Empire Nursing Home, Vincent Square, London, S.W.1. - Is getting on very well now [after his operation] with little discomfort. Bessie reads Trollope to him most afternoons, and he usually has visitors each day: T[homas] S[turge] Moore is coming to tea today. Hopes Bessie will go to Paris next week, then on to Holland: no reason for her not to now Bob is 'so well' and go to the C.A.s [Clifford Allens] for the first couple of weeks after he leaves the nursing home. He works through chess games in the papers, and has just been looking at the tournament between Cambridge and Oxford, in which the marks were equal; Bronowski, whom he supposes is Julian's friend [Jacob] 'lost his game rather disastrously'. Terence Gray wants to do Bob's [translation of Euripides'] "Medea"in May, which he has agreed to but now regrets; Gray is trying to get [Maria] Germanova for Medea, but 'wants her to do it for nothing'; Bob has telegraphed to her saying she should 'on no account... accept the engagement. It is too monstrous'; Gray probably wants him to step in and pay Germanova himself, which he will not, as he will not be able to get to rehearsals and go through the part with her; Gray is also intending to put Medea in a mask, which is 'the height of folly' regarding Germanova. Unlikely Germanova would have been able to take the part with her husband [Aleksandr Kalitinsky] so ill. Wonders if [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy has gone to India yet and whether he has finished his book. Hopes Julian is getting on well with his work; frescos must be 'fun to try', though expects Julian is 'likely to make rather a mess at first'. [Étienne Adolphe?] Piot was 'technically quite competent' but artistically bad. Asks to be remembered to [George] Reavey, and to [Jean] Marchand if Julian sees him. Hopes Bessie will come to Paris next week, and see the Luce family. He and Bessie had hoped to see the Sykes family this month, but had to put it off; supposes [Hugh]'s exams are coming up anyway.
10 Pelham Place, S.W.7. - Kind of Bob to have remembered them with his collection of poems ["From the Shiffolds"]; particularly liked the one about a rock pool. Margaret sends love to both Trevelyans; she also much enjoyed the poems. Is at Malvern 'making films on how to destroy the universe in the shortest time by turning knobs'; this is 'an amiable and useful employment', but it is 'annoying' to be a hundred miles from Margaret in London, especially as Isabel is currently spending her holidays there. Ralph is in the army at Karachi, and is married; Daniel is also married, and back at King' [College, Cambridge]. He himself travels between Malvern and London every weekend. Has not seen John Luce since he returned, but saw Gordon and Tee Tee recently at Gloucester, who 'seem very vague as to when they will get back to Burma'. Likes to 'reciprocate in kind' for poetry, and has 'composed one for the occasion called "The Mad Physicist", which he copies out.
Furzen Wood. - Glad to hear this morning that Julian is all right; hopes he will manage to see the Abercrombies [Lascelles and Catherine?] and that the Luces [Gordon and Tee Tee] will see them too. Is going into a nursing home in London on Wednesday for an operation, which 'is not at all dangerous' but will mean a stay of around a month; hopes this will not affect Bessie's visit to Paris, as she ought to go while the Luces are still there. Will have to put off seeing [Hugh?] Sykes; asks if St John's College, Cambridge will be enough as an address. Asks Julian to tell the Luces, [Hasan] Suhr[awardy] and [Maria] Germanova not to worry, and not to do so himself. Saw Julian Bell last week at the Woolfs, and 'had some interesting talk with him'.
W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Wrote to Hetty [Lowes] when he saw 'the sad news [the death of Hetty's sister May Dickinson], and my letter crossed a very sweet one from her'. They moved back to their London flat in the autumn; May much enjoyed being back, and 'was only ill for a week'. Regrets that May 'seemed always wanting things and never giving them', and is afraid 'it was impossible, even with infinite sympathy, that she should be happy'.
Was about to write to ask when it would suit them for him to visit; of the dates Bessie mentioned, the 13th or 14th would do 'beautifully'. Would be very nice to see the Luces again. All well here, and they have 'plenty of wood to burn. The trouble is that it gives no heat'.
