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19 Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park, W. - Acknowledges £10 subscription for bust of A. H. Clough; it is finished and can be seen at Mr. Woolner's studio at 29 Welbeck Street. Written in 3rd person.

Writes to inform her that he shall come on the following Wednesday. Reports that he shall be staying with Mrs Clough from Monday to Wednesday if his cold does not get worse. Claims that he accepted her invitation gladly, as there is a new edition of Clough's Remains passing through the press, and he would like to talk to her about it. Intends to speak to his mother about Mr Horton and other matters on Wednesday evening, 'before Edward and Mary come'.

Asks if she has heard from William, and states that he has not found time to write to him yet. Asks her opinion on Noel's poems. Refers to the review of them in the Athenaeum, and states that Noel has told him that the two great critics of the age, M. Arnold and S[aint] Beuve, 'have both expressed themselves pleased by the book.' Reports that he has 'got rid of' his last pupil and is writing a paper for his philological journal. Reports that Patterson's book on Hungary is very nearly finished, and that he has seen most of it, and thinks that it will be both worth reading and readable.

Reports that he has been very busy. Remarks on 'Edward's boy [a student from Edward Benson's school, Wellington College?]' having been elected for a minor scholarship at Trinity College, and that he had written to Bradley to tell him of the faults of a boy of his who had been elected minor scholar. Observes that Bradley and Temple 'continue banging affectionately at each other in the Times.' Looks forward to vacation, but is sure that hard work is good for him on the whole. Reports that the weather is splendid. Wonders whether their 'usual concourse of May visitors will go on increasing' as it has in the previous few years. Predicts that the typical Cambridge man 'will be an antiquarian personage who knows about the history of the colleges and is devoted to "Culture des ruines"as the French pamphleteer said.' Refers to his friend Mozley having produced his article on Modern Poets in the Quarterly Review, and fears that it is dull. Believes that he ranks Clough high, and is glad 'as it will astonish the old-fashioned readers of the Quarterly. They will regard the editor as a literary Disraeli marching with his age'. States that he enquired about Christ's Hospital for 'young [Fred] Horton', but found that he was much too old.

Thanks her for her letter. Announces that he has just resigned from his assistant tutorship and has informed the authorities that he intends to resign his fellowship very soon. Remarks that it is not impossible that they may appoint him lecturer in spite of his actions, but he does not expect them to do so. Advises her that the matter is a secret. Reports that the Master 'expressed himself very kindly about [Henry] in communicating [his] resignation to the College.' Remarks that everyone is very kind, and believes that if he is not reappointed 'it will not be from want of goodwill, but from a conviction that the interests of the College do not allow it.'. Claims to be happy, and believes that he has done the right thing.

Asks her to tell Arthur that he thinks they had on the whole, successful meetings at the Free Christian Union. States that Paul's sermon was very good, and is misrepresented in the Pall Mall Gazette. Reports that he has been staying with Mrs Clough, whom he likes 'very much' and that 'the new book' [The Poems and Prose Remains of Arthur Hugh Clough] is due out in about two weeks. Announces that he will come down to his mother about the end of the month or the following month. States that if she has Miss [Alice?] Horton staying with her, or if there is any other particular reason, he does not mind coming, however his hay fever is.

Seeking assistance for James Black, Thérèse Black's husband.

Claims to have meant to send 'these [articles]' sooner, but has been puzzling over the lectures on sociology, which she had mentioned, intending to send them also. Feels that she had better get 'a clearer picture of them and of their relation to published papers' before sending them.

With regards 'the Classical Review article' returns Dr Jackson's letter to Ward [not included], and sends one from J. B. Mayor to Henry Sidgwick . Asks him to return the latter at his leisure. Thinks that it would be a mistake to print the article in a collection of Henry's papers, as 'his part is so very short'. Adds, however, that Miss Sharpley, to whom she showed it 'is much charmed with it as an imitation of Plato'. States that Henry's part 'only brings out one point and [one has] no means of knowing whether he admitted Grote's answer to it to be sufficient - whether the G[ ] of the latter part of the whole paper can be considered as representing Henry's view or not.' Speculates as to the circumstances under which the discussion took place, and suggests it took place at Trumpington. Thinks that the article should be referred to in any bibliography and that a bibliography 'ought to be given either in the volume of fragments or in the biography....'

