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Pension Palumbo, Ravello, presso Amalfi. - Filthy weather, as it has generally been since he arrived; has sent off his 'interminable commentary' on [Thomas Sturge Moore's] "Danaë", and has been reading Byron's play "Cain"; finds it 'surprisingly fine', though there are great faults, as in all of Byron; does not agree with Goethe's claim that Byron 'is a child the moment he begins to think'. Always pleased when he finds good things in Byron, as he is much criticised nowadays; people do not really read him, or 'only his inferior early things, e.g. Childe Harold'. Teases Bessie, pretending that 'an unconscionable young lady' keeps 'tormenting him with a stupid school-girl correspondence' and there is no telling where her reading of Plato may lead her. Is sorry that Bessie is having so bad a time with the dentist; best to go through with it in the end. Dined at Mrs Reid's last night, hearing 'local tales about brigands etc' and drinking good wine. They have 'some wonderful cats, the most beautiful [he] has ever seen'; would like to get 'one of the family some day'. Delighted to hear about [the birth of Bessie's niece] Amanda Röntgen; Bessie's aunt told him first, sends thanks for her letter. Copies out poems by Vaughn [sic: Henry Vaughan, "The Retreat"], and Blake ["Infant Joy"]. Will finish this letter and 'per-haps, as Grandmont says' send it by the early post. Is glad to have Bessie's photograph but wants the bigger one when she gets them.

Finishes the letter next day. Bad weather again; is not in good spirits as his host Palumbo is dangerously ill; Palumbo has suffered from the same paralysis before and may recover; he is a 'very good fellow' and Bob will be sorry if he dies; pities his wife and daughter. Has just read the news of the great British losses at Ladysmith; does not know whether this means the town has fallen, but it looks as though Methuen was not strong enough to relieve it; if Redvers Buller does not do better than Methuen, expects Ladysmith will fall in a few weeks and would wish that if it would lead to the reopening of peace negotiations, but this seems unlikely. Says Bessie 'deserve[s] a whipping' for interpreting his jealousy of the lovers in his carriage as a desire to hug his female fellow-travellers. Is very glad she likes the "Symposium" so much; discusses it briefly and suggests other dialogues by Plato she could read. Copies out Blake's "Infant Sorrow" and "Cradle Song". [His brother] Charlie's letter was very nice; is sure she will like him, and he 'evidently means to like [her]'. Reminds her that the new century does not begin until 1901. Glad her practising is going well.

Partial draft, including Dialogues of the Socratic School from Class I (complete), "The Apology" (the last page and the Remarks only) from Class II, the Antisophist Dialogues, Class III ("The Ion" and "Euthydemus" incomplete, the rest complete), and a fragment from "Thrasymachus" in Class IV, The Republic.

Preperations for the College Examination, attending Thompson's lectures on Plato's 'Republic' I and II, working on mathematical subjects, the Gospel of St Matthew suits CJM better, composition is neglected in College Examinations until after the Freshman's year, numbers of entries for the University prizes

Hotel de la Poste, Bruxelles. - Bessie's letter is much the 'best and nicest and loveliest' - though not 'lovingest' - of their 'first real love-letters'. Glad that she is making progress with Plato; the introduction may help, though 'in some most important directions Jowitt [sic: Benjamin Jowett'] does not know much about it'. Went to a bad French play which was even worse than the opera [Massenet's "Cendrillon"]. Tonight is going to hear [Frederic] Lamond whom his mother took him to see when he was about twelve, his first classical concert, and he was 'entranced', particularly by the Liszt; he kept 'leaning forward with his face in his hands, like [his] brother George' and his mother was worried people would be shocked by his 'bad behaviour'. Lamond's programme is all Beethoven this evening. Spent the morning reading [Thomas Sturge] Moore's "Danaë" at the gallery, opposite 'the magnificent Metsys of the life of Anna'; detects a 'sort of affinity between Moore and the Flemmish [sic] people'; certainly neither of them are classical. Wants Bessie to read "Danaë", which is 'wonderful, though wayward and awkward in places'. Nearly went to a music-hall last night as they are meant to be excellent here; would have been better than the 'awful play'. Has not been 'enslaved' by a 'Belgian or Gallic sorceress'; will take Bessie to a music-hall one day to see the 'only living art', in England at least. Teases her about her ability to fold sheets. Will reach the Hague at about eleven, and change and wash before lunch. If her letter was 'foolish', it was only in the 'good sense' Plato talks of; quotes [William] Blake.

