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Florence. 6 Lungarno Torrigiani. 1ᵒ pᵒ [primo piano]. Envelope addressed to Browning at 19 Warwick Crescent, Upper Westbourne Terrace, London. - Death of Miss Isabella Blagden; attended her funeral yesterday; she had been slightly unwell since her return from England this winter. She 'has not ceased to live, as Bibi [his daughter Imogen] and I know, for we have had tidings of her through Regina, whom you remember' [Kirkup was a spiritualist and believed that he remained in communication with his first wife Regina, who died in 1856].

Isabella Blagden is buried near Browning's wife, south of her monument, 'the most magnificent in the place'. Remembers that Browning was dissatisfied in some way with 'Mr Leighton's part in the erection' but not 'in what way it was imperfect'; assures Browning that 'its general effect is imposing'.

Further discussion of spirits: they are 'alive & kicking - that is, flying with their legs, as I have often dreamed - none of our spirits have wings. They are like my master Fuseli's angels, who float by Will, not by wings'. Has 'obtained four photographs of spirits, real ones, not artificial imitations, which wd have been perfectly impossible with my precautions'.

Has much to tell Browning but cannot write or read for long; has parted with his books, 'besides, thieves had begun to steal the most valuable'. Has had to leave his old house as his landlord wanted to live there and has 'altered it and spoiled it'; his new house is 'prettier' with a 'much finer prospect. I see the Cupola as I lie in bed'. Invites Browning to visit him before he moves in May to Leghorn [Livorno], on the instructions of Isacco [a spirit]. Bibi is as tall as Regina was; has had her legitimised 'at Regina's pressing request' and she is now a 'courtesy Baroness... all vanity!'

Asks how [Browning's son] 'Penino' is; also enquires after Robert Lytton, Henry Layard, 'the poet Wilberforce' and Frederick Locker. Asks who 'Mr Addington Symonds' is: he has sent Kirkup his book on Dante. Asks whether Miss [Fanny?] Haworth is married. Never sees the Landors: gives news of 'Carlino' [Charles], Walter, and Julia. [Thomas] Trollope has 'been obliged to sell his villa, books & every thing - he had married his daughter's governess'; believes they are all in England [in fact they had moved to Rome]. Florence is 'much changed & immensely increased - millions on millions spent in building when it was the capital'; now 'no English' there.

Signs off, but adds a long postscript: spiritualism ('Spirits are almost my only friends here'); does Browning see the Rossettis or Trelawny? Discusses Lady Westmorland and her family, and Lady William [Russell?]. Has received two copies of Forster's life of Landor; wonders if he can send one back. Hates the Florentines 'for their treatment of Dante's monuments'; asks if Browning has a copy of the Arundel Society reproduction of Kirkup's sketch.

Hopes 'to be back in 80 days'. Asks about the possibility of postponing his lecture from May to the following October, but states that if Sidgwick has any difficulty in procuring a substitute, he will fulfil the original engagement. Claims that he pleased to hear of another edition of Sidgwick's book. States that although he doesn't agree with it on many points, he owes a great deal to it. Wishes that Sidgwick 'could get the freewill problem fairly put in a box!' Reports that he has given Sidgwick's message to Symonds, who 'seems to be going on with remarkable steadiness and to be for him in good health.'

Explains that he did not hear of the birth of Mary's baby [E.F./Fred Benson] until some days after the event. Sends his love to her. Does not expect that [J.W.?] Hales will have time to see him. Reports that he has had Arthur to breakfast that morning. Relates that he seems 'lively enough', that he is staying with Symonds, but not in his house, and that he goes to the Lakes on Thursday morning.

