c/o GPO, 216 KAA Bty R.A., Brough, E. Yorks. - Leopardi is wonderful, and Trevelyan's translations some of the best work he has done. Had leave last weekend and spent a night with the Waleys, then stayed with Sandra [his sister] and Theo [Rikh, her fiancé] at Henley. Glad to hear they had visited Trevelyan; asks what he thinks of Theo, who 'was completely enchanted' by Trevelyan. Also rang up Joan [Allen], but she 'was busy with nursery centres and the Lloyds'. Is reading Rex [Warner's] latest novel "The Aerodrome", which is 'very Kafkaesque... a little sordid' but still interesting. Joan's brother David [Gill] is now stationed nearby at Leeds which is good as Yorkshire people are 'amazingly kind' but he misses his southern friends. Hopes Trevelyan is not too depressed by the news from Greece.
J.M. Luce c/o Grindlay's Bank, Bombay. - His sister Sandra's husband Theo has been killed in an accident in Italy: is writing on his father's behalf to let friends know the circumstances. Is glad Trevelyan likes the Darjeeling tea. Has acquired a new rank [Captain]; is still commanding a troop of Bofors guns, but for more pay. Still living under canvas, occasionally with a break to the hills or the sea, but life is mostly 'a continuous doldrum'.
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.
100 Weston Road, Gloucester. - Arrangements for seeing Trevelyan, Joan [Allen], and his sister Sandra.
100 Weston Road, Gloucester. - Thanks Trevelyan for this year's poems from the Shiffolds, without which Christmas would be incomplete. Asks what he thinks of Eddie Marsh's translations of Horace [published 1941]; Luce considers they catch the spirit of Horace, if not the form, very well. Has not been to see Joan [Allen] again due to problems with leave; had a weekend with the Waleys and met Stephen's fiancée [Mary King], whom he thought charming, though the visit was not successful as Stephen and his mother were ill in bed. Luce's father has not heard anything more about passage to Burma. Sandra is here looking well. They all send love to the Trevelyans, and Miss SImpkins.
Postmarked Almondsbury, Bristol. - Has written 'many letters' to Bob in her imagination, but it is 'so much pleasanter to sit in the garden reading [his] poems' so sends instead a 'belated postcard'. Very kind of him to send her his books, and likes this volume ["Aftermath"] particularly. Is distressed about Bath [recently targeted in a 'Baedeker' raid]; lucky that little 'irreparable damage' to the architecture has been done. Wrote to Riette [Sturge Moore, working there in the mapmaking department of the Admiralty] but has not heard from her. Asks if Bob has any news of Gordon Luce, and whether Luce's children are in England.
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..
45 Temple Fortune Hill, N.W.11 - Has not replied sooner because of an attack of flu. Would like to meet: suggests lunching together to discuss a show. He would like to see the Oliviers [in Anouilh's "Antigone"?] but expects it would be difficult to get a ticket; there should be a good French or Italian film on. Has been told that Trevelyan should ask about his Austrian friend's government stock at the Chief Accountant's Office at the Bank of England, though he will probably also need to consult the Trading with the Enemy Department in Kingsway. José is well and visiting her parents, Sandra is staying with the Luces temporarily with her baby, and they look forward to Bessie's promised visit in spring.
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
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.
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.
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. - 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.
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.
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?].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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].