Pièce 73 - Letter from B. S. Rees to Elizabeth Trevelyan

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Milford House, Loughor, Swansea. - Thanks Mrs Trevelyan for sending the book [the posthumous "Selected Poems" of R. C. Trevelyan]; finds it 'charming', as is 'disillusioned & at times embittered by this so-called modern verse'; never met Mrs Trevelyan's husband but feels he knows him 'as well if not better than many who shook him by the hand', having 'gone part of his way' himself. Loves his work with young people who have given him a 'glimpse of a face of the truth', and their 'spontaneity' brings them joy; thought can be a 'terrible brake on the spirit'. Good to know that she is keeping well and interested in affairs; 'lack[s] companionship' here and often wishes he could 'drop in' on the Shiffolds for a chat.. The school is 'flourishing', and seems to have touched people's imagination; ordinary people who believe in it 'intensely' and are willing to make sacrifices for it; thinks only schools can 'save our civilisation - & only the right men in them'; fears the 'authorities' will not realise this. Enjoyed his stay in Austria and what he saw of Bavaria and Venice; hopes to go to Italy [see also perhaps 1/45] in the spring, since they have a new car and both his nephews drive; with the 'increased travel allowance. Hopes to be in London in January and will call from his hotel

1/45: letter, 27 Mar 1954, from Bernard Berenson to Elizabeth Trevelyan; her friend Mr Rees is welcome to visit I Tatti and he himself will be glad to meet him if at home when Rees comes.