Autobiographical piece by Trevelyan about his childhood home, Wallington, quoting Ruskin and describing the library in particular, including mention of Macaulay's books with his handwritten annotations on the classical authors. Translations of Virgil's first and second "Eclogue", first and second "Georgic" (with another version of one passage on a loose sheet of paper), ninth "Eclogue" and third "Georgic". Section written from the opposite end of the book in is a draft speech by Trevelyan to introduce Arthur Waley at a gathering to 'give... sympathy and what help we feel we can to the people of modern China in the terrible troubles [they are currently suffering]".
Translations of Virgil's "Aeneid" Book 6 and Homer's "Odyssey" book 9. Notes [of possible topics for autobiography] on first page, for example 'G[eorge] O[tto] T[revelyan] and Palgrave - Keats. G.O.T. and Churchill'.
Thanks his father for his letter. It will be 'nice to live at Grosvenor Crescent'; supposes there will be 'more room' than at Ennismore Gardens. There was a 'frost of 6 degrees' the night before last. Robert and his classmates are studying Virgil and Euripides'; thinks they will start on Homer when they have finished the current play. They are still playing cricket, but it is 'growing so cold' he expects they will soon begin football. They are going to stop doing the [school news]paper, 'because nobody cares anything about it, no more does Mr Arnold, no more do I'.
Woodthorpe, The Thrupp, Nr. Stroud, Glos. - Sends the 'revised version of [his] bit of Virgil' [see 21/107], which he believes is 'much improved' by Trevelyan's 'valuable criticism'. Good to know that the 'dear thing' will arrive safely; tried to send something to friends in Ireland but it was returned by the censor 'as being that noxious stuff "printed matter"'; comments ironically on the possibility of 'that discourse on a Greek epigram' being a 'great encouragement to Hitler'. Asks if Trevelyan remembers Vernon Rendall from Trinity who has recently visited. Rendall was 'rather run down' and so the Loanes' 'quiet not to say monotonous existence' suited him; he was happy to weed in the garden, play billiards and talk. They both 'suffer from a lack of conversation', living in the country, where it is 'not usual to find congenial talkers'; asks how Trevelyan does in that respect. Trevelyan promised to lend Loane his Theocritus and said he could send it when he returned Loane's Lathrop ["Translations from the classics into English from Caxton to Chapman, 1477-1620"?]; is ready for both if Trevelyan has finished with Lathrop; wants to see what he says about Chapman. Has just written his 'fortnightly letter to an Irish aunt who is well into her 101st year' but still corresponds with him; was a 'grief' not to be able to celebrate her 'centenary' with her, but it does not seem possible now to obtain any sort of permit.
Hopes his father 'will go out' as then he will 'have some proper holidays'. Is getting on very well, as is G[eorgie]. There is to be a home match against Hartley Row next Wednesday. Is sending the [school news] paper, which is now printed 'instead of Cyclostyled', thinks this 'is a great improvement, though of course opinions may differ'. They have now begun studying Horace; thinks it is 'a good deal nicer that Caesar, or even than Virgil'. Hopes his father 'and Grandpapa are both quite well now'; comments on the 'fun we shall have in the hols'. Lawrence has given him the [birthday?] 'present of a very nice book'.
Offprint from "Notes and Queries", 10 Aug 1940: "A Translation of Aeneid V!., 724-751", George. G. Loane.
Another version of Loane's translation, in Loane's own hand, which differs in several places from the printed text; this is followed, with the heading '(Gilding for the pill?)'. by Loane's translation of "Anth[ologia] Pal[atina]" V.51
Cad Hill House, Upton-St-Leonards, Glos. - Thanks Bob for the translations from Latin and Greek [this year's "From the Shiffolds"], particularly the "Moretum", which gives an idea of how good Bob's translation of the "Georgics" must be: asks if he ever finished 'that lovely thing'. Asks whether Bob thinks Virgil wrote the "Moretum". The [Homeric] "Hymn to Pan" is 'most beautiful'. The 'news about the Marlowe fragment' ["The Stream"] is 'sensational': it is 'now said to be by Jervis [Gervase] Markham'; the '24 lines seem much the best of those quoted (in the "Times Lit. Sup.)' [see John Crow. "Marlowe Yields to Jervis Markham."" The Times Literary Supplement", 4 Jan. 1947, p. 12]. Is having difficulty writing as three of his children are 'playing rampageously in the room'. Hopes Bessie, Julian, and Ursula are well. Is renting a small house on the edge of the Cotswolds; wishes Bob was within walking distance. Thanks Bob for the gift of "Gebir" [by Walter Savage Landor], which although uneven is a 'noble poem'; is now re-reading Boswell's life of Johnson. Cold and stormy weather, and the normally good views are affected by fog. Was re-reading Bob's translations of Juvenal recently, which are 'perfectly done'; thinks he should translate the sixth "Satire" if he has not already done so. Adds postscript to say Diana would send love if she were not out.
