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Reports that he has found, and encloses, Myers' former letter to R[ ] [not included]. Remarks that his concern for the health of Myers' family is 'touching - and absurd', and that what he says about the difficulty of painting or papering is not surprising to him. Relates his and Nora's experience with their own house, in relation to papering. Declares what R[ ] says in relation to health to be 'ludicrous', as was his opinion with regard to the habitableness of a building like Myers' on 'the driest of dry March days'.

States that he likes the lines to Stanley much, but claims still to have doubts about 'the "[Sceptic] [ ]" '. Expresses their desire to see Myers and his wife, and asks when they will come to visit. Asks him if he would like their furniture 'sent to Q[ueen] A[nne's] Mansions', and asks him about his preference as regards the colour of seats of chairs.

In relation to 'the guarantee', states that he will take his share, 'and could probably persuade Arthur Balfour if not Rayleigh. Thinks that Crookes and Well[ington?] 'are too poor.' Declares that he does not want to have to pay Paddock's damages for breach of contract. Does not believe that it will be considered that there were adequate grounds for the breach. Wishes that he thought otherwise 'for Eva [Fay?]'s sake' and theirs. Invites Myers to come on Saturday to talk it and other things over. Reports that he has sent off his last copy, but is 'still overwhelmed with labours.' Is condidering going to town at the end of the following week, and asks Myers if he shall be there.

Has decided not to go to Newcastle, mainly because he does not want to cut himself off from Terling [home of Lord Rayleigh] 'till the last moment, having made the arrangement.' Arranges to go to Myers at Hallsteads [home of Annie and Walter Marshall] 'on Monday 17th', unless he hears from Terling first. Asks Myers to explain Sidgwick's behaviour to his [Myers'] mother and uncle. Tells him to write to the enclosed address [not included] if he is disposed to go to Newcastle alone. States that Mrs Burns does not know the names of the mediums, but says that she believes that they are private. Also sends a [piece] of last [Medium] [not included] that may interest Myers.

Thanks him for the report, 'which is going to be pasted in'. Reports that Symonds has written him 'a cheerful letter', with the news that 'the doctor holds out hopes of a cure when the winter is over.' Also states that Symonds asks Sidgwick to tell Myers 'that he now understands, and hopes he will write'. Adds that a clergyman from Girton called at his house, hoping to find Myers; 'it being so much pleasanter to settle things by a Personal Interview'.

Regrets that he and Nora cannot go to Cheltenham as his brother William and his wife are due to visit them, and then they are to go to the Symonds'. States that they must put off their arrival at Newcastle 'till the 2d: in order to s[ ] a day at Lincoln'. Reports that Edward White Benson is to be the new bishop of Truro. Asks Myers how he has got on with D[ ] 'in the intervals...of reading Mahaffy's reply!' Asks him to tell him 'how Jebb takes it'.

Refers to some enclosed questions [see below], some of which he believes were discussed by Bagehot, and some are 'one or two points [which] he does not allude to.' Suggests that if she does not feel inclined to make any remarks on 'Bagehot', the most stimulating thing she can do is to read Mill's Representative Government with 'Bagehot' in her head, and notice the difference between their views, 'and try to adopt a judicial frame of mind between them.' Also suggest that she read the Times, the Saturday Review, etc., 'to notice where any of the questions [which] Bagehot discusses is brought up, and try and catch the reviewers point of view and estimate the value of his arguments.' Declares that the advantage of politics or jurisprudence as a study 'is that there are so many cases continually turning up in every day talk and contemporary journalism for applying any principles that one may have taken in...'

Reports that he has been spending many pleasant days in London and in Dorsetshire since the Monday of two weeks previously; says he so many friends in London that its attraction is growing on him. Reports that he has been exploring Clifton, referring to Combe Valley and Leigh woods, and to a poem which mentions the latter [by William Leigh Bowles?]. Informs her that his friend Roden Noel has just brought out a second volume of poems, [Beatrice and other poems] which he judges to be very good. Expresses his regret at hearing her account of their aunt Henrietta, who, he believes, 'ought to be violently incited to cultivate her Art.' Sends his love to Edward.

On a separate sheet: list of five questions on a political theme, with references to the English constitution, the House of Lords, the House of Commons, the functions of a constitutional monarchy, and the [probable] effect of Republicanism in Spain, Italy and France.

