The Close, Exeter - Thanks WW for his letter. EHB did not really expect WW to agree to write one of the essays [a proposed project on the evidence of a Divine creator]: 'Your writings, more or less in subjects of evidence, are so valuable, that I rejoice to hear more in the same direction are preparing'.
Thanks WW for his book ['The Platonic Dialogues for English Readers', 1860-61]. WHT [Regius Professor of Greek] has never heard of any 'true Platonic students agreeing on the proper dress and sequence of the dialogues'. However 'I can truly say that I like and admire all that I have hitherto read of your translations and introductions: and that if you should fulfil your intention of publishing translations of the remaining Dialogues, or those you deem the most important, I shall expect still greater pleasure and instruction'. WHT gives some corrections to WW's translation.
Written from Bonn.
Galley proofs of book by Marjorie Cruickshank (neé Travis), to which RAB wrote foreword, correspondence re same
13a Hanover Terrace, Ladbroke Grove, W.11. - Asks if Bessie could send for him to Gomshall rather than Ockley, as he would like to visit Edward Carpenter at Guildford. Discusses arrangements.
The Times, Vienna - Has been busy with work, referencing Vienna, the Italian Ambassador, and the Bulgarian emissaries who have come to plead 'for approval of bomb throwing'; has not found a settlement with P.H.S. [Printing House Square?]; has seen Meredith of Constable's and agreed a contract [for 'The Hapsburg Monarchy'?], has written 33,000 words so far; was 'too scared to reply' to the letter suggesting he review 'The Golden Bough', suggests J. G. write the review himself, after which Lilly should remove the 'over-modesty' and he would 'Steedify' it. Thanks Lilly for sending on Sir J. C. Browne's letter; is yearning for a catastrophe to relieve the pressure of current politics, thinks it may happen before the year is out; suggests they should all write a play together: he'll supply the material, Lilly the 'esprit, not to say wickedness', J. G. the artistic unity, and Madame Rose the dramatic technique.
Aldworth, Haslemere, Surrey. - Thinks that Trevelyan had better furnish the house [Roundhurst] now; the Tennysons might buy some of the furnishings from him 'at a valuation'. Would advise Trevelyan to bring his own caretaker, who will not 'make a "good thing"' of him as 'the chance [?] Haslemere caretaker might be inclined to do'. Asks to be remembered to Sir George and Lady Trevelyan; Lionel and Aubrey [his sons] send their love.
The Mill House, Westcot, Dorking. - Hopes to decide today whether the second post reaches its destination at the same time as the first. Had a busy time in London, spending much time with Sanger before he left for Greece, as well as dining out, going to Fry's lecture, and to see "Richard II" with [Thomas Sturge?] Moore and Binyon. Returned on Wednesday and has done some work; saw Fry and they discussed Sanger's illness; he is 'desparately in love with someone who is behaving very cruelly to him [Dora Pease]' and he does not know what she feels for him. Will tell Bessie more when he sees her. Certainly good for him to go to Greece with Dickinson, Daniel, Wedd and Mayor. Saw them off at the station and 'felt desperately incline to go off with them'; they were so cheerful, even Sanger, and he has always dreamed of going to Greece, which they know so well; regrets that after his marriage he will not be able to go with them 'with who one can talk as freely as one chooses, as blasphemously, as obscenely, as wittily, as learnedly, as jovially as any of the old Greeks themselves did'. Feels he should have 'made hay more assiduously' during his bachelor days, instead of living 'mewed up' alone in the countryside. Knows Bessie will compensate him for all he is to lose; she must come to Greece before long or she will find him 'running off' without her. Praises "Richard II"; it was well acted, though he thought the Richard [Frank Benson?] "vulgar". Has written to his Aunt Meg [Price]; she seems happy to get them a 'cottage piano' which will later be exchanged; asks if Bessie wants the final choice of the instrument or whether she trusts his aunt's 'professional friend' to do this. Sophie is 'Miss Wickstead [sic: see 9/117]], not some young lady friend' he has not told her about.
Kensington Palace Mansions, W.8. - Very sorry that he cannot make his promised visit to Trevelyan after all; has 'foolishly... consented to give a lecture next week' and needs the time to prepare; very sorry as he was much looking forward to spending a quiet weekend with the Trevelyans. Sends apologies and thanks, in which [William] Pearson joins, to Mrs Trevelyan.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Very sorry to hear of Charles Booth's illness; fears Amalfi is 'rather a comfortless place to be ill in', and he will be better at the Palumbo [in Ravello]. Sir George is better, though rather low and his leg still troubles him. They go to London on 15 February. Has lunched at Cheyne Gardens on a day's visit to London; Janet was well and 'declared that the 10th was the day of arrival [of her baby]'; they will see. Has seen nothing of Robert's play ["The Birth of Parsifal"] yet, but expects it will be published before long; hopes his work now goes well. Knows 'the sort of politician Mr [Thomas] Omond is: the 'wave of reaction has been too much for him'. Glad this now seems over; the political future is 'very uncertain' but she thinks things will be better now, though 'the difficulties are great'. Finds the current religious revival in many places including Stratford 'very curious' and 'evidently a reaction against the materialism of the last years'; such things never last long, but she thinks it will ;turn the attention of large classes to serious matters, & so do good'. Glad the Grandmonts are well; asks if Miss Reid is better; sends love to Meg [Booth] and hopes she and Elizabeth are happy.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Thanks Robert for spotting two errata in his book [the third volume of "The American Revolution]. Has a 'good sketch' of what remains to be written, but doubts he will have time to do it. Glad that, like Robert, 'everyone with taste and judgement' would like more "Marginal Notes" [by Macaulay] but agree it was 'probably wise to limit them'. Looks forward to seeing Robert and Elizabeth next week.
as from Trinity College, Cambridge - Asks that he convey his acceptance of the high honour of the Order of Merit and asks that he also convey his 'devoted loyalty to His Majesty and to His illustrious House'. Three words have been crossed out, all of them the word 'most': before 'grateful acceptance', 'devoted loyalty', and 'obedient servant'.
Postmarked Weybridge. - Has written to Sassoon; has sent Charlie a little of his own money as well. Has given a lecture on Egypt to the Secular Society at Leicester. Would like to borrow a copy of Norman Douglas's "South Wind".
Annotated with calculations in another hand. Note on last page under figures: 'Lady Trevelyan's handwriting'.
39 Marina [St Leonards]. Reading Macaulay.