Metelliano. - Has wanted to write for a long time: it comes easier here, where he has more time for remembrance of Trevelyan. His life has changed, since he has lived in Rome since the beginning of the war and still has editorial work for a weekly publication. Has been staying at the Braccis' house, empty for a long time but now they have returned. His journeys to Cortona are 'adventurous and accidental' since the railways are not yet functioning properly and 'lifts' are rarer since the departure of the Allies; it feels almost as remote and unconnected as it would have done in the 18th century. All is well: the house is 'soiled and worn by the occupation' but returning to normal, his books undamaged, his people well though older. Sees the Sprigges often in Rome and has long talks with Sylvia which always bring in Trevelyan; enjoyed "Windfalls" and Sylvia is to give him Trevelyan's [edition of] Chinese poems. Has been asked to contribute to a book of essays on Virginia Woolf, in Italian but with some English contributors, and is re-reading her critical work.. Has not yet seen Lina [Waterfield], nor B.B. [Berenson] since January, when he was very well. Hopes that Trevelyan will soon return to Italy.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Starting South this afternoon after ten days with the Berensons; B.B. is anxious and not sleeping well, but seems more cheerful since their arrival; his wife also seems to be in poor health and when she returns B.B. hopes to go to Sicily for a holiday. Asks whether Fry will be in Italy in March, the probable time of their own return, and whether Daniel will accompany him. Glad Fry's watercolours were successful and that he likes the [Band of Hope] banner. He must not forget his picture of H[elen] and J[ulian], and Helen her 'Bronzino infant'. Has seen Moore's young brother [Bertie] who paints in Italy; hopes Fry might be able to give him advice. Has heard about 'Lina's artist' [Aubrey Waterfield] from her, the K[err] Lawsons, and Moore who knew him at the Slade: tends to think that Lina is right about Waterfield, 'the Oxford manner' makes him a little difficult at first but he is fundamentally decent, and that [Lina's aunt] Mrs Ross has treated her very badly; Berenson is also 'perfectly silly' about it. However, Lina is being sensible and they will marry in a year or so. According to Moore, Tonks thought highly of Waterfield's drawings. B.B. 'nicer than ever' himself but much more intolerant of others (not Fry). Is sorry about the book [problems with the reproduction of Fry's illustrations for Trevelyan's "Polyphemus and Other Poems"] but it was not Fry's fault and his illustrations are much appreciated by all there. Bessie sends regards to all.
Pension Palumbo, Ravello, Golfo di Salerno. - Strange and 'rather a bore' writing 1900. Has received Bessie's 'almond-bearing letter' [see 9/23]; remembers walking under other almond trees with her. Is going to put a bad dream into his play; is getting on slowly but quite well with it. Much relieved by a letter from [Lina] Duff Gordon; wrote to her saying he probably should have told her of his feelings for Bessie but explaining why that had been difficult, and that he was pained to think their friendship could not be the same again; she replied after a while with no mention of the misunderstanding, just writing 'the letter of one intimate friend to another'. He had promised to write a poem about the pet bat who visits her every winter, and she wrote down the bat's name as a reminder [cf. "The Lady's Bat"]. May have been unfair to Mrs C. [Mary Costelloe], but she certainly talked about him and Lina Duff Gordon 'in a way she had no right'; will try to avoid her, but it is difficult to see [Bernard] Berenson, whom he likes very much, separately. Berenson has written, and 'rather reproached' him for not visiting him at Florence on the way down; he is alone now as Mrs Costelloe has gone to London because her husband is dying. Bob may stop a couple of days on the way back, since Berenson is not coming to England this year; 'he rather feels neglect, and has been extraordinary kind' to Bob, though he 'is difficult at times'. Will not decide until he knows when he is coming to Holland. Continues the letter next day, Has not yet heard from his mother about whether he and Bessie should cross the Channel together. Thinks it would probably be best for her to stop at Grosvenor Crescent for a night on the way to Welcombe, but that can be determined later. Hopes she and Paul and Marie [Hubrecht] will persuade Willy van Riemsdijk not to go to Africa. Sorry that her aunt has such a bad cold; teases Bessie about learning cooking and 'fortifying [herself] against evil times in the barbaric isle, where neither foreign languages not [sic] the dressing of vegetables are understood'. Other people have also found his father's book difficult, and of course she knows little of British 'history or... parliamentary jargon'. Mr Straughn Davidson [James Leigh Strachan-Davidson?] , an Oxford don whom he rather likes, is coming at the end of the week
Centro Italiano Propaganda, Viale Calascione, 7 - Napoli. - Pleasure at reading Trevelyan's news: had heard something of him through [Cecil?] Sprigge but not in detail; knew about Trevelyan's fall and his recovery, but not about the birth of his grandchild [Philip Erasmus]. His own news is good: 'it is a great deal to have passed all this period without injury'; all was well with B.B. [Berenson] up until the 8th of September, as the fascists kept him safe at I Tatti, but he has had no news from Florence, though he has spoken to their friend Reeber [sic: Samuel Reber III], US representative in the Allied Control Commission, who said he would try and intervene through the Swiss legation. Feels helpless. His people at home knew nothing of his intention to escape, and may not be able to 'understand or measure the reasons' and feel abandoned, then there are his hidden friends and 'worse, those who couldn't hide'. Reminds himself that all of Europe is passing through the same ordeal. To renew his link of friendship with Trevelyan openly is 'a good omen, it is like breathing again a pure breath of fresh air'.
