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Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick, and expresses his, Lady Acton's and others' sympathies on her 'dreadful loss'. Declares that he has lost 'the best of friends and colleagues...' Refers to the sympathy and admiration he felt for Henry in relation the manner in which he bore his illness. Reports that [Andrew?] Forsyth spent an hour discussing things with Sidgwick at Jebb's, 'and had no idea till long after that anything was wrong.' States that they were not aware of the gravity of the situation until three weeks earlier, when he met Nora with Arthur J. Balfour.

Typescript of 12 lectures, extracts from the notebook of E. Adams on a course of 11 lectures given in 1872, and one given in New Brighton in 1873. Some of the lectures were copied from the original lent by R. C. Jebb and Mrs [Jeannetta?] Potts, and the rest are Adams' own notes on the lectures. A note on the first page of the typescript quotes Jebb's Life in which he refers to them as '"Lectures on Milton's Areopagitica and some minor poems" given to a class of ladies'. Typescript possibly created by Eliza Adams, as the last typescript notes that it was 'copied from Mr Jebb's M.S. kindly lent me by him 10 Feb / 73'.

Believes that Jebb, Myers and Maitland 'are desirable names.' Refers to the 'originators of the scheme who objected to having more than a few [and] when [Stephens] suggested Maitland doubted.' Announces his intention of sending to him at once and asking him to send on to Myers. Believes them to have a good set of names, and announces that he shall propose Maitland when he meets his collaborators. States that he is amused by the caution of Balfour and Lord Rosebery, who, he says, have both learnt to be afraid of commiting themselves to his creed. Thanks Sidgwick for his note.

Informs Sidgwick that Macmillan and Co. are planning to publish a series of school primers on 'the more prominent Greek authors; Jebb is to produce the primer on Sophocles, Gladstone is to undertake that on Homer, and a friend of Green's is to write on Herodotus. Asks Sidgwick to undertake to produce a primer on Plato. States the aim of the series to be the fostering of 'a more popular interest in these subjects...and a more intelligent study of them' in schools. Mentions that he has been reading Dowden's primer on Shakespeare, and remarks on how informative and interesting it is. Explains the terms of payment which the company offers.

Regrets that he and Nora cannot go to Cheltenham as his brother William and his wife are due to visit them, and then they are to go to the Symonds'. States that they must put off their arrival at Newcastle 'till the 2d: in order to s[ ] a day at Lincoln'. Reports that Edward White Benson is to be the new bishop of Truro. Asks Myers how he has got on with D[ ] 'in the intervals...of reading Mahaffy's reply!' Asks him to tell him 'how Jebb takes it'.

Refers to a conversation they had about Arthur having been offered a teaching post in Glasgow, and whether he should take it or not. Were he in Arthur's position he would not go, but is inclined to think that Arthur should: his experience of teaching would make him 'peculiarly fitted for the work', and the 'long summer leisure' would give him more time to write than he would have if he stays in Oxford. Jebb's assumes that the annual salary for the position is £1,200, and [G. G.?] Ramsay shares that view of its value. They possible somewhat underrate the effect of the movement in education against compulsory Greek, but supposes that candidates for the Ministry 'must always supply a solid nucleus of Hellenists.'

Acknowledges receipt of two of Myers' letters, and declares that he was 'much delighted' with his praise. [Note in pencil: 're article on Clough'.] Claims that it ought to be fair, as he had taken pains to be precise in relation to the subject. Refers to Myers' accusation of Sidgwick 'praising too unreservedly' as a critic, saying that Myers is probably 'right generally' - though this does not come from 'kindheartedness' but from 'an instinct that catholicity is [his] line - but that he 'won't admit it in any particular instance'. Refers also to Courthope's work [Ludibria Lunae].

Discusses Myers' sonnets, which he enjoys, and makes some critical comments thereon. Remarks that the third one seems 'to combine to a great degree the exquisiteness of Tennyson with that of Christina Rossetti...' Undertakes to write again. States that he is 'busy canvassing for Jebb', and asks Myers to go up [to Cambridge] to vote for him on the following Tuesday week. [Note in Myers' hand: 'As Public Orator - Jebb was elected Nov. 2/69. I went up to vote.']

