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On headed notepaper for Kings College Cambridge, with note 'Coventry actually, where I am spending Christmas and New Year with the Buckinghams. - Thanks Bessie for her card and letter; is glad she is 'as comfortable as these uncomfortable times allow. The Suez imbecility has robbed us of both comfort and honour, and I do resent being deprived of both'.

Is well in himself, and still has 'enough money to stem the rising tide of prices', but is unsure how long that will continue; the 'transport problem is an immediate vexation'. Is very glad to have 'got to Greece in the spring', and Leiden for a week more recently.

Unfortunately Florence [Barger] 'lacks her old strength, and has to live more quietly'; Harriet 'looks after her splendidly', and Evert has 'a good and totally new job in London' so will settle there. Has 'satisfactory news of G. M. T. from [George Trevelyan's son] Humphry.

Had a 'charming and unexpected invitation' to eat Christmas dinner with George Moore and his wife; could not accept as he was going to Coventry. 'Various other professorial or semi-professorial lame or semi-lame dogs' would also have been there, 'an unusual and probably most agreeable occasion'. Kings 'seems to have started off well under its new Provost, Noel Annan. Provost [J. T.] Sheppard is in Texas!'

Encloses a Hungarian Relief card, which he 'only got by writing direct to the Lord Mayor [of London, Sir Cullum Welch, who launched the fund]. The Trash [perhaps the Times?] has boycotted it - really disgusting'.

Sends much love, and hopes to see her 'when things get easier - and may they!'.

King's College, Cambridge. - Has read Bob's translation [of parts of the "Oresteia"] with the 'utmost enthusiasm': thinks it gives 'a far better notion of Aeschylus' than any other version, and is just what they want for their acting edition: hopes that he will allow them to use it and finish the translation for this purpose. Expects they will lose money on printing, but willing to 'make some bargain' [sign a contract?] in case it sells. Would like to print this vacation; asks when Bob could finish; thinks they might start printing the "Agamemnon" then continue as the other two parts are finished; will arrange it with the [Cambridge University] Press if Bob consents. Sends copy of the text [no longer present] marked with the cuts for their performance; except in the "Agamemnon", has also marked textual points, but Bob will generally get their text 'via Headlam's prose crib'. Lists the cuts to the "Agamemnon" for their performance below the main body of the letter, with the 'very few places' where he thinks some change will be necessary to Bob's translation. Does not really want to discuss these with Bob, as he is very busy; thinks they are 'not many, nor very important for practical acting purposes'. Says that the chorus in the "Choephoroe" are 'savage creatures, oriental slaves, not sympathetic young ladies'. Explains his analysis of Athena's vote in favour of Orestes in the "Eumenides". Some of his suggested changes relate to different versions of the Greek text, so different translations or interpretations. The Greek is quoted. Notes that it would be possible to print Bob's version with the difference only coming in performance.

Chiswick Education Committee, Town Hall, Chiswick, W.4. - Trevelyan has sent more than he owes: returns the excess in stamps. Thinks Saturday afternoon [a performance of Trevelyan's translation of Aeschylus's "Agamemnon" performed by Cambridge University students for Chiswick schoolchildren] was 'quite a success', and that [J.T.] Sheppard and the others returned 'delighted with their experience'. The people from Chiswick 'thoroughly enjoyed their visit'; hopes that other Cambridge productions can be seen here.

K[ing's] C[ollege] C[ambridge]. - Thanks Trevelyan for his Christmas greeting: Shepherd admires it greatly too. The [Apostles] Society is going strong: it meets in Forster's room and the papers are excellent, though sometimes overly 'concerned with the Communist interpretation of history'; the brethren are keen on tradition. Has most in common with [P.N.] Furbank of Emmanuel. Is going to give a talk on criticism at a musical conference at Harvard in May. Has been much affected by the loss of West Hackhurst, and finds it painful to visit Abinger Hammer: a few lines are scribbled over, as 'unnecessarily peevish'. Is very touched by the kindness of Patrick Wilkinson and his wife, with whom he lodges. Is on friendly terms with the undergraduates; has done some supervision but no regular teaching. If Trevelyan is visiting Cambridge and wishes to come to an Apostles meeting, Forster can let him know dates; [Eric] Hobsbawm has a job at Birkbeck so will no longer be secretary.