Asks if he may call Trevelyan 'Bob'; thanks him for all his kindnesses. Has received [Alberto] Moravia's book and the letters of introduction; asks him to thank [Bernard] Berenson for obtaining these; is particularly grateful for the one for the director of the Institute de Osma. Will probably leave for Spain around 3 Sept; Madame Germanova will be here when Trevelyan comes. So grateful for his offer to lend the money; seems unlikely that there will be more from India, and Suhrawardy has recently been disappointed in his hope of being appointed guardian of the Hyderabad state scholars. It was thought the India Office would not like the appointment of an Indian, and an Englishman has been sent out. Must find something in England. The sporadic money he has been receiving from his father will probably stop when he retires at the end of the year. Perhaps he might work at the High Commissioner's office or the India Offie. Will try in India, for which he leaves on 14 November; hopes to return on the Italian boat and will then see Berenson. Madame Germanova will go with Trevelyan to a French notaire to fix the mortgage; gives some details of the proposed arrangements for repayment.
c/o Professor Utrecht [sic: Ambrosius Hubrecht], 2 Janskerkhof, Utrecht, Holland. - Has received six copies of his "Polyphemus" and hopes J. [Johnson] has sent Fry the same number. Fry's illustrations look very well, though expects he will not be happy with the printing; has found a mistake in the "Ode to Dionysus". Is sending a copy to [Robert] Bridges but not [George] Meredith. Asks Fry to let him know how it sells. Going to spend some time with B.B. [Bernard Berenson] on their way; his wife says he is 'rather out of sorts'. May stop at Verona on the way.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Has spent most of his time at I Tatti with flu and unable to enjoy the company. Was pleased to see Aubrey and Lina [Waterfield] last night. Mary [Berenson] is suffering from rheumatism and feeble, but getting on fairly well; B.B. is well on the whole. Has written to Trevelyan's brother George again with his publisher Einaudi's decision about the title of the translation [by Morra of G.M. Trevelyan's "British History in the Nineteenth Century, 1782-1901"]. Einaudi is grateful for Trevelyan's suggestion of Buchan's "[Oliver] Cromwell" as another translation project. [H.A.L.] Fisher's "History [of Europe]", however, has been translated, and the edition confiscated some months after publication; efforts to get it released even in bowdlerised form have been unsuccessful.
