Showing 54 results

Telegram, 16 July 1947, from Christopher Hassall to R. C. Trevelyan, inviting him to give a twenty-five minute talk on Catullus on 27 August. Reply from Trevelyan regretting that he cannot give the talk. Subsequent reply cancelling previous reply and saying Trevelyan would 'much like to write script' if the offer is still open.

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Understands that Trevelyan has made some translations from Latin of poems by Catullus for his broadcast on the Third Programme on 27 August: 136 lines of verse and 66 words of prose. An 'inclusive fee of fifteen guineas' is offered, in return for which the Corporation would like the rights specified on the attached form [no longer present]. If this is satisfactory, asks Trevelyan to sign and return the form; will then arrange payment.

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.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary. - Thanks his father for sending [William] Everett's letter and translation [see 12/87]: Bowen 'used to make the sixth form learn Phaselus [Catullus 4] when they were late for lunch'; they had usually forgotten it and had to learn it anew each time. At one time Robert was 'rather often late', and Bowen found he 'really knew Phaselus by heart' and said he must learn something new; he used to learn a new passage of Lucan each time 'and so soon found it not worth being late'. Had intended to send Bowen his own translation [published as The Schooner from Catullus in Polyphemus and Other Poems, 1901], but he died just before he could. Thinks his translation better than Everett's, as it keeps closer to the 'words and movement of the original', but has seen some 'very good translations of Italian poetry' by Everett.

He and Bessie are much looking forward to his mother's visit; the 'trees are very fine now' and he hopes they still will be when she comes. They 'like Pauline very much for a name [Charles and Molly's daughter, born recently]. It is unusual, but not excentric [sic]'; glad the birth went well.

Liked the article in the TImes [Literary Supplement, on Sir George's Interludes in Verse and Prose, see 12/86] very much; sees Punch objected to the title but cannot understand why.

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Sorry that there has been 'a good deal of confusion' about Trevelyan's Latin poetry translations, to be broadcast today: the fee of fifteen guineas offered was on the assumption that the translations were made specifically for the programme, but she now understands from Trevelyan that most of them have been taken from previous publications and that the Programme Contracts Department has already sent him an inclusive contract. Retracts the offer and apologises for the 'muddle'.

Prose note on 'religious and aesthetic emotions'. Verse, 'This love disease is a delicious/delightful trouble'. Translations by Trevelyan of the "Homeric Hymn to Demeter", fragments from tragedies by Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus, an extract from Virgil ["Aeneid"] Book VI, Leopardi's "To his Lady" and "Canticle of the Wild Cock", Simonides 37, an extract from [Homer's] "Iliad" Book 24. Draft essay on aging and desire. Notes, in the style of Trevelyan's "Simple Pleasures". Autobiographical piece about a reading party at Blackgang Chine almost fifty years ago, with Cambridge friends such as Lytton Strachey, Roger Fry, Desmond MacCarthy and George Moore. Draft of "On Inspiration", published in "Windfalls". Translations of Catullus 2, 7, 12, and 50, Tibullus I.1, and Montaigne III.11 and III.6. Dialogue between 'Child' and 'Father'. Note on Saint Augustine's "Confessions". List of contents for the 1948 "From the Shiffolds" pamphlet. Notes for topic 'What does England mean to me?' and on old age.

Notebook used from other end in: list of books including [Beerbohm's] "Zuleika Dobson" and Ransome's "Great Northern?". Draft letter regarding the [re?] printing of Trevelyan's "Collected Works". Passage headed 'p. 15'; since this is followed by a review of Judson's "Life of Spenser", it may be an extract from that book. List of titles of essays, prefaces for translations, biographical pieces (Donald Tovey and C[lifford] A[llen], etc; perhaps future projects for Trevelyan. Draft piece on poets and poetry. Dialogue on the subject of translating poetry; piece "On Translating Greek Poetry", with notes on individual authors and quotations of passages. Pieces on translating Lucretius and the Greek Anthology; notes on translating Homer and Catullus; observations on a 'friendly critic' pointing out that 'too many' of Trevelyan's poems and essays begin with a scene of someone, usually the poet, 'walking meditatively in a wood' or lying beneath a tree. Translation of Tibullus III.19. Draft essay on Trevelyan's feelings about spiders, insects and other small creatures, and snakes; includes mention of a 'great philosopher' [Bertrand Russell or G. E. Moore?] disliking ants immensely.

