Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Is writing in case Donald [Tovey] has not done so to say that he cannot now come to the Trevelyans; he is going to Wales today to see his 'delightful Aunt [Anna Walter Thomas], then will travel with Sophie Weisse to Germany where he will see [Fritz] Steinbach at Cologne and the Buschs [Adolf and Fritz] at Mainz before playing in Vienna on 8 Jan. Hopes to see him for Christmas at Marburg, where she will be with Henry (her brother) and his family for 'their sad holiday [after the death earlier in the year of Henry's daughter Peggie?]'. Thinks the travelling is good for Donald; he is 'already better', working on a concerto grosso for string orchestra with 'the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"] in the background, and his playing is 'in perfect order; he played the [Beethoven] Waldstein Sonata 'superbly' last night. Hopes they will both return by 15 Jan; hopes the Trevelyans will then come and spend a night or two with them, when Lady Hely Hutchinson and her children Natalie and Victor will be staying. They have just had Molly and Desmond MacCarthy there, whom she 'love[s] very much'. Will send 'another music picture book' for Julian.
1 Kildare G[ar]d[e]ns W2. - Thanks for the book of poems ["From the Shiffolds"], which he found at his father's house last week. Good to hear the 'praises sung' of Trevelyan's woodlands; remembers with 'elation' their visit to the Shiffolds one spring or early summer; also still 'spell[s] out' his Virgil, though he often 'neglect[s]' his contemporaries' verse. He and his wife took their children to Dorset after Christmas, and were 'allowed to leave them there this weekend' to come to London. They have seen 'as many friends and exhibitions as possible', and spent last night with the MacCarthys: Aunt Molly was 'quite well again', and Uncle Desmond 'in very good form'. Went to see [Ronald Duncan's] "This Way to the Tomb" at the Mercury theatre, which was 'awfully good', particularly Britten's music. Hopes that if Trevelyan comes to Oxford he will visit them; they can 'hardly stir from there nowadays' [because of the children].
25 Wellington Square; addressed to Bibesco at Hotel Meurice, Rue de Rivoli, Paris. - It is 'very kind' of Bibesco to have ordered a copy of her book ["A Pier and a Band"], but also 'lamentable' as she had ordered a copy for him sent to Grosvenor Road [his London home] 'Not to be forwarded', as she 'did not like to thrust it upon [him] in Paris'. Has had some good reviews, and feels a little more cheerful about it than she did on the day it was published. Everyone hopes Bibesco will return soon. Maurice Baring's [illegible] is in England; knows Bibesco asked Desmond for his address.
Addressed to Trevelyan c/o Prince Antoine Bibesco, Hotel Meurice, Rue de Rivoli, Paris. - Has not got Trevelyan's address, so hopes Prince Antoine will forward this card. Thanks Trevelyan for the postcard; very kind of him to have ordered her book ["A Pier and a Band"], though she is 'sure it is most unsuitable to read in Paris'. Asks him to tell Francis Birrell, with her love, that 'the great Lytton Strachey' liked her book so her 'price went up in Bloomsbury where the poison of asps lies under tongues'. Asks how Trevelyan is enjoying his work. Postcards always give her 'complete brainstoppage'. Desmond sends his love. Hopes she 'may find [Trevelyan] in the bathroom one day when peace has broken out'.
