Showing 51 results

2 typescript copies

Reports that he 'got a little out of order' on the journey from Cannes, and resolves to take care of himself; cannot uses his 'eyes or brain' for an hour or two after dinner 'or - dyspepsia'. States that he has much work to do. Regrets that he missed seeing Arthur before he left. Declares that he enjoyed the Mediterranean air. Reports that he found out Mrs Plunkett, who asked after his mother. He travelled to Cannes with Mr Otto Goldschmidt, 'a most neat - vivacious little man', whose wife [Jenny Lind] is 'rather a swell at Cannes: but not popular' as far as he could tell. Describes the scenic delights of Mentone. Reports that Symonds is very ill, and that his wife looked 'worn and anxious.' Wonders if William will come over to Cambridge that term.

Announced that he has arrived in Cannes 'after a somewhat trying journey': the worst part being the Dover to Calais crossing which he found so rough that he was afraid to subsequently take the night train to Avignon 'for fear of being regularly knocked up'. Was glad to instead spend a morning in Paris, a town he 'love[s] above all towns', where he suffered the effects of a very cold North Wind. Refers to the tradition of selling étrennes [new year's gifts], which he does not wish to 'transplant' to Britain; it is bad enough having to give presents to friends when they marry. Reports that he spent some hours in the Louvre, and found that his feeling for Greuze had grown.

Travelled on to Avignon that night, where he encountered a snow-storm. Remarks that the Palace of the Popes 'looks much more like a great barrack which it now is than like a palace'. He stayed in Marseilles on Wednesday night, and the next morning saw the Mediterranean for the first time. Complains that it has rained every day since he arrived. Reports that Symonds 'does not look at all well, but says he is better', and has sprained an ankle. Mentions that Montagu Butler is there, and that he intends to see him soon and hopes to hear about Haileybury and A G Butler. Reports that [Roden] Noel 'left a wideawake' with them, and asks her to send it to him in London. Asks her to keep carefully any letters about his room or else [ ] belonging to him that she may find. Reports that he had 'a melancholy business at Hastings dividing the library [of his friend Cowell, who died the previous month]'; he could not take all the books and those he had taken will 'oblige him to line [his] room with bookcases'. Remarks that this 'complete break-up, extinction of a family is very sad.'

Observes that he has left more than one of her letters unanswered. Reports that he has been seeing friends chiefly 'and walking to and fro in a great city.' Relates that he has been working at an essay for a volume, and suggests that an article of his may appear 'in next Macmillan['s Magazine]'. Fears that his work will hardly pay for his expenses. Reports that he has been inquiring into Spiritualism, but that it has not come to much. Declares that he can 'get to see and hear very astounding things in the dark with people [he does] not know', but can never get conditions to satisfy him.

Claims that he can never get enough time to read at the Museum, and although he feels well, he cannot get enough sleep. Is considering writing an essay for the Quarterly Review the following term, but does not know if it will be put in. Reports that he has plenty of work on his hands, as he has 'an entirely new subject to prepare' for the following term. Feels that he could write literature if only his mind was 'less chaotic'.

Remarks that London is a stimulating place, and that one meets stimulating people there, including Mazzini, whom he had met some nights before at dinner, and who 'attacked' him about Spiritualism, and 'bore down upon [him] with such a current of clear eager argument'; was 'overwhelmed', as people usually either treat it as a joke or have' nothing to say but the shallowest commonplace'.

Reports that he is staying in lodgings between two visits; has been staying with Symonds, whom he thinks his mother knows, as he has been at Rugby; describes him as 'also stimulating, though... a great invalid'. He is also going to stay with Cowell.

States that he will certainly come and see his mother at Wellington College: Edward [Benson] has asked him to come and that he has promised to do so. Cannot remember when, and asks her to find out when Edward is to go away. Remarks that he would just as soon come in the holidays as in the school-time, 'except for seeing [Henry Weston?] Eve.' Sends his love to all.

With regard to books, claims that he has not read any lately. States that the 'Cornhill of July is good: there is Matthew Arnold on culture, and an article on the Alps 'which makes one want to go there'.

Writes that John [Symonds?] has sent him Sidgwick's name for two copies of his new book [Journal of a Landscape Painter in Corsica]. Asks him to let him know if he should send them to him at Trinity College. Also asks him to do what he can 'to cause other victims to sacrifice themselves at the Altar of Corsican topography'. Would be grateful for any additions to his list, 'which will be kept open till the book is out, about 1st of December.'

Written on the occasion of Henry's announcement of his impending marriage. Letter interspersed with 'periodical iambics' in Greek. Wishes blessings upon him, and hopes that he will deserve connubial felicity as much as he does, 'and obtain it more'. Annotation in the hand of Arthur's wife Charlotte: 'I'm not going to read any further, but write C.S.S.' Refers to his reaction to the news, and mentions the fact that he saw Arthur Balfour, 'a young slender blackeyed person of a soothing tendency, outside Eton chapel (or St Georges perhaps) about four years ago', and guesses him to be a brother of Henry's future wife. Asks him to inform him of the details of the wedding and where he proposes to live. Tells him to mark his future wife 'in the old Myerian categories.' Refers to Henry's letter to the Spectator, which, he claims did great good; '[i]t twisted old Plug round again like a bobbin, and made Wilson cease from troubling and [Arthur] at rest.' Observes that 'four times two is eight, and if you add the 6 Bensons and Nevil that equals 15.' Declares that he is glad that Henry is going to be at Symonds'.