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Very kind of Trevelyan to write: it was a 'great pleasure' to meet him; admired his script and delivery very much. Perhaps they will meet again for another programme. Has heard 'so many appreciative remarks about the Catullus broadcast'.

Ashmansworth, nr Newbury, Berks. - Trevelyan sent him a copy of his new volume ["Translations from Latin Poetry"] 'Weeks ago'; did not reply with thanks at one as he wanted to wait until he had time to read it properly. His 'poor' Latin has now 'faded away to a shadow', so the 'good Latinist' may miss the pleasure he gets from translations which 'also happen to be English poetry'. Found some 'old acquaintances', such as Catullus 101, and is 'delighted' that Trevelyan's predecessors in translating Catullus 5 ["Vivamus, mea Lesbia..." did not 'over-awe' him. Has Trevelyan's translations of the "Eclogues" and "Georgics", Theocritus, and 'so much else'. Adds a postscript saying it has not been such a pleasure to read [John] Masefield's new book, "On the Hill': 'Its [sic] almost embarrassing'.

45 Temple Fortune Hill, N.W.11. - Thanks Bob for his "Translations [from Latin Poetry]": a 'most attractive little book', with 'the print a joy'. Happy to see the 'lovely translation' of Catullus's "Epithalamium", he thinks for the first time; also loves Bob's translation of 'the old favourite "Vivamus, mea Lesbia..."' [Catullus 5], and quotes a line from a previous version of it which always makes him smile. Had not studied Leopardi before but likes Bob's versions, and also the Italian folk songs. José [his wife] asks him to thank Bob too. The 'great event' this week has been the arrival of Ethel [his aunt] and Sam: they have talked on the telephone, and hope to meet on the August bank holiday weekend; until then the Clausens are visiting his aunts at Gloucester and uncle in Dublin. Jane [his daughter] is doing well; thinks she is 'a forward child'. Asks when Bob and Bessie can come to visit; he hopes soon; they cannot come to the Shiffolds because of Jane.

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Apologises for bothering Trevelyan with another letter, but is 'receiving several enquiries' to which he can only give 'vague answers' as a result of the success of Trevelyan's broadcast on Catullus. Asks which of Trevelyan's translations were new and which have already been published, and in which books they appeared; feels that the 'enthusiasts should be encouraged'.

Typed copy of telegrams, draft letters from Trevelyan and typed letters from Christopher Hassall of the BBC. Two typed letters from E. M. Layton of the BBC's copyright department. Trevelyan's radio programme on Catullus, third in a series of broadcasts on Latin poetry, was transmitted on the Third Programme, 27 Aug 1947.

c/o A[ubrey] Waterfield Esq., La Fortezza, Aulla, Lunigiana, Italy. - Was very interested in Everett's two essays; what he says about Shakespeare [in "Six Cleopatras", "The Atlantic Monthly" (February 1905) 252-263] seems 'very just', and if he knew the other Cleopatras would probably agree with Everett's thoughts on them too. Ashamed to say he has never read the Dryden ["All for Love or, the World Well Lost"] though he has long meant to; the version by Delphine Gay [de Girardin] also sounds interesting. Finds it harder to agree totally with Everett's paper on Catullus and Horace ["Catullus vs Horace", "Harvard Studies in Classical Philology" 12 (1901): 7-17]; glad to hear Horace praised, as he is 'often now unjustly deprecated', but obviously thinks more of Catullus than Everett does. Though he admits the faults Everett finds, nothing in Horace appeals to him 'personally in the way that the Attys and the first Epithalium [sic: of Catullus] do'. Responds to a few of Everett's criticisms in detail, and says he would 'be prepared to defend Catullus as one of the very greatest poets in the world'. Everett's 'comparison of [Sophocles'] "Ajax" with "Othello" is 'a very just one'; agrees in some respects with what Everett says about the play, though feels the 'repulsive and sordid elements' may be needed to relieve Othello's characters, which is 'essentially noble and beautiful'. Thanks Everett for sending him Mr [William?] Bradford's poems; was much interested in them but disappointed; did not care for the lyrics and, though the sonnets read well, he found htem 'lacking in real poetical quality'; seems to him a difficult genre of poetry to succeed in, though Wordsworth's "Extinction of the Venetian Republic" and sonnet about Toussaint L'Ouverture show what may be done. Is writing a 'lyrical drama on Ariadne and Theseus ["The Bride of Dionysus"]... intended as a libretto for a musical friend [Donald Tovey]". The last act 'will be the most difficult, and should be the best'.