Hopes that Myers' 'T. will stir the Glasgow people to the core of their [ ] hearts. Refers to the arrangements for 'the seances with the girls', and asks Myers to inform them, Gurney and the Marshalls. In relation to Mrs Hardy, asks Myers to arrange as he likes for the following week. With regard to [Parkes], states that he is 'not much disposed to go in, unless [they] can secure an amateur photographer who is [also] zealous investigator.'

States that the 'Newcastle business' is 'rather complicated.' Sends three items [not included]: 'a copy of the agreement, marking a new clause that was never submitted to [him]', Blake's letter explaining the agreement, and a letter from Bell, the magistrate. Explains that the day he parted from Myers a letter arrived from Bell, asking him to defer signing the agreement until he had seen him in town, but that it was too late to see him and so he telegraphed to him to write, and Bell sent 'the enclosed'. Gurney and Sidgwick have decided to defer the final settlement until they go to Newcastle again, 'but meanwhile make a provisional arrangement for February, sending a cheque for the month.' States that he has secured the mediums for three dates. Asks Myers to send him his views on the matter. Does not think they can possibly accept the new clause.

Trusts that Myers' impression of Mrs F[ay] is 'the true one', and undertakes to try to clear her behaviour of suspiciousness as far as possible, if 'R[ayleigh?]' asks his advice. Asks Myers if he would like 'R' 'in the other business' if he won't go in for Mrs Fay'. States that he has asked Butcher to sound Leaf. Asks who is the Newcastle party, and how Myers proposes to commence the negotiations. Asks when 'the Indescribable' [Mrs Fay's stage act was 'The Indescribable Phenonemon'] will appear again in public. Reports that there is a Professor [E.H.?] Palmer 'who says he can do all her tricks: and has promised [Sidgwick] that he will...' States that he wishes to go once more 'and see what they are.'

Admits that he should have suggested precisely what Myers proposes when he [HS] wrote last, 'only [he] thought there might be a party at 23 [H] Sq.' Declares that '[Leweses] in same week with Ghosts...would be an outrage.' Reports that Gurney is getting 'all right', and has played tennis. Announces that he dined in hall.

States that the 'Shakespeare of [their] age' [Mrs Lewes/George Eliot] has sent the 'enclosed' [not included], and asks Myers to return it. Looks forward to seeing Myers 'on Saturday.' Regrets that Browning 'does not give satisfaction', and confesses to being partly responsible, as he 'approved in a general way Browning's plea'. Claims to be 'rather vague as to [his] notions of teaching history by letter.' Declares Myers' pupils' letter to be 'very interesting, but states that it would 'somewhat perplex' him to answer it straightforwardly. Remarks that Taine 'certainly does overdo his philopaganism', and that he [Sidgwick] 'should administer Renan (suppressing his name)'. With regard to Lady Amberley states that he once saw her and thought she showed off and expected him to do the same too much. Claims that he has to be 'in unusually high spirits to feel pleasantly stirred by this variety of the neo-feminine type.

Reports that they [he and Nora] have read Myers' letter 'with [thinking] interest', and remarks that '[t]he plot thickens into density quite unexpected.' Feels that he [HS] 'certainly must give S. some more trial.' Asks Myers to arrange for the following Wednesday. States that he shall be in town on Tuesday, but has proposed to go with [R.H.?] Hutton then. Adds 'unless [Myers] and H[ ] have found him out [that day]'.

Asks his opinion on 'R[ayleigh?]'s suggestion', and states that whatever is done should be done quickly; the question is 'whether Yorke would get into a scrape if Miss Alderson was instructed to ask [Nilsen] about it.

Reports that Butcher has suggested that Walter Leaf would like to join Myers' concern. Claims that he 'would be admirable in every thing except youth', and is 'very thoughtful, clear, unimpassioned; and his father swims in Gold.' Asks for Myers' opinion.

Regrets that he could not have 'a last word' with Myers the previous night, and explains that he had to 'bolt suddenly in order not to keep the Archaeologist waiting.' Hopes that, from what he said about Rayleigh, Myers does not think that Sidgwick should trust Rayleigh's or anyone's report of the phenomena more than Myers'. Explains that Rayleigh is more useful for his special purpose of convincing his p[ ] of the world'. Believes that 'the matter had better stop' if Rayleigh sends a very decided negative, but that if he is doubtful and Myers thinks Sidgwick could influence him, he would be willing to write to tell him that he is 'only prevented from joining by the personal dislike entertained for [him] by the medium', but that this does not affect his personal impression of her trustworthiness.