States that she was glad to receive his letter, and also to receive one that came from H.F. Brown at the same time. Agrees that the latter 'is remarkably tolerant of criticism', and remarks on the difficulty of his task. Reports that the proofs 'have now come in up to the opening of the second volume [of the biography of John Addington Symonds compiled by Brown from his letters and papers]', and expresses her relief that Sidgwick and Mrs Green are to revise them. Agrees with Horatio 'that to Bowdlerise these letters till all colour of individuality is gone - would be untrue to the subject and unfair to the readers', and maintains that the question of suppression is one of degree. Does not agree that all allusions to ill-health should be suppressed, and hopes that the 'Harrow part' in the first volume can be amended. Refers to the bad weather that they have been experiencing of late, 'and now a change to glorious October.' Reports that her cat, [Quasjee], has knocked over her inkstand and has left a paw-print on the already addressed envelope. Has decided to send it on as it is, though admits that it is more in Francis Galton's line than Sidgwick's. Reports that [Mrs] Greg has written that she is going with Walter to stay at the Hunter's Lodge, and asks Sidgwick to make friends with her. Send her love to Sidgwick and Mrs Sidgwick, and refers to there visit to her in Davos-Platz as 'the pleasantest thing that has happened' to her that year.

Suggests that he come to visit them about 28 December for four or five days. Explains that Johnnie could not go away before that. Sympathises with him about photographing. Reports that Johnnie is better than he has been for weeks. Expresses her sympathies in relation to the 'revolution' at Rugby [the departure of the headmaster Frederick Temple?]. Sends her love to Sidgwick's mother, and asks him to tell her how sorry she is for her. Reports that they have had Mr Myers with them a good deal during the autumn. She 'cannot help wondering always if he will "last"...in Mr [Conington]'s sense of the word.' Reports that Dr Symonds is ill again, but hopes that it is just a temporary relapse.

Sends receipt for £5 [not included]. Wishes that Sidgwick 'had come West instead of East', but predicts that he will have a good opportunity of studying the idiosyncrasy of his country-men and women in their holiday mood where is is at present. Refers to the weather and the dangers of hay fever. Recounts that 'Tom Green is reported very uncomfortable at Bolton Abbey'. Asks for more details on the crisis at Rugby. Reports that Johnnie is going to Switzerland with [Norman Moor], while the writer stays at home with her babies. Claims that she does not mind, but that she should like to see the Monte Rosa valleys again. Wonders whether Sidgwick and Johnnie will meet. Reports that Graham [Dakyns?] is also going to Switzerland.

Regrets that Symonds is too ill to come to Rugby; Henry would like his mother to have met Mrs Symonds, of whom he is very fond. Is unsure when he shall come to visit his mother, but mentions some time in Passion Week, if she has room for him. Is glad to hear that she had a pleasant visit at Oxford. Refers to William and his health problems, and to the probable benefits to him of 'the change of scene and work.' Remarks that the Universities are full of change and restlessness, and that 'there is very little prospect of [ ] for most people who stay on there at present.' Refers to Trevelyan and his regret at not being able to assist their 'young friend' [Horton]. Does not know what to do for the latter now, but promises that if he sees his way 'to earwigging any other eminent statesman', he will. Asks if she has read Patterson's book, which he may review 'in the Academy.'

Reports that Minnie kept her well-informed about Henry when at Lincoln, and that his own letter told her more. Refers to his activities with regard to his lectures and book. Asks him to go to Rugby around Christmas, 'when A[rthur] S[idgwick] wishes to assemble [them] for his house warming.' Adds that Minnie and Edward cannot go because their boys will just have arrived home from school. Expresses a strong wish that he should come to Oxford. Adds that Mr Green has been asking her when Henry is coming. Reports that William and Isabel are recovering from colds. Asks if he had told her that Captain and Mrs Go[ ] lived at Cambridge, and asks him to send her the address of Mrs Go[ ]'s sister Be[ ]. Informs him that his godson Willy [Longsden] 'has been doing better lately + is promoted to a "Top hat" ' at Merchant Taylors' school.

Reports that the Committee of the Association for the Education of Women at Manchester have asked Miss Cannan to be Secretary 'for that [work] where she lives - [ ] Prestwick.' Suggests that Miss Clough might like to be informed of this. Claims that she is 'still in rather a mess with carpenter + masons + painters to follow.' Adds that she has two comfortable beds to offer to friends, and tells him to bear it in mind if he wishes to go to Oxford. States that William and Isabel would be pleased to see him [and Nora] and that Mr Green and his wife always have a welcome for him. Reports tha the Symondses have come home from Switzerland. Reports that Edward Sidgwick wrote to her to tell her another daughter of his was born some weeks previously. States that he was much interested in what Henry had to say about spriritualism, and that their friends the Cooksons told them that Henry was at the Lakes and talking on the subject.