Quotation from N[orman] Douglas's "Late Harvest", with verse, 'Brief and gross is the pleasure of love's deed'. Incomplete piece on nature, pleasure, and poetry. Section from Trevelyan's "Thamyris" [page reference added after publication?], with discussion of the work of Lascelles Abercrombie and Robert Bridges. Notebook used from other end in: poem, "To Gordon Bottomley" (first line, 'All best things fade, dear Gordon, into memory and regret...'). Translation of Catullus LXI; note on translations from Aeschylus and Sophocles; translation of Mimnermus 'to his own soul', Pindar fragment 106, Tiberianus, 'Furius and Aurelius...' [Catullus XI], Pindar Pythian 4 line 67ff.

The White Gates, Westcott Road, Dorking. - Thanks Bob for the new poems [ his yearly 'Christmas card' "From the Shiffolds"]; likes them very much, especially the Catullus, Finds none of them 'quite up to the poem to Ursula last year' but perhaps this is because they are translations.

Wanford House, Rudgwick. - Very kind of Trevelyan to send such a 'delightful Christmas present' ["From the Shiffolds"]. His 'Muse is constant': the "Epistle" to his grandson is 'charming' and one day should give him 'great pleasure to read'. Particularly enjoyed meeting his favourite Catullus, Tennyson's 'tenderest of Roman poets', 'in an English dress that becomes him well'. "Ten Years Ago" is 'sad but beautiful'; the price that must be paid for growing old is losing friends and loved ones, but Trevelyan 'strike[s] a manly cheerful note that does one good to read'. Jokingly presents Trevelyan with his own poem 'In 1944 / It did nothing but pour'. 'Ursula [perhaps Ursula Wood?] seems to be flourishing', and is happy to have received royalties and to learn that her poems have sold out, which 'does credit to the public taste'.

Trevelyan was very pleased when he realised he could be in London on 27 August and so accept Hassall's 'very kind and flattering invitation' to deliver a radio broadcast on Catullus; hopes he will be able to produce something 'worthy' of Hassall's new series. Asks if Hassall wishes him to read the script and poems himself, as he would prefer to do so; a pencilled continuation rephrases this to emphasise his wish to read.

Also includes part drafts of "Paraphrased from Wolfram von Eschenbach", translation of Catullus 8, and Lucretius "De Rerum Natura" book 1 [all published with "The Bride of Dionysus"].

Enclosed is a loose sheet of paper, noting 'Bob's method of composition, as described by E[lizabeth] T[revelyan]'.

The Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for his 'delightful translations' ["Translations from Latin Poetry"]; knew the Catullus originals well and some of the Leopardi, but not the others. The Italian folk songs at the end are 'remarkable'. They are going to Hallington on Friday, a 'tiresome journey for Janet, who gets no better', but they will both be glad to be there. Hopes Bob will visit when he comes north.

Translation of Catullus 45 on inside cover. Prose narrative about a conversation between Septimius and Acme [an early version of "Maya"?]. Draft dialogue between Apollinax, Gigadibs and Percival Smith, in which the Devil gives Apollinax the power to destroy the world and the others attempt to persuade him not to use it. Notebook also used from other end in: part drafts of Trevelyan's "Thamyris: or, Is There A Future For Poetry?" and "Cheiron".

Is sending two extracts from the "Manchester Guardian"; does not entirely understand the one about atoms, but Julian may; if atoms are 'a kind of solar system... perhaps our solar system may be an atom in something bigger, and so on'. Has 'frozen fairly hard' all today, and the birds have been eating the food put out; he and Elizabeth have been alone this weekend, but next Sunday [Gordon] Luce, Miss [Ethel?] Luce and Mr [Arthur?] Waley are coming next Sunday. Wonders how Julian will like Latin; at least he will know 'amo amas amat etc' and [Catullus's] 'Da mi basia centum'; wonders whether he will be taught Robert's way of pronunciation, or 'the old English' way Robert was taught at school; it does not matter much, but Robert's is nearer the Roman way. Elizabeth has sent the Hurtenham magazine to Mr [Gordon] Bottomley; now she is going to read to him. Sends love to the goats and pigs, though supposes the ones Julian was interested in 'are now no more'.

