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Title taken from the first line of Catullus 5. With corrections in red ink and comments (eg. 'Capital') in pencil. Note at end reads 'v.g. To Mr [G. H.?] Hallam'

Welcombe. - Much appreciates reading about the way in which Robert reads with Julian; most important thing is that the 'higher and deeper aspects should be genuine, and within the compass of one's own honest belief', and that any creed should be 'acted on sincerely'. Says that for him, 'the Monday repetition of the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel to Vaughan were the matter of a frequent nightmare' for years. Sends a letter from 'old Hammond' [sic: a mistake for Hallam?] who lives at 'Ortygia' in Harrow, and appears to be staying at what Sir George thinks 'was not Horace's villa at Tivoli'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Very kind of Robert to send his [Samuel] Butler books; will be glad to look over the Festing Jones, about whom he has a special interest from Butler's account of him in "Alps and Sanctuaries". Started reading and 'laughed immoderately' about [John] Frost's "Eminent Christians" [in "Quis Desiderio...?], though regarding the turtles ["Ramblings in Cheapside"] he thought Butler's "Paradoxes" 'read better than in a half page of the Notes than in a complete Essay'; the last paragraph, however, is very funny. Expects to get enjoyment throughout the book. Sees that the first [Butler] dinner Robert attended was 'named' by Marcus Hartog; wonders whether he knew Butler. Old [George] Hallam wrote him a long letter from "Ortygia" [his house in Harrow] recently; since Hallam was an old Shrewsbury man Sir George wrote to him about 'the life of Butler πάππος [grandfather]'; would like to have a 'good talk with a Shrewsbury man about it', Hopes the weather will allow Julian to visit the pictures, and that his were 'well hung'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Encloses a letter from [Henry?] Jackson which shows 'no lack of intellectual and literary appreciation of the Classics, whatever he says about his own deficiencies'; 'something great about him'; Robert or Elizabeth can send the letter back whenever they next write, and can keep the "Times [Literary?] Supplement" and anything they found at Grosvenor Crescent, unless they find an old Murray ["Handbook for Travellers"] for Austria, from about 1863 and full of Caroline's 'girlish writing'; possible he took it away before they arrived; also would like to know the date of the Murray guide to India, and to see it if it is from the time of his own visit. Glad Julian appreciates [George] Hallam's Tivoli. They had a 'fine time' with Bryce

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad to hear of Robert's return to 'his Penates [home]'; his friend [George Hanley] Hallam cannot go back to his; encloses Hallam's account of his Italian visit, which Robert may know; does not think himself that Horace had any villa near Tibur other than at Licenza, and expects that the name comes from the 'same funny awakening of classical interest' which gave rise to the naming of the 'Tower of Nero', 'Grotto of Egeria' and so on. Is reading [Henry James's] "The Aspern Papers" to Aunt Annie [Philips], which is 'a poem in prose' and gives him 'a horror of this body-snatching gossip'.

The Grove, Harrow: - The enclosed [school reports? no longer present] will show that Georgie has 'done well so far', but that Bobby 'has fairly broken down again'. He 'made good resolutions, & tried fitfully to carry them out, but never thoroughly'. Hallam has described Bobby as 'at best very variable'; he has been 'rather more regular' with Bowen, mostly because Bowen 'made him almost by main force...' In Welldon's Tuesday lesson, Bobby has 'twice badly [construed?]'.

Finally Owen, who is taking Hallam's lessons while Hallam is ill, discovered two days ago that Bobby 'did not know a word of the lesson, & had made no notes of the last one, & was writing a letter; Owen therefore 'sent him up' [to the Headmaster], and Welldon sent him down to the bottom of his form. This will not affect Bobby's progress, as he would not have 'got his remove this time', but it 'is meant to be a slur and a threat together'.

Bobby is 'not the least of a man yet', having no 'real conscience or desire of self control'. Bobby 'isn't bad in a great many ways', partly because of 'house affection', but 'character & grit have yet to come'. Bowen expects they will, but Bobby is currently 'quite a fourth form boy as regards notions of duty & responsibility'. Thinks they 'must be patient & keep him in steady control'; Bobby has 'a good temper, & can bear being kept in order', and the 'social forces' will gradually start to have an effect.

It is 'hard to keep from overrating' Bobby intellectually, and 'one is always tempted to expect too much'. He is 'not a first rate scholar', Bowen doubts whether he is ability is first rate, but is not sure; however, his 'literary ability is so far above the average (together with a good memory) that it impresses [?] upon everyone.' It is 'extraordinary, & a thing not to be cultivated, perhaps,... but to be looked on at'. Wonders whether it would be good to leave off Bobby's Latin verses for half a year, and 'make him learn history or German or something hard'.

Had hoped that Bobby's 'football development' would be good for him, and it was a little, but the good effect 'did not last'.