King's College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for the 'beautiful poems' ["From the Shiffolds"] and 'kind thoughts'. Morgan Forster and Arthur Waley have been elected Honorary Fellows of King's. Sure the 'most welcome and best beloved by King's' of the guests from other Colleges on Founders day was the 'present Master of Trinity [G. M. Trevelyan]'. Hopes that the New Year will be a happier one.

Gazeley. Trumpington, Cambridge. - Sorry to have taken so long to answer Bessie's letters, but is 'snowed under with scholarship examining'. No reviews [of R. C. Trevelyan's "Selected Poems" yet as far as he knows. Encloses two letters he has had from Ralph Wedgwood and the Provost [of King's College Cambridge, Sir John Sheppard] which he would like back eventually. Hopes to hear from [James] MacGibbon this week how the book has been selling.

K[ing's] C[ollege] C[ambridge]. - Went last night to the "Oresteia" [Terence Gray's production at the Festival Theatre, Cambridge]: discusses it at length, mentioning actors, masks, lighting and dancing. Trevelyan's translation sounded very good. Missed the 'red robe procession' managed so well by Sheppard. Thanks Bessie for her letter: is glad his lecture was not as dull as he feared. Hopes Trevelyan will enjoy Italy.

King's College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for his 'kind card', which gives 'the musical ox a first [?] hoof'. Asks Bob to tell Janet she must get two tickets at once, then says he will do it himself, as last year she and George 'arrived on the last night with tickets for another performance', which caused difficulties. Sends 'very warm regards' to Lord Allen: used to hear him speak at the Union many years ago, and is very sorry that he is so ill.

King's College, Cambridge. - It is 'delightful and comforting' to get Bob's two translations ["Medea" and "Prometheus"]: is 'proud & happy' to see the dedication of the "Prometheus". When 'happier days' return, as they will, perhaps it might be possible to produce it 'in a different fashion for the old Festival'.

Kings Coll Camb. - Thanks Trevelyan for sending the "Antigone": thinks the choral rhythms are good and could be an interesting influence for English poets. Thompson has been trying his own translation of the play, and Dickinson will send him Trevelyan's to compare. Wishes that Sheppard had more interest in reproducing the original rhythms in the Cambridge Greek Plays. Beryl de Zoete wants to train the next chorus, but also does not seem to be planning Greek rhythms. Death of [Edmund Dene] Morel is very sad. Is 'very gloomy' about Egypt, and about Lord Cecil; comments scathingly on English morals. Has got to 'the last month' in his work ["The International Anarchy, 1904-1918"] which is complicated but he thinks unimportant 'since the war was already there waiting for years before'.

Originally enclosing a few more promotional notices [for the forthcoming production of his own "Meleager" and Sturge Moore's "Medea"], which Julian could send to [his Cambridge contemporaries?] [Douglas Elliott?] Braithwaite, Lintot, and [Evert?] Barger, though they may not go even if they are in London. Could not come to the "Bacchae", as he fell from a bus step, sprained his knee, and has been laid up for six days at the Abercrombies' house. Had a rehearsal today, then Bessie fetched him home in their 'new second-hand Vauxhall'. [Ronald?] Watkins said today that he found the "Bacchae" rather disappointing; however, asks Julian to let [J.T.] Sheppard know why he could not come, if he sees him. Originally enclosing a card for the Independent Gallery, where there are ' '6 lovely early Corots... a very fine Degas, a Courbet' and some other things. Will go to the [Jan?] Hubrechts' party on 18 March. Bessie and the Röntgens are going to Edinburgh on Tuesday; he will probably take the night train that day or go up the day after; if Julian also goes to the party he could travel up with him.

Originally enclosing some notices for [the forthcoming production of his own] "Meleager" and [Sturge Moore's] "Medea" for Julian to distribute; he is sending them to [F.L. or D.W. ?] Lucas and G.M.T. [his brother George], but it might be worthy giving one to people like [Clive?] Bell. Will see Bessie tomorrow. Perhaps should have gone to see the "Bacchae" [at Cambridge?], but did not have the energy. Hears Vanessa Bell 'thought well' of some of Julian's pictures. [Hasan] Suhrawardy has been here, and has got him to start translating the "Medea" for [Marie] Germanova, who may perform it in America. H.E. Field's book may be of interest; he was 'a charming and intelligent man, but not a very good painter'. Has sent via Bessie a duplicate from B.B. [Bernard Berenson]'s library of the [Frank] Sidgwick "Early English Lyrics".

