 'become the symbol for artistic restraint'. Still busy with getting the fourth and fifth portfolios of "Inscriptions of Burma" through the Press at Oxford, and his share of the Burmese Dictionary for Stewart. Is worried because he cannot get on with "Old Burma". John hopes to be in England by Christmas.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - Has written to the editor of the "Abinger Chronicle" to order the number containing Trevelyan's "Reminiscences" and something by E. M. Forster. Has been helping at the Gloucester Food Office for the last two months, writing identity cards and ration books: not profitable but he hopes useful, and he can do it with an easy conscience. Has taken one holiday of three days, cycling round the Cotswolds and comparing late Norman churches with Burmese temples. John has had his embarkation leave and left [for India]; he has a great 'βοῦς ἐπὶ γλώσσῃ' [lit. ox on his tongue: Aeschylus, "Agamemnon" 35] and has become very introvert. Sandra thinks that active service will help, as it did Theo, though Luce is doubtful. Wonders how Julian [Trevelyan] reacted to active service; his job, however, was not killing his fellow men as John's is. Hopes Ursula is well: has meant to go to Winchcombe to see her Pottery, but it is rather far from Gloucester. Laments the bombing of Italy, and questions whether anything will be left of the Renaissance; fears the Byzantine churches of Palermo will be dust.
University College, Rangoon. - Feels he remembers Trevelyan working on his "Sulla"; is touched by the thought of it being dedicated to him. Enjoys and understands Trevelyan's work more than most other modern poetry; wonders if anyone in the future will know the classics as he does, at least 'until the Second Dark Ages of Europe pass'. Cannot express how much his and Bessie's friendship have meant. Luce may come home for good any time now, since the new Burma government has brought in a bill 'to enslave' the University and make it a State University 'of the totalitarian type', which he has protested vigorously. He may be sacked, but if not he will go as soon as the Burman he is training to succeed him is ready. Does not want his children to know, particularly Sandra, since Ethel writes she now regrets not having gone to University and is attempting to get into Newnham. Hopes that Bessie and Trevelyan will encourage her, as she has rather an inferiority complex. Sends love to the Allens; wishes he were with them at Crummock. Asks Trevelyan to show him Coniston and Windermere when he is next in England, and urges him to come out to Burma.
The Rectory, Gt. Rissington, nr. Bourton on the Water. - Has been ill since his return from Italy and is only just responding to correspondence. Discusses what is owed to Trevelyan for the railway tickets to Salzburg: is unwilling to let him pay the difference between second and third class as John has learned a new enthusiasm for the Classics from him, and Ethel has written to say how much she enjoyed his company. Is sorry to hear Trevelyan found his Italian visit fatiguing. They stopped on their own return for three more days at Venice, where they visited Murano and Torcello, then brief stops at Padua and Ferrara; had two days at Ravenna, where the mosaics made a deep impression, and finally a day at Milan. 'Hunting for Hellas' has been rather a failure for him, but discovering Byzantine art a revelation: it links on to Buddhist and oriental art. Is very sorry to hear about Bessie's eye: knows she can show 'great heroism' in not inflicting her troubles on others. Hopes she will be able to find someone with a nice voice to read to her. Recommends that Trevelyan takes the tour which the Hellenic Club are thinking of arranging for Byzantinists next year. Is preparing two more portfolios of Old Burmese inscriptions. Must go to London 'to the rescue' of a young Burmese friend of his, Tet Tut [Tet Htoot?].