Refers to Henry's letter to Katharine, which induced her to write to Nora and Henry, 'just to feel in touch with [them] both.' Declares that she loves them both dearly, and thinks about them constantly. Reports that three days previously H.F. Brown sent her Henry's letter 'to him, dictated to Graham Dakyns...' Wishes that they both could have come out to Switzerland again, 'just as in the old days!' Recounts her memories of the Sidgwicks' last visit there, when the latter were 'just fresh from [their] [Hyères] visit', and the wonders of their latest mediums, '[not yet proved fraudulent]'. Laments that now 'the last of the children will soon be gone too', and that his world in the past few years 'has been shrinking at an appaling rate'. Claims that the Sidgwicks were her favourite visitors, and refers to how 'Johnnie' [John Addington Symonds] loved the talks he had with Henry, and how he made point of keeping his letters. Hopes to see them both in the autumn, when she intends to go to England. Asks Nora who will do her work at Newnham, as she assumes that she could not stand the social strain of it now.. Reports that their house is full now, with Madge, her husband and baby, Walter Leaf, and others. Announces that Katharine is to go to England in three weeks, and in two months will be married, the idea of which, she claims, she has yet to get used to. Refers again to Henry's letter to Katharine. States that she hopes that 'C[harles] F[urse] is worthy of all the believing love of which she [Katharine] is making him the centre.' Prays for God's blessing to be upon the Sidgwicks.

Presumes that she is travelling about, and that his letter will be somewhat delayed in coming to Davos. States that he has explained this to Symonds, and asks her to send it on as soon as she can. He and Nora hope that she had a good time at Bamborough, 'and that everybody is revived and refreshed'. Asks if she has read Dorothy Forster, a historical novel by [Walter] Besant about the rising of 1715; says that it is 'fairly good'. Announces that he is going to spend Sunday with Mrs Arnold at Lowestoft.

Refers to their recent conversation, and clarifies his and Nora's plans in relation to holidays, and their possible visit to her. Explains that they intend to go to the Alps for the end of June and the beginning of July if Nora finds 'that she can miss the Higher Level Examination without neglect of duty'. Mentions that that destination 'is the only complete cure for hayfever', and adds that they would be the guests of the Symondses, 'who are in permanent exile at Davos.' States that if Nora cannot miss the examination, they will go to visit Minnie and Edward from 13 to 18 June, and that they shall be able to make up their minds early in May, after Miss Gladstone has returned. Also discusses the possibility of Nelly [Benson] being sent to Newnham College, and Henry's views in relation to such a move.

Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick to express her sympathy to Nora on her loss. Refers to Walter [Leaf] having written [see 101/48], and assures her that they both have wished that they might help her in any way that they could. States that she always remembers Henry 'with the same deep reverence and trust and admiration.' Refers to '[t]hose happy days at Am Hof' [the Symonds's house at Davos], and declares how good it was to know him and what a difference his friendship made to her father's life out there. Asserts that Nora's life joined to Henry's appears to her 'one of the best instances to give [one] hope of a future life, which shall be infinitely better.' Likes to think 'that those who stand so near now will see light together hereafter.' States that she will always remember 'the brave spirit of love and trust' which she saw in the Sidgwicks the previous May in London. Is thankful to have known him, and prays for God's blessings on Nora.

Discusses the proofs of chapters two, three and four of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which she is reading a second time. States that she feels very strongly against cutting this part of the book down at all, as she believes that there is 'practically nothing...that one would not be very sorry to miss from it.' Refers to its 'interest and charm', and to Henry's sincerity and courage, as well as to 'his refusal to be satisfied either with a materialistic or merely abstract theory.' Estimates that the complete book would constitute 'two not very big volumes', and compares this to the size of other biographies, e.g., Tennyson's, J.A. Symond's, V[ ]'s letters, and Colvin's Letters of R[obert] L[ouis] S[tevenson]. Declares that the great variety of topics in the book will make it more interesting to more people. Adds that in reading the proofs she has marked things she thought to be misprints, and refers to some inconsistencies and inaccuracies. States that she is very anxious for a reference to Henry's letter 'about In Memoriam in Tennyson's Life' to be brought in somewhere in the work, and also that the account he wrote in Archbishop Benson's Life about his school days will also be included. Refers to Henry's interest in others, and in particular to a letter he wrote to her after her Tripos. Undertakes to try to send off the proofs of the second chapter the following morning.

He and Caroline are reading J. A. Symonds's letters aloud, which 'raise him exceedingly'; they like them much better than his books. Quotes at length and approvingly from a letter from Symonds to Henry Sidgwick, describing Euripides as 'a sort of divine Beaumont and Fletcher'. Glad to have a postcard from Elizabeth about her quiet crossing [to the Netherlands].