Reports that he finds his letter 'profoundly interesting', and adds 'Poor Child!' in relation to its contents. Remarks that the only apparent merit of the 'C___l was a semblance of vulgar decency and respectability that seemed to hang about him.' Is unable to go and see her on Tuesday as he cannot leave Cambridge till the 4.30 train. Announces that on Tuesday 'this Nightmare of a Printing Press will be off [his] breast', but that he shall still be busier than usual in various ways. Expresses a desire to see Myers. States that he is thinking of being in town 'on Sunday the 27th'. Adds that he would be very glad to go to Cheltenham at Christmas, 'unless Sp[ ] should seem to indicate very clearly a [ ] of duty elsewhere: [which] is impossible.'

Refers to the news [of her impending marriage to Edward White Benson], and explains that he has not spoken to her on the subject because 'it was Mamma's particular wish that it should not be spoken of.' Speaks of the delight he felt when he first heard of it, and of how the news seemed to him 'like the sudden realization of a fairy dream...' Speaks of his admiration for Edward, and of how the latter has almost become a part of their family. Tells her that they shall all miss her very much, and that he shall miss her especially, as his recent illness has taught him to be less selfish. Admits that they cannot grudge her to Edward, 'lonely as he must feel now after the life at Rugby...' Looks forward to the visits that he shall pay her. Prays for God's blessing to be upon herself and Edward.

Announces that he has just returned to his work, and undertakes to do what he can about the ale. Urges her not to make the questions [on politics, see 100/19] 'a bore', and suggests that she think over any one of them 'at odd times', and put down any points she thinks she sees. Tells her to send her thoughts to him if she wishes any further light thrown on them. Hopes that she will get something out of Algebra.

Reports that she has been corresponding with Miss J[ex] Blake, who wants a medical degree. States that although opinion is advancing very fast in relation to female education, he fears that 'it has not yet got quite as far as that in [Cambridge]', and does not know what they can do for her. Asks if she saw his letter in the Spectator defending their Cambridge scheme for women's examinations. Claims that they [the reformers] 'hold the winning cards', and predicts that if they 'play quietly', they shall 'get the game without any fuss.' Fears that Gh[ ] 'is a frivolous little dog', with no taste for philosophy. Admits that he is intelligent, and hopes that 'some Political Economy and a little Logic may be driven into him.' Sends his love to Edward.

Page headed 'PRO PATRIA'. Hopes that the addressee is coming up on Tuesday to the meeting of Fellows. Declares that it is 'a crisis in the history of the College.' Wishes for the scheme to pass, but thinks that it needs important alterations, 'which ought to be urged at this meeting on the 11th.' Lists the changes - with regard to staff, teaching posts and pensions within the College - that he believes ought to be made.

Announces that he is resigning his fellowships after the next election, and intends to stay in Cambridge to lecture. Believes this to be 'a good thing on the whole - assuming that the College is not at present likely to take pains to get a really good teacher of Philosophy.' Explains why he had not taken such steps before. Asks what shall be said of the man 'who cares only for the highest things, and to those cannot attain?' [Note in Myers' hand: 'quotation from letter of mine to Noel. I was then a Christian.'] Tells Myers to read Ludibria Lunae [by W J Courthope], which is 'original and of it's [sic] kind masterly', and whose intellectual content is 'beneath contempt'.

Regrets that he shall not see Myers. Announces that he is probably to leave the Lakes on 1 September. Reports on the weather, and relates that they lunched 'on the Island' and saw some cousins [of Myers], 'especially Miss Theodosia', who quite impressed Sidgwick's mother. States that [G.O] Trevelyan is in Penrith, and that he is to be married in a month. Reports that Arthur 'is very exultant in Norway', and that he himself is to go to Cambridge 'to make ready the Batting against [Myers'] Bowling in November'. Hopes to see the latter then. Is unsure as to where he shall be living.] Reports that it is likely that he will get C.H. Pearson 'to lecture on History in Trin. Coll.' Asks if Myers liked Mrs Kitchener; declares that she is 'at Rugby somewhat of a symbol or a Banner.' Note [in Myers' hand]: 'I examined for the Moral Science Tripos in Nov/69. HS coached men for [ ]'

Thinks that it would be difficult to find a replacement for Myers in the Moral Science Tripos [in which Myers examined]. Advises him to write to Sidgwick or some other member of the Moral Science Board as soon as he has made a decision. [Note in Myers' hand: 'I thought of going to Australia with the dying Ch[ ] Taylor']. Declares that he is curious to see [Alexander?] Macmillan. [Part of letter cut out and some words obscured at this point.] [Note in Myers' hand: Ludibria Lunae] In relation to Courthope, thinks that he should not have recommended Myers to read it. Claims that he did not write consciously as an advocate, and that the subject of the satire irritated him.