86 Chesterton Road, Cambridge. - He and Dorothy were very sorry to hear of Molly MacCarthy's death: they had found her charming when she stayed with them for two days in July. She wrote to them that she was very ill and did not really wish to live, but they did not hear the news until Michael MacCarthy came to tell them about the funeral as they take the "Manchester Guardian", which did not report it, not the "Times". She made the decisions about Desmond's grave when she came, and composed the inscription; the Moores saw the tomb when it was finished and wrote to tell Molly it was just as she wished. Molly's hearing seemed much better on her visit: Moore supposes she had a better hearing aid. Michael brought his wife and daughter: the little girl seemed very attractive; he and Dorothy were struck by how like his father Michael was. Mary Fletcher had written to let him know she was relieved she did not need to have any operations or other hospital treatment; was glad to hear from Bessie that she was a little better now. Is sorry that he forgot the date of her birthday so was unable to reciprocate for the eightieth birthday telegram she sent him. Has read Virginia Woolf's diary: does not quite agree that she was more affected by bad reviews that she should have been, in fact had rather the opposite impression. Never saw much of her but 'always admired her greatly' and the diary left him 'admiring her as much as ever'. Neither he and Dorothy were able to make much of "To the Lighthouse" and "The Waves", but the library made him think he should try again. Enjoyed the "Common Reader" very much.
86 Chesterton Road, Cambridge. - Apologises for not replying sooner 'time does seem to go so quickly now!'. Glad to hear the news about [Bob Trevelyan's] library, and that she has found the librarian so amiable. Also good to hear about [George?] Birkbeck, of whom he knew nothing. Bad luck that both of her readers had laryngitis; does not know how he would get on if he could not read a great deal. Also sorry that Mary Fletcher could not come to visit because of her brother's illness. He is keeping well, though he cannot do many things he once could he is still 'as capable as ever of having good talks on philosophy'. Dorothy is also keeping well, though says she is starting to feel old. Encloses a letter from Bob to Desmond [MacCarthy], which Molly sent in a 'sheaf' of his letters to Desmond.
The Green Farm, Timworth, Bury St. Edmunds. - Arrangements for Trevelyan's visit to Timworth: the trains are difficult. If Trevelyan is going to the concert at Northlands [Sophie Weisse's school] he should not spoil it by worrying about getting to Liverpool Street. Is writing on Desmond's behalf as he is busy with his "Independent [Review]" article. Is very sorry that Trevelyan's wife is not coming with him, as she would have liked to hear more about Paul, and the MacCarthys have a lovely piano which was a gift from Miss Weisse (they can only play "The Bluebells of Scotland" on it), but understands that she cannot leave the baby.
Garrick's. - Thanks Trevelyan for sending the manuscript: she liked the piece on the Wallington Ponds, as well as that on the making of the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"] which captured Donald's [Tovey] personality vividly. Recommends him to dwell more on the story and the characters of the opera. Desmond has been 'beset' with things he has to read, so she is sending the manuscript back for now. Currently has no servant, who is ill in hospital but will return in July, and is tired. Is enclosing subscription money for the "Abinger Chronicles".
Garricks Villa. - Thanks Bessie for lending him his letters to Bob, which help him to remember many things; her reading 'the shaving book' came back to him: he must have heard fragments of several books, including a chapter of "Robinson Crusoe". Has so far only looked at the letters in the canvas envelope, not the ones in the big box; was not sure how long he was going to stay at Leith Hill Place or he would have saved her the bother of posting them. Will return the letters when they next meet, he hopes in early July, unless she would like them sooner. He and Molly are going to stay with Dermod tomorrow, then go to Cambridge for him to receive an honorary degree on 5th June. Thinks how much more Bob deserved the honour: MacCarthy persuaded Roberts, then Vice Chancellor, to put Bob's name before the Senate in 1950 and he was nearly chosen. Would not be surprised if his own degree was to make up for his disappointment then. Enjoyed their talk very much: of course she can keep some books [from Bob's library], but it would be then nice to leave them to the Birkbeck library; she should not be disappointed if they do not raise the full £600.
Garrick's Villa. - Enjoyed his luncheon with Bob very much; he seemed well, especially given his long journey; was sorry not to have a good report of Bessie and the sad news of Miss Simpkins. He and Bob were by far 'the best dressed men in the Athenaeum'. Would like to visit the Shiffolds before 'the magic wood' has stopped flowering. Is lending two books which may suit evening reading: some short stories by Trollope and Lermontov's "A Hero of Our Time". She should tell Bob a new variation of chess, played on a board with an extra row down each side, has been invented. Molly is fairly well, 'both anxious and pleased' about Dermod's engagement. They are going to Ocford on 16th May, and on the 20th he turns seventy: says he '[doesn't] feel more than seventy-five'. Marie Moore has written him a letter; he feels she must be very lonely. She says she misses 'delightful conversations' at the Shiffolds, and would like Tom's friends to send her their memories of him. Will try, and hopes Bob will too.