Press cuttings with reviews of Trevelyan's translation of Theocritus' idylls, most sent to Trevelyan by Durrant's Press Cuttings agency, from: "Poetry Review"; "John O' London's Weekly" ("What's the Use of Latin" by W. H. D. Rouse, also reviewing "Roman Panorama" by Grose-Hodge); the "Guardian"; "Church Times"; "Oxford Magazine"; "Times Literary Supplement"; "New Statesman and Nation" (by Louis MacNeice, comparing Trevelyan's translation to C. Day Lewis's earlier version of the "Georgics"); "Cambridge Review" (by N. C. Joliffe).
Translations of Virgil's "Aeneid" Book 1 and Book 4. List of names - perhaps a distribution list - on verso of flyleaf. Notebook used from other end in: draft verse, including Trevelyan's "To Desmond MacCarthy"; draft note on Trevelyan's two dialogues involving Horace, first published in "Translations from Horace"
Notes on Aeschylus' "Agamemnon", line 360 onwards [mostly grammatical]; some sketches and doodles.
Notebook also used from back page in for further classical notes including: comments on Virgil's "Aeneid" book 8; notes on Roman history.
Prose note on 'religious and aesthetic emotions'. Verse, 'This love disease is a delicious/delightful trouble'. Translations by Trevelyan of the "Homeric Hymn to Demeter", fragments from tragedies by Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus, an extract from Virgil ["Aeneid"] Book VI, Leopardi's "To his Lady" and "Canticle of the Wild Cock", Simonides 37, an extract from [Homer's] "Iliad" Book 24. Draft essay on aging and desire. Notes, in the style of Trevelyan's "Simple Pleasures". Autobiographical piece about a reading party at Blackgang Chine almost fifty years ago, with Cambridge friends such as Lytton Strachey, Roger Fry, Desmond MacCarthy and George Moore. Draft of "On Inspiration", published in "Windfalls". Translations of Catullus 2, 7, 12, and 50, Tibullus I.1, and Montaigne III.11 and III.6. Dialogue between 'Child' and 'Father'. Note on Saint Augustine's "Confessions". List of contents for the 1948 "From the Shiffolds" pamphlet. Notes for topic 'What does England mean to me?' and on old age.
Notebook used from other end in: list of books including [Beerbohm's] "Zuleika Dobson" and Ransome's "Great Northern?". Draft letter regarding the [re?] printing of Trevelyan's "Collected Works". Passage headed 'p. 15'; since this is followed by a review of Judson's "Life of Spenser", it may be an extract from that book. List of titles of essays, prefaces for translations, biographical pieces (Donald Tovey and C[lifford] A[llen], etc; perhaps future projects for Trevelyan. Draft piece on poets and poetry. Dialogue on the subject of translating poetry; piece "On Translating Greek Poetry", with notes on individual authors and quotations of passages. Pieces on translating Lucretius and the Greek Anthology; notes on translating Homer and Catullus; observations on a 'friendly critic' pointing out that 'too many' of Trevelyan's poems and essays begin with a scene of someone, usually the poet, 'walking meditatively in a wood' or lying beneath a tree. Translation of Tibullus III.19. Draft essay on Trevelyan's feelings about spiders, insects and other small creatures, and snakes; includes mention of a 'great philosopher' [Bertrand Russell or G. E. Moore?] disliking ants immensely.