Pension Palumbo, Ravello. - There is not sufficient paper in the hotel to answer her long letter as it deserves. Strange that he is not inspired to write Bessie love-poetry, but says he is 'not good at putting difficult and elaborate and wonderful thoughts into verse', which would be needed; will try one day. Sorry that Gredel [Guije] failed. Since he sometimes misses out words in his letters, Bessie need never be shocked by his 'wicked opinions' but can add 'nots' when she pleases and 'convert the sense to please [her] fancy'. Glad she is re-reading [Joseph Henry Shorthouse's] "John Inglesant". Sends her kisses "blown through the ether like waves of light or electricity'. Continues the letter next morning, copying out an extract about Shorthouse from a piece of paper in Mrs Reid's book an extract from a letter from Isabel Balfour; this recalls what his brother [George?] has heard about Shorthouse. The book reminds Bob of Pater's "Marius the Epicurean"; thinks one must have influenced the other; also thinks "Marius" the better book on the whole. Asks his waiter to settle their dispute about Italian grammar, which he does in Bob's favour. Returns to the letter in the afternoon: old Palumbo died this morning, and since his wife did not want Bob to leave, he is staying in a separate part of the house where he is 'quite out of the way'. News has just come that the Cappuccini hotel at Amalfi 'has subsided on a great part of it' and some people have been killed. Writes again in the evening having gone to see the landslip, which was as bad as the rumours; seven or eight people died, and 'part of the end of the hotel had gone'. The people say it is St. Francis' doing, "angry because his monastery had been put to base uses". Had never been to Amalfi before, though this is his third visit; not much to see 'except the people and the beggars', and the Cathedral is 'spoilt by restoring'. Palumbo was dying about the same time as the landslip, and the proprietor of the Cappuccini, a friend, was here comforting Madame Palumbo when the news about the hotel came. 'They say he almost fainted... [and] will probably be ruined, as no one will dare come to his hotel now'. Bob exerted himself greatly on the journey down to Amalfi and back and 'sweeted (in Grandmont language' despite the bitter cold.
Originally enclosing a 'charming letter from [Eddie] Marsh'; his 'first Cambridge friend' who works in the Colonial office 'though, like many there, he does not like the war'; gives a brief character sketch. Has also heard from [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson. Has not heard from [Bernard] Berenson, but has from [Mary] Costelloe, whom he just asked Berenson to tell; 'rather annoying', as he 'care[s] for Berenson very much, and dislike Mrs C.', though it was a 'perfectly proper letter'. Is very troubled by [Lina] Duff Gordon's letter: her wish for his happiness is 'unmistakeably sincere', as she always is, but her reply to his wish for them to remain as good friends is that since he told her nothing about this when he saw her 'constantly' in London last October, things can never be quite the same. It would have been very difficult to tell her, but feels that perhaps he should have done, not because she was an 'intimate friend' - the only one of his friends he told, 'for special reasons', was Fry - but because Mrs Costelloe had been spreading rumours that she was in love with him. Perhaps this was true, and he should have realised, although he does not think he gave her reason to believe he was in love with her; it is possible that Mrs Costelloe has stirred up trouble, as 'she has a great influence over Miss D. G.' and he believes her 'really to be a bad woman, though with many good qualities'. Is going to see Palumbo's funeral start for Naples. Writes again in the evening, after writing at 'my cliff, the Cembrone [Cimbrone]'. Quotes from a letter from Tom Moore: Moore thinks he will 'make a good husband' but spoil all his children. Has received Bessie's next letter, but not the photographs. He can skate, but not very well. Does not think Buller's defeat will make much difference to British attitudes to the [Second Boer] war; discussion of the war; does not think it would be good if all of South Africa were governed by the Dutch, would not object to 'an independent Dutch South Africa if it were well governed, and the natives treated properly' which currently happens in the Cape but not in the Transvaal. Methuen and probably Buller are not equal to the people against them, but this does not mean the English have fought badly; however, she need not worry that he is 'becoming Jingo'. Sorry Bessie has missed Tonina [van Riemsdijk]'s violin; when one good enough becomes available, will get it for her. They must visit Ravello together; Madame asked if they would come here on their honeymoon, which they will have to discuss; she intends to keep the hotel for some years at least.