(Monte Generoso, Mendrisio, Switzerland.)—It is very cold. Discusses Willi’s health. Yesterday he was introduced to a group of people as a celebrated atheist.

(Undated.)

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Transcript

Oh my beloved Fred & Georgie why are we to be frozen to death? This is the coldest most shivery chatter-your-teeth sort of place you can possibly imagine & yet we hear it is the great thing & best new dodge for consumption. J. Addington Symonds who is very far gone indeed has been here some weeks getting cured & has now gone to a still higher & colder place. Willi is not any worse than he was at Como, & his appetite is pretty fair & that’s the best report I can give. I must tell you that though he was very tired & ill getting from Como to Mendrisio, the moment he got into Switzerland he looked brighter blinked his dear blue eyes, spotted a pretty girl, & said he felt better for being on Republican soil.—Yesterday at Mendrisio a nice looking man was very civil to me & made up to me for some time. {1} I thought it was all on my own account, for I looked very nice, till he took me on the side & with a little apology all in a stage whisper asked me if my husband was the Prof Clifford who had dropped on to Elam. {2}—When I had told him yes he left me to my fate, {3} collected his party together & presented them to Willi with great pomp & ceremony. We think he may have been Cook’s agent & may charge his folk a little more for having introduced them to a first class Atheist. The food here is very good, {3} the place is very lovely, but for the cold we sh[oul]d be in good quarters. Willi was so thankful for the hot water bottle (Georgie gave him) last night. He had 4 men to bring him up (he has only drawn two) in the dandy chair he looked like a Guy Fawkes, altogether we made up a brave & beautiful sight.

Your letter has just come, & the post goes out at the same time so I can’t say more. The old man is a shade better if anything I think. Goodbye dears we long to see you & shall pimp {4} when we do—post going

always
Your affectionate
Lucy

So glad about Walter’s lecture.

Can’t write well because of the praying and singing folk 20 yards off. {5}

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{1} Full stop supplied.

{2} This is the apparent reading, but the meaning is unclear.

{3} Comma supplied.

{4} Reading uncertain.

{5} This sentence was added at the head of the letter.

Declares that he had hoped to be first to come to the M[etaphysical?] the previous night, where he and Sidgwick 'might have snatched a moment...to settle the point raised in [Sidgwick's] note' of nine days previously. Failing an interview, has decided to write regarding the matter. States that he has read Sidgwick's piece 'pretty carefully', and thinks that the general public, in consideration of his 'effective and interesting treatment of the questions between Leslie and Lowe, will allow themselves to be tempted into the severer matter of the definitions.' Believes his piece to be suited to the readers of the Fortnightly Review, and will give to students of economics a subject to reflect upon. Suggests that the short paper 'What is Money?' should be published as the 'next instalment'. Refers to the fact that Leslie might wish to reply to Sidgwick's paper. Reports that he has spoken to the [Rector] about the [Athenaeum] Club, and is awaiting his reply. States that he admires 'the Virgil' much, and observes that 'Myers seems...to have true literary faculty, as [Symonds] has, or Church', and asks why he does not produce more.

Claims to be 'rather struck by the notion of asking Symonds to undertake W.S [William Shakespeare?].', and intends to talk it over with his [publisher? ] one day that week. Thanks Sidgwick for putting so good an idea into his head. Regrets that it seems that 'the chances of a free Sunday are faint.'

