Showing 112 results

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

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.

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.

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.

I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Is very grateful for the pains taken by Trevelyan [regarding Morra's translation of G.M. Trevelyan's "British History in the Nineteenth Century, 1782-1901"]. Arrived at I Tatti yesterday to find all well; Mary in bed with a cold but cheerful; all as usual except for Trevelyan's absence, which Morra feels deeply. Asks one further question about George's book. Moravia is not related to 'De B.' so Mrs [Sylvia] Sprigge is right. Is very sorry to hear about D[onald] Tovey [his illness].

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.

Hotel Biscione & Bellevue, Piazza Fontana No 8 e 10, Milan. - His itinerary for the journey to Ravello, including 'the Cava of the Browning letters'. [Roger] Fry is much better, and he and his wife start tonight for England. Saw another fine private art collection this afternoon, including a fine Correggio (not usually an artist he likes), and a Titian or Giorgione of 'a lady rather like Mrs [Mary] Costelloe only finer'.

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.

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.

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].

Metelliano. - Has been in Rome: Countess Papafava, mother of Margherita Bracci was dangerously ill, so he stayed at the American Academy with [John] Walker and spent his days with the Braccis; hears now that they are all back in Montepulciano and she is convalescing well. Will not have his usual time at La Consuma this year. Hears good news of B.B. [Berenson] and Trevelyan may hear from Mary or those around her, though perhaps not since she is 'at the Mud House' [the home of her daughter]; asks for news if he sees her. Very anxious about Spain, especially as he has a friend from Madrid who may well be separated from his family there. Would be very glad to read Forster's book ["Abinger Harvest"?]; hopes Trevelyan will return to Italy in the winter.

c/o Conte Umberto Morra di Lavriano, Villa Metelliano, Cortona, prov. di Arezzo, Italy. - He and [Umberto] Morra send best wishes for the New Year. Has been here a week after a fortnight at I Tatt; Mary [Berenson] was 'very ill', but seems to be recovering; it will however be a 'long illness'. Only saw her twice, for a couple of minutes; she was 'very charming' and asked after Julian. B.B. [Bernard Berenson] was 'subdued, but very sympathetic'. There were no dinner guests, so most nights Nicky [Mariano] read aloud "Anna Karenina", which he found very fine and much 'more subtle' than he, or B.B., remembered. Aubrey and Lina [Waterfield] were 'a bit tired out by their two pupils'; they and [their daughter] Kinta all asked after Julian and seemed to have enjoyed his visit. Hears from Bessie that Julian's show opens on 15 January; if he stays in England until the end of the month Bob will be sure to be back at home. If C.A. [Clifford Allen] goes to Paris, will try to meet him there. Expects he will stop for two or three days at I Tatti when B.B. returns around the 20th, then come back home. Though it is very cold, has been out in the hills every afternoon trying to start a long poem. The "Nation" have at last published his 'blasphemous poem'. He and Morra read Shakespeare, Ariosto and Tasso in the evening; Makalé [the dog] barks on these moonlit nights, which makes him 'open the window and shout at him in English and Italian'. Sends love to [Maria] Germanova, [Alexandr] Kalitinski and Andr[usha Kalitinski] if Julian sees them. Is going to Florence to celebrate the new year with Alda [Anrep], Nicky etc. Glad Julian is seeing Millet; John Walker will probably be in Paris for a few days so Bob has given him Julian's address, but explained he is likely to be very busy; got to like Walker, who will probably stay at the [Hotel] Londres, 'very much this time'.

I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Thanks Trevelyan for sending a copy of his "Beelzebub". B.B. [Berenson] is well and satisfied with his work: the 'drawing book' is almost finished, and the translation of his book of reminiscences into Italian by Cecchi has given him much pleasure. Mary is much better than last year, though sometimes distanced from conversation. Was not surprised by the result of the [British] election; imagines Trevelyan might have preferred a 'slightly different one'; says he should write any comment to Nicky [Mariano]. John Walker is expected for the weekend.

Julian's letter from Rome arrived this morning; hopes this will catch him at Poggio and that he found [Umberto] Morra at Cortona. Sends love to all at Poggio [the Waterfields], also to the B.B.s [Berensons] and Nicky [Mariano]. Going to Edinburgh from 9-13 November as he has a lot to do there with Donad [Tovey, re the new production of their opera "The Bride of Dionysus"]. He and Elizabeth are going to a concert at Haslemere involving Jelly [d'Aranyi] and Adila [Fachiri], and are bringing back Jelly for the night; if Julian wants to come to that concert, he should let Elizabeth know, but expects he will not want to return to England so soon. The 'elections are very queer. Labour has made a fool of itself'; hopes it will 'learn its lesson'. Everything depends on MacD[onald], whom C.A. [Clifford Allen] has been 'actively supporting throughout', Bob thinks rightly, though it is difficult. Charles has lost his seat, 'of course'. Will be very interesting to hear Julian's 'adventures'. Has to go to London to have a tooth out now.