As regards [Roden] Noel, asserts that he wrote 'with a positively painful effort to be rigidly impartial'. Discusses his attitude to writing reviews: he never reviews anything 'which has not really interested [him], and which [he does] not think other people ought to read', while at the same time he 'feel[s] more in [his] element' when calculating appropriate amounts of praise and blame 'than when enthusiasm and sublime flights are wanted'. Suggests that if it be true that Myers cannot write a novel it is because he does not care enough 'about little things, and therefore [does] not observe them enough.' Asks Myers to tell him the author of Monsieur Madame et Bébé [book by Antoine Gustave Droz] when he writes.

Acknowledges receipt of two of Myers' letters, and declares that he was 'much delighted' with his praise. [Note in pencil: 're article on Clough'.] Claims that it ought to be fair, as he had taken pains to be precise in relation to the subject. Refers to Myers' accusation of Sidgwick 'praising too unreservedly' as a critic, saying that Myers is probably 'right generally' - though this does not come from 'kindheartedness' but from 'an instinct that catholicity is [his] line - but that he 'won't admit it in any particular instance'. Refers also to Courthope's work [Ludibria Lunae].

Discusses Myers' sonnets, which he enjoys, and makes some critical comments thereon. Remarks that the third one seems 'to combine to a great degree the exquisiteness of Tennyson with that of Christina Rossetti...' Undertakes to write again. States that he is 'busy canvassing for Jebb', and asks Myers to go up [to Cambridge] to vote for him on the following Tuesday week. [Note in Myers' hand: 'As Public Orator - Jebb was elected Nov. 2/69. I went up to vote.']

Refers to Myers' intention to write a poem addressed to Sidgwick 'de rebus divinis'. Claims that this would interest and gratify him, but wishes to make clear his religious views, of which he fears Myers is not completely aware. Claims that if Clough had not lived and written he [Sidgwick] 'should probably be now exactly where he was', and that he 'can neither adequately rationalize faith, nor reconcile faith and reason, nor suppress reason.'

In 'an irreligious age one must not let oneself drift, or else the rational element of oneself is disproportionately expressed and developed by the influence of environment, and one loses the fidelity to one's true self'; does 'not feel called or able to preach religion except as far as it is involved in fidelity to one's true self. Believes 'that religion is normal to mankind, and therefore take[s] part unhesitatingly in any social action to adapt and sustain it (as far as a layman may)'. Also knows that his own 'true self is a Theist', but 'believe[s] that many persons are really faithful to themselves in being irreligious', and does 'not feel able to prophesy to them'; any complaint he has against them 'is not that they do not believe in a God, but that they are content with, happy in, a universe where there is no God ; but many of them are not content, and to these [he has] nothing to say, not being able to argue the matter on any common ground'.

Claims not to feel 'the passionate personal yearnings' that Myers puts into his verse, though he is 'wrought to much sympathy' when Myers expresses them. States that he has read Myers' poems through again, and remarks on 'the combination of great freshness...of feeling with finished elastic stateliness of style.' [Note in another hand: 'Written from somewhere in Germany'].

Urges Myers to print his poetry, referring to some minor objection he has to some of the contents of the [two sonnets], which 'both seem faultlessly magnificent in composition.' Confirms that Mrs Venn is ill, and explains that that is why he is 'lecturing for V. on Logic.' Reports that when he last heard of [ ] 'there was reported no hope', and states that he has not heard for a day or two. Remarks that it will be very hard to replace him. Adds that he does not like the title [of the sonnets], and that the 'W. and S....are both so peculiar.'

States that he shall be delighted to write Myers' autobiography, but adds that he must see a good deal of him to do it well. Hopes that he is coming to visit soon. Remarks that Venn seemed to expect him 'in an official capacity' in the neighbourhood. Refers to Myers' letter, which he deems to be 'very interesting', and claims to be 'impressed by the tranquil objectivity of [his] descriptions.' [Part of the letter torn out at this point.] Declares that he feels terribly ignorant of the whole subject, and claims that he does not believe in deliberate choice in love. States that when he was 'young and erotion (cf. Clough)' he used to repeat to himself 'the end of Iphigenia's prayer (Goethe, favourite play of [his] for wholesome warning'. Quotes some lines.