Also sends him the 1871 number of the Contemporary Review, 'containing the article on Verification of Beliefs...and one in the Nineteenth Century for 1880 on Historical Psychology'. Remarks that Henry was rather dissatisfied with the second one when it appeared. In relation to 'Miss Jones', states that she believes that Henry 'intended her to judge about publication [or] republication of Ethical matter in the same way that he asked [Ward] to do about philosophical work.' Thinks that she is 'a little too much inclined to publish' and considers trying to argue with her about any particular paper before a final decision is come to.' States that 'of course the question of republishing all the papers in Mind or all the notices of books is not purely a question of Ethics. Adds that 'in deciding about Ethical or Philosophical papers or anything else [they] must have regard to the whole amount to be published and the arrangement of volumes and must therefore talk it over all together to some extent.'

Announces that she envisages the publication of two volumes; one of 'philosophical and ethical etc fragments and essays for students' and one of 'more literary essays suited to the general public, and no more', and that the second would probably be entirely reprints. Lists the works possibly to be included in the first volume, including Kant lectures, Green lectures, Ethical papers, lectures on Sociology, articles on the Sophists in the Journal of Philology, the 'Dialogue in Mind on Time and Common sense', 'the articles in the Contemporary and XIXth Century sent with the letter [not included], Ethical articles in Mind, and 'some lectures on Kant's Ethics'.

States that the 'popular volume edited by A[rthur] S[idgwick] would probably be small', and would probably contain a review of Clough in the Westminster Review of 1869, an article on Bentham in the Fortnightly of 1877, 'Political Prophecy and Sociology for the National Review of 1899', the address on Economics 'to section F. of the British Association 1885', 'The Theory of Clerical Education from the volume on Liberal Education 1867', 'Idle Fellowship[s]' in the Contemporary [Review] of 1876, '[A] Lecture against Lecturing' from the New Review of 1890, an article on [Seeley's] Ecce Homo in the Westminster Review of 1866, 'The Prophet of Luther' in Macmillan's Magazine of 1867, 'The Economic Lessons of Socialism' in the Economic Journal of 1895, 'Economic Socialism' in the Contemporary Review of 1886 (though Nora thinks that the latter 'is probably practically superseded by Elements of Politics), a short appreciation of J.S. Mill's work on his death in 1873 (of which Mrs Marshall gave Nora a copy) in the Academy of 1873, and an article on sociology.

Reports that he has mentioned the case of the Westminster Review 'to several rich and liberal friends with indifferent success.' Reports that Mr [Bastard] has already given £100 to Dr Chapman 'in a similar emergency'. Mentions that he was speaking about the matter the previous day to 'a strong political liberal, a friend of [Bright's]' who has written for the publication, and who 'was expressing the same doubts as Bastard, of Dr Chapman' in relation to the latter's running of the Theological Review. Mentions that H.B. Wilson, who writes the precis of the theological books at the end [of the journal] also felt the same way about Dr Chapman. Suggests that a subscription be formed to buy the publication from Chapman, and to appoint Wilson or someone similar as editor. Announces that a man is going to send his son to him as a pupil because of the sermon he gave at the Free Christian Union.. Agrees with much of what Sidgwick wrote of Renan, and is glad that he has written on Clough. Refers to Rawlins and the influence of Cobb. He read 'the Resurrection poem' to the latter, who was 'simply shocked'.