Contains: "Blind Oak Gate" by E. M. Forster; poem, " The Hill", by Oliver Lodge; poems, "Why Should We Die, Being Young?" and "From Plato's 'Τήν ψυχήν...' [the soul]", by R. G. Bosanquet; "3. 'Uptown' and 'Downtown'" by Sarah Shorey Gill, with a note at the head addressed to her grand-daughter Polly; "Prayer", by J. L. Mortimer; "The Stone Rut" by Sylvia Sprigge.

Thanks her for the copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir; has 'hardly ever read anything more touching than the last chapter, especially the words which [Henry] wished to be read over his grave.' Refers to the 'bright calmness he maintained in the presence of death, and the interest he continued to take in the concerns of his friends', which remind him of '[Plato's] Phaedo'. Henry' 'is a splendid example of a high and noble life'; he 'maintained his freshness, his delicate sensitiveness and his power of growth to the end.' Remarks that one thing that is not referred to in the book is 'the trouble he took in helping the literary work of others': he found Henry's revision of the second part of Professor Grote's Exploratio [Philosophica] to be very useful, and has no doubt that others were benefited in the same way. Asks Nora to return his letters. Adds that he might have liked to see the reference to Miss [Emily] Davies' remark about Henry' 'gnawing on [her] vitals' omitted, as it may be misunderstood by 'matter of fact readers.'

With quotation from Plato's Menexenus in an unidentified hand.

With notes by Isaac Todhunter throughout, with a list in his hand of the MSS connected with Plato; these lectures on Plato may have served as early drafts of The Platonic dialogues for English readers and include drafts of an introduction to a work of that name. Accompanied by a large sheet with Aristotle's list of virtues and vices.

Scores for: 'Love of Good'; 'Love of Beauty'; 'Pride of Intellect'; 'Lust of Power'; 'Desire for Independence'; 'Kindness'; 'Sensationalism'; 'Sensuality; and 'Love of Work' given for 'O. B.' [Oscar Browning], Dr Johnson, Montagu Butler; Verrall; Welldon; Plato; and 'Ashley B[ickersteth]'. Plato scores highest with a total of 62 out of 90, and Butler lowest with 43. On a separate sheet, the characteristics are drawn in a spiral from 'Love of God' out to 'Love of Work'.

Contains notes from Joseph Some Problems of Ethics (cont), Osborne Philosophy of Value, Laird Study in Moral Theory, Harrod Utilitarianism Revised, Ross Foundations of Ethics, The Philosophy of G E Moore, Jackson Butler's Refutation of Psychological Hedonism and Practical Reason, Huxley Evolutionary Ethics, Joseph Lectures on Plato's Republic and Purposive Action, Ross Aristotle's Ethics

Explains that she carried off Dr Henry Jackson's letter by mistake, and encloses it, along with a note from J.B. Mayor [neither included]; says that the latter 'throws some light on the article.' Believes that it would be a mistake to print the article in a collection of Henry Sidgwick's papers 'because his part is so very short', but adds that [ ] Shipley, to whom she showed it 'is much charmed with it as an imitation of Plato.'

Adds that Henry's part only brings out one point, and that they have no way of knowing 'whether he considered Grotes [sic] answer satisfactory - whether the G[ ] of the latter part of the whole paper can be considered as representing Henry's view or not.' Speculates on the circumstances of the discussion; suggests that it took place at Trumpington, and believes that it should be referred to in any bibliography.