Pages 1-7: review of "Gruach and Britain's Daughter: Two Plays" by Gordon Bottomley [published in 1921]. Pages 8-13: review of book by Bernard Berenson ["Three Essays in Method", published in 1927]. Pages 13-14, review of "Studies: Indian and Islamic" by S. Khuda Bukhsh, published in 1927.

Notebook also used from the back in: on first back page there is a draft of some verse, 'Withdrawn to the gloom of her inmost vave in dark disconsolate anger...', and Neville Lytton's address and telephone number. Next page, list of poems, perhaps for proposed "Collected Poems", with numbers beside them which may indicate the number of pages. Ten pages of essay on Shelley [perhaps the one printed in "Windfalls", 1944].

Many loose sheets and bifolia inserted, with drafts of works by Trevelyan including "The Bride of Dionysus"; "Sisyphus"; "Archilochus on a Lemnian Trireme" [from "Mallow and Asphodel"; the two drafts of this poem are on sheets of Welcombe House notepaper]; "The Thrush's Song", Trevelyan's translation of Catullus 63 ["Attys"].

Also inserted in this book is a grouping of pages from another exercise book, most still bound together, with drafts of "The Rooks" and a long piece of blank verse; these notebook pages also contain a bifolium with extract from "Sisyphus".

Part drafts of "Fand" and "Sulla". Nature notes. Draft of "To I. C. W." [Irene Cooper Willis] and "To Desmond MacCarthy". Translation of Catullus XCVI. Draft of part of "Thersites". Notebook used also from other end in: translation of Lucretius IV lines 269-661

List of fragments from Greek tragedy and comedy on inside front cover and following page. Verse, 'Mad as the wind are the thoughts of lovers...'. Translation of Virgil's "Aeneid" Book 4 line 465ff; lists under headings 'Greek translations' and 'Latin translations' interpolated. Heading, 'Autobiographical notes', followed by poem, 'All best things fade, dear Gordon [Bottomley]'; translation of Catullus 11 upside-down at the bottom of this. Part translation of Catullus 65; essay or notes for speech citing Tennyson and Catullus. Essay, 'Greek and Roman Poets'. Translation of Montaigne I.28.

Notebook used from other end in: poem, 'What do you then believe?...'. Another version of 'All best things fade...'. Draft of "Dandelions" [published in the "From the Shiffolds" of Christmas 1947. Essay on Trevelyan's translations of Montaigne. List of contents for "Windfalls" [the second, extended, edition of 1948]. Essay on nature and happiness [two versions]. Verse, 'Mountains and rocks seem motionless and lifeless...'. Heading, 'Confession Haeretici', followed by notes and verse, 'Though now your body is growing old...'. Heading, 'Religio Poetae', followed by notes listing autobiographical topics and verse, which may carry on from the page before; list of topics relating to poetry on the next page. Verse, 'In the days of Omar, Commander of the Faithful...'. Translation of Catullus 7. Autobiographical piece about his father showing him Macaulay's annotations to the text of Catullus. Translation from Horace, "Satires" II.7. Notes on Robert Bridge's "Testament of Beauty". Page count [for the new edition of "Windfalls"].

Casa Boccaccio, Settignano, Florence, Italy. - Sorry to hear that Julian has had a bad cold; Elizabeth has sent his two first letters; glad he is getting on well [at Bedales], expects Elizabeth will visit soon. The 'common people speak Italian just like Arrius [in Catullus 84]' and put aspirates after their consonants. Glad they pronounce Latin 'properly' at Bedales; afraid he himself is 'shaky' about his 'v's'. Asks to be remembered to Mr [Reginald] Roper. Originally enclosing some photographs taken in this villa and the garden here; the library is modern but 'in the old Italian style', and he works or writes letters in it every morning, going up into the hills when the weather is fine. Large quarries and caves there, but he has met 'no tribe of Troglodites'; expects the Romans 'drove them all over the Alps'. Also originally enclosing some stamps (one Estonian) which the librarian has just received in the post. Sees there will be a by-election at Darlington, and hopes Julian will use his 'influence with the Mayor of Hurtenham [his imaginary town' in favour of any Labour candidate; though he expects Labour do not have much chance. Asks to be remembered to the [Thomas Sturge] Moores if Julian sees them, and to Igor [Anrep?].