Ashmansworth, nr Newbury, Berks. - Trevelyan sent him a copy of his new volume ["Translations from Latin Poetry"] 'Weeks ago'; did not reply with thanks at one as he wanted to wait until he had time to read it properly. His 'poor' Latin has now 'faded away to a shadow', so the 'good Latinist' may miss the pleasure he gets from translations which 'also happen to be English poetry'. Found some 'old acquaintances', such as Catullus 101, and is 'delighted' that Trevelyan's predecessors in translating Catullus 5 ["Vivamus, mea Lesbia..." did not 'over-awe' him. Has Trevelyan's translations of the "Eclogues" and "Georgics", Theocritus, and 'so much else'. Adds a postscript saying it has not been such a pleasure to read [John] Masefield's new book, "On the Hill': 'Its [sic] almost embarrassing'.
Hotel Todi, Thierfehd, Glarus, Switzerland. - Will have to 'break the golden rule' Bob gave him last year, that the person at home should write first to the one abroad. [Charles] Buxton has gone home after their extensive travels together; George is staying for a fortnight's study. Enjoying his best health for a year; describes his daily routine; is reading Homer and Vergil 'in the original at last', and talking with one of his fellow-guests in French, a young lady 'whose heart he has won' by bringing her back some golden lilies from the hills. Has realised 'the horror of distance': would not be able to bear the distance from 'one's country' if it were not for 'swift locomotion'. Often thinks 'the poem of the greatest horror remains to be written': it would describe a man propelled to the moon who can see the earth but is unable to return. Wonders whether Bob is working on his novel at Wallington.; he is very interested to see what his brother will eventually do; is sure he will 'work out his own salvation' and does not want advice, but wishes he would 'take to "one sided" history', that is 'telling the story of some great movement sympathetically, not critically or scientifically'. Is writing another lecture for Cambo about England in the 14th century; much enjoys writing 'for an uncritical audience after Cambridge'. Expects to hear that Charles has been elected [as MP for Lambeth North] tomorrow; thinks Charles's health is now good enough to 'allow of his success in life'.
[on headed notepaper for 40 Ennismore Gardens, S.W.] Arrived here 'all right with Charlie last Wednesday'. Is getting on 'very well', and is in Bosworth-Smith's form. Campbel[l] is in Hutton's form, but Giffard is in B[owen?]'s. Giffard 'is 4th scholar, because Butler resigned his'. Robert's room is on the top story, and 'has been shut up for about 3 terms'; it is large enough, 'very comfortable', and 'looks toward the road at the bottom of the hill'. Got his coat on Friday or Saturday, but has not yet got the watch. His clock 'goes very well'. Bought a straw hat on Thursday, which was a 'whole holiday' for him, as he did not have an exam or holiday task. Is very glad to hear that Aunt Meggie [Price] 'has another little boy'.
Does 'not feel at all sleepy before 10'. The 'work is not very hard': they are studying the 2nd book of the 'Aeniad' [Aeneid], which he has done before, the 5th book of the 'Odesey [sic]' and the 10th book of Paradise Lost. Is in 'Row [?]'s house in French', and has forgotten his mathematics master's name. Played cricket yesterday in the 2nd eleven. Sees C[harlie] 'pretty often'. Saunders [sic: R. A. Sanders], the head of the school, is also head of their house.
26 Addison Avenue, W.11. - Thanks Bob for his 'Christmas gift', "From The Shiffolds", which he and Beatrice have 'much appreciated'; was afraid when he first saw it that the poems might be 'too classical' for Beatrice's 'non-classical background', but there was in fact a great deal which appealed to her. She was 'particularly impressed' by the fragments from Sophocles and Euripides; he also thought they were 'perfectly translated'. He also enjoyed the "Hymn to Pan"; has always thought it a 'delightful poem'. The "Moretum" was 'quite new" to him, and is glad to have been 'introduced' to it; cannot think of anything else in Latin or Greek with the 'same sheer sustained realism'; does not read to him like Virgil, but perhaps it was a 'first experiment' along the line eventually leading to the "Georgics". Best wishes from them both to Bob and Bessie for the New Year.