Assures her that he has no prejudice against the commemoration of New Year's Day, but owns to be 'not...very susceptible to the influence of conventional divisions of time...' Glad to hear that her stay at Hastings was a success and that she has been better; all his associations with Hastings are connected with the long illness and funeral of a good friend of his [John Jermyn Cowell]. Reports that he had a delightful visit at Clifton, and believes that Symonds was 'better than usual'. Remarks, however, that Mrs Symonds 'does not look very well', but that the children 'were thiving'. Spent three days at Wellington College, and judged Mary to be 'as well as could be expected'. Refers briefly to her baby (Robert Hugh Benson). Reports that two Miss Wordsworths [probably daughters of Christopher Wordsworth, including Elizabeth Wordsworth] were there, whom he thought 'remarkably pleasant and interesting'. Observes that Edward seemed overworked, but in good form. In relation to 'the Rugby news', does not know whether to be sorry or glad, and says that 'Basil Hammond...says "glad".' With regard to Frank Horton, declares that he has fair abilities, and hopes that he will take second class honours. Observes that he is 'very well disposed and industrious', and reports that his tutor 'thinks that he ought to get a first class in the College Examination at the end of the year, which will secure him a sizarship.' Sends his love to his aunt Henrietta, and hopes that his mother enjoys her visit to Brighton.

Reports that he has been very busy in relation to the vacant [Knightbridge] professorship; considers becoming a candidate himself, but does not think that he has much chance of being successful, and believes that if he puts himself forward he may harm the chances of another man [J. H. Stirling] who he believes has more claim to it. Was shocked at Maurice's death. Reports that he has been travelling about a lot since the end of the previous term; has been to Bournemouth, stayed with the Pauls at Bailie, and also at Freshwater, where he 'smoked a pipe with the Laureate'. Declares that Tennyson was 'exceedingly kind', and that he and Symonds 'had a most interesting conversation with him. Adds that Miss Thackeray was also there, 'most delightful of authoresses'. Hopes to go to Rugby on the Saturday of the following week. Reports that he has just seen Robertson, who is going to Harrow, 'but with eyes halfregretful fixed on Rugby'. Asks to be remembered to the Temples.

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.

Expresses his reluctance to involve the Society for Psychical Research with the Theosophic Society [by giving them the use of their room], and draws a comparison to their 'mixture with the C.A.S.' Does not, however, see how they can 'refuse the offer without giving offence. States that if Stone does object, he should agree. Voices his objection to bringing forward stories of premonitions, 'before [they] have got the Phantasms of the living off [their] hands.' Believes that the [ ] or d'Assier, 'enlivened with stories, will be enough besides experiments of [their] own'. In relation to experiments, believes that they 'certainly ought to make an offer to Bishop' and that 'if nothing is done Labouchère and the sceptics have the best of it'. Remarks that, having read Bishop's letter in the Times that day, he gets the impression 'that the man is a charlatan'.

Regrets to report that the household [in Davos Platz, Switzerland] is rather sad; that 'J.A.S[ymonds] is not well and there is great anxiety about Janet, whose state is very critical'. Reports also that there are 'great searchings of heart as to the wisdom of having burnt ships and built [in] this strange and [ ] land'. Hopes that Myers feels 'in the "right way" as an F.T.S'.

Thanks him for his letter. Thinks that he must come back [to England from Switzerland]. Explains that he has agreed to put his name on the Unionist Liberal Committee, and would feel that he 'had not acted up to [his] principles' if he did not turn up to vote [in the General Election]' Requests him to send a telegram 'as soon as the day is known', and gives directions in relation to the address to which it should be sent. Reports that they are having a good time, and that J A. S[ymonds] and his three younger daughters are well. States however, that 'they have hardly any hope' in relation to Janet [Symonds' eldest daughter, very ill with tuberculosis].

Writes from 7 Athelstan Road, Margate;, having stayed last year in nearby Ethelbert Terrace; comments that 'all this part of the town was built by some fanatical Anglo-Saxon'; intends to be there for ten more days. Thinks that he never wrote to thank her for Miss Thackeray's books. Relates that he has been staying with the [Leslie] Stephens since he left Cambridge, where he has seen Miss Thackeray. Reports that she is going to write 'another Fairy Tale - Jack and the Bean-stalk', which is still a secret; she also told him some interesting things about Browning and Red Cotton Nightcap Country'; will tell his mother if she has ever 'read or tried to read that singular production'.