Montepulciano (Prov. di Siena). - Has had news from Elsa Dallolio of I Tatti, who paid her first visit there on B.B. [Berenson]'s seventieth birthday: Mary [Berenson] dined and seemed well; his own opinion is that she is getting better but also grows intolerant of everything going 'against either her hopes or her prejudices'. Elizabeth is amazed at her fluctuations in health. However there is something 'big' in her so that those with her must 'feel the benefit of her greatness' even when sharing her life has inconveniences. B.B. was very healthy, but a month of life at I Tatti at the height of the season in Florence has tired him. Mary is due to go to Vienna soon, then B.B. and Nicky [Mariano] leave for Venice; he is tempted to join them there but put off by the heat. The music at Florence has been mixed: began with hearing [Adolf] Busch's rehearsals of the Brandenburg concerto and was very taken buy the performance, though he regretted the choice of the 'modern' piano over the clavichord despite Serkin's beautiful performance). The Weingartner performance of [Beethoven's] ninth symphony was uneven. Was sorry not to hear "Norma"; found Serafin's conducting of some other Italian vocal pieces lacking delicacy; Bruno Walter gave a good performance of [Mozart's] "Seraglio", an uneven one of Mozart's "Requiem", and a difficult Mozart concerto at Palazzo Vecchio. Saw Gluck's "Alceste" on an immense scale in the Boboli gardens. [John] Walker is here again and settled in Rome: B.B. is worried that he will be distracted by 'too many girls and women'. Hopes he will see Trevelyan at the Consuma in August, where he will go to allow Nicky to take her holiday in Sorrento. Hopes Bessie Trevelyan is doing well after her operation.

11, St Leonard's Terrace, Chelsea, S.W.3. - Thanks for the 'mellow & delightful book' ["Translations from Horace, Juvenal, & Montaigne: With two imaginary conversations"]: admires the dedication to B.B. [Berenson] and enjoyed the conversations, now will 'browse on' the translations; the Muses have no meaning to the younger generation. Had a telegram from I Tatti yesterday, saying they [the Berensons and their household] are all well, but hardly ever gets letters; they can say little in any case. Does not mind the thought of leaving the world they 'have lived on into'.

Does not think he will be able to come to Italy before 3 August: has to go to the Toveys again next week to for proof-reading, then must spend a few nights in Paris with [Hasan] Suhrawardy and [Maria] Germanova. Might go to Aulla 'and to the camp for a few days', but wants to get to the Berensons as soon as he can, so will not be able to stay long. Hopes Julian is having a good time and will get to Athos soon. Will let Aubrey [Waterfield] know his plans as soon as he can. Sorry he will miss Julian at Aulla, and sends love to everyone. He and Bessie are in the Shiffolds now, 'more or less camping' but it is all right and Bessie is well.

Poggio allo Spino, Consuma (Prov. di Firenze). - Hasn't been able to see Julian and his wife [Ursula]. Is going back tomorrow after a week at Consuma; Mary [Berenson] came back from Fiuggi today with Logan [Pearsall Smith] in pain, though Elizabeth had written the cure had helped her; her imagination makes her health worse than it is. B.B. [Berenson] is in good health and spirits, taking walks; has put off his plan of going to Austria.

11, St Leonard's Terrace, Chelsea, S.W.3. - Thanks for the book: good to have Trevelyan's collected plays. Remembers many of them, but 'the curious & subtle Sulla' and some others are new to him. Mary [Berenson] left yesterday, flying to Paris, and will arrive in Florence this afternoon.

Did not come to I Tatti when Trevelyan was there as he was in quarantine in Rome, due to one of the Bracci boys having chickenpox or measles (cannot remember the right English word) which might have been dangerous for Mary [Berenson]; hopes to see him in the summer. Was good to read the short poems which Trevelyan sent to Nicky [Mariano]; expects he will see the dialogue soon. Spent a fortnight at I Tatti; a pleasure to see Mary so well, with 'nothing hectic in her state'. They went to four concerts in one week, including a performance by Huberman and Schnabel of all Beethoven's violin sonatas, played 'in quite a different way. Is going back to hear Cortot, Cazals and Thibaut [sic: Casals and Thibaud] playing the "Archduke sonata". Is not subscribing to the new "Life and Letters". Berenson has subscribed so he will look at it there. Has just finished [Woolf's] "Flush": found it 'an amazing performance but too much of a performance'; has also read some short stories by K[atherine] Mansfield which he cannot like and finds 'useless elaboration'. Will read Brennan's book soon, when Lina [Waterfield] returns it. Expects Trevelyan is glad about [Labour's] victory in the L.C.C [London County Council] elections, headed by [Herbert] Morrison. Was very angry about the 'so-called Viennese rebellion' [Austrian Civil War or February Uprising], especially as he suspects the Italian government had something to do with it.

Has received the books sent by Trevelyan, and will arrange payment through Nicky [Mariano] when he returns to I Tatti on Monday. Not sure yet of his plans, but will make a point of being at home on the days Trevelyan intends to be in the area with Miss Muntz [?]. Mary [Berenson] is suffering from high occasional fevers, with delirium, produced by an injection cure she is taking once a week. Mrs Wharton came recently, 'making herself rather obnoxious by the moody way' she treats other visitors to I Tatti, though since she does not object to him she was on the whole good company. Is happy Trevelyan is coming to stay. Faulkner is 'very awful and gruesome' but thinks him a 'real writer'.