Durbins, Guildford. - Letter of condolence on Bessie's 'great loss' [the death of her cousin Bramine Hubrecht at the Shiffolds on the 5 November] of which he heard from Hubrecht. Is going to see [Paul] Nash's drawings if he can and has written to [Gordon] Bottomley. Has had a lot of work over the Omega [Workshops] and finances: such an institution is necessary 'if there is to be any real art in England' but he is 'not sure that the English will tolerate that'. There will be a show at the end of the month. Feels for Bob: Settignano sounds awful, 'it would be easier to write on an island in the Strand'.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Encloses a sheet with his responses to Trevelyan's queries about his translation [of Leopardi], with a few points of his own; finds the translation 'quite excellent'. Thanks Trevelyan and his brother once more [re Morra's translation of G.M. Trevelyan's "British History in the Nineteenth Century, 1782-1901"]. Has almost finished copying out the translation; his publisher [Einaudi] is willing to give him another job of the same kind, and asks Trevelyan for some suggestions of books from last five years which he might suggest if necessary. These might be history, biography (Duff Cooper's "Talleyrand" has done well in Italy), travel or memoirs, not fiction. All fairly well at I Tatti; Mary [Berenson] is recovering from bronchitis and Nicky [Mariano] from flu; they all think of Trevelyan often.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Thanks Trevelyan very much [for his help with Morra's translation of G.M. Trevelyan's "British History in the Nineteenth Century, 1782-1901"]; will write a letter of acknowledgment to his brother. Trevelyan should send any doubtful passages in his translation of Leopardi to Morra whenever he likes. Mary [Berenson] recovering from a cold, but there has been 'music here day and night' and she has been able to enjoy it; B.B. a little troubled by restrictions imposed, particularly coal, and wondering whether he will have to return to America; it would be very hard for them to leave I Tatti abandoned. Asks one last question regarding George Trevelyan's book, about Trollope's Archdeacon Grantly. His translation will be finished by the end of February.
Cortona. - A further query [regarding Morra's translation of G.M. Trevelyan's "British History in the Nineteenth Century, 1782-1901"]; thought B.B. [Berenson] had explained it but this is not the case; knows nothing about the technicalities of betting.
I Tatti, Ponte a Mensola (sotto Settignagno). - Has just arrived from Paris. Mary [Berenson] is still 'very much an invalid', but B.B. and Nicky [Mariano] seem all right. Saw [Maria] Germanova in Paris, who hopes to see Julian if he comes over; [her son] Andryusha is arriving today he would see him. Also saw Betty Chetwynd, who still seems 'rather an invalid', and has to take things very easily; she is going to her mother at Nice for three weeks on Sunday and says if Julian and Ursula would like to use her flat when in Paris they need only go and tell the concierge; they need not write to her beforehand. Discovered that the friend of [Jean] Marchand who is so ill lives in the same house, so went to see them and Marchand afterwards.
Metelliano. - Thanks Trevelyan for sending his "Plays": likes receiving this present 'from you and from England in such a moment of anguish'. Has finished translating G. M. Trevelyan's "British History in the Nineteenth Century" for Einaudi [see 5/88] and now must go over it; it will be with the publisher around the end of February. Has found work on it 'a relief'; likes the first part of the book better than the second and thinks the picture of 'old England' and the transistion due to the Industrial Revolution is 'masterful'. Discusses the notes he must add, particularly the quotations; asks if he could submit queries to Trevelyan, or directly to his brother, and outlines his thoughts on whether quotations should be translated [this section is marked with blue]. Saw Mary [Berenson] at I Tatti just after her return, cheerful though frail; B.B. [Berenson] and Nicky [Mariano] are now in Rome. Hopes Trevelyan is not anxious about Julian.
Metelliano. - Thanks Trevelyan for his "Collected Poems". Has been invited to translate his brother George's "British History in the Nineteenth Century" into Italian, though it is currently a secret as negotiations are still in progress; is reading the book now and feels the job will be enjoyable, if long and maybe hard. Has also been offered the chance of translating "Pericles", but does not feel prepared to cope with Shakespeare. Hears Mary [Berenson] is preparing herself for a journey to England and taking motor-rides; thinks this is only a psychological improvement, but that is a great deal. Does not yet know whether B.B. [Berenson] is going to Yugoslavia.
