Letter 120, dated 5 July 1815, contains extracts from De Rancé [poem by John William Cunningham]
Macaulay, Colin (1760-1836), general, biblical scholar, and abolitionist22 Sussex Villas, W. - Would be very grateful if she and Bob can do anything to persuade their friends to subscribe to the "Independent [Review]"; can send 'as many more of these circulars' as they can 'usefully dispose of'. Calls the news about Charles and Molly [their engagement] 'a good job'.
The Athenaeum, Pall Mall, S.W.1. - Glad that Bob thinks well of "Manin [and the Venetian Revolution of 1848]": his judgments are among those George really values; 'very jolly' of him to read it aloud, and George is glad it stood the test. Agrees that there is 'much to be said and thought about the "federal question"', especially since 'United Italy is in many ways a disappointment with the break down of free government'. Is however sure that the south and centre of Italy could not have 'established and maintained free government, or even civilised government' without the north, and thinks that union was inevitable since there was 'no real provincial patriotism', apart from among the Piedmontese. In the same way, he believes that if Germany is now 'broken up into States' it will come together again some day.
Witham, Somerset. - Has been a 'shamefully long time' replying to Trevelyan's letter, and apologises: the letter reached him just before his exams, when he was working very hard and all his spare time was taken up with rehearsals [for the Balliol Players' tour of the "Curse of the House of Atreus", using Trevelyan's translation of the "Oresteia". Now has time for the first time to write, on the way from Wells to Corfe. Hopes that Trevelyan will be able to come and see them at Winchester; thinks they will be performing in the Warden's Garden; does not know the name of the agent, but if Trevelyan is in Winchester he will be sure to see their posters up. The performance in Wadham College, which he regrets was the only one in Oxford, was 'excellent'; they then travelled to Bath a week later. The lorry they had hired broke down at Chippenham, with three of the company: the others had already arrived in Bath and got everything ready, and it was not until the performance time had arrived and they were 'insane with anxiety & fury' that they received a telephone message letting them know what had happened. Explains how they managed to cut the play to perform it 'in flannel trousers and shirt sleeves'; coming on ;again & again in different parts, male & female'. The "Agamemnon" was 'most comic' since the 'poor man who was leading the chorus' could only remember 'about one speech in three' from when he had taken the part last year. The audience were very kind; some of them even came to Wells last night to see the performance done properly. It went very well there and at Glastonbury; the audience at Wells was over 300, though they had been told it was 'impossible' to get an audience there for anything, and the setting in the Bishop's Palace garden was 'perfect'. Is not playing Agamemnon this year as he is 'wanted in the chorus', but is still the lead Choephore as well as Apollo, which was 'thrust' on him at the last moment. The costumes are 'perfectly lovely', and the whole thing is 'infinitely better than last year'. The breeches arrived safely; thanks Trevelyan for sending them.
Has abstained from taking any part in the town and gown disturbance, two Fellow Commoners of Trinity injured by police and Bruce of Jesus is dangerously ill in town
Enclosing letter from the London Electricity Supply Co. to Lord Gainford on electricity supplies in the Saffron Walden area. With carbon copy of letter from R. A. Butler to Lord Gainford, 4 Oct. 1932.
Postmarked Mainz. - Has just played through some of Act I and Act II [of "The Bride of Dionysus"] for Herr Geheimrat [Strecker], who 'has none of the doubts he had a year ago' and thinks that they should risk five acts due to the contrast in atmosphere between the prison and Labyrinth scenes. Is feeling 'more encouraged' than he has for some time, and feels that if he can get the instrumentation of the duet right he will be 'out of the wood'. Asks for permission for an omission and an insertion. Has recently realised the necessity of making an emotional point of the words 'Against my bridal day'.
Pembroke College, Cambridge - Is glad to hear he is not leaving Cambridge, is sorry Frazer is afraid he will regret the decision; plans to meet for lunch on the 14th.
Accompanied by the envelope.
Postmarked Stone. - A letter seems to have gone missing: Forster will soon be at West Hackhurst and will make it up to Trevelyan. Has been stopping with [Hugh] Meredith, whose house in Cambridge will probably be too small for a 'playground' [see 3/10]. May go to meet [Goldie] Dickinson in Italy. Hopes Paul is well again.
Postmark Liverpool S. D. - Can't get down to see Trevelyan; invites him to stay on his way north, they have some cider. Will be in Darlington on the 30th but hopes to return on the 31st.
With carbon copy of letter from R. A. Butler to C.H. Hoxley, 11 Jan. 1957
On Charles Curran
On conditions in German Prisoner of War Camps
Congratulations on marriage
Is sorry to have left the party but was not prepared for the stunning impact of the extraordinary play and production.