Copy of letter. Thanks Sidgwick for 'the very great pleasure' which Sidgwick's article on [A.H.] Clough has given him. Describes how he had read it in the W[estminster] R[eview], and had written to Symonds to ask whose it was. Declares it to be 'as good a critical essay' as he had ever read, and 'worthy to take a permanent place in English literature.' Hopes to read similar articles in the future. Warns him of the danger of being led 'to admire what is not admirable' and to add his 'more potent voice to the general chorus of the praises of twaddle and folly.' Refers to Sidgwick's article on Courthope's book [Ludibria Lunae], and illustrates the meaning of his warning with an analogy involving Myers and Sidgwick walking in the street and the former dragging the latter along 'after some dressed-out shop-keeper's daughter with a certain prettiness', who he tries to get to walk along with them.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Has been very concerned about the troubles with the nurse [Mrs Catt], for her own sake and for Elizabeth's; hope they will soon be settled. Glad that Julian is so well. Enjoyed their visit from the [Andrew?] Langs; got to like him personally, and it seems he was impressed by 'the real knowledge of books' in the family; he is 'a very curious fellow, and is the better for a little self-knowledge'. Has long thought the "Amours de Voyage" the best of Clough's works; quite agrees with Robert about "Dipsychus", and [Henry] Sidgwick's early essays; will read [Lang's] "In The Wrong Paradise" is Robert likes it. He, Caroline, Charles, and he expects now George are all at different stages in reading [James Ford?] Rhodes' history; Caroline 'was the pioneer'.

Little Hawsted, Kiln Lane, Quarry, Oxford. - Trevelyan's Christmas card ["From the Shiffolds"] gave them 'great pleasure'; is glad to know Trevelyan has a grandson 'named after my beloved Erasmus'. Heard from Peter Grant Watson on the same day, who 'with Greece very much on his mind' quoted from Clough's "Amours de Voyage". Peter has been ill with appendicitis, but is 'mending'. He himself had not read Clough for years, and has been 'held by him all this afternoon!'.

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.']

Refers to Myers' intention to write a poem addressed to Sidgwick 'de rebus divinis'. Claims that this would interest and gratify him, but wishes to make clear his religious views, of which he fears Myers is not completely aware. Claims that if Clough had not lived and written he [Sidgwick] 'should probably be now exactly where he was', and that he 'can neither adequately rationalize faith, nor reconcile faith and reason, nor suppress reason.'

In 'an irreligious age one must not let oneself drift, or else the rational element of oneself is disproportionately expressed and developed by the influence of environment, and one loses the fidelity to one's true self'; does 'not feel called or able to preach religion except as far as it is involved in fidelity to one's true self. Believes 'that religion is normal to mankind, and therefore take[s] part unhesitatingly in any social action to adapt and sustain it (as far as a layman may)'. Also knows that his own 'true self is a Theist', but 'believe[s] that many persons are really faithful to themselves in being irreligious', and does 'not feel able to prophesy to them'; any complaint he has against them 'is not that they do not believe in a God, but that they are content with, happy in, a universe where there is no God ; but many of them are not content, and to these [he has] nothing to say, not being able to argue the matter on any common ground'.

Claims not to feel 'the passionate personal yearnings' that Myers puts into his verse, though he is 'wrought to much sympathy' when Myers expresses them. States that he has read Myers' poems through again, and remarks on 'the combination of great freshness...of feeling with finished elastic stateliness of style.' [Note in another hand: 'Written from somewhere in Germany'].

States that he shall be delighted to write Myers' autobiography, but adds that he must see a good deal of him to do it well. Hopes that he is coming to visit soon. Remarks that Venn seemed to expect him 'in an official capacity' in the neighbourhood. Refers to Myers' letter, which he deems to be 'very interesting', and claims to be 'impressed by the tranquil objectivity of [his] descriptions.' [Part of the letter torn out at this point.] Declares that he feels terribly ignorant of the whole subject, and claims that he does not believe in deliberate choice in love. States that when he was 'young and erotion (cf. Clough)' he used to repeat to himself 'the end of Iphigenia's prayer (Goethe, favourite play of [his] for wholesome warning'. Quotes some lines.

Refers to Myers' work and inquires whether it leads to a permanency. Asks him to tell his [Myers'] mother that Sidgwick is '[temporarily] supplied with a President of [his] "Hall" ', Miss Clough having promised to start them; she is to come only for one or two terms, so Sidgwick is still looking for her successor, 'though more tranquilly'. Reports that he is now examining houses. Complains that '[t]his whole matter' takes up so much of his time, but believes that it is worthwhile. States that he is 'forced more and more into involuntary antagonism with Miss Davies', and reports that she wrote to him recently 'and mentioned affably that [he] was the serpent that was eating out her vitals.' Reports that he saw [ ] [deleted] 'the other day' in Cambridge, and now regrets 'that she could not come.' Declares that she is 'so very [ ] [ ]' [deleted], and understands why, under some circumstances she might strike some people as 'unconciliatory.' Sends greetings to Myers' mother, to whom he is very grateful for 'her exertions' on his [and others'] behalf. Refers to J.A. S[ymonds'] poem.