Hotel Gablerbräu, 9 Linzer Gasse, Salzburg, Austria. - Has arrived in Salzburg after a pleasant week 'gallivanting' through Germany, and booked a room at the Gablerbräu at Trevelyan. Salzburg reminds Luce of Mozart in its 'intricate yet resolved and overmastering beauty'. Guidance on the train journey through Germany, on which Trevelyan is taking Luce's children; the important part is the declaration of money taken out of Germany. Sends love to Bessie: hopes her eye is mending. Afraid she must not try and see Ethel and Sam at Southampton on their return, it is too difficult: it would almost be easier for her to come to Salzburg.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - Arrangements for railway tickets to Salzburg [for Trevelyan and Luce's children John and Sandra]: the Waleys had said that third class was comfortable in Germany, but second is fine if Trevelyan prefers. Hopes that they will arrive in time for "Don Giovanni" [at the Salzburg Festival]. Arthur Waley is going to Salzburg at some point. Hope Bessie is not anxious about her eye: recovery is bound to be slow. Asks Trevelyan to send a card to his sister Dora at this address with final instructions about meeting the children at Victoria.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - Asks when Trevelyan will be able to join them in Salzburg [for Toscanini's Salzburg Festival of music] his party will be Ethel and Sam [his sister and her husband], John and Sandra [his children]. Has booked tickets for "Don Giovanni", "Falstaff", "Cosi Fan Tutti", "Fidelio". "Iphigenia in Tauris", "Fidelio" and several concerts. Arthur Waley has taken rooms at the Gablerbräu. Bessie has given the impression that Trevelyan might prefer to come with John and Sandra at the end of July; it will be a great joy whenever he decides.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - It is good of Bessie to write, given her eye difficulties; will write to her at the nursing home and come to see her if he is in London. Ethel is not coming to England: he is to join her and Sam's boat at Southampton, go to Bremen, then cross Germany to Salzburg [for the Salzburg Festival of music]. Arthur Waley has engaged rooms at the Gablerbräu. Discusses tickets, for the Toscanini concert and others. Extracts from Arthur's letter to Luce originally enclosed, to tempt Bob to join the party: Luce gives several ways in which this could be brought about. John and Sandra would love to see him. Luce also asks if Bob might join them on the Hellenic cruise. Cannot make the Cambridge dinner if it is on June 18th, as he and Frank are taking John on a walking tour on his half-term holiday. Must try to be in Cambridge on the 29th for the Emmanuel dinner. Is wavering about Glyndebourne because of the expense.
Killarney very beautiful when the sun shines: unfortunately that is not often. Masses of rhododendrons. Thinks that MacGillicuddy's Reeks has the real beauty: they hope to climb Caranntool [Carrauntoohil], the highest peak in Ireland, tomorrow.
Postmarked Keswick. - Got Trevelyan's card on his return from Killarney. Seatoller House is lovely as ever, even better run by Mrs Cockbain. Gives his parents' address as the Home for Waifs and Strays, 114 Inya Rd, Rangoon; they have bought a house in Taunggyi, but their headquarters are still in Rangoon.
Crosthwaite [?], Keswick. - Is sorry Trevelyan is not with them. They did Glaramara on the first day, which is becoming his favourite, as it is Trevelyan's, though he still esteems Gable because of the Drum House ascent and the Traverse.
56th Light A. A. Battery R.A., Faroe Islands Force. Printed message reads: 'With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year'; Luce has added 'Lt. J.M. Luce', to the address and 'To Bob & Bessie', and signed the card 'John'.
West Watch, Ferry Drive, Wraysbury, Staines. - Would love to see Trevelyan's new dialogue, and suggests visiting for a weekend at the beginning of June: will write to Bessie to confirm. Has just spent a lovely night at Hartwood; its inhabitants are 'quite adorable', to use one of Joan [Allen's] words.
14 Beacon Hill, N.7. - He and José are engaged, though they are not thinking of getting married before next year. José writes what he considers to be 'rather lovely' poetry, and he would like to show it to Bob at some point.
14 Beacon Hill, N.7. - The people here do not want a maid after all, so he cannot help Frau Beyschley's niece personally; neither can Sandra. Ronald Chapman in Oxford, whom Joan [Allen] knows may want a maid so he has sent on details. Is glad to have Angela Lavelli's new address at the Hotel de Buci: cannot help her, but has sent on her letter to Stephen Waley, who now has his doctorate. Had prospect of going to Washington to take up a semi-permanent role as personal assistant to Sir James Grigg, but his superiors at the Treasury judged him indispensable. Waley wanted him to go and try again for the Civil Service exam in November, but he will continue at the Treasury and take the exam in the normal way: perhaps he should have pushed for Washington, but neither the place nor Grigg appealed.
Cats Corner, Godalming. - Encloses Ronald Chapman's poems; he is about twenty two, went to Eton and New College, and they met in Paris where they spent three months with the same family between school and university. Joan [Allen] liked him very much. It was very good to see Trevelyan and Bessie on Sunday. Joan gave him a wonderful welcome. He has written a country diary on the Lakes.