Undertakes to send back 'the number of the N[ ] Review' with the number of the Contemporary [Review] containing the article on "Verification of Beliefs" and one in the Nineteenth Century which should be [consistent] but is...p[ ] [ ] in the Ph[ ]'. Thinks that Henry intended Miss Jones 'to judge whether ethical matter not yet printed should be published or whether printed ethical articles should be republished', but believes that Jones is 'a little too much inclined to publish': she may argue with her about particular papers before a final decision is come to.

Refers to Henry's papers in Mind, to notices of books, and to ethical and philosophical papers, and suggests that they discuss the republication of these various works with regard to the arrangement of volumes. Sets out her idea of the ideal format of a volume 'of Philosophical and Ethical Fragments', and lists the titles or subjects of articles, lectures and other works, and the publications in which they appeared.

Reports that he sent off 'a solace' for her loneliness the previous day. Regrets that there is no chance of his seeing his aunt before he goes abroad. Hopes to be able to go and see her at the end of the Long [vacation]. Undertakes not to come home until he is forced, 'unless [he] can speak German properly'. Announces that he leaves Cambridge for London the following day, where he intends to meet some friends. Reports that his three weeks in Cambridge have not been spent quite as he could wish, but admits that they have been profitable. Hopes that she will like Plato, and tells her to attribute whatever she dislikes in the work to Whewell's mistranslations. Declares that he is glad to hear of her walking, and hopes that she won't overdo it. Thanks her for the ghost story [cf 101/146], and reports that he had had two at first hand by letter from a clergyman. Sends his love to William.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - He and Caroline are both 'fairly well, and heartedly contented'. Glad that Robert and Elizabeth are 'deep in Chaucer'; read him aloud to Caroline over two years in which they 'cared for no other poetry'. Is currently reading the four last books of Thucydides; intends then to alternate Terence with [Sophocles's] three Theban plays and four plays by Aristophanes; then to read two Plato dialogues and the four first books of Herodotus: that 'is far enough to look forward to, and (most probably) too far'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Looking forward to a visit from Elizabeth next week; good to hear she is thinking about a trip to the Netherlands. Like Robert, has been reading Plato's "Republic"; 'heartily agrees' with his uncle [Macaulay]'s opinion that nothing in Greek philosophy surpasses the eighth book 'in profundity, ingenuity and eloquence'; also thinks the description of the Tyrannical Man in the ninth book 'beats all creation'. Asks to be kindly remembered to the Berensons.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Thanks Robert for his Menander, which he will keep until he has got through his 'present course of reading', and send back before they leave Welcombe; intends to 'study the "Arbitrantes" ["Epitrepontes"] most thoroughly. Lists his planned schedule of reading, including Euripides and Plato; very grateful to Robert for introducing him to [Euripides's] "Hercules Furens", and hopes he will be rewarded by a pleasant time in Italy.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - The increased subscription seems reasonable; has written to George and will see that both are paid soon. Interested to hear about Robert's 'Aeschylean work' [his translation of the "Oresteia"]; he himself is "Euripides-struck". Gives his schedule of winter reading of Euripides, Plautus and Plato; notes the coincidence that he began reading the "Phaedrus" for the first time the day after his uncle [Macaulay] died, and sixty two years later will begin it on the same day and date. Next Christmas, 'if I am alive', he plans to read four more plays of Euripides and the last four plays of Plautus.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Interested in the Basil Williams dinner [see 46/278], and views his departure [to take up a professorship at McGill University] 'with regret' and hopes he will benefit from it. Would not have believed it if anyone had told him a generation ago that 'Canada would be a very great country with a future like that of Australia...' He too loves the Plutus; read it at the age of sixteen during one summer holiday with Uncle Tom [Macaulay]: 'I construing, and he enjoying'; Macaulay chose it as his introduction to Aristophanes, as he then chose the Meidi [Against Meidias] of Demosthenes and Gorgias of Plato. Is now reading the last five books of Herodotus, interspersed with [Demonsthenes's] Olynthiacs and first three Philippics.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Looking forward to Robert's visit; glad to hear about Julian as 'there is nothing like Miss Austen for the first introduction to real literature'. Have had a 'real downpour' at last today, needed as the country was looking like a 'Sahara'. Has just finished [Plato's] "Euthydemus", "Protagoras" and "Gorgias", which seem to him easily the best of the 'normal' dialogues, setting the 'death dialogues' and "Symposium" in a 'class apart'.