Announces that Stirling is not to stand [for the post of Knightsbridge Professor of Moral Philosophy], and that therefore he shall; predicts that if either Venn or Pearson are elected, his days in Cambridge 'will be brief', if he can believe 'sufficiently' in himself or his work - 'Otherwise Cambridge is a comfortable hospital for maimed intellects and carrières manquées'.

Tells Myers to write and give him 'the next chapter of the romance.' [Note in Myers' hand suggests that this could be a reference to The Fair Tasmanian ]. Reports that '[p]oor Jebb is in influenza in Ireland.' Reports that Miss Thackeray was very hospitable to them at Freshwater, and describes how she acted in her role as hostess. Adds that 'as the immortal Swinburne said to [him], a man's Best is his real Self and it is only a Philistine who judges him by anything else'.

Announces that he 'went over to [b.m.b.] to arrange with Hall: but found everything settled...through the medium of the Telegraph.' Claims that he 'halfpersuaded' Hall to stay the night '[with the ladies] - holding out the bait of the Great Seeley[;] one of the objects of the poytheistic adoration of the Cross family'. Suggests that if the matter 'comes off' Myers might let Sidgwick have the [Frederic] Harrisons to breakfast, and 'will do lunch on Sunday so as to get [the Charles] Bowens.' Refers to Myers' last letter as 'thrilling', and wishes to speak to him.

Claims that he himself is 'in gloom and inertia.' Asks Myers if he will stay over on Monday. Announces that he goes over to dine with Hall on Sunday, coming back on Monday morning 'with the ORATOR [Jebb?].' Remarks that there are 'several good concise points about the Conservative reaction.' Asks about Myers' plans to come [to Cambridge] on Friday. Adds: 'Hans Gladstone led a Barty Vere ish dat Barty now?', and asks '[h]ow much has C_l_l Ps had to pay for the privilege of not sitting in Parliament'.

Embossed stamp of Queen's College, Cork - Discusses a passage in Greek mentioning spiked shoes; is distressed to learn that [Henry?] Jackson will not stand for the Greek chair; [J. P.] Postgate had already told him of Frazer's jest at [Ridgeway's] expense about the Greek chair; wonders why [Arthur?] Verrall doesn't go up, as good a literary man as [Richard?] Jebb, 'ten times more original, though a little wild at times'.

Reports that he received Sidgwick's note that morning. Fears that he has been in 'a fool's paradise of laziness and self-indulgence for years past.' Discusses human interaction, and expresses his happiness he feels at the sight of Sidgwick's writing. Refers to his work, and repeats that he has been 'intensely lazy and self-pleasing for years past'. Of the rest of his life he says 'everything is very nice', and declares it 'a great piece of luck' to be within reach of Sidgwick's brother [William?] and sister. Reports that he dined with them on Wednesday and Friday, and that the last time [Henry Weston?] Eve was there also. Relates that '[t]he boys came Thursday', and that he stayed in town a day longer than he intended to 'in order to spend an evening with Temple at Palgrave's.' Claims to have been very impressed by the former. Refers to his '[ ] personal influence at Rugby', and observes that he has 'an antique simplicity and directness about him'. Reports that Eve 'has brought himself to a state in which he can be perfectly unconscious and yet apparently devout the whole time.' Recounts that on week days they are about forty-five minutes in Chapel, and on Sundays about two hours, and claims that on the day of writing he took the Communion, but 'came away with a stronger conviction than ever that this pale reflection of the bloody rites of antiquity is quite out of date, and has no longer any meaning at all for a generation which is rapidly learning science and forgetting the meaning of the word sin.' Discusses his colleagues, including Fisher, Carr, Griffith, Penny, Stanwell, Spurling and Collet. Of Eve he says that '[i]t is absolutely a byword against him that he reads Miles.' Informs Sidgwick that the Modern School has been remodelled, and that he [Payne] is second Master in it, having now severed the last link that bound him to Classics. Declares that Sidgwick's brother-in-law [Edward White Benson] 'is more a ritualist' than he had thought, and that 'his whole [Wesen] reminds [him] a good deal of Kingsbury, in spite of the obvious differences.' Declares that he never believes a doctrine is dead because it ought to be, and that he agrees with Mill about the English Dictionary. Asks Sidgwick to remember him 'to the assembled brethren', and remember him in private very affectionately to Jackson. Would like the latter to write him 'a gossipy letter'. Claims to be very curious to see Jebb's article, and asks Sidgwick for another letter soon.