Recommends Mrs Cornish's novel Alcestis and Mrs Webster's dramatic poem The Auspicious Day; this made him cry while he was supervising the Local Examination in London, though he 'was perched so high that sixty-five young ladies could see... an Examiner Weep'. Asks her tell Arthur 'that Symonds's Greek Poets is very good in parts - on the whole, better than [Symonds's book about] Dante - and will improve his mind.' Asks how are all her affairs. Reports that 'many sympathizing strangers in London enquired after Rugby', but that he told them that the situation was unchanged. Reports also that all the M.P.s he has seen 'believe in the "Conservative Reaction" so that possibly H. H[ayman] may be made a Dean soon'.

Should have written sooner, but has been very busy of late with correspondence connected with the lectures for women. Reports that they have just expanded the scheme, 'by constructing an Association to which any one may belong'; she herself will be a member if she continues to pay her guinea subscription.

Is glad that her 'view of things' seems so cheerful. Presumes that 'the Governing Body [of Rugby School?] do not intend to treat the matter lightly'. Is glad that her plans for 'the winter campaign' seem pretty settled, and asks her when she intends to start [for abroad]. Wishes to arrange about his Christmas visits. Believes that Symonds may be 'on that coast about the same time'. Reports that has 'gone a seavoyaging for a few months, and thinks of staying some time on his return at Cannes: where he has an invalid sister [Lady Strachey]'

Reports that he saw Edward [Benson] the other day, 'looking very well', and wishing 'for the "leisure of a Headmaster"'; he gave a fair account of Mary. Hopes to see William soon. Would like to go to Rugby for a Sunday, but does not think he can get away for more than one that term, and he is to go to Oxford. Sends his love to his aunt Henrietta, and asks his mother to tell her that he 'shall bargain for at least a sketch of Mentone as a reward for [his] services as escort.' Adds that he is very well.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Happy to be expecting Elizabeth and Julian today. Interested to hear about the castle [at Aulla, owned by Aubrey and Lina Waterfield?], and envies Robert's chance of 'a fine fortnight near Florence' [with the Berensons]. Caroline has just finished reading Colonel Young's book on the Medicis, which pleased her greatly, and Sir George intends to try it. Young appears to be 'an old Indian officer', and his work to be 'free from that sort of canting way in which people think it is necessary to write about Italy... like Symonds, Hare, and in some sort Ruskin' and 'hundreds' of other lesser writers. There was a 'glorious eclipse of the moon' last night, and 'much distress of politicians for it to portend'. They are going to read Forster's novel ["Howards End"] aloud, having finished [Arnold Bennett's] "Clayhanger" which was 'admirable'. Adds in a postscript that Major Dobbin [in Thackeray's "Vanity Fair"] might have written Colonel Young's book, 'instead of his history of the Sikhs'; it has 'the honesty and thoroughness of [Sir George's] Colonel Gerald Boyle" [who composed a manuscript "Notes on the War of the American Revolution"?].

Thanks him for his last letter, which she found very interesting. Reports on the situation of the Horton family, who include six children and a sick father. Refers to three of the children - Alice, Frank and Lucy - and to their occupations and incomes, and to the fact that his father wishes Frank to be prepared for the Indian Civil Service 'as likely to afford the best maintenance for himself, and assistance to the family hereafter', but that his salary is not sufficient for this purpose. Refers also to the three younger children Rose, Marian and Fred. States that the family are getting into debt, and that that they could not pay for any portion of Fred's education, even if he were to get a scholarship, and that Mr Horton's chance of getting pupils has decreased since the appearance of Malvern College. Asks Henry's opinion on whether they should contribute to the boy's education, and suggests that the older son will also need some assistance when he leaves his present employment. Adds that the latter is known to the former headmaster of Christ's Hospital, Dr Jacob. Refers to Mr Horton's plans to move southward on account of his health, and his difficulty in finding pupils.

Reports that she received a letter from William, who wrote from Mentone, saying that he hoped to reach San Remo, Genoa, Florence and Rome in the following days and weeks. Refers to his enchantment with the country, and to his ascent of the Berceau and M[ont] Agel. Reports that he met Colonel and Mrs Ogilvie at Nice. Sends Minnie's best love to Henry, and her gratitude for his letter. Reports that she and Edward went to see Mr Cubitt at Denbies the previous Friday on their way from Brighton, when she [Mary Sidgwick] came to look after the children at Wellington College. Adds that Edward and Minnie also went to London for a few days. Announces that she intends to go home around 5 February, and suggests that Henry will be able to write to her there, and asks to be remembered to Mr Symonds if the letter reaches him at Clifton.