Undertakes to mention Myers' wishes in relation to the Moral Sciences Examination. Does not know 'who the other two [examiners] will be.' States that Mayor has been applied to. Is torn between 'a desire to get a good man and to do honour to the Tripos by getting a M. Sc. firstclass-man.' Says he 'quite accept[s Myer's] epithets for [D. G.] Rossetti's sonnets' which pleased him 'critically and classificatorily' since he discovered in Rossetti 'the "missing link" between Swinburne and Christina Rossetti'. Wishes Rossetti would write more.

Discusses Mozley's article on Modern poets in the Quarterly [Review], and claims that he is the first man 'who has spoken adequately of Clough.' Reports that there is a new edition of Clough in the press. States that he has not seen [Roden] Noel since he reviewed him. Remarks that 'that review has turned out unfortunate', and that '[R. H.?] Hutton likes the poems and therefore would have reviewed them...with his goldest pen.' Claims that he could not have said anything stronger in [Noel's] favour, and does not agree with Myers about the book. Declares that Markby 'is a little over enthusiastic about female prospects' and believes himself that 'the question is in a hopeful state.' Claims that 'there is no real conservatism anywhere among educated men.' Adds his opinion in relation to the use of 'esquire'.

Typewritten. Thanks her for sending him 'a copy of Clough's Remains'. Explains that he asked for it through [Godfrey?] Lushington because 'to no one, out of the range of his personal friendships, could Clough be an object of more intense individual interest than to' him [Henry]. Declares the great value he places on Clough's poems, and calls him 'the one true disciple of Wordsworth, with a far deeper interest than Wordsworth in the fundamental problems of human life, and a more subtle, more cultivated intellect.' Speaks of Clough's blending of irony and sympathy in his poetry, and his 'judicial fairness in balancing conflicting influences'. States that the volume sent to him will be very precious to him.

MS note by Nora Sidgwick: 'This letter did not reach us till the biography was printed off'.

Typewritten. Regrets that he cannot put into his review [of A. H. Clough's Remains, for the Westminster Review] any notice of Symonds. Explains that the rule he tries to observe in anonymous writing is to write always of people exactly as he should do if he knew nothing of them. Since he hardly speaks of the edition at all, it would not be natural for him even to mention Symonds. In relation to another point that Clough had asked him about, states that he has altered a sentence in which refers to Mr Palgrave's preface to an edition to Clough's poem, and quotes it as it now stands, claiming that it is 'a very mild retort for the poem in the Spectator'. Refers to the death of his friend J.B. Payne. Hopes that Clough's children enjoy themselves on the Tenby sands, where he himself used to play nearly thirty years previously.

MS note by Nora Sidgwick: 'This letter did not reach us till the biography was printed off'.

Inquires as to whether he left any 'Boot, Shoes or Goloshes' in his bedroom at her house. Quotes lines of verse 'The heart, bereaved, of why and how..' [from A Song of Autumn by Clough]. Asks her to send any of these items to him, if found, to an address in London. Informs that he writes the postcard in the British Museum Library, because [the staff] will not bring him the books he ordered.

Refers to Sidgwick's 'transcendental letter', and to the fact that he had read 'Clough and your [Sidgwick's] article.' He also read Amours de Voyage, which he likes better than what else he had read of Clough. Discusses Clough's humour. Informs Sidgwick of his intended movements over the Christmas holidays.

Intends to be in London on 10th and hopes to go to [ ] the following day. Reports that their 'little Margaret is unwell'. Refers to Sisgwick's article on Clough [in the Westminster Review, Oct. 1869], which he found interesting. Reports that he received a note from Arthur. Expresses fear that a new [ ] of Persian will not be established. Returns to the subject of Clough; refers to Runyan's [ ] Pantheism.