Hotel Biscione, Piazza Fontana, Milano. - Very sorry that she has suffered as she has; it is true that she does not have 'new scenes' and 'interesting and exciting work' as he has, but she must not be made unhappy by their separation; his feeling towards her will not lessen, though he supposes he may love her 'intellectual or rather... spiritual nature more' when they are apart, rather than her 'immediate physical or even psychological personality'; says she must try and let him 'haunt [her] pleasantly'. Is touched that she cried for him; there is no shame in doing so. The Frys are sending some rings to Ravello for him to choose from, and he will send her one; they are leaving tomorrow if Fry is well enough, as he is in bed with a cold. Went to the Brera yesterday and saw many wonderful things; again was unimpressed with the Luinis; then they saw two other private collections, one of which included a Bellini Madonna. Fry has seen his 'Indian poem and the play about Antioch' and was encouraging about the play; thought the poem 'very good in places, but not real enough, psychologically' as [Thomas Sturge?] Moore also said. Thinks they are probably right; will be glad to get working again. The Frys wanted to find a name for Bessie; as her name includes 'des Amorie' they tried 'Amoretti or Amoretta', but now Mrs Fry has invented 'Amica', short for 'Amica di Trevi', in the same way as they and 'other connoisseurs [primarily Bernard Berenson]' have identified a painter they call 'Amico di Sandro [Botticelli]'. Asks how she likes it; he will continue to call her 'Bessie'. Wrote to her aunt this morning. Had a 'charming letter from [John] MacTaggart' which he will forward after replying. Encloses a letter [perhaps 17/134] from his cousins the Booths, 'very nice people, cousins of the Fletchers'. His friends have all been very kind, as he thinks hers have too; glad she has Jeanne Salomonson to keep her company, who is a 'sweet creature'. Thoughts on 'human misery' occasioned by her visit to the hospital.
Roundhurst. - Roger [Fry] is leaving for London towards the end of the month; asks if he himself can stay on for a while and ask a friend [name illegible] to join him, as he is fond of the place and of Augustus (though 'the poor child has got hooping-cough'). Roger 'keeps up', but collapses when he goes to town. No change in Helen's condition. Is getting on with his dialogues, and reading "Sidonia" [Meinhold's "Sidonia von Borke: die Klosterhexe" or "Sidonia the Sorceress"] and wonders why Trevelyan thinks so much of it. Visited the Tennysons recently; remarks on what a 'fat lethargic domestic chief' [Hallam Tennyson] is. 'Kittie' Bathurst is there: asks if Trevelyan knows her. Dickinson and Lord Tennyson played cricket against the boys and were well beaten. Asks to be remembered to Berenson. Has been seeing something of the 'Friday's Hill' people [the Pearsall Smiths].
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Has just heard of the death of Clifford Allen and is very sorry: it must have been a comfort both for the Allens and for Trevelyan that they were near in his last weeks. Only met him once, but remembers him as 'very endearing'; it is sad that 'so much keenness to live has been taken from him' and that Trevelyan has lost a younger friend who could have been 'with him for ever'. Asks if a friend of his, and Nicky [Mariano]'s could come and stay with a family in England to learn English and teach Italian language and literature. B.B. [Berenson] and Nicky come tomorrow; Mary seems 'more rested than usual'; Karin 'is entertaining but a bit mad'.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - The Berensons are no longer going to Egypt: Mary is in a very low state and does not want to travel; Trevelyan is therefore free to come to I Tatti, but Nicky [Mariano] says he should not do so in December as lots of Mary's family may come, as well as [Gaillard] Lapsley. B.B. is generally well but much distressed. Has come from Montepulciano, where the Braccis were celebrating their silver wedding anniversary. Will look to see if he has Trevelyan's copy of [Woolf's] "The Voyage Out". Asks Trevelyan to bring him two packets of English-made Gillette razor blades: they are 'reduced' to German ones which 'break at their first use'. They have all been watching the eclipse of the moon. The Hammers are here 'full of sorrow'. Is sorry about the death of Trevelyan's friend [Lascelles] Abercrombie.
Metelliano. - Asks Trevelyan to explain to Mrs [Margaret?] Lloyd why he has not been able to reply to her letter. Further discussion of the Braccis' plans for their son Braccio to spend a month in England (see 5/84): it seems that they would like him to stay with the Spring-Rices' but do not want to commit to having Miss Lloyd as a paying guest. Will see Alberti at Montepulciano, returning from a journey to North and South America. Everyone is very grateful for Mrs Lloyd's kindness. Has received Virginia [Woolf]'s book ["Three Guineas"?], and sent a spare copy of his article "Silenzio di Don Giovanni", in "La Cultura", to Trevelyan, and will send another he has written on [Giosuè ?] Carducci. Very interested in Trevelyan's translations of Leopardi, and hopes to see some soon. Has not yet heard anything about [the Berensons'] 'new Consuma' at Vallombrosa. Is sad about Mary's state of health.