Needs to decide 'what to say to the soldiers on the subject of their choice, which is "Propaganda"'; then must give the talk, then go to London to see Traviata for the first time. Hopes he will not be 'entangled in snow drifts'.
The University of Rochester, College of Arts and Science, Rochester, New York, Biological Laboratories. - Has felt very close to the Trevelyans since receiving the Leopardi translations and "Aftermath": it is good to know that creative work is going on in protest against destruction. The poem on Lowes Dickinson had a special appeal: she has been thinking about him since the war started. Read her paper on Forster and Dickinson again last week, by request; even though 'hysteria has taken control' here people will still listen 'spell-bound' to reason. Wrote to tell Bessie that Gordon is safely out of Burma; longs to hear that he and Tee Tee have reached England. Oliver Waley is a great companion. Is working very hard, conditions at the University are difficult; will send reprints of her latest articles. Their farm is looking beautiful.
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.
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'.
110 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - He owes Bessie a letter, not vice versa: note to her originally enclosed with this letter. Trevelyan may use Luce's poem "Faith" however he likes for "Abinger Harvest". However, Luce's sister Ethel wrote in March that she had sent the poem to a friend who is Professor of English at Goucher College and edits a paper by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, who may also wish to publish it; asks if this would be acceptable. Is very glad Trevelyan is printing more of his "Reminiscences". Hopes it will not annoy him if Luce sends his criticisms to Rex [Warner], who will learn from them. Is getting on slowly with "Old Burma". Has just spent a good week in Painswick with 'a tipsy carpenter and a nosy butcher'. Is sorry to hear of Sturge Moore's illness. Has Sheppard's "Aeschylus, the Prophet of Greek Freedom" but has not yet read it. Will let Trevelyan know if he or Teetee come up to London. Sends regards to Miss Simpkins.
Hôtel de Londres, 3 rue Bonaparte, Paris. - The hotel is near Luce's École des Langue Orientales and Collège de France; it was good of Bessie to send the addresses, which they may use after Christmas, but none of them are as convenient as the hotel. Expects Trevelyan to stay several days with them on his way to Italy, and asks if he should engage a room. He and Teetee entreat Bessie to come as well. Is glad the Aeschylus is to be performed [Trevelyan's translation of the "Oresteia", performed at the Cambridge Festival Theatre]; hopes Tovey's score arrived. Asks in a postscript if Trevelyan could bring him some Murray's Mellow Mixture tobacco.
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.
Pensione Primrose, 104 Via Montebello. - Is very much enjoying his time in Rome: the ruins thrill him more than anything in Greece, and he loves the churches, gardens, and open air concerts; finds the Italians very charming. Will stay another fortnight then have a week in Florence; might stay longer if he did not have to see his aunt Ethel in August. Is sure Trevelyan's enthusiasm and help aided him towards a good result in his exam. Donald Lucas was examining, and says he stands a chance of getting a Jebb travelling grant for Greece. Luce's father says he will return [from Burma] the year after next, perhaps for good; his mother may come next year for three months.
King's College Cambridge. - Apologises for not returning Trevelyan's Apuleius: will send it tomorrow. Has been allowed to stay in Cambridge for a while and is doing some research into Byzantium. Had an interview last week with the recruiting board and has been recommended for a commission in the Artillery (anti-aircraft), though conscription will probably not come until February. Still hopes the war 'will peter out' before then, though he supposes that is impossible. His father is thinking of joining Ethel in America next year, but Luce expects his mother will stay on in Burma. Sandra has been trying to get a teaching job in Iran, but that seems to have fallen through; she is still at Henley. Ethel and Sam often talked about Trevelyan, and were planning a reunion in Scandinavia .next summer. It was almost decided at a meeting of the [Apostles'] Society last night to wind it up for the duration of the war, since most of the active members have gone: Andreas Mayor went yesterday, leaving only Champernowne, Mat Hodgart and Luce. They have just decided to 'give birth' to Eric Hobsbawm and Walter Wallich
4 Beacon Hill, N.7. - Thanks for Trevelyan's poems, "From the Shiffolds"; is glad that "Epistle to my Grandson" is still the first poem since it is a favourite, though he questions the use of the word "aborted". Has started work at the Bank of England after returning from Seatoller, where Mrs Cockbain looked after him and José very well, last Sunday; they climbed Gable, Glaramara and Scawfell and went on walks to Buttermere, Wasdale and Watendlath. José did not previously know the Lakes and loved them; she is eager to read Trevelyan's poem on Glaramara. Sandra is busy making arrangements for her wedding. Believes his parents are well. Is likely to have an easy start at the Bank: is currently learning the mechanisms of banking in various offices, but expects he will end up in Exchange Control..