On headed notepaper for the Harrow Philathletic Club, with 'The Grove, Harrow' added in Robert Trevelyan's hand:- Thanks his father for his letter. It was 'a very glorious victory at Harboro[ugh: the Liberal gain of the seat in a by-election]'; imagines they are 'all very much pleased'. Sees that the G[rand] O[ld] M[an: Gladstone] is unwell, but it does not seem to be serious. It is 'very fortunate' that his mother and father have 'escaped the influenza'.

Very hot here, and 'rather trying', but Robert 'will get used to it'. Georgie is well; sometimes he plays [cricket] in his second eleven, otherwise he plays fives; he 'gets on very well with Hallam'. Robert has revised his iambics; is generally 'satisfied with them', and will be 'rather disappointed' if he does not come first or second. They have 'not even yet given out the [text for] the Gregory, or any other exercise'; wishes they had, as there is always more time at the beginning of the term.

On headed notepaper for the Harrow Philathletic Club, with 'The Grove' added in Robert Trevelyan's hand:- Is 'quite well', as is Georgie, who 'seems to be doing well with Hallam, and has got through all his cons[?]'. Robert is 'getting on all right' with his work, and is studying with Moss again. Read in Chapel yesterday, and 'did not mind it so much as usual, or make so many mistakes'.

They [the Liberal Party] 'seem to be doing badly in the elections', though they are not all over. Asks if there is 'any truth in the report that there will be a general election next holidays'. Hopes Charlie is well, and 'has been successful in his criticisms of the budget'.

His difficulties with the [school news-] 'paper are over', and he has persuaded 'the party that was anxious to go on that it is absolutely impossible to go on unless a work of genious [sic] appears', which, he 'conceive[s] to be impossible'. Therefore, she need not fear it taking up 'so much' of Robert's time. Asks if there is a copy of Mill's [Considerations] on Representative Government at home; he is studying it with Bowen, and would like a copy with 'fairly big print'. If not, he can 'easily order one'. Georgie 'likes his history very much'.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Thanks his father for his letter. Apologises for being 'rather slow in writing this week'; 'will make a point of writing on Sunday' another time. His form are reading 'the 5th book of the Aeniad [sic] and the Seven against Thebes; later they will also read some Cicero, but he does not yet know what; they will go 'straight on in the Thucidides' [sic].

Does not know where he will be placed in his form this week, but he has 'worked [his] best'. Did not do very well at the beginning, 'through not knowing his [teacher's] ways', but has been 'getting on better lately. Has 'had some verses sent up' and is 'working hard at them'. Thinks Charlie is 'getting on very well in Hallam's form'.

The torpid matches will be soon; his house are 'very good this year and... even have a chance of being cock-house'. He and Charlie are both 'quite well now'. Hopes his mother is well. Is 'so glad to hear that Meta [his cousin] is better. The weather is 'very cold here and it has been freezing a great deal'. Last Sunday, some boys 'made a row in the grove, and chased the chickens', so Mr Bowen has closed the grove for now; Robert was not involved. This Saturday there will be a 'whole holiday'. Hopes Spider is well.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Did not have much time to write yesterday, so waited until today; hopes she got his postcard [45/150]. Mr Owen teaches Robert the epistles on Sunday and Monday morning; the lesson is an hour long, and involves taking down the notes Owen dictates. Nobody in the form does take down the notes, as 'they are absolutely ununderstandable', even those 'high in the form' take none, or 'very few'. Instead, the boys 'habitually write their Sunday letters' then (more than three quarters of the form'), do nothing, or 'possibly read novels'; boys have been caught by Mr Owen writing letters, but he has never taken much notice. Robert used to try to take notes, but 'understood so little of their meaning', and found what he did understand was 'uninstructive' and 'contrary' to what he has always been taught and believed, so ending up following the others' example, taking no notes and 'even now and then wrote a letter' Thinks that the letter-writing is the 'only part of [his] conduct which any reasonable person can blame' and even this is 'somewhat excusable' since everyone does it.

He was caught writing a letter to her last Sunday, and since he has 'never had any success in [his] theological studies', Owen sent him to Mr Welldon, who punished him by sending him to the bottom of his form 'in bill order'. This is not a severe punishment, and is 'never considered a disgrace', though 'being degraded out of the form altogether is'. Mr Bowen of course had to stop Robert's exeat, but 'did not seem very much displeased'. Is sorry that he did a 'bad construing for Mr Welldon', due to 'carelessness' not 'neglect of preparation'. Has been doing well in his other work.

Mr Hallam is ill with the toothache, and Mr Moss and Mr Kempthorne have been taking them instead; Robert likes Mr Kempthorne best. Sends the verses; afraid he has been 'rather long in finishing' them but has not much time. Reminds her that he is not doing more as a punishment, but because Mr Kempthorne 'takes an interest' in his work. Is afraid even now they are 'not a very complete set. They are an imaginary 7th Book of Lucretius'. Ran to Elstree today, but 'not so as to overwork' himself.

