Epigram which won the Browne Medal in 1959, to the set subject "Delirant reges, plectuntur Achivi" [Horace, "Epistles" 1.2.14; 20/67 is another copy]. Explanation that it refers to Louis Napoleon's comment to the Austrian ambassador Baron Hübner at the New Year's day ambassadorial levee [1859], which presaged war with Austria and recalled his uncle [Napoleon]'s attack on Lord Whitworth [March 1803]. Note at the end of the poem saying that Hübner himself, at the age of over eighty, saw the epigram and liked it.
Epigram which won the Browne Medal in 1858, when, as noted by Trevelyan he was a freshman, to the set subject "Versat / Saxum sudans nitendo neque proficit hilum" [a quotation from Cicero, "Tusculan Disputations" 1.10, perhaps quoting Ennius' "Annales"; 20/68 is a printed copy]. Addressed to 'Cotilus' [a name used in Martial's epigrams], who was a school-friend of Trevelyan's at Harrow and is now studying at Oxford.
Rome. Attempt on the life of Louis Napoleon, Tivoli, Hadrian's villa, Monte Gennaro, delight in Dante.
Christ Church, Oxford - Has read his book on Louis Napoleon; his father served in the same company of Special Constables and shares his stories, and that of being a small boy held up to see Napoleon III as he passed.
Strong, Thomas Banks (1861-1944), Bishop of Oxford[Sent from Munich]:- Presumes that, since no letter was forwarded to him from Göttingen, there is a slim chance of his meeting up with his brothers in Switzerland. Asks her to let them know that he is anxious to hear of their plans. His own plans are 'an excursion to the Bavarian lakes, returning to Munich', and also a trip to Pontresina, where he intends to stay until 22 August. States that he if does not hear from Arthur and William there, he shall probably go to Zermatt and Riffelberg and 'homewards along the Rhone Valley to Geneva.' Claims that he finds it hard to leave Germany 'in this exciting time.' Reports that he could not go to Göttingen, as the lines were too much occupied with the transport of soldiers. States that he got to Nuremberg 'with some difficulty'. Claims to be very well, that he has 'left off' working and that he enjoys seeing the German towns, and hearing the talk of the people. Remarks that it is 'a grand time for Germany', in that 'the whole people is at length united in a just cause'. Reports that the bad feeling against England on account of 'sham-neutrality' is great, and does not think that it will easily be forgotten. Finds it 'rather disagreeable', especially as he sympathises with this attitude and thinks that Gladstone 'has been weak.' Considers coming to England at the end of the month. Adds that they are expecting a decisive battle. Believes that if Napoleon is beaten, 'he will make peace at once, if he can.' States that the doubt relates to whether the Germans will make peace without exacting when Napoleon cannot grant. Predicts that if Napoleon wins this battle, 'the war may last indefinitely.'
Reports that he has got her letter, and regrets that it is not more definite. Asks her to send her next one to Post Restante Göttingen. Announces that he will be in Halle until the following Thursday. States that his studies have not been as profitable as he had hoped, due in part to lack of energy, and also to the nature of the subject of German philosophy. Has 'almost determined to return to Cambridge at the end of August', because of the war. Reports that it has been very exciting in Berlin, and that its citizens are in a state of indignation, because 'they believe utterly in the justice of their cause'. Claims that their indignation 'renders them quite blind to the French view of the case, and finds vent in needlessly coarse expressions of hatred towards Louis Napoleon and his wife.' Explains that the empress is supposed to have wanted the Prince of Hohenzollern to marry a relative of hers, and to have been infuriated by his refusing to pledge himself thereto.'
Reports that there is bad feeling in Germany against England 'for "sham neutrality".' Believes the conduct of the English government to be 'shortsightedly timid: if it be true that cartridges are openly sent to France by Birmingham firms.' States that 'there is something cowardly in Granville's extreme anxiety not to offend France, and to keep the balance of praise and blame even', and remarks that Prussia 'did not do her utmost to prevent the war which France did her utmost to provoke.' Does not see why the war should stop his mother's tour, considering Switzerland's neutral status. Allows that there might be some difficulty 'in getting by the Eastern line to Bâle', but does not suppose there will be even any difficulty in getting by Dijon to Geneva or Neuchâtel. Informs her that he has a corn under his big toe, which will affect his walking.
Reports that he is 'still lingering' in Berlin, and that he goes to Halle on Friday. Complains that nobody there wants to talk philosophy, and states that 'the atmosphere is too exciting to read much. Claims that the [Franco-German] war is 'a disgrace to civilisation', and that his only comfort is that Napoleon, 'when he sees that every month of war is doing more to unite Germany than ten years of peace, will make it as short as he can.' Believes that if he wins the first battle he will propose to stop, 'taking Luxembourg and glory, and leaving Germany alone.' Reports that his friends believe Prussia would not take this. Asks her to forward the enclosures [not included].
Also written on behalf of Louis Napoleon [afterwards Napoleon III]. In French
Paris. - Very flattered that Trevelyan has sent him his "Translations from Lucretius"; his eyes are no longer capable of reading it, but Madame de Rohan-Chabot and Madame de Maillé will read him the most difficult passages; wishes him the success which 'old Major von Knebel, friend of Goethe, had with his translation. [ Aimé Sanson] de Pongerville, who translated Lucretius into French was named keeper at the Bibliothèque Royale and member of the Académie Française; his daughter married [Auguste] Silvy, who 'played a sad role after the catastrophe of 1870' [the siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War] as a minister when Tours was temporary seat of government. Trevelyan's address recalls the memory of [George Tomkyns Chesney's] "Battle of Dorking", which gave rise to so much talk in the last years of Napoleon III. Has seen their friend [Bernard] Berenson several times since Trevelyan's departure, who is one of the 'great trumpets of Trevelyan's glory'. The countess of Rohan-Chabot also came before her trip to Evian.
Tavistock House, London, W.C. - Acknowledges Milnes' £10 for Marguerite Power; the Emperor gave a 'convent-Dowry' to Ellen of five thousand francs.