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.
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.