45 Temple Fortune Hill, N.W.11. - Thanks Bob for his "Translations [from Latin Poetry]": a 'most attractive little book', with 'the print a joy'. Happy to see the 'lovely translation' of Catullus's "Epithalamium", he thinks for the first time; also loves Bob's translation of 'the old favourite "Vivamus, mea Lesbia..."' [Catullus 5], and quotes a line from a previous version of it which always makes him smile. Had not studied Leopardi before but likes Bob's versions, and also the Italian folk songs. José [his wife] asks him to thank Bob too. The 'great event' this week has been the arrival of Ethel [his aunt] and Sam: they have talked on the telephone, and hope to meet on the August bank holiday weekend; until then the Clausens are visiting his aunts at Gloucester and uncle in Dublin. Jane [his daughter] is doing well; thinks she is 'a forward child'. Asks when Bob and Bessie can come to visit; he hopes soon; they cannot come to the Shiffolds because of Jane.
45 Temple Fortune Hill, London, N.W.11. - Thanks Bob for the "Hymn to Demeter" [in this year's "From the Shiffolds"]: a 'very lovely Christmas present'; Bob 'must have had some difficulty with the metre'. Is still 'very apologetic' about missing a lunch: had just started a new job in the Central Office of the Exchange Control, and 'life was, and is, hectic'. He and José [his wife] are organising some carol singers this year; they practised last night and 'the singing was robust rather than harmonious', but it is a 'joy to sing again!'. They are considering starting a local madrigal society. Asks when the Trevelyans are coming to see Jane: she is a 'bonny baby', very active, and has grown so much recently that he does not think Bessie would recognise her, Hopes they will meet soon after Christmas, will 'use a better mnemonic' next year.
4 Beacon Hill, N.7. - Thanks for the Theocritus, which he has always considered the best of Trevelyan's translations. Is going to Killarney for a week with two friends, then to Seatoller with José [Josephine Crouch, later his wife] before starting at the Bank of England. Saw a good performance of "Rigoletto" at the Cambridge [Cambridge Theatre London]; prefers their productions to those at Covent Garden. Suggests going to see their "Don Giovanni" together. Is sure Killarney cannot be as beautiful as the Lakes, but his cousins enthuse over it. Will send a postcard.
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..
2 Turner Drive, N.W.11. - He and José are very grateful for the generous wedding present. They are now living in their top floor flat in Golders Green, on the edge of Hampstead Heath; he hopes that the Trevelyans will come and visit. Hopes that José will continue writing poetry, and will ask her to take some poetry to show Trevelyan when they visit. Thanks for the offer of the books, though they cannot yet decide which to choose; expects they will select the complete poems of Arthur Waley.
2 Turner Drive, N.W.11. - It was not to Luce and José that Trevelyan promised to lend the new Ransome book [? "Great Northern?"] but they would love to borrow it. Thanks to Trevelyan and Bessie for a lovely weekend: José loved the house. Hopes the Trevelyans will be able to return the visit.
2 Turner Drive, N.W.11. - Thanks Trevelyan for the book of poems and the Ransome book ["Great Northern?", see 4/135]; the poems are a magnificent Christmas present whose 'delight endures'. They hope to read the Prometheus with John Kisch [ John Marcus Kisch?], John Waterlow [John Conrad Waterlow?], and other Cambridge friends tomorrow evening.
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.
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.