Long Barn, Weald, Sevenoaks. - This house has been lent to them [by Vita Sackville-West] and they are living there 'on ham amid a thousand roses'. 5 Hyde Park Mansions has been abandoned, and there was a muddle about forwarding letters. Is very disappointed that he cannot come on Monday and stay over [G.E.?] Moore's visit, but he does not like to leave Molly; only visited her once a week when she was at Highgate, but does not like to spoil her enjoyment of this 'peaceful old house' where Caxton 'warmed his shins at the fireplace' by leaving her for more than the occasional night in London to review a play. Asks if there is any chance the Trevelyans could have them both for a long weekend over August bank holiday (the 4th till the 8th); they then go to Rachel, and then possibly to Oxford for the rest of August.
51, Hyde Park Mansions, N.W.1. - Molly's operation [on a kidney] has made him think a lot of Bessie, who similarly has suffered from a 'tormenting infirmity' which required surgery. Hopes that her operation went well and better eyesight will follow; Molly is recovering but the long-term results are still uncertain. Is looking forward to Bob's visit on Tuesday: they 'help each other to enjoy the hour', share so much of their past, and can be 'as silly as [they] like'. He also appreciates Bob's work; it is a 'delicious treat' to make him happy, and what he gives he has also received.
25, Wellington Square, S.W.3. - Looking forward to his visit: will be 'very good and set an example to Bob'. Molly is at Rose Cottage; will soon begin her new book. Thinks he will only be able to come for nine weeks, not ten; will not muddle 'Dorking Town & Dorking Harbour' this time. Their 'little black Tom cat' had seven kittens on Friday night. Lunched today with Alys and Logan [Pearsall Smith]; thinks Logan is better. Will bring down Sarawad's [sic, corrected to Suhrawardy in pencil] poems which Bob gave him, and Irene C.W.'s [Cooper Willis] book on Emily Bronte, if he can find them; says he knows Irene's book 'by heart' and can repeat it if necessary.
Message left in case MacCarthy is out when Trevelyan calls: if Trevelyan does not fetch this [an unknown item], he will have it sent to the Mill House. His mission was not very successful. His mother returns tomorrow. Is going to Eton tonight. Thinks he must stay a few days with his mother, as he has not seen her for weeks; Trevelyan should expect him on Tuesday. Has got D'Annunzio and will bring it; checks whether Trevelyan took 'Sophy K'. Asks if the news about seeing [Roger] Fry means that his wife is ill again.
8 Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Encloses more prospectuses. Is glad Trevelyan liked the first issue of the "N.Q." ["New Quarterly"] Agrees that the Arthur Symons piece was weak. Is in bed with rheumatism and dictating this letter; hopes to go to the seaside with his 'lady emanuensis' in a few days: Molly sends regards to the Trevelyans. G.L.S. 'Stracheys' a few points in Beddoes' favour in his piece, but it is still very interesting. The second page also used for a list of names, some crossed through or asterisked, beginning with Mrs Crompton and Mrs Widdrington and including Santayana, R.E.F. [Fry], Masefield, H. Joachim etc.