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Was 'delighted' to get Trevelyan's wire agreeing to write a script on Catullus; will inform John Sparrow this afternoon and knows he will also be pleased. Sparrow will give the first, introductory, talk on 16 August; Rex Warner will deliver a talk on 17 August, which Trevelyan's will follow at 6.25 pm on 27 August. Other programmes in the series will be on Virgil, Horace, and Late and Medieval Latin; Hassall is asking Rose Macaulay to give a final summary talk. Trevelyan's talk to set out Catullus's place in Latin poetry, the character of his work, and contrast with other 'great Latin poets', and 'assess his value to modern times'; it should contain quotations in English; Trevelyan could read these, or inform Hassall if he would like one or two readers and of which sex. Hassall will produce the programme, rehearsals will take place about two and a half hours before transmission, and Trevelyan should send the script at least a fortnight beforehand. Must take care over copyright translations. Will arrange for an official contract to be sent.

Hassall signs his name 'for Patric Dickinson, Drama Department'.

86 Walton St, SW3. - Thanks Bob for sending him "From the Shiffolds"; was 'delighted' to re-read so many poems which 'charmed' him when printed privately; did not remember "Willowherb" and asks if it is new. Glad to hear Bob is doing a broadcast on Catullus for his 'dear friend Christopher Hassall', whom he thinks 'is making a very good job of the [BBC] Third Programme'.

86 Walton St, SW3. - Very much 'enjoyed & admired' Bob's Catullus broadcast; felt it 'must be fulfilling its purpose of showing people who don't know Latin that he is a great poet'. Christopher [Hassall] rang this morning to 'express his delight'; Bob 'had a great success with him' and Eddie hopes it was reciprocal. In spite of the 'disparity [in age]' Christopher is 'one of the greatest friends [Eddie has] ever had' and he thinks 'the world of him'.

86 Walton St, S.W.3. - Thanks Bob for his "Translations [from Latin Poetry]"; thinks Bob's "Michael Angelo" is 'very fine', as is "The Setting of the Moon'; thinks he likes the Propertius best of the translations, and 'Ovid comes off very well'. Remembers Bob's 'retraction' in Eddie's favour of his 'dictum that the Odes were untranslatable', and wishes he could say Bob had changed his own mind about Catullus; afraid he still thinks him 'quite uncapturable', though Bob's "Sirmio" [Catullus 31] is 'charming'. Is 'rather baffled' by Bob's Lucretian hexameters: he seems to 'have coquetted rather half-heartedly with [Robert] Bridges' "Quantities"'. Tiberianus must be an 'enchanting poet'; had never heard of him before. Is sending Bob a 'little book' he 'brought out under duress' the year before last ["Minima", see 15/316], which is 'beautifully produced, but far too expensive'; has just 'salvaged a few copies of the huge "remainder" to give away'. Is proud of his Milton imitations, but the 'rest are nugatory'.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Is not going to Egypt, but will come to Bob; will spend from 25-30 January happily at Pisa 'up to the heart in Shelley', then will come on to Ravello; looking forward to seeing Bob there. Will do an 'expedition' to Sicily, especially Syracuse, from there, and hope Bob will come with him; plans to go to Florence when the weather is warmer. Interested to hear how Bob's play progesses; liked "The Mulberry Tree" and 'dear old "phaselus ille" [a translation from Catullus]' very much: Bob should send it to Bowen 'as an alternative for modern side boys [at Harrow] to learn when they are late for dinner'. His own book ["England in the Age of Wycliffe"] will be out in about a month; their father's [the first volume of his "The American Revolution"] has been 'extremely well received'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - They are in 'the full Saturnalia'; likes such 'famous anniversaries'; discusses the Roman festival. Has now read through Martial again, 'almost certainly for the last time', and is struck by the 'blackguardism' of much of it compared with Horace and Catullus, though there are 'occasionally exquisite little poems' throughout and the 21th book, written in Spain, is 'far freer from faults, and richer in beauties'; thinks his new wife must have been a good influence, and that he really liked Spain. Very satisfactory about Julian.