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.
Capt. J.M. Luce c/o Grindlay's Bank, Bombay. - Thanks Trevelyan for the airgraph: the news of Dick Bosanquet's death is indeed very sad. Is well: boredom is 'the worst disease' as they are far from the war; hopes to get some variety soon. Would be pleased to receive Trevelyan's translations of the Bucolics and Georgics [of Virgil] and read his prose essays ["Windfalls"]; asks if he has put poetry aside. Praises Rex [Warner's] book "Why Was I Killed". Hopes it will not be long before he reads Mat Arnold in Trevelyan's library again.
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.
British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Was 'delighted' to get Trevelyan's wire agreeing to write a script on Catullus; will inform John Sparrow this afternoon and knows he will also be pleased. Sparrow will give the first, introductory, talk on 16 August; Rex Warner will deliver a talk on 17 August, which Trevelyan's will follow at 6.25 pm on 27 August. Other programmes in the series will be on Virgil, Horace, and Late and Medieval Latin; Hassall is asking Rose Macaulay to give a final summary talk. Trevelyan's talk to set out Catullus's place in Latin poetry, the character of his work, and contrast with other 'great Latin poets', and 'assess his value to modern times'; it should contain quotations in English; Trevelyan could read these, or inform Hassall if he would like one or two readers and of which sex. Hassall will produce the programme, rehearsals will take place about two and a half hours before transmission, and Trevelyan should send the script at least a fortnight beforehand. Must take care over copyright translations. Will arrange for an official contract to be sent.
Hassall signs his name 'for Patric Dickinson, Drama Department'.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Marked 'Private'. Bessie's letter with enclosures came this morning; thought what Rex Warner said about Lucretius was quite good, though agrees with Bessie it was 'quite dull and wordy'; he should not have quoted 'so many Latin lines on end'. Does not know whether they [the BBC?] will let him read his script and the quotations, and will 'make a stand' if necessary. [Edgar] Bainton was 'very nice in his gentle friendly way' and did not seem much older. He is seeing BBC people tomorrow, and would like to see Bob again at the Shiffolds; perhaps that could be arranged at the end of August or beginning of September, as Bainton will quite soon return to Australia. Saw van Stuve briefly, who was very sorry he could not visit Bessie. Julian seemed 'quite cheerful'; he had enjoyed Frants [Röntgen?]'s visit and they got on well together. Agrees Miss Cook is 'a surprizing person'; expects she will enjoy herself at Wallington and get on with people. Miss Clark is here for several days, 'which is rather a bore'. Kitty is looking forward to seeing Bessie; her children are amusing; Elizabeth is 'quite a comic actor', and he expects 'rather a problem'. Has had 'rather a sad letter' from Irene [Cooper Willis?], whose little niece Patience is leaving England for good soon because her parents are going to live in Trinidad. Irene will be back on the 22nd so Bob will see her some time. Tells Bessie not to worry about the poems in his bureau drawer; had thought of showing a few to John [Dower] or Kitty. George Mac[aulay Trevelyan?] is coming tomorrow, so Bob will see him. Wonders if Bessie has heard anything definite from Miss Dyson. Has 'hardly seen Charles or Molly to talk to yet'; there was a Women's Institute meeting here yesterday.
Thanks Hassall for his letter; will be at the BBC on 27 August at 4.30. Sees in the "Radio Times" that Rex Warner will have a reader for his Lucretius talk; checks if he himself will be reading his script and translations.