Showing 3 results

2 Prospect Place, N.W.3. - Bob's 'beautiful volumes' [his "Collected Works"] arrived last week; thinks he is 'very lucky' to have them. Will often read them, 'enjoy their spirit and envy their art': never reads Bob's poetry 'without thinking "However does he think of these rhythms?', particularly in blank verse, and wondering how he 'works so patiently'. Will also always value them as 'another token of goodwill from a man very differently constituted to me who has shown me hospitality & not alone forbearance but much more for many years, & enriched my life in ways too numerous to mention'.

Hayes Farm Hotel, Northiam, Sussex. - Has been two weak after his heart operation to do anything more than the 'αναγκαιότατα' [Ancient Greek for most necessary things], but has counted amongst these reading Bob's 'charming book' ["Translations from Latin Poetry"]. Was 'struck' by Bob's 'daring attack upon "Odi et amo"' [Catullus 85] but still thinks it is 'untranslatable'; loves his version of Lesbia and the sparrow [Catullus 3] with its 'admirable' choice of metre. Is doing as little as possible in London this month, so does not 'feel up to ' meeting there; sure he was right not to come to the Shiffolds, as he 'felt far too often like weeping or screaming'; supposes operations are more exhausting that one realises, but is 'mending', and thanks Bob for his friendly concern. They must try to meet later.

Addressed to Bessie at 36 Brunswick Gardens, London W.8. - Very glad that Bessie is 'going along well'; hopes it will now get less cold. Mr MacEvoy is home for a few days break between treatment. Has not been too well himself, and has stayed in during the bad weather, but is much better today. Ursula [Wood or Mommens?] came to tea yesterday; Dilston [Radclyffe?] has just been to lunch.