Board of Health. Agrees to join Hort in his scheme of translating the dialogues of Plato.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Glad to have cheerful news of Julian. Looked up Robert's guest [Harry Norton] in the "Cambridge Calendar" but found his copy was 'too archaic'; will treat himself to a new one next year, and an Oxford one too since he is now a Fellow of both Universities. Has been reading the end of [Aeschylus's] "Eumenides", as well as Plato, including the "Ion" for the first time.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Bob's mother is reading the "Oresteia" with 'the interest of one to whom Aeschylus has hitherto only been a name', and is 'greatly impressed' with Bob's translation. Bob's contact with the plays must be a 'memorable epoch'. Notes that Bob is reading 'or following' [Plato's] "Republic"; it is at least 'two generations of human life' since he himself read it., and he is now revisiting it; [Henry] Jackson 'charged' him to read it all, and [Thomas] Macaulay 'read it twice through in two years, and relished it keenly'. Sir George 'cannot like it', though he likes many of Plato's dialogues and has read some three or four, even five or six times 'this century'; finds the "Republic" 'much harder reading'. He and Caroline 'delight in Julian's Christmas drawings', and send Bob and his family warmest Christmas wishes.

Refers to a paper he wrote on the proposed reform in the Classical Tripos, in which he urged the introduction of philosophy 'on the ground that the subjects with which philosophy is occupied are far more directly useful in after life than those with which philology is occupied.' Refers to Mr Vansittart's answer to his argument, and claims to feel somewhat hurt at the tone of the latter's sentences. It never occurred to him in writing his paper 'that useful pursuits could be taken to mean lucrative pursuits'; thinks that it is a pity it occurred to Mr Vansittart in reading it.

To clear himself from suspicion he proposes to give 'the desired definition of usefulness in after life', in order to counter his detractor's arguments. Disputes the opinion that he should adopt 'the doctrine of Mr Mozley' in relation to the matter, and puts forward the view that Cambridge studies 'ought to be such as will be useful in after life' and that they are not sufficiently so. Adds however that he does not maintain 'that they ought to be just such studies and no others, as will be most useful in after life'. Contends that the way in which a study can best help a man forward in his occupation is by furnishing him with the general principles which apply to it.'

Applies his theory to the case of the study of theology, referring to the fact that a great number of Cambridge students become clergymen. Suggests that the introduction of Greek philosophy into the Tripos examination would be of benefit to such students. Also refers to the benefit of the study of philosophy for English lawyers. Makes reference to Aristotle, and Plato's Republic, and to a treatise by Rousseau on education. Adds that he does not question that the study of philology has its uses. Quotes 'Mr Mill', who claimed that every sentence analysed 'is a lesson in logic', and regrets that grammar 'is not at present taught very rationally at Cambridge.' Believes that the introduction of Sanskrit into the examination in place of history would ruin it. States that if a third dead language is added to the two difficult ones already required he will not have any objection to the examination as such but will 'hope to see it sink decidedly below the level of the Moral Sciences Examination, as dealing with less important subjects, and deprived of the power of conferring a degreee, as an insufficient test of a high education.'