Notebook labelled 'Choephoroe and Eumenides | R. C. Trevelyan, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking, England'.

Trevelyan's translation of sections of Choephori and Eumenides, chosen by J. T. Sheppard for a performance of the Oresteia in Greek at Cambridge in 1920, are pasted on the left of each double page spread, the corresponding Greek sections pasted on the right. Trevelyan has filled in by hand parts omitted in the abridgement, as well as adding line numbers, expanding character names etc.

A few rough notes in pencil on the front paste-down and flyleaf and on the back paste down.

Aa couple of loose sheets with an MS impression of title page, 'The Eumenides | Or | The Kindly Goddesses' and following 'Dramatis Personae' found where the text of that play begins.

Notes on the life of St. Paul, with Greek quotations from New Testament, on verso of back pastedown (lined paper); other pages have obviously been removed.

Notebook labelled 'I: Agamemnon | R. C. Trevelyan, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking, England'.

Trevelyan's translation of sections of Agamemnon chosen by J. T. Sheppard for a performance of the Oresteia in Greek at Cambridge in 1920 are pasted on the left of each double page spread, the corresponding Greek sections pasted on the right. Trevelyan has filled in by hand parts omitted in the abridgement, as well as adding line numbers, expanding character names etc. In a few places, paper strips with corrections have ben pasted over.

2 ff. appear to have been lost at the beginning of the book, since there remains only one page (paginated '5', crossed through) of what seems to be an introductory note by Trevelyan on the prosody of his translation. Here there are also a couple of loose sheets with an MS impression of the title page and following 'Dramatis Personae'. There is also one folded page with Greek text on one side (including passages omitted in the 1922 version) and Trevelyan's translation on the other, perhaps a proof sheet.

The last free page of the book has a series of questions posed by Trevelyan to himself: about transliteration of names; appearance of stage-directions; line numbers; accents for the Greek text and so on. Then there is a note in pencil stating that line numbers are 'in exact accordance with A. Sidgwick's edition of Aeschylus in the Oxford Classical texts'.

The back end-paper (which is lined) has a chronological series of events from the accession of King John in 1199 to 1212; perhaps this book was originally used for school notes, since some pages have obviously been removed.

Paste on typed label on front, "Oedipus Coloneus", corrected in Trevelyan's hand to "Oedipus at Colonus"; Trevelyan's name added in pencil. Line numbers added to text and other corrections and annotations in Trevelyan's hand. Three loose pages of typescript with Trevelyan's introduction to the text, quoting extensively from J. T. Sheppard and explaining that Trevelyan has used Jebb's text and that the line numbers come from that version.

Bowes & Bowes, 1 Trinity Street, Cambridge, England. - In reply to Trevelyan's card: meant to send a copy of the "Oresteia" to the "New Statesman", but missed it out of the list which he sent to [J. T.] Sheppard. Has sent a copy today. Did send one to the "Times": the book appeared in the "Books of the Week" list of the "Literary Supplement" a few numbers ago; encloses list showing where review copies have been sent, and invites Trevelyan to make other suggestions. The Greek Play Committee wish Trevelyan to have at least six copies of the play gratis; Bowes does not know whether the copies Trevelyan has already received and had sent out are sufficient, but is happy to send out six more free.

Contains: verse epigraph, "You who can hear the victims crying...", by 'J. R. B' [J. R. M. Butler?]; the story of the play, by J. T. S[heppard]; photograph of 'The Provost of King's' [Sheppard]; photograph of P. A. S. Hadley; brief essay, "The Antigone of Sophocles"; dramatis personae; note on "The Performance at Athens in 1937", by G. M. Young; list of orchestra members; photograph of Geoffrey Wright; photograph of Camille Prior; production team; Greek Play Committee; list of Greek Plays performed at Cambridge still in print; material relating to Cambridge Arts Theatre,

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Thanks Bessie for her 'kind letter'; meant to ring, but has been in bed for the last three days with a cough and cold. Is now better and out of bed. Expects to stay with the Bells at Charleston at the beginning of May. Clive says there is 'little "private news" [about Virginia Woolf's suicide], except that she was threatened by a return (it would have been the fifth) of her terrible illness. Understandably, she could not bear the prospect'. Leonard is 'as always reasonable and stoical', and so far Vanessa has not 'broken down' as she did at [her son] Julian's death. He himself has of course been 'much upset', and her sympathy is welcome; he 'found it so repulsive to get letters and telegrams from no less than six newspapers wanting me to do articles at once'.

