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Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick to express his deepest sympathy with Nora. Relates that he had known him 'all but forty years', and refers to the 'rare intellectual delight of one who spoke as a master on every subject which might be discussed'. Says he highly valued Henry's 'subtle, wise and just judgments on questions of moment', and feels privileged to have seen him often in the past years. States that his death will be 'a permanent loss to an unexampled number of devoted friends, to whom however the influence of his life and work can never be lost'. Expresses also the sympathy of his wife.

Sends her a copy of a letter to him from Henry Sidgwick [not included], which he suggests might be of some use to her. Remarks that the latter part of it is an example of 'the accuracy and tact of [Henry's] judgment in matters of general culture'. Expresses his pleasure at the news that Nora and Arthur Sidgwick are to write a memoir of Henry. Refers to a paper by Frank Cornish in the Pilot of 22 December, which he describes as 'admirable', and offers to send it to her if she has not yet come across it. Adds that he has put, 'by way of a note, the passages in [Robert Bridges'] "[Pros]ody of [Milton]" referred to in [Henry's] letter at the end....' Expresses the hope that 'the change and holiday' will do Nora great good, and reassures her of their sincere and deep sympathy. Offers to send her the original letter if she wishes to have it.

Expresses his gladness that Henry has got a good mortgage, and reports that he hears from Mr P[ ] that it was 'perfectly sound'. States that he has looked over Bridges' pamphlet [Robert Bridge's Prosody of Milton?] again, and remarks, on reading it again, 'how very little [ ] prosody can carry you in explaining the secret of good verse...', and that he quite agrees with Henry about the end of lines. Goes on to discuss the content and form of the verse, and refers to the use and accentuation of foreign words, e.g., in French and Latin. Refers to Milton, Pope, and Shakespeare. Asks Henry if he knows P[atmore's]. 'Studies of the English Metrical Law', published as a preface to Amelia. Also refers to [a report] in the Globe of the previous Friday that 'German bands in Melbourne had been compelled to play "Rule Britannia" all the time'.