Beaumont House, Poole Road, Bournemouth. Dated 23 December 1910 - Thanks him for the new 'Golden Bough', admires how it sets one thinking about one's own subjects; is recovering from his illness; finds [John Addington] Symonds's book on the Renaissance very poor.

Thanks him for the report, 'which is going to be pasted in'. Reports that Symonds has written him 'a cheerful letter', with the news that 'the doctor holds out hopes of a cure when the winter is over.' Also states that Symonds asks Sidgwick to tell Myers 'that he now understands, and hopes he will write'. Adds that a clergyman from Girton called at his house, hoping to find Myers; 'it being so much pleasanter to settle things by a Personal Interview'.

Regrets that he and Nora cannot go to Cheltenham as his brother William and his wife are due to visit them, and then they are to go to the Symonds'. States that they must put off their arrival at Newcastle 'till the 2d: in order to s[ ] a day at Lincoln'. Reports that Edward White Benson is to be the new bishop of Truro. Asks Myers how he has got on with D[ ] 'in the intervals...of reading Mahaffy's reply!' Asks him to tell him 'how Jebb takes it'.

Has just been with Nora, who has returned from Paris. The 'Secret [of their future marriage] may be now considered altogether public', as Nora has told all her relatives. Tells her that she may tell who she likes. They are going to Nora's brother-in-law's house in Essex [Terling Place, home of John William Strutt, 3rd Baron Rayleigh] the following day, and states that he will probably make that place his 'headquarters' until about 10 January. Will be in London on 4 January for a night, and probably another night in the same week. If his mother has to be in London after 10 January, she will find them all - Nora, Henry, Arthur and Charlotte Sidgwick, H.G. Dakyns and J.A. Symonds - there.

Reports that he is spending 'some pleasant days' [in Wimborne] with the Pauls, and announces that he intends to go to Freshwater on Tuesday or Wednesday, where he expects to meet Symonds, and to stay there until Saturday, and then return to Cambridge. Regrets that she cannot come there, and undertakes to go down to Rugby 'for a Sunday.' Asks her to tell W[illiam] that he will send the twenty francs 'in any way that he likes.' Is certain that 'the introductions [see 99/194] will bore' William, but explains that he could not refuse them; suggests that William 'may like to see the archaeologist at Palermo [Antonino Salinas]'.

Acknowledges receipt of two of Patterson's letters. Reports that he had been away visiting a sick friend at Davos [J. A. Symonds?]. Regrets to hear that Patterson's health has been poor. Declares that he would like to help him in any possible way with regard to the matter of English literature, but confesses that he is 'a mere amateur in this department'. Tells Patterson to send him any questions that arise in the course of his studies, he will try to get them answered by others if he cannot answer them himself. Suggests that he may be able to help him in picking up useful books at secondhand. Remarks that the subject of English literature is fascinating, but unlimited, and that he ought to have some idea of the course Patterson is to teach before giving suggestions. Promises to try to answer the questions in his first letter when he returns to Cambridge, and to find out whether Leslie Stephens books are obtainable cheaply secondhand. Remarks that all of the latter's works are worth reading, but that he has been 'lately almost crushed under the burden of editing the dictionary of biography'. Confirms that he lost his watch at [H. M.?] Stanley's wedding. Remarks that he always look forward to finding time for a journey to Hungary, but explains that he is at present busy with bringing out the Elements of Politics. Observes that Patterson does not say anything about politics, and therefore supposes that 'neither Socialism nor the failure of Macedonia are at present disturbing the Hungarian mind much.' Remarks that in England there is a temporary lull: 'everyone feeling that the next session will be decisive for the reputation of the Government. Passes on the 'kind remembrances' of Mrs Sidgwick.

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.

