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Telegram, 16 July 1947, from Christopher Hassall to R. C. Trevelyan, inviting him to give a twenty-five minute talk on Catullus on 27 August. Reply from Trevelyan regretting that he cannot give the talk. Subsequent reply cancelling previous reply and saying Trevelyan would 'much like to write script' if the offer is still open.

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Very kind of Trevelyan to write: it was a 'great pleasure' to meet him; admired his script and delivery very much. Perhaps they will meet again for another programme. Has heard 'so many appreciative remarks about the Catullus broadcast'.

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Apologises for bothering Trevelyan with another letter, but is 'receiving several enquiries' to which he can only give 'vague answers' as a result of the success of Trevelyan's broadcast on Catullus. Asks which of Trevelyan's translations were new and which have already been published, and in which books they appeared; feels that the 'enthusiasts should be encouraged'.

Typed copy of telegrams, draft letters from Trevelyan and typed letters from Christopher Hassall of the BBC. Two typed letters from E. M. Layton of the BBC's copyright department. Trevelyan's radio programme on Catullus, third in a series of broadcasts on Latin poetry, was transmitted on the Third Programme, 27 Aug 1947.

Trevelyan was very pleased when he realised he could be in London on 27 August and so accept Hassall's 'very kind and flattering invitation' to deliver a radio broadcast on Catullus; hopes he will be able to produce something 'worthy' of Hassall's new series. Asks if Hassall wishes him to read the script and poems himself, as he would prefer to do so; a pencilled continuation rephrases this to emphasise his wish to read.

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Was 'delighted' to get Trevelyan's wire agreeing to write a script on Catullus; will inform John Sparrow this afternoon and knows he will also be pleased. Sparrow will give the first, introductory, talk on 16 August; Rex Warner will deliver a talk on 17 August, which Trevelyan's will follow at 6.25 pm on 27 August. Other programmes in the series will be on Virgil, Horace, and Late and Medieval Latin; Hassall is asking Rose Macaulay to give a final summary talk. Trevelyan's talk to set out Catullus's place in Latin poetry, the character of his work, and contrast with other 'great Latin poets', and 'assess his value to modern times'; it should contain quotations in English; Trevelyan could read these, or inform Hassall if he would like one or two readers and of which sex. Hassall will produce the programme, rehearsals will take place about two and a half hours before transmission, and Trevelyan should send the script at least a fortnight beforehand. Must take care over copyright translations. Will arrange for an official contract to be sent.

Hassall signs his name 'for Patric Dickinson, Drama Department'.

86 Walton St, SW3. - Thanks Bob for sending him "From the Shiffolds"; was 'delighted' to re-read so many poems which 'charmed' him when printed privately; did not remember "Willowherb" and asks if it is new. Glad to hear Bob is doing a broadcast on Catullus for his 'dear friend Christopher Hassall', whom he thinks 'is making a very good job of the [BBC] Third Programme'.

86 Walton St, SW3. - Very much 'enjoyed & admired' Bob's Catullus broadcast; felt it 'must be fulfilling its purpose of showing people who don't know Latin that he is a great poet'. Christopher [Hassall] rang this morning to 'express his delight'; Bob 'had a great success with him' and Eddie hopes it was reciprocal. In spite of the 'disparity [in age]' Christopher is 'one of the greatest friends [Eddie has] ever had' and he thinks 'the world of him'.

Thanks Hassall for his letter. Would like to use his own translations of seven short poems, and possibly a few lines from the "Attis" (Catullus 63); is not using anybody else's translations [for his BBC talk on Catullus). Has almost finished his script and will send it in a few days so Hassall will have ample time to 'criticise and suggest alterations'

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Bessie's letter of Wednesday arrived this morning. Suggests she catches an earlier train to avoid crowding. Glad Bessie 'got a better impression of Litty [?] and had some interesting talk with her'; afraid he 'did not succeed in getting on easy terms with her'. Bessie can now have a rest before Wallington, though the house is not noisy despite the 'swarms of children'. Marjorie has just come with her family; Kitty is away for a few days from Monday, but will be back soon and see Bessie. The radio is working again, but he does not think it is much good for the [BBC] third programme. [Christopher] Hassall has sent him his script [for a programme on Catullus], typed by the BBC, and wants Bob to read both script and translations. Went to see John Dower a couple of days ago, and is going again today by bus; will walk back. John wants to show him some new poems; he is in bed, but likes company though it makes him tired. Pauline is 'very admirable'. Thinks Philip would get on well with Oliver and Diana [Lodge]; luckily he is too young 'for Oliver to indoctrinate him with his aesthetics'. Is trying to arrange to dine with Irene [Cooper Willis] on Tuesday night; has booked a room at the National Liberal Club.

Is sending Hassall his script [for his BBC talk on Catullus) in good time; has read it aloud several times and it seems to take about twenty-five minutes; suggests the passage from Swinburne could be left out, and has also marked four lines in pencil he could take out from the "Attis" translation [Catullus 63].

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Very 'grateful' to Trevelyan for writing and delivering his script so quickly; very much likes it as it gives a 'vivid impression of the man and its work'. On reading it aloud it only came to eighteen minutes, and the ideal length is twenty three minutes; feels they should add about three and a half pages in Trevelyan's typed script. The Lucretius and Horace scripts [for earlier talks in the same series] quote the original Latin; suggests that Trevelyan does not disrupt his 'so well constructed script' by interpolation, but elaborates on his sentences at the end on Catullus's 'less ambitious lyrics', with quotations in both Latin and translation. Loves the translations Trevelyan has already included. Does not want to be a 'nuisance' to someone as 'exemplary' as Trevelyan, but thinks a longer script will be necessary; sure he will be glad to have the chance to say more about this 'great poet'. The rehearsal time will be on Trevelyan's contract; thinks it will be at 4.30 pm on 27 August, at Broadcasting House.

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1. - Glad to hear Trevelyan has been able to lengthen his script on Catullus; hopes it was not too much trouble, and is sure it will be just right. Asks Trevelyan to send the script with additions before the end of next week as it needs to be copied and distributed; will send a copy as soon as possible, with details of the studio and rehearsal. Looks forward to meeting him on 27 August.

Thanks Hassall for his letter; will be at the BBC on 27 August at 4.30. Sees in the "Radio Times" that Rex Warner will have a reader for his Lucretius talk; checks if he himself will be reading his script and translations.

British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1; sent to Trevelyan c/o Lady Trevelyan, Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth, Northumberland. - Thanks Trevelyan for his letter; he is right to assume he will be reading his translations as well as the script for his talk on Catullus.