Pensione Palumbo, Ravello, presso Amalfi:- Sends best Christmas wishes from him and Elizabeth to his parents, as well as his brothers, whom they hear will be at Wallington. Fine but cold weather since their arrival in Italy until today, 'which is as bad as it could be'. Drove from Cava to Pompeii the day before coming to Ravello; Bessie had not seen it before, and 'was enchanted, especially with the new house, and with the Thermae [baths]'. Everything is 'exactly the same' at Ravello, except that 'Mr Kershaw, the old gentleman, seems a good deal older'; he and a friend are the only others here [at the hotel]. Mrs Reid is not well, and they have not yet seen her.
At Florence they 'met Zangwill, the Jew, who is a friend of the Berensons': they 'liked him very much and found him very witty and interesting', though 'his manners, especially at table, are not perfect'. He spilled his salad onto Bessie's best silk dress, which had to be sent to Florence to have the stain removed - but his 'other merits' make up for such things. The Russells are now staying at the Berensons'; the Trevelyans just missed seeing them. Is glad that [Alys] seems to be 'almost quite well again' now; has seen 'a good deal' of [Bertrand] over the last few months in London and at Dorking.
His parents should look at Murray's translation of Euripides' Hippolytus and Bacchae, which 'in many ways is very well done'; does not think the 'effect is very like Euripides' but that as an 'original poem... it has great merits'. Murray's notes also 'throw great light on the plays from a theatrical and dramatic point of view', and his introduction is 'very interesting'. There is also a translation of Aristophanes' Frogs: 'much of it reads very well', but opinions may differ on 'the possibility of putting Aristophanes into English verse'. Thinks Murray's Hippolytus is better than his Bacchae.
They hope Sir George has had 'no more rheumatism' and will keep well all through the winter, and that his book [the next volume of The American Revolution] is 'getting on well'. Their love to Robert's parents, Charles, and George.
Villa Morra Cortona (Arrezzo). - Had planned to come to Paris, so did not answer as soon as he received Trevelyan's translation of Lucretius, just looked into it and found the story of Macauley's notebook interesting; thanks him now; is not coming to Paris. Cannot give him any firm news about the Braccis' financial dealings. Hopes Trevelyan is coming to Italy; he himself will go to I Tatti when Nicky [Mariano] and B.B. [Berenson] are back in November, then will probably go to Rome some time in December and return to I Tatti after the New Year. Has started learning German. There have been floods recently. Has no news yet of Mary [Berenson]'s return and hopes all is well.
Sends the address of the hotel where B.B. [Bernard Berenson] and Nicky [Mariano] are staying in Paris, though Julian may not return soon enough to see them. [Hasan] Suhrawardy is in Paris so Julian will see him; gives his new telephone number. Originally enclosing a cutting from the "Man[chester] Guardian", though Julian has probably heard more about it. Expects he will go abroad early in December. [Donald] Tovey is better; may come to the Shiffolds for a while with his nurse next month. C.A. [Clifford Allen] is 'also fairly well', though he has 'become very critical of the P.M. [Ramsay MacDonald] and will soon probably criticise him openly'; all this though is too complicated for a letter. Hopes Julian's film is going well and that the weather will allow him to finish it this year. He and Bessie are both 'quite well'. Has not been able to get an answer from [Hugh] Sykes Davies, so will have to go to Cambridge soon to see him.
Poggio allo Spino, Consuma, (Prov. di Firenze). - Apologies for not writing sooner: was waiting to see the Braccis, but they are involved in negotiations to see most of their land and have not come; had hoped he would be able to tell Trevelyan about the payment of money owed him. Is here while Nicky [Mariano] is resting at Sorrento. B.B. [Berenson] has regained energy but complains of not being able to do much work. Clotilde [Marghieri], still in poor health, is here; her sister is at Vallombrosa and they see her often; there is also a French diplomat, Truela [?], and Martha Ruspoli. Thinks she would take to Trevelyan: B.B. nicknames her 'la pedantina'. Was reading about Alfoxden and Nether Stowey when he received Trevelyan's letter: has been writing about [Mario] Praz's history of English literature and reading around the subject. [John Livingstone Lowes'] "The Road to Xanadu", on Coleridge was 'much too long'; has found [Oliver] Elton's work most rewarding; Middleton Murry's "Keats and Shakespeare" was interesting but had a 'very distasteful, over-emphatic' way of putting across even good arguments.