Announces that he yields to Myers' and Barrett's arguments, and undertakes to write to the latter 'to accept unconditionally.' Explains their possible travel plans from Newcastle to Cambridge, and on to Oxford. Asks Myers to breakfast at North Hill on the following Wednesday. States that they shall both be very busy, 'especially Nora', and he wishes to hear all Myers has to say. Reports that Barrett has written asking her to join [the] Committee. Undertakes to telegraph if they stay in Newcastle, in which case they plan to pass through Cambridge on their way to Terling [home of Lord Rayleigh], and would like Myers to come to lunch. States that Arthur Balfour will be Vice-President. Enquires about John Hollond and Roden Noel. Reports that Jebb is flourishing, but involved in an educational controversy.

Typewritten copy. As Bryce had said that [A.W.?] Ward would call on him about the Historical Review, he did not answer his letter. Does not believe that there is a single man in Cambridge competent to deal with modern history in an intelligent way. Refers to Dr Guest, Luard, and the '[Professor?] of "Anglosaxon" and early English literature, and people who poke into ecclesiastical holes and corners.' Refers also to William Aldis Wright. However, there is no one who he should call 'a historian.' Of those who study ancient history, mentions Jebb who would be by far the most effective he knows of for literary purposes 'who would contribute to such a review.' He himself 'once was conceited enough to write reviews of historical works', but that he would now not venture out of his proper line so far. Hopes that the scheme will succeed. Does not think that their press authorities 'would be likely to subvent the undertaking': the University is so poor 'and pressed for funds that [the] Press is requested to devote itself to lucre.'

Would like to borrow Leopardi's Poems.

Thanks Nora for 'the somewhat more hopeful view' [about Henry's health], which she conveyed in her letter. Asks her to give him news of Henry when she can, and to thank him for his note of the previous day about 'the meeting'. His own thoughts and hopes will be with both of them at this time; prays that God may give them help. Trusts that Henry will not trouble himself 'about this Academy matter.' Offers to make any arrangements that are needed, and states that he will do so with Mr Jebb and Lord Acton.

Reports that he only heard a week ago that Young 'had found it advisable (and also feasible) to degrade.' Claims that he was very glad to hear the news, since even if he had been able 'to go in by "making an effort" ', it would have been a very unsatisfactory [culmination] to three years work. Sympathises with him that he will have to work a year more at the old curriculum. Hopes that he is progressing. Reports that he met Cowell in London on Saturday, and he was wondering whether Young would go abroad with him.

Recounts that he found Arthur [Sidgwick] 'only just able to work' when he arrived in Cambridge on Saturday, as he had played fives, which brought on his irregular circulation. Believes that 'it is just about an even chance whether he gets the Craven or not'. Reports that they were quite surprised at having the senior after all in Trinity. Hopes that Barker will conform, and states that Jebb was in good spirits and reading hard. Recounts that [Richard Shilleto?] 'reports favourably of his freshness', but is not very strong in health.

Refers to the fact that Young was at Eton with [Smijth?] Windham, and asks if he thinks he is 'MAD, or only mad.' Declares that 'Wilson is convinced he was a lunatic', but every other Eton man Sidgwick has seen states the idea to be ludicrous.