Is going to marry Molly Cornish; they were engaged at the beginning of last month, but she has been rather ill so he has not written to anyone; thinks she will soon be well again. They should have enough money to be married in the summer: has been offered a secretaryship at £300 per year by Paley , who wants to get into Parliament. This will take up Fridays to Sundays, he also has the prospect of regular work at the "Speaker" on Tuesdays and Thursdays for £100 as well as his dramatic criticism, so Wednesday will be left for his 'Penelope's web ' [his novel?]. Asks to be remembered to Mrs Waterfield; he will soon be in a better position to have books sent to the people he recommends. Sends greetings to Trevelyan's wife and would like her congratulations. Dreads the wedding day, and thinks of 'Young Lochinvaring Molly [eloping with her] before the ceremony'. Is writing a short book to pay for the honeymoon. G. B. S[haw] 'explained expounded & expurgated': this is private. Is giving a lecture in May which will be 'cleverish but a failure'.
Garricks Villa. - Very sorry to hear from Bessie that he is ill, and has been worse; however, George got over his far worse pulmonary attack, and the Trevelyans are tough, like 'not a few of the old families in England'. Wants more news, but is writing to Bessie and Catherine Abercromby [sic: Abercrombie?] so Trevelyan should not trouble to write himself. Discusses the pleasure he gets from Trevelyan's writing, which if 'civilisation founders' due to expanding population, 'sentimental humanitarianism... coupled with practical callousness' and 'scientific technology' (television, for instance, is an 'asinine invention') has been loyal to the 'sinking ship'. Met a friend of Julian's recently, who told him that Julian is happy and has found a partner [Mary Fedden], and that Ursula has also found 'consolation' [Norman Mommens]; Trevelyan and Bessie must be relieved. Had a letter from Dorothy Moore yesterday, with two pots of marmalade, saying that Moore was well. Molly wants to 'hoof him out of England' for a while for his health, so he plans to stay with Somerset Maugham at Cap Ferrat in March, and would like to see Trevelyan before he goes; thinks he will ask to Iris and Ralph [Wedgwood] to put him up so that he can visit without being a strain at the Shiffolds.
Garricks Villa. - Enjoyed Trevelyan's visit, and hearing his latest writing, though feels he needed to have read them to be able to comment helpfully; is sure that he appreciated the address to God and the reply. Wishes Trevelyan had stayed to lunch on Monday; feels the 'simple pleasures' need 'framing' in some way [a reference to "Simple Pleasures", published in "Horizon" in November 1941], and mentions a translation from the Chinese. Raymond Mortimer has come out to dine. Molly very cheerful today: these 'sudden down-pours never last long'.
25 Wellington Sq. - Is seeing the specialist tomorrow, and if pronounced well enough will join Molly in the Isle of Wight or Rachel at Rockbourne, then is giving a lecture on Lytton Strachey at the Royal Institution on 13th March. After that he may take a long holiday, since his spitting of blood is not tubercular but put down to exhaustion: would very much like to take three months, divided between a voyage and long stays with his friends, and asks if Trevelyan and Bessy could put him up for about three weeks. He would watch them working, play chess, and remember: 'remembering is now an important part of my life'. Begs Trevelyan to start the work which would delight him and is needed since 'classical education is losing its grip': a sort of 'literary Plutarch' giving lives and portraits of the Greek and Roman writers, in prose and verse. Would 'do much to keep the European tradition alive'. Is sorry Logan's [Pearsall Smith] pamphlet is aggravating.
Life & Letters, 21 Hill Street, Mayfair, London, W.1. - Sends thanks to Bessie for her postcard; hopes that Trevelyan's is indeed suffering 'little pain or discomfort' and asks to be let known when a visit is possible. He and Molly spent a 'cold and happy' weekend with the Hammonds. Wants Trevelyan to read "A Voyage to Arcturus" by David Lindsay, which he will send in a day or two as a change from Trollope. Encourages him to write a 'great straggling untidy work', which would bring him to a greater public and also give him much pleasure in composition.