Metelliano. - Hopes that Trevelyan will come to Italy this summer; if he says when he will be at La Consuma, Morra will arrange to be there at the same time. Asks if he should keep [Woolf's] "The Years" until then; has read it, written his article, and sent a translation and one of part of another article speaking more generally about Virginia to Judith [Stephen] to share with her aunt if she sees fit. Has heard from Iris Origo that Leonard Woolf is careful not to let Virginia see criticism than might upset her, and his opinion of "The Years" is 'not very favourable'. Is going to Venice on the 5th to meet B.B. [Berenson] and Nicky [Mariano] and see the Tintoretto exhibition with them; tomorrow he is hearing [Mozart's] "Nozze di Figaro" in Florence, which sounded very good through the radio.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Very cold, and the 'warmest thing to do' is to write to Robert at Ravello. Must have been delightful living 'in sight of Florence' [staying with Bernard Berenson at Settignano]. Sends love to Elizabeth; hopes she will be well on the journey to Ravello and have good weather. George is here for Christmas, and will then join Janet at Stocks; Charles and Mary return this evening from Mary's grandfather [Lowthian Bell]'s funeral. He was eighty nine, and 'very active in business' almost up to his death; awful weather for a funeral; considers the number of people who 'have caught their deaths at funerals'. [John] Morley has made a 'fine address enough' at the opening of a free library [in Plumstead], though this is now 'a most hackneyed occasion' thanks to [Andrew] Carnegie. Sir George himself is to open 'the [underlined, due to controversy] library' at Stratford on Avon; they have done well to choose someone 'accustomed to steer amidst quicksands'. They are going to Welcombe on Tuesday next 'in patriarchal fashion, with a through carriage for [their] whole establishment'. They like their Burne-Jones ["Idleness and the Pilgrim of Love"?] more and more, and will bring it to London; Sir George likes it best of their pictures apart from the Francia. He and Caroline are 'rather proud' of having got such 'sweet pictures' for a third of what a 'Road Magnate pays for a doubtful Romney'.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - It is very kind of Trevelyan to say he will send Morra Virginia [Woolf's] new book ["The Years"]; he has promised to review it by the middle of May. Met Trevelyan's brother George here recently and was amused by the resemblances and differences between them. George's wife [Janet] seemed 'very pleasant', and B.B. is revising his first thoughts about her. Alberti is here. Mary's health is up and down but she does not 'look at all badly'. Will return home when B.B. and Nicky [Mariano] start for the Aegean.
13A Hanover Terrace Ladbroke Grove. - Is sceptical about the translation of his books into German. Sorry to hear that Trevelyan has had mumps; hopes he has now recovered. At heart is miserable about the state of Europe; distractions include dinner with Clive [Bell?] and [Ralph?] Hawtrey, and the new letters of Byron, which he discusses at length with comments on morality. Has also been reading the 'absurd' book [Home Life with Herbert Spencer]. Morgan [Forster] has returned, unhappy because he cannot write (with which Trevelyan will sympathise). Met Bertie [Russell] and his wife at the Sangers'; does not think he will like 'Mrs Bertie'. Mrs [Beatrice] Mayor's two plays [The Girl and the City and Thirty Minutes in a Street] were acted on Sunday [2 Apr 1922, at the Kingsway Theatre]; supposes they were not much of a success but he was interested by them, particularly that acted by her sister [Betty Potter]. Has had long walk with [Nathaniel] Wedd who is 'gallant' but not well; Dickinson sceptical about the psychoanalysis he is receiving. Sends best regards to Trevelyan and his hosts [the Berensons].
12 Pembroke Gardens, Kensington, W. - Thanks Bob for the books [Bob's "Mallow and Asphodel"?]; had already seen Oswald Sickert's copy ; agrees that black [covers?] would have been better, but 'some day we will elaborate together an edition de luxe'. Will send on [Robert] Bridges's copy though he is 'rather angry' with him at the moment, will tell Bob why when they see each other. Dined with [Bernard] Berenson last night, who is 'interesting & he admires Goldie [Dickinson] immensely' so Fry will like him. He may take Bob's book when he goes to see Helen on Saturday, an experiment he 'half long[s] for and half dread[s]'; will write to Bob or Goldie about the visit but fears it will not have any effect.