Postmarked Harrow; addressed to his mother at 8 Grosvenor Crescent, London S. W. - Is sorry to have to tell her that his 'absit has been stopped'. Does not think his offence has been 'very great', but does not have time to tell her everything now; will write tomorrow. Charlie, 'who ought to be a good judge', is not angry with him at all, and 'Mr Bowen himself did not seem to think it very serious'. However, Robert accepts that he 'was to blame to some extent'. The 'row is with Mr Owen'. He is getting on very well in other respects. Hallam is ill. Will 'send the verses tomorrow'.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Thanks his father for his letter. Dreamt last night that he was 'conversing with a conservative', who said that 'there would be an election this spring' in which the Conservatives would 'lose 100 seats', primarily due to his father's speeches. Cannot remember much else, but 'hope[s] it will come true, if not this Easter, at all events some day'.

Is glad the picture [the portrait of his father by Frank Holl?] 'looks well': liked it a great deal when he saw it two weeks ago, but it was 'then only on the floor'. Has 'two copies of verses' in a drawer at Inkerman, one about Inkerman and another on a quotation in ancient Greek which is 'not so good'. Does not think he has a rough copy here, but will send one if he can find one, or if he writes another good one. Is 'so glad' Hallam is teaching them, as he is very interesting.

Has been 'working hard and preparing [his] construing', though he 'came to grief once with Welldon': after preparing carefully 'with the notes', he could not remember one particular part, and Welldon thought he had 'not prepared it at all'. This is 'the result of a reputation for not preparing' which he must try hard to reverse. Has not been late 'for any schools'.

They had some 'fair skating last Thursday', but there was a thaw the morning after; was glad he did not send for his skates as he almost did. His house is 'very good this term'; he does not mean in games, though they are 'not bad in torpids'. Has been reading Realmah [by Arthur Helps] and likes it very much. Charlie is reading it now and has lent Robert [Kinglake's] Eothen, which he will read when he has time.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Arrived without losing any of his luggage. There was 'rather a crowd in the station', but they [he and Charlie?] got a carriage near the engine which 'none of the boys had found' and had it to themselves by the end of the journey. Has 'already finished Realmah [by Arthur Helps], and thinks it one of the best stories he has read; wishes it were longer, for 'quite half is conversation', which he does not enjoy as much. Hallam is teaching them, for which Robert is 'very glad'; they have only had 'two schools so far' with him but finds him interesting already. Has 'got on all right', but has not yet been asked to construe. Ordered his 'bluer' as soon as he could, and will get it tomorrow or the next day. [Thomas Macaulay] Booth is in Robert's house, and 'took middle shell'; Robert is 'trying to help him a little at first'. Hopes that his father's 'cold is better, and that his speech will be a success'. Will write to his grandfather soon. Charlie is well, and Robert walked with him this morning. Jas gone to football for the last three days, and they have had 'several good games'. It snowed this morning, and there was a 'hard frost'.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Thanks his mother for her letter. Is sorry that he has not written earlier; has been working hard this fortnight to 'come out high' in his form. Charlie has 'done very well' and come twelfth, gaining a place. Robert won the 'carrying race', mainly as he was drawn with Stephenson, who is 'nearly the lightest' in their house; they each get two shillings. Thinks he also gets something for being third in the half mile, but is not sure. Came first in his heat 'for the small house hundreds', but has 'no chance in the final'.

Supposes Georgie will be 'coming home on the Friday'. Asks if they will stay in London from 'the Tuesday to the Thursday'. Will try to keep his place for the last remaining week, but it will 'not count much'. Vanity [A. G. Watson] is going to Greece tomorrow, so Moss and Owen will take Robert's form; Lascelles is taking Watson's house.

Is glad his father is 'so well'. Thinks they will have 'a very happy holidays'. Hallam saw Robert today and said that he should 'go in for the Latin Epigrams [prize]'. Will have to talk to his father about it in the holidays, since it is a 'very important prize' and he should not enter it unless he can 'do a really good epigram'. Will have all holiday to consider it.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Thanks his mother for her letter. His father came yesterday; Robert 'found him in Charlie's room'. Charlie 'seemed better ['much' crossed out]; Robert thinks he is going home on Wednesday. Went to breakfast at Mr Watson's with his father and Hallam; his father left at 10.30. Robert's 'back is all right now', but it was 'rather bad for a few days'. His father seemed well; told him he didn't need any money, as he has 'plenty left'. His father did not have time to 'come and see Bojon [E. E. Bowen?]'.

Has been 'rather bad weather lately', and is now getting cold. Hopes they will have fires soon. They had a 'whole holiday yesterday'.