Life & Letters, 21 Hill Street, Mayfair, London, W.1. - Is sorry that he has not sent back Irene's book [Irene Cooper-Willis?] and will do so at once; did broadcast it, and meant to make the Hawk [the 'Affable Hawk', his pen-name] write about it: it is not too late for this, and was glad that the Times Literary Supplement complimented her recently. Liked Trevelyan's "Willow-herb" very much, asks for more time to make his mind up about. Is sending this letter to Welcombe to be forwarded to Rome. Enjoyed his trip to Paris and Chartres. They must take another trip together soon. Micky has returned to Africa; Molly is going to Westgate 'to Wright [sic]'; he has to look after Rachel. Apologises for the dull letter: he has not yet got used to dictating.
The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Encloses his "Recollections" of Donald [Tovey?]. When Molly has read them - perhaps Desmond would like to do so too - asks her to send them back with the other "Reminiscences" he left with her, but there is 'no hurry'. Had difficulty hearing Hisa[o] Ch'ien yesterday, but liked what he could hear; Desmond was 'very good'. Now has sufficient material for the next "Abinger Chronicle"; hopes that Molly will consider writing something for it about "Donald's childhood, or about something quite different'. He and Bessie think that she has a 'very real gift for writing'; it is a pity she lets it '"fust in [her] unused"' [a quotation from "Hamlet"]. Enjoyed seeing her and Desmond very much.
The Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bessie for Olive Heseltine's 'touching little book' ["Lost Content"], which has brought back many memories. Comments on the 'spate of these "Victorian Childhood" books' at the moment; read Molly MacCarthy's ["A Nineteenth Century Childhood"] recently, which is 'very charming.. more humorous than this and therefore lighter'. Olive always had 'rather a genius for unhappiness'. She once helped Janet to run a School Care Committee in Fulham, and she 'became quite good at it' though it was not really the right job for her; wonders what would have been. Janet has 'yielded to the doctors' and will go into the Evelyn Nursing Home in Cambridge on Friday for three weeks rest; did feel 'rather down' last week, as she has been 'winding up her job at the British Institute of Florence' and her arthritis is getting 'slowly worse'. She and Georgewere hoping to go to Florence in March, and to stay at Poggio [with Lina Waterfield], but she fears now that they will not manage. Originally encloses a Christmas card, and hopes Bessie can see it; 'Molly the Great' [Charles's wife?] took it this summer.
Green Farm, Timworth. - Birth of the MacCarthys' son Michael; Molly is doing well and reading about Albert Durer; mention of the Trevelyans' son Paul. Has been to judge spaniels at the Kennel Club dog show but otherwise has done little work. Is delighted to hear that Trevelyan is 'astride of that Hippogriff again'. Visited [Charles] Ricketts' and S[hannon's] show; thinks Ricketts has 'real imagination... of peculiar intensity, but it flags very soon'.
Trevelyan is very kind to give them such a fine [engagement?] present. Molly is well, but weak and has to take great care of herself. Has reminded Brock about Mrs Waterfield, who will be sent books to review. The poet [Aleister?] Crowley has returned from Baalbek, his hair changed from black to orange due to 'an unfortunate accident in some dyeing process'; he now resembles Blake's picture of 'Lord Mansfield guiding Behemoth' [actually "The Spiritual Form of Pitt Guiding Behemoth"]. Molly is coming to London for a few days on Saturday; hopes Trevelyan will be able to meet her. Asks if he could make her 'Wilfrid Blunt Society' dinner at Cheyne Walk next week; he would have to become a member and make a speech before dinner. Sends thanks to Bessy as well for the table, and asks if the Trevelyans will be in London for the [Apostles'] Society dinner.
9 Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Thanks Trevelyan: the MacCarthys would rather have £5 [as a wedding present] as they are only half furnished. George [Trevelyan?] has been to dinner. He should not renounce "The Speaker": the new editors have let it down but there will be two dramatic criticisms, one causerie and one review per month by MacCarthy, no more [Arthur Clutton-] Brock. Sketch resembling William Blake's "I want! I want!" after the signature.