Casa Boccaccio, Settignano, Florence [on headed notepaper for I Tatti]. - Thanks his parents for their letters. Will start for home next Monday, as he wishes to go to Edinburgh for Saturday the 24th as 'Professor [Donald] Tovey is doing a part of our opera [The Bride of Dionysus] at one of his concerts'. Bessie will return around the same time; she 'seems to be having a very enjoyable time in Holland'.

George and Janet were here last week; Robert saw them at the de Filippis' and at the Berensons'; was a 'great pleasure to see something of them'. Mary [Trevelyan] is coming some time this week to the de Filippis'; they are Robert's neighbours, so he hopes to see her. She 'has developed a great deal' since Robert last saw her, and 'seems remarkably intelligent. The Berensons liked her very much', and want her to visit them while she is at the de Filippis.

The weather is 'very cold, though fine now. There is a north wind, and... a great deal of snow on the Appennines over which it blows'. Has had a 'very good review' of his Aeschylus [his translation of the Oresteia] in the Times [Literary] Supplement : 'as good a review in fact as anyone could wish to have'. Symonds' remarks on Euripides [see 12/350] are 'very good, and the comparison with Beaumont and Fletcher illuminating, if not pressed too far; for after all, Euripides is divine, not always, but quite often' but Robert thinks Beaumont and Fletcher are 'never' divine 'delightful as they often maybe: and the difference is essential'. Sends love to his mother; will write to her soon.

Am Hof, Davos Platz, Switzerland. - Re the possible authorship of Edward Fitzgerald of an article on Omar Khayyam in the Calcutta Review, Mar 1856.

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'.

Sends her the letters from Henry Sidgwick to [John Addington] Symonds [not included], which he found among the latter's papers. Claims that he is sorry to part with them, but that she has every right to them. Confesses that he has kept back one, and offers to send her the original after he has taken a copy, but states that he would like to keep one original letter from Henry 'to Johnnie.' Referring to all of Henry' letter to him [Brown], claims that they were mostly about Symonds 'Life'. Remarks on the fact that in the letters he sends there are references to 'the Journal', and states that that really covered the larger part of their correspondence. Sends his mother's kindest regards. Note in Nora's hand refers to the letters accompanying this letter, and dates from 1881, 1889, and 1892, and states that she has compared copies with originals.

Explains that he cannot come [to see Myers], as his work on university reform has taken up his time, and he is behind in his work. In relation to 'the "project" ', claims that he was shaken out of the dream in London in the summer. Says that he had nearly succeeded in reconciling himself to science, when Myers' letter set him 'spinning again'. Would like to see him at Christmas, but is unsure as to whether he can allow himself 'the pleasure of a regular visit.' Explains that he has promised to go to [J.A.] Symonds some time, 'coinciding with [the Hill?] Greens', but that his plans are vague at present. Reports that there is no news from Rugby, and states that 'to say that it is in the agony of a crisis is only to say that H[enry] H[ayman] still hangs up his hat in the schoolhouse'.

Announces that he is sending a packet of Henry Sidgwick's letters to her [not included] - two to [John Addington] Symonds, and the rest to his [Brown's] mother and to himself. Claims to have a good many more letters and memoranda 'full of that exquisite finesse of humour that was so peculiarly his', but that as they all relate to the ' "Life" of Mr Symonds' he doubts that they would be of use to Nora. Offers to send them to her if she wishes to have them. Hopes that she has found 'the Journal Letters.' Sends his mother's best wishes. List [in Nora's hand] of '[l]etters enclosed and copied', and their dates: to 'J.A.S', 'H.F.B', 'Mrs Brown and to 'H.F.D.',

Reports that 'S[ymonds]' is with him [in Freshwater]. Refers to 'the matter' of which Myers knows [Symonds' homeoerotic poetry, as per information contained in a paragraph that has been crossed out in ink].

Admits to finding it very difficult to answer Myers' letter, feeling that he expects 'not so much sympathy, and certainly not Hortation... but Strictest Science' and principles of conduct arising from science. Remarks on Myers' perceived insistence on certainty in answers. Claims to have 'as much sympathy... as it is possible for one in whom Egoism and altruism are combined so differently.' Discusses his and Myers' differences in character. Declares that 'Victorious Analysis paralyses impulse...', and that the two difficult thing that must be done are 'to choose in a certain spiritual twilight and obscurity, the noble and the good and refuse the evil and base: and... to make Will and rational purpose supply the place of impulse.'

Reports that they have seen 'the Laureate who was tres bon and recited to [them] Boadicea'; writes out the scansion Tennyson gives to some words in the poem. States that S[ymonds] has urged him to tell Myers 'that May Princess is positively the Loveliest Girl etc'; declares that he agrees. [Note in Myers' hand saying he thinks that this letter 'is the most interesting' he ever received from Sidgwick].

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'.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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]'.

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.

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'.

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'.