Had meant to write on a happier subject: his 'delightful call upon G. M. T[revelyan, recently appointed Master] at Trinity', who was very pleased with [the Master's Lodge] 'and all sorts of improvements were in full swing'. Had 'the kindest of greetings'. Asks why Bessie doesn't pay them a visit.

Everyone in his house has colds; Florence [Barger] is 'nursing hers with special care, as she goes to Manchester on Tuesday'. Sends love to Bessie and Bob. Adds postscript: saw May Dickinson and her sister Hettie Lowes at Cambridge, and Sheppard 'as usual'.

Bowes & Bowes, 1 Trinity Street, Cambridge, England. - Thanks Trevelyan for his letters of 24 and 25 September, and the MS of [his translation of Aeschylus'] "Choephori"; will send this to the printers at once with instructions about the 'extra lines'. As Trevelyan suggests, will be best if Trevelyan sends an 'instalment of the "Eumenides' first and the rest when it is ready; understands that it must be 'rather hard writing it against time'. Has heard today from Mr [J. T.] Sheppard, returning the proofs of the "Agamemnon". Hopes to see Trevelyan when he is next in Cambridge. Glad to learn [Desmond?] Pye Smith is a friend of Trevelyan's; he begins work here today.

Garrick's Villa, Hampton, Middlesex. - Wishes he could be sure that Cambridge would give Bob [Trevelyan] the honour he deserves; it is nearly a year since she and he discussed this, and MacCarthy approached Shepherd [sic: J. T. Sheppard?] and Roberts. The answer then was reassuring, but when he saw Roberts recently in the Athenaeum it seemed more doubtful. Has not heard from Trevelyan for a long time; gathers he has been up to Northumberland, and that he is suffering from eczema as well as his usual troubles; is glad the 'dear and wise Mrs Abercromby' [sic: Catherine Abercrombie?] stays with him. Has himself been unwell for a few weeks; is going to London for some special treatment. Went to the South of France in March; enjoyed the warmth and sun but did not get well. Thinks often of going to the Shiffolds or to see Ralph Wedgwood in order to see Trevelyan, but has not felt well enough to go for a short visit. Moore has written inviting him to Cambridge in May, though he doubts he will be able to come.

Review of Trevelyan's translation of Socrates' Ajax by J. T. Sheppard, "Athenaeum", 30 Jan 1920; review of Lascelles Abercrombie's "The Art of Wordsworth" by Desmond MacCarthy, "Sunday Times", 8 June 1952; obituary for Desmond MacCarthy, "The Times", 9 June 1952; obituary for Desmond MacCarthy, with an 'appreciation' by 'C.V.W', "Manchester Guardian", 9 June 1952; piece on MacCarthy by G. M. Trevelyan, "Sunday Times", 15 June 1952; "Marginal Comment", on Desmond MacCarthy, by Harold Nicolson, "Spectator", 20 June 1952; Reader's tributes to Desmond MacCarthy by Martyn Skinner, Oxford and T. F. Harvey Jacob, Waterford, unknown publication and date.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury, St. Mary, Dorking. - They were 'very sad to hear of Lord Bryce's death'; is sure his father 'must be feeling the loss deeply'. It is good that he died 'with his energies unimpaired to the very end'. Robert's only memory of him is of 'his visit to Wallington, perhaps twelve years ago' when he and [Donald] Tovey 'sat up with him an hour or two in the billiard room'; a 'memorable evening' for them both, as they 'led him on to talk on many things, which he did most delightfully'. In turn, although he 'professed to be quite unmusical', got Tovey to talk about 'musical theory and history', and took 'a keen intellectual interest in it all'.

Julian returns to school tomorrow; he is 'quite well again [after influenza]' and cheerful. On 25th Feb, the 'Cambridge people' who acted the Aeschylus plays [J. T. Sheppard's production of the Oresteia in 1921] are performing them again in a London theatre [The Chiswick Empire; see 21/23], but this time in Robert's English translation instead of in Greek. This 'might be quite interesting', and he will put off his trip to Italy till after the performance. They need to leave out 'most of the long choruses, and a good deal else' to fit it into three hours. Has now finished his complete translation of the plays. Bessie is well; Robert sends love to his mother.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Hopes Julian [currently suffering from whooping cough] is 'now beginning to cough less'; two nights ago he had his worst coughing fit yet, 'but that did not last'; Robert will still be glad when he has quite recovered. Had an interesting time in Edinburgh: the opera [The Bride of Dionysus, with libretto by Robert and music by Donald Tovey] 'sounded very well, and people seemed to like it'. Mrs Tovey seemed well, and 'their adopted child is evidently a godsend. It is quite a fine child, and [Grettie Tovey] seems quite sensible with it'.