[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]:- Thanks his mother for her letter. Is 'very interested in the Times business' [a reference to the Parnell Commission's proof that the letters published by the Times in 1887, alleging that Parnell had supported the Phoenix Park murders, were forgeries by Richard Pigott], and now regrets his usual neglect of the newspapers, through which he has 'missed all the excitement of the things as they happened', especially since nobody in his house 'seems to care much about them'. He is glad, however, that 'the Tories are getting it hot'. Has 'been out running a little', but not much as there is still 'footer' twice a week in his house: 'a very good sign that they are getting more interested'. Does not think he will 'go in for sports'; or only for a couple of house sports in the future.
Canon Fleming read to the school yesterday, and 'was certainly a success', though Robert 'did not care for him altogether'. Is getting on well in his form, and continuing his reading; is beginning his hexameters and hopes to have most done by the end of term. Thinks that it is a good thing for him to try for the scholarships, but that he is 'too weak in mathematics and scripture', even in Greek composition, to 'have much chance. Has just done [Virgil's] Eclogues, with 'Judge [Charles] Bowen's English translation, which is quite worth reading'. Charlie is well.
The Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge. - Has signed and sent on the [Trust?] papers to Maurice Bell. Glad to hear that Bob's translation of [Vergil's] "Georgics" [and "Eclogues"]. Sends best Christmas wishes to all; Bob must come and visit some time next term.
Woodthorpe, The Thrupp, Nr. Stroud, Glos. - Has now read through Trevelyan's 'valuable gift' [his translations of the "Eclogues and Georgics of Virgil"], and admires its 'fidelity to the original & its sustained excellence of style'. Prefers the "Georgics" to the "Eclogues": Trevelyan knows his 'ear is deaf to some of your harmonies' and would like Trevelyan to read them to him. The accents in the "Georgics" give a 'fine strong effect, so different from Pope's ready-mouthed [?] strain'; has been writing a piece on Pope's "Iliad" for "Notes and Queries". Has copied out [Edward] Fitzgerald's 'free & easy version of the Corycian swain' from "[An] Aftermath" in case Trevelyan does not know it [see 21/107b]. Blames his 'bad handwriting' on the temperature.
Newell Grange, Redditch. - Was very glad to get Bob's Christmas present ["From the Shiffolds"] and re-acquaint himself with some of the poems he had heard in Bob's 'melodious & most off-setting voice in Bloomsbury Square', particularly the Helen poem and "Spectacles"; has always bee 'thankful rather than otherwise' for his short sight, as it gives him 'two outlooks on the world, one beautifully fused as [Bob describes] it, with a great gain in depth & richness of colour'. Supposes the 'lost friend' in "Ten Years After" is Goldie [Lowes Dickinson], since one of the other poems Bob read 'celebrated' him as his 'companion for walking in the woods'. Will be moving about over the next few weeks, so if Bob plans to send him his translation of the "Georgics", to which he is much looking forward, he should 'direct it to Brookes's"
St Fagan's Castle, Cardiff. - Cannot put off thanks Bob for the "Georgics": was 'wandering about a good deal' over Christmas, but came here last week 'equipped with a Latin text ' hoping to read Bob's translation 'at leisure'; however, he has had to proof-read Peter Quennell's "Four Portraits: Studies of the Eighteenth Century" and Winston [Churchill]'s volume of speeches made in 1944, so will not be able to settle down to Bob's book for some days. The parts he has read are 'very attractive', though he admits that the blank verse is 'here & there a little to free' for him and he 'must try to supple [his] ear'. Will be here until mid-January, then plans to settle for a while at the Goring Hotel in Grosvenor Square.
Translation of "Georgics" book 3 from line 113 to the end, and the whole of book 4. Draft verse in pencil at the other end of the book, first line "Here in the cool dome of a mighty beech", which mentions 'the shy beauty and stateliness/of Virgil's Muse'.
The Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for [his translation of Vergil's] "Eclogues and Georgics"; had already 'seen and admired the introductions' which Bob had read him, and is now 'browsing with great pleasure' through the translations; thinks Bob is 'certainly at the head of translators of the Classics now', and the 'general recognition' of the 'excellence' of all of Bob's work gives him great pleasure. Sends Bessie his 'dearest love'; he is especially grieved by two things in 'all this bitter scene - the Netherlands and Greece. The 'plight of Holland' is not particularly the fault of the British 'except for our share in the whole business', but he believes 'Greece has ben badly muddled by Churchill, whose obstinacy is sometimes a blessing but sometimes the reverse'. Feels that 'hope is better than prophecy' for the future, since 'even the best informed [prophets] seem usually to be wrong'. Very glad about Leith Hill Place: Bob will find [Ralph] Wedgwood a 'delightful neighbour'.
The Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for the 'delightful Christmas present' [his translation of Vergil's "Eclogues and Georgics]. Enjoyed seeing Julian, Ursula and Philip the other day. Desmond [MacCarthy] visited this weekend, and told them about presiding at Bob's 'successful "reading"' of his poems.
East Hills, Albury, Guildford. - Apologising for not thanking Bob earlier for his poems ["From the Shiffolds"]; particularly the first one, as she has 'lost [her] heart to Philip Erasmus'; supposes he is still at the Shiffolds.. Is also reading Bob's translation of the "Georgics". Hopes [Arthur Waley's?] "Monkey" reached him safely. It reminded her of 'our nursery religions & magic rites when Noah & the good & bad Kangaroo rule our games'; when Claud was bored he 'used to lift a corner of a rug' and say that Noah was telling him they should play something else. Would like to hear Bob's opinion on [Algernon Cecil's] "A House in Bryanston Square" if he reads it, but would not recommend it.
11 St. Leonard's Terrace, SW3. - Should have thanked Bob before for the 'charming Vergil' [his translation of the "Eclogues" and "Georgics"], which he loves; thinks the introductory verses 'one of the best things' Bob has 'ever written'. The gods could not give a 'pleasanter gift' than 'mellowing such Hesperian fruit on autumnal boughs' as Bob is doing. In return, would like to send him 'another Hesperian apple': Grierson's 'altogether delightful book on "Rhetoric [and English Composition]", if he doesn't have it. Is sending copies to his friend; it was published in an 'out-of-the-way corner' and he only heard of it by chance.
Version of Trevelyan's "Maya" on inside cover and following pages; a verse version of "Spectacles" followed by a prose one. Notes toward an autobiography by Trevelyan, starting with a description of his first visit to Seatoller in Borrowdale in 1892 with his university friends Eddie Marsh, Bertrand Russell, Robin Mayor, and John Barran; describes visits there with Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson, quoting a poem written on the hills by Dickinson; mentions spending time there with G. E. Moore, which becomes a general discussion of philosophers and philosophy; the Lake Hunt; early reading and the library at Wallington; his father's friends, particularly Henry Sidgwick. Translation of Montaigne III.7, crossed through.
Notebook also used from the other end in: notes on Virgil's sixth "Eclogue"; notes on Chinese poetry; verse; translation of Montaigne II.8; conversation between Adam and Satan, in both verse and prose versions; translation from Sophocles's "Oedipus at Colonus"
Monk's House, Rodmell, Lewes, Sussex. - Has been meaning to thank Bob for a long time for his book ["Windfalls" or his translation of the "Eclogues" and "Georgics" of Virgil] and now must add his poems ["From the Shiffolds"]; thought the poems some of the best Bob has 'ever published' and called them 'tracts for the times -- from unfortunately another time -- but infinitely refreshing'.
Boulogne. - Thanks Doyle for his 'Epitaph'; in return sends list of words which he recently noticed as 'occurring in the Odyssee [sic] but not in the Iliad. Does not think this proves the Odyssey was not written by the author of the Iliad, but it should be noted, as 'if there were very many such points of difference in language, this might be important'. Wishes Doyle would follow up his 'impression' that the structure of the hexameters in the two poems differ and 'analyse' it; suggests lines of enquiry, and compares the way the structure of Shakespeare's blank verse differs from the early to late plays.
Has been reading Virgil, for whom he feels 'something like a personal affection'; acknowledges that he is 'very inferior to Homer' in inventive and dramatic power, but considers him to have been 'in every fibre a Poet'.
Copied onto notepaper for Fryston Hall, Ferrybridge.