Relates a conversation he had while dining at Merton College, Oxford. States that he thinks the speeches, especially Coleridge's 'disgraceful'. Wishes that he were at Oxford, because 'they are always having exciting controversies which keep them alive.' Relates that Jowett and his foes divide the [attention] of the common rooms with Mansel and Goldwin Smith. Reports that he has just read 'G. S.' "Rational Religion" ', which, he claims, 'seems smashing', but over-controversial. States that '[p]eople consider Mansel's chance of a bishopric as lessened.' Remarks that in his view the tutors at Oxford work harder and the men less than those at Cambridge. Asks Young whether he read W.S. Clarke's Latin Oration.

Reports that he went up to Cambridge 'to have a quiet study of Auguste Comte', with whose he has rather less sympathy than before. States that he 'tried to fancy being a Positivist and adoring Guttemberg [sic], the inventor of printing, but...found the conception impossible.' Intends to go up [to Cambridge] on Saturday. States that he thinks better of Horace than most men; discerns in his works 'a good deal of a peculiar fresh humour that [ ]', but sees that it is calculated to disgust many men, and wishes Trevelyan could know it.

Explains that he put off writing to Young until it had been decided whether or not Everett should be elected to 'the [Apostles] Society'. Announces that he had been accepted, and refers to him as 'a very clever man.' Refers to his declaration as 'very extravagant and Americans' and reports that 'old Martin was astonished.' States that now Trevelyan, Thompson and Jebb are gone down, a new and rather striking element is needed. Reports on recent discussions, including Trevelyan's speech criticising young men who give up their early ambitions and become schoolmasters. The latter being 'all for the edification of Fisher'. Remarks that Heathcote is 'still rather below the average of an Apostle but still he is improving.' Reports that there has been nothing heretical so far. Declares that he wishes to relieve himself of the charge of having recommended Goldwin Smith as a heretical work. States that it always gives him indigestion to read the Quarterly Review. Refers to the controversy between G. Smith and Mansel, which 'is rather metaphysical than theological'. Agrees with Young that illness has the effect of clearing away doubts. Declares that '[t]he Union is falling again rather'. [Incomplete]

Undertakes to write on 'the other matter...as soon as the visit is over', and states that they both entirely agree with Benson's view of 'the present situation.' Is glad to hear that Hugh is quite recovered. Adds that the Conservatives 'have just decided, by 50 to 16, to select Jebb for vacant seat' [in Parliament for Cambridge University]. Incomplete.

Thanks Sidgwick for his 'refreshing and fraternal letter'. Refers to his father's sudden death, and to the fact that he himself was near death from 19 to 23 February, during much of which time he was unconscious. Attributes his survival to the care of [James Marshall?] Moorsom and Rowland Williams. Relates that the day after Sidgwick left him he had a visit from [Home] Lyon, who visited him every day for a fortnight, and from whom he learned 'many marvels' about which he desires to talk to Sidgwick. Informs him that Lyon was 'continually regretting [Sidgwick's] absence from that seance at Mrs [ 's]. Promises to send a letter from Lyon on to him. Refers again to his father's death. Intends to stay where he is. Asks Sidgwick to ask [Rich. Clav.] Jebb to come and spend the last week of the Easter vacation with him, as he is aware that Sidgwick intends to go to Paris at Easter. Reports that his aunt is with him.

Confesses that he has unintentionally thrown Sidgwick's letter, which had been signed by Jebb, into the fire. Hopes that he has another copy and expesses his regret. In relation to 'the matter', he admits that he is in some difficulty. Reports that he wrote to [Furnevale] as soon as he got 'his idiotic document', protesting against it and saying that if the [ ] truly had been in any way [ ], he [Stephen] would have resigned at once. The reply said that his views would be considered. Fears that his letter may be seen as condoning [Furnevale's] offence, and explains that he could not sign Sidgwick's letter. Proposes writing to the secretary of the N.I.I. giving notice of a motion for the following meeting, 'saying that the Society disapproves of [his] language and directing their disapproval to be communicated to H. Philipps.' Remarks that after such a letter as Sidgwick's the question 'should be raised in some such way, unless, of course, the Committee gives in at once.'