Is going to Cambridge on Saturday to see the production of Aeschylus [The Oresteia, in J. T. Sheppard's Greek production]. Expects he will go abroad with [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson on 15 March, ending up in Florence, and returning in early May. Bessie will soon write about her plans. Is just finishing the 'story of Abraham [from the Bible, see 46/264] with Julian'; they also read some history and poetry together. Julian is 'going to read Treasure Island to himself now'.

Sends love to his father and to Booa [Mary Prestwich].

The Shiffolds. - Now back from Edinburgh, where he 'spent a few very interesting days staying with the Professor of Chemistry, [George] Barger, who is half Dutch, an old Cambridge man'. The Toveys do not have enough room in their house for guests, but Robert 'saw plenty of them, which was a great pleasure'. The concert went well: the [Reid] Orchestra is said to have 'played better than it has ever done, and the orchestra seemed to enjoy the extract from the opera [The Bride of Dionysus, and recalled Tovey several times']. If [Thomas] Beecham 'had not gone bankrupt, he would probably have produced the opera this year'; instead they will 'have to wait, for operas are expensive things'.

On returning home, found Julian's [whooping] cough much better; he is 'thin, and gets tired easily' but generally 'fairly well and cheerful'. Robert reads history, poetry, and the Bible with him; they 'don't read the bible at his school, so it is as well he should at home, and he certainly enjoys it a great deal', though Robert sees 'no signs as yet of his having a religious turn of mind'. Bessie is reading [Kipling's] Captains Courageous to Julian, who 'likes it very much'.

Robert will go to Cambridge next month to see the Oresteia performed [in J. T. Sheppard's Greek production; Robert's translation was available for the audience]. A letter from Robert's father to Julian came today; Julian will open it tomorrow on his birthday.

King's College Cambridge. Is 'delighted & proud' to have a presentation copy of Bob's [translation of Aeschylus's] "Oresteia", and 'much flattered' by the inscription. Very glad that Bob has gone on to publish the whole thing [after the edited version published in connection with Sheppard's Cambridge Greek Play production]; it is a 'great achievement'.

King's College Cambridge. - Informing Bob that a 'remarkable performance' will take place on 25 February at the Chiswick Empire, 'under the auspices of the Chiswick Education Committee and Sir Oswald Stoll'; should have got Bob's permission before arranging it, but it has 'only just reached the vast proportions' suggesting that he, as translator, should be brought in. The original plan was to put on the Greek Play film [see 21/22] for an audience of students; Sheppard then 'undertook to lecture on it'; next he thought of having recitals of extracts from Bob's translation; next 'costume seemed essential'; now it has turned into a production of most of the "Agamemnon", and the latter part of the "Choephoroe", with expenses paid by Chiswick. The seats will be 'very cheap', so he hopes there will be a good audience; thinks the Press will pay attention. The Film Fund will be paid for hiring out the film; hopes the Greek Play Fund will profit through further sales of the acting edition; it has done well and almost paid for itself, though the main fund is still short by a hundred and sixty pounds. This letter is therefore a 'belated request' to use Bob's translation; is sure it will 'act well' and be a good advertisement of 'honest scholarly methods in translation'. Will not be acted by the same people but Sheppard will produce and 'follow the main lines of the Greek [language] production'. Hopes that Bob will come to see it, and bring guests; he should write for complimentary tickets to H. J. Hands, Director of Education, at the Town Hall in Chiswick, mentioning that he is the author of the translation.; he should also let 'everyone know' about the production, saying that the theatre holds two thousand people, and the seats will be cheap: 'old Vic sort of prices'.

King's College Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for the proofs [of the "Oresteia"], which he has dealt with; is keeping the 'disputed lines' and using Bob's version. Sends his draft for the 'Title Page etc.'; asks Bob to return it at once, putting in a sentence about his translation.

King's College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for his [translation of] "Oedipus at Colonus", which 'delights' him; is 'proud' that Bob has quoted him in the preface.