11 Walton Street, Oxford. - Thanks from himself and Clare for Bob's poems ["From the Shiffolds"]; they congratulate him on the birth of a grandson. Lists his favourite poems; also has Bob's epistle to Lady Allen, which he 'reread with pleasure'. Asks whether he ever hears from the Lodges; has had no news from them since they left the country, though received a copy of Oliver's "The Candle". They have had 'a Christening and a Christmas', and all the children but the baby have 'gone to stay with Hester in the country'. Clare recovered well [after the birth] and is 'back in her kitchen'; they find that 'just looking after ourselves takes up almost all our time', though he still works a little in his studio, and has Bob's Ward's "Anthology" [of English verse] and other books 'for recreation'. Tells him to let them know if he is ever in Oxford. Uncle Desmond and Aunt Molly [MacCarthy] are here staying with the Cecils, and Belloc came down early in the year.
11 Walton Str[eet], Oxford. - Thanks Bob for his book of poems ["From the Shiffolds"]; read it in the Christmas 'rush', then lost it; has found again and enjoyed re-reading 'so much'; apologises for his delay in thanks. Enjoys the "Moretum" especially, which is a 'wonderful picture of the Dutch school'. Very kind of Bob to remember him. Clara [his wife] is well; four of the children are at home with whooping cough. Saw 'Aunt Molly McCarthy' recently when she was staying with the Cecils, and saw something of Betty [Muntz] when he was in Dorset in August, but otherwise has not heard news of Bob; looks out for him at the London Library, where they last met. Had a letter at Christmas from Oliver Lodge, now living in Gloucestershire; would like very much to visit him but it is difficult to leave home. Expecting David from Athens later in the year. Goes to London to teach each week; hopes he may see Bob there one day.
Notes on the Wars of the Roses, including a family tree [from Trevelyan's school days?].
Opening [?] of prose narrative set in the British Museum Reading Room.
Extensive extract from prose narrative [Trevelyan's never completed novel?], describing the view from Meliance's window, his waking from a dream (with brief verse), seeing Helen/Orgeluse picking flowers and going downstairs intending to speak to her. Written on recto only, with additions and corrections on facing pages.
Loose inserts: 1 bifolium with "Modern Greek ballad", "Dirge", "From Theognis", "Dirge"; 1 sheet, "Before, I tire of loving thee, my love..."; 1 bifolium with translation of Catullus 81, "A lament", "Song", "Italian folk songs"; 1 bifolium, "The Mountain-brook", "Song", "The Thrush's Song"; 1 sheet, "There was a little monkey from monkey-land"; 1 foolscap bifolium with translation of Catullus 63 ("Attis"); 1 foolscap sheet, "Wishes", "Greek folk-song", "Satyr's Song (from Ariadne [i.e. "The Bride of Dionysus"])"; endpaper and back cover of a French Garnier Classics book, with verse in pencil on endpaper, "Sidelong/Downward a little leaning/bending thy dear head...".
Several blank pages in notebook, then more inserts: bifolium headed letter paper from The Green Farm, Timworth, Bury St. Edmunds [country home of Desmond and Molly MacCarthy] with draft verse in pencil; 1 sheet, ["Italian Folk Songs"]; 1 large sheet, "The Mulberry Tree Speaks"; 1 sheet, "What wert thou, happy dream?" [from Meliance narrative, see above]; 1 foolscap sheet, "Now now needs must I sing".
Several further blank pages, then more inserts: 1 sheet, "My love among all lovely things..", with musical notation on the back [since the poem is published in "The Bride of Dionysus... and other poems", perhaps the music is by Donald Tovey]; 1 bifolium, "Methought I had been wandering alone..."; 1 sheet, "When the children come at eve...", title, "The Mulberry Tree", added later in pencil; 1 sheet, "To yon thicket hind and hart go rarely.." ["The Thrush's Song"]; 1 sheet, "No now fain would I sing"; "Thou gaunt grey-bearded boatman" ["Charon"]; 1 sheet, "When dreaming of thy beauty by the sea..."; 1 sheet, "I ; thought that Love..."; 1 sheet, "What wert thou, happy dream". Further blank pages.