22 Holding Bt., Moreton Paddox, Leamington. - Thanks Trevelyan for his translation of Sophocles' "Oedipus Coloneus". Still at Leamington: will go to Wrexham next week and expects to be demobbed shortly. His Civil Service exam is in July and he may try to get a temporary post in the Home Civil while awaiting the outcome. Has not yet heard from his parents of their arrival, but thinks they must have reached Rangoon by now. Hears that Joan [Allen] is to scale down her work and Polly [Allen] is writing another novel. Saw Stephen [Waley] on his return from his honeymoon: his wife is charming.
100 Weston Road, Gloucester. - Has a month's leave and would like to visit the Trevelyans at the Shiffolds: will be visiting his uncle near Godalming and asks if he can travel on from there. Also hopes to see Joan and Polly [Allen]. Hears the Waleys [David and Ruth?] are in Paris; hopes to see them before Christmas. Is still an army officer: hopes to be released before next summer though is likely to be posted to Germany after Christmas. Has just found Trevelyan's anthology of Chinese poems ["From The Chinese"] with its partiality for Arthur Waley. His father has a cold, but his mother seems better.
45 Beacon Hill, N.7. - Thanks Bob for a 'lovely Christmas card'; looks forward to them 'eagerly each year'; he and Sandra [his sister] will enjoy reading the poems. Has told Bessie his position: would of course love to spend Christmas with the Trevelyans, but it would be very difficult not to go to [his relations in] Gloucester. Also only has three day's leave, 24-26 December, so can only visit the Shiffolds at a weekend; would therefore be difficult to combine seeing the Trevelyans with a visit to Hurtwood [home of Joan and Polly Allen]. Has had no news since mid-October from his parents; they were then well with 'ample food', though 'the price of other commodities has risen so much that they find themselves hard pressed for money'. They have re-opened the Home [for Waifs and Strays], are living there and 'working hard to put it on its feet again'. Adds a postscript to say he will enclose this letter with Bessie's.
216 L.A.A. Bty. R.A., The Old Hall, Aylsham, Norfolk. - Thanks Trevelyan for the Christmas present which Tet Htoot has sent on for him. Dick Bosanquet wants him to come to Surrey towards the end of the month, but he does not think he will be able to: they are due to move camp again in a fortnight, and do not know their destination; they have already moved twice since Christmas. Asks after Joan [Allen] and what Polly [Allen] has decided about the WAAFS [Women's Auxiliary Air Force]. Has received a cable from his parents who are well and still in Rangoon; does not imagine his mother will leave. Sends love to Bessie and Miss Simpkins. Is getting 'desperately fed up' with army life.
1490260 Cadet Luce JM, N troop D Battery, 124 OCTU, Llandrindod Wells. - Thanks Trevelyan for the long letter and news of his parents; hopes his father will go to America. Is in his second month of training and still learning 'infantry stuff': will not begin real anti-aircraft training till next month. Got leave last weekend with two of his friends, met Joan [Allen?] and climbed Snowden; then showed her the camp at Llandrindod before she left for Cardiff. Has received a letter from Dick Bosanquet, who is very sad about the death of his cousin Wendy. Glad to hear of Julian's success; hopes he will enjoy Army life [with the Royal Engineers]. Asks if there is any news of Tet Htoot.