Further to his problems with nomenclature [see CL to WW, 27 January 1831], CL gives his thoughts on certain terms: 'I might perhaps call the whole group of those canes the Ca[e]nophorous formation - whereas Cenophorous would approach too near to Cenotaphous - would it not be possible now to talk of Ca[e]nary briefly, as of tertiary...To throw out tertiary would I fear be too great an innovation as yet...I believe tertiary must until abandoned, as it will be by and by, be extended to all the cenaries'. CL is now looking for 'a term for the much abused word 'diluvium'' - 'I propose to adopt Bigsby's [John J. Bigsby] term Protalluvion'.
Trinity College - WW is afraid RJ thinks him 'very cross ever since my last letter'. He is coming down to London tomorrow and hopes RJ will send or come to the Athenaeum to see if they can do something better than procrastinate: 'I will overhaul if I can do anything and improve your chance of finishing before the next revolution; which is desirable because your principles are so well applicable to the existing state of things'.
Certificates of education, doctorate, technical proficiency.
Reply to 'Mr Heitland's paper'of 26 October 1891. Argues in defence of his own paper on the issue of the proposal to remove the obligation to study both Greek and Latin in order to take the Previous Examination. Refers to the arguments put forward by those who oppose any enquiry into the matter, including the contention that 'it is impossible to impart literary culture without two ancient languages', and also that the removal of the obligation to study Greek will lead to its abandonment in English schools.
Includes Mr Page as a proponent of the latter argument, which he refutes by pointing to the attitude of a large number of school-masters to the proposed change. Refers to 'the counsels of despair which Mr Bateson propheticaly offers in reference to the training of "Natural Science men" ', in relation to their lack of classical education. Clarifies the statement that 'Previous Examination Greek is comparatively useless' by explaining that what was meant was that 'it does not adequately promote culture....' Also makes reference to Professor Stanford's attitude to the requirement of classical knowledge by candidates for musical degrees.
Admits that he would be happy if 'Grace 1 should be allowed to pass and Grace 2 be non placeted', as he would then 'with a clear conscience avoid a difficult and laborious piece of work....' Amendments in ink.
Health of Mary Anna Cooper: Exeter
Thanks for sending The Eagle, Emily Mayor to have her eyes examined in Birmingham, Joseph foresaken The Pastoral Symphony for the Death March
Encloses a discouraging letter from his solicitor [no longer present]; wishes the matter [his naturalization] could be dealth with more speedily. Gilbert Pattisson is still holding £300 for Wittgenstein.
The Master's Lodgings, University College, Oxford - Thanks him for the manuscript of 'The Growth of Plato's Ideal Theory'.
Accompanied by the envelope redirected from the Albemarle Club to the Midland Grand Hotel, London NW1.
"Hochried", Murnau/Staffelsee - Thanks her for her letter about 'the situation' [relating to the publication of the 'Fasti' by Macmillan before the Loeb Classical Library], has written Dr Page; congratulates Sir James on his election to the French Academy; applauds her translation, 'Trésor'; will be keeping their Christmas mistletoe so that it may become golden, like the twig she gave them years ago.
143 Boulevard Raspail, Paris VI - He will be happy to have the first volume of 'Anthologia Anthropologia' as promised; it has been a pleasure to work with him and make his works more generally known, plans to ensure a review of the book is published in the French papers; is sorry Lady Frazer has been unwell; Geuthner has been advertising the new book.
11 Marston Ferry Road, Oxford - Thanks him for his kind letter and admires his unceasing energy.
Robin Ghyll. - Thanks Bessie for her letter. Has had one from Booa [Mary Prestwich] and one from his mother; both say that [Bessie and Robert's son] Paul is 'picking up visibly from day to day'. Caroline says she likes Tovey [? Donald Tovey?] very much.