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Thanks Robert for sending the Theocritus. Encloses a letter from Heinemann; he had written to ask if his firm could spare a copy of the Loeb Pindar, since the booksellers say it is out of print, and one of the Plato death [of Socrates] dialogues for Caroline; it was Heinemann who gave him the five volumes of Ferrero's history [of Rome], 'a noble gift', after he gave a speech after the booksellers', authors' and publishers' dinner. Intends to read some Pindar when he has finished writing 'a bit of literature' [the introduction to Edward Graham's life of Henry Montagu Butler?] which he supposes will be his 'last in this world'; does not think he writes any better or worse than he did, but he 'lie[s] awake at night composing' which he supposes is the reason 'old men leave off writing'.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. [old notepaper, since the house was sold in 1916]. - Thought about Robert often last night; he is right to prepare his speech [for the Apostles' dinner?] beforehand as it needs to be 'a literary composition, setting the note to the rest'. Forty two years since he himself presided, the year that his "Life" of Macaulay and [Henry] Sidgwick's "Methods of Ethics" came out; Welldon, who was vice-chairman then, has become Dean of Durham [Cathedral], which Sir George thinks will suit him. Welldon must be pleased at the 'general regret' expressed at his leaving Manchester; the "Guardian"'s account of his 'jolly popular ways' was very funny. Glad to hear that Bessie is properly recovered, and to hear from them both about the plans for Julian [to go to school at Dunhurst, prep for Bedales]. Aunt Annie [Philips] is coming for a fortnight tomorrow, having been very ill; hopes she will take more care of herself in future. Calls themselves 'a crazy company', quoting [Oliver] Cromwell before the battle of Dunbar, but they 'are better at Wallington than anywhere else'. Note written on postscript on a separate sheet: has just finished re-reading [Plato's] Euthryphro; wonders why it is not 'more talked of'.

Cannot find Sir Joseph Thomson's letter [see 12/287] but will send it to Robert when he does; Thomson writes 'in generous and eager appreciation of Monk's "[Life of Richard] Bentley' and shows he is a 'true scholar'. Does send a letter from [Henry] Jackson; is very glad he confirms his own impression about Plato's letters, against Grote and Murray. Written on the back of a largely printed letter, acknowledging receipt of Sir George's letter, from Messrs Drummond [his bankers], 27 Feb 1918.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad to hear Robert is recovering; eager to hear he is quite well. '[V]ery pretty about the theatricals, and about Bessy "not knowing"'. Has begun to re-read Plato, starting with the "Meno" which was particularly recommended to him by Jackson in the 'wonderful letter' he has pasted into the Bekker Uncle Tom [Macaulay] gave him. Thinks Plato is the Greek author he reads most easily; has an 'extraordinary ideal, elevating, effect' on him. Will read the "Euthyphro" at Wallington this summer, for the fourth time, then the "Apology", "Crito", and "Phaedo"; will read the "Republic" if he lives another year. Has now finished reading Aristophanes"; liked the "Ecclesiazusae' less than the other plays. Glad Robert has the pigs [?] since he has someone to look after them.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - An 'enviable description of the Azalea Paradise of dear Theodore's' [Robin Ghyll?]. Forgets how long the flowers last; they have stayed in one place this year long enough to have 'an idea of the transitoriness of flowers'; likes the 'little veronicas' increasingly. Has been seeing much of [Cecil] Knight, the head of the grammar school [King Edward VI School, Stratford]; his 'type is a very high one indeed'; he was at Pembroke College and greatly admired some 'Harrow men' who would have been Robert's contemporaries, Law and Prior. Has been reading much Plato after his recent 'great bout of Latin', and has had some 'wonderfully interesting letters from [Henry] Jackson', about Plato and himself, which Sir George finds just as interesting; he has sent him the 'Proelections' read in the Senate for the candidates for the [Cambridge] Greek Professorship in 1906: Jackson himself; Verrall; Adam, Headlam; Ridgeway. Caroline is well and strong, for her.

[on mourning notepaper]:- Is writing for the Greek prose, though he will 'not have time to do it really well'. Georgie has done his Latin prose. The weather is still 'keeping very fine', though sometimes cold. 'There is nothing interesting going on here'; the school is doing better at cricket. He 'can get the eggs next year instead'.

Is glad she and his father are enjoying themselves. Asks if his father has finished the library yet; supposes they will soon get to know the books' 'new homes', and it will be convenient to have 'shelves for various subjects'. He and Georgie are well. Has not been to 'ducker' [the outdoor swimming pool] yet, but will when it gets a little warmer. 'Georgie, of course, passed in swimming'. Is reading a lot of Greek this week, mainly Plato's Phaedo and Arrian's Alexander; this will be good preparation for the Greek prose.