Refers to Myers' work and inquires whether it leads to a permanency. Asks him to tell his [Myers'] mother that Sidgwick is '[temporarily] supplied with a President of [his] "Hall" ', Miss Clough having promised to start them; she is to come only for one or two terms, so Sidgwick is still looking for her successor, 'though more tranquilly'. Reports that he is now examining houses. Complains that '[t]his whole matter' takes up so much of his time, but believes that it is worthwhile. States that he is 'forced more and more into involuntary antagonism with Miss Davies', and reports that she wrote to him recently 'and mentioned affably that [he] was the serpent that was eating out her vitals.' Reports that he saw [ ] [deleted] 'the other day' in Cambridge, and now regrets 'that she could not come.' Declares that she is 'so very [ ] [ ]' [deleted], and understands why, under some circumstances she might strike some people as 'unconciliatory.' Sends greetings to Myers' mother, to whom he is very grateful for 'her exertions' on his [and others'] behalf. Refers to J.A. S[ymonds'] poem.

Reports that a lady [Eliza Rhodes], with whom he is acquainted from his younger days when they were both 'in a Society for mutual improvement by means of correspondence' has written a paper 'on the Advisability of Educating Rural Young Women by means of Correspondence', and that the paper has been submitted to him. States that he has undertaken to try and organise 'a system of Education by Post, preparatory...for the C[ambridge] Examinations', and relating to [Cambridge] lectures. Wishes to ask Myers, as Superintendent of English for Home Study' what his colleagues and pupils are likely to think of this scheme, the main points of which he outlines.

Reports that he has just been staying with the Bibbys at Liverpool. Claims to enjoy talking to Miss Bibby, and does not 'at all dislike Mr and Mrs.' Declares that he wishes that 'people who do not read books would have always the courage of their unliterary convictions, like Jack Perkins of Downing College.'

Reports that he has been 'attending a North of England Council Meeting and making observations on women.' Remarks that they 'have not quite enough practical selfassertion at the right place and time, and hence are more apt to nurse small jealousies than men.' Declares himself to be 'in an ultra-philosophic humour', due to having mislaid his portmanteau. Reports that he is 'obambulating the Irish Channel, or circumambulating the Great [Orme's] Head, to keep off h[ay] f[ever].'

[Fragment of letter]. Declares that the addressee's letter 'is very interesting', and that he should like to hear more. Claims that he quite understands what his correspondent says about not being able to care for the opinions of others. Announces that Miss Bibby is going to accommodate him in Liverpool, where he is to go soon 'to cooperate [in] Movement in some manner.' States that he shall not be [in Cambridge] in July, but might stay for a night or two if his correspondent were to be there. Announces that he shall be at Llandudno 'till 3rd, Rugby till 9th and in Yorkshire towards the end of the month.'

[Fragment of letter]. Undertakes to write about the addressee's book sometime. Reports that there is a review in the Pall Mall Gazette of that day '[26]', which is 'careful, considerate, instructive and only inappreciative because totally unsympathetic'. Regrets to hear that his correspondent is ' "devoting [himself] to the Muse" ', because, he claims, his genius 'does not want this devotion', being lyrical and not epic or dramatic, and because his 'mixture of vehemence and curiosity would make [him] a valuable politician.'

Announces that he is in the midst of scenery [in Carnarvon], 'which is not first-rate but very pleasing...', and comments on its similarity to the Lakes. Predicts that he shall enjoy himself much, as they have 'much exhilarating good fellowship and good talk at breakfast and in the evening: George Trevelyan, especially, being a well-spring of both.' States that he intends to be there for at least a week, returning to London probably early in September. Claims that he is behind with his work, and thinks that when the holiday is over, he shall have to work hard on till Christmas.

Asks her to thank their mother for her letter [101/176], which he intends to answer soon. Refers to [his cousin] Annie's remark as 'discriminative', and explains that the reason he chose to comment on 'that particular essay of Arnold's was not because it was the most impudent, but because it seemed the most complete and decisive enumeration of his theory of life.' States that he was glad to get Arthur's address, but does not think he will be sending a letter to him in Switzerland. Is glad to hear of her progress. Encloses 'a little poem' [not included], which he cut out of a magazine, and also 'a German effusion' of his [not included]. Advises her to get hold of Rückert's Selected works if she ever feels inclined to break new ground in German poetry. [Incomplete?]