3 Via Camerata, Florence. - Has received two letters from her, one forwarded from 'Varello' [Ravello]. Thinks he will start back on Friday 2nd and reach the Hague on Saturday evening; if his train would get in too late, would arrive on Sunday morning instead. Thinks he may go to the Twee Staden hotel, as was not very comfortable at the Angleterre and it was not cheap. Having a good time in Florence, though he has not done any work. Maeterlinck's "La sagesse et la destinée" is 'surprisingly good', much better than "Le Trésor des humbles" . Dined at Mrs [Janet] Ross's last night; has only just recovered from the 'exceedingly good dinner'. Miss D. G. [Lina Duff Gordon] 'very pleasant' and they are good friends again now; she was pleased with his bat ["The Lady's Bat"]. Had a 'little brush with Berenson about the war, as he is frantically cynical on such matters' but otherwise they have got on well. Berenson likes some of his work, but thinks his 'Indian poem dull' and is probably right'; Bob has not yet read him the play. Has to go down to Florence in the rain to lunch with people he doesn't much care for, but Berenson will probably show him some pictures afterwards. The myrtle [see the enclosure with 9/107] is indeed the 'tree of Venus'. Is glad her aunt is better, and hopes her recovery will continue; hopes Grandmont will not be long in bed ill. Is sending him some wine from Ravello, but fears it will not be good enough for 'his fastidious palate'.
Richmond. - Has just finished reading Trevelyan's "Birth of Parsival", and thanks him for the pleasure of reading it and his kindness in sending it and his other books. Apologises for not replying before, which Trevelyan must have thought 'strange and rude'. Thinks Trevelyan's poetry 'the best, the most pleasing' being written at present, and could have written many sincere compliments; however, he has 'fallen out of love with poetry, and feel[s] a kind of incompetence in speaking of it' as one might of a 'sweetheart that had jilted one'. Seems to see 'the author's intention rather than his achievement' in what he reads, and cannot help wondering whether writers are 'doing more than indulge a sort of school-boys day-dream, dealing with nothing real'. Does not say this to discourage Trevelyan from writing more - 'heaven forbid!' - but to explain his long silence and lack of anything pertinent to say.
Cud Hill House, Upton-St-Leonards, Glos. - Has been unable and so was not able to write earlier to thank Bob for his translations ["Translations from Latin Poetry"]. Particularly enjoyed the Leopardi.: does not know the originals, but Bob has made very good poems of them; few people seem to be able to write such 'bell-like musical verse now' as he does, and Lodge misses it. Has been interested to read the new life of Tennyson by his grandson [Sir Charles Tennyson], which 'will do good to his legitimate fame'. Hopes Bob and 'dear Bessy' and their family are well, the 'dear Shiffolds flourishing, & all its woods'.
Monk's House, Rodmell, near Lewes, Sussex. - Very good of Bob to send them the second volume [of his "Collected Works"], which 'looks extraordinarily impressive': an adjective 'also appropriate to its contents'. Has a 'particular affection' for "Sisyphus.
Reading Aristotle's Ethics I with Shilleto, making slow progress at Mathematics, Walton says CJM has no chance of being among the Senior Optimes while Shilleto thinks he will be in the second class in the Classical Tripos, worried that his performance will disappoint JHM
Thanks him for information on a resolution passed by the Gloucester Conservative Council
Typed copy. Lindsay Sap. Many letters and parcels have now reached him, would love to see Simpson in khaki, Nevile Butler's job should not damage the prospects of English interned in Germany, exchange of fire and storm, Captains Loring and Sloan died of festering wounds.
Calcutta. - Letter of introduction to Arindam Dutt, who is coming to England to study for the Bar and join a British university; his father, Charu Dutt, a retired Civil Service man is 'one of the finest men in India'. Young Dutt will try to get into Cambridge through the 'usual wearisome official channels' such as the India High Commissioner's office; should he fail, Suhrawardy asks if Trevelyan can give him an introduction to Lowes Dickinson, Keynes, or his brother [George]. Also asks if Trevelyan can invite Dutt to his club; fears he will have a lonely time at first. Has been enjoying "The Fountain", by [Charles] Morgan, which has much about Holland and the Dutch; thought Bessie might be interested, if she has not read it. A postscript notes that their mutual friend Chanda has married young Dutt's only sister.
Postmarked Abinger Hammer. - Will come to lunch on Sunday, with dog if Trevelyan can feed him too.
Robert Mayor taking morphia; his faith in the face of death