Refers favourably to one of Myers' poems. Discusses its form and content; remarks that there is 'nothing of the "tameness" ' in it that he perceived in Myers' last, and that he seems 'to have dropped the grave mature simplicity [which] Symonds etc admired so much in the last'. Refers to Goethe, whom Myers quotes in the work. Claims not to understand 'the last paragraph before the rhapsody', and states that he has 'jotted down a sort of abstract of the poem up to that point' to show Myers how it puzzles him. Announces that he would be happy to go to Eton for a few days after Easter, and that in Passion Week he intends to be vaccinated 'for the sake of mankind.'

Asks for information concerning Myers' coming to Cambridge, 'The Prospects of Poetry' and 'The Probabilities of Medicine etc etc'. Declares that they have much to discuss, Sidgwick having failed to write due to the unrealised expectation of seeing Myers at Rugby. Reports that he has to teach history that term, 'no successor having turned up to Pearson: and Cambridge breeding no historian'; they are 'thinking of taking some healthy young resident and locking him up with a Hume'; it is 'rather a disgrace to us that we all take so small an interest in the human race'.

Asks if he has seen Noel 'in the Dark Blue [a literary journal]'. Suggests that he may have been ashamed to send it to Myers, as 'some of the polemic is almost personal'. Declares that it is very well written, 'except the polemical part', and states that he writes better prose than verse. Reports that Noel nearly quarrelled with him 'for reluctantly avowing that [he] did not consider him an equal of Swinburne.' States that Noel 'thinks that the Verbal School (S[winburne?] Rossetti, etc - non sine te) have been found out'. Refers to the Edinburgh of July, and the Contemporary [Review] of October as having evidence to support this theory. States that Noel also thinks that 'Buchanan and R.N are going to be chaired instead by a mutable but at length appreciative public.' Refers to 'a certain Mutual Admiration league' between Noel and Symonds. Believes that Symonds's poetry could be successful, 'if he could only impassion himself about a good subject.'

Asks Myers to send his last epic. Tells him to read Noel's article. Sends his regards to Myers' mother. Announces that his second correspondence circular is soon to appear. Reports that Miss Clough is in Cambridge, that the house is 'getting on', and that there will be five [women] there that term.

Explains his failure to write to Myers lately; he has been involved in 'memorializing Gladstone: entreating him to investigate and reform [Cambridge University] without unnecessary preludes and prefaces.' Reports that they collected one hundred and ten signatures, but that it fell to him, who has come to be regarded as 'Perpetual chief clerk and servant of all work' of the Liberal Party in Cambridge, to collect them. Declares that he thought Myers' circular 'excellent'. [Note in Myers' hand explains that the circular is of the Corresponding Society; 'Cambridge men teach young women [by] correspondence. Each sent out a circular to his pupils.'] Tells Myers to estimate his expenditure of time and trouble on the project.

Thanks him for [James] Saumarez' letter, which disposes him to accept Jebb's insight that Saumarez' nature resembles Myers'. [Notes in Myers' hand: 'I hope there is some truth in this', and 'letter later forthcoming - consisted principally of good advice....'] Announces that Arthur is to come [to Oxford] the following day. States that now that [Arthur and others] 'have got their Board ['the "promising Body" ', according to Myers], the puzzle is how to fashion it into an offensive [a reference to Arthur Sidgwick and other masters at Rugby's struggle against the head of the school, Henry Hayman].'

In relation to the women installed in Cambridge under his scheme for female education, whom he refers to as his 'Garden of Flowers' [referred to by Myers as Sidgwick's 'harem or collection of girls reading at Cambridge'], reports that 'Miss Kennedy yearns to attend Wards (Clough) Catholic ritual by herself on Sunday night, and [Sidgwick and others] refuse...' Predicts that 'Restraint of Liberty' for the women will be a problem in the future. Refers also to 'Emily Davies and the inevitable complication of educational machinery'. Announces that he intends to go to J.A. Symonds 'on the 26th', and is glad that he will also see Myers.

In relation to Middlemarch, claims that he feels he could have planned the story much better: does not think that the 'Dryasdust hero [Casaubon] need have been more than, say, thirty-five, and he might have had an illusory halo of vague spiritual aspirations; the ending could have been made just as tragic'. Says 'the style is the finest intellectual cookery'.

Praise Myers' 'French verses', and asks how he does them; he himself could not, despite having had 'the finest classical education'.