Pièce 51 - Letter from Dilston Radclyffe to R. C. Trevelyan

1 letter

Hayes Farm Hotel, Northiam, Sussex. - Has been two weak after his heart operation to do anything more than the 'αναγκαιότατα' [Ancient Greek for most necessary things], but has counted amongst these reading Bob's 'charming book' ["Translations from Latin Poetry"]. Was 'struck' by Bob's 'daring attack upon "Odi et amo"' [Catullus 85] but still thinks it is 'untranslatable'; loves his version of Lesbia and the sparrow [Catullus 3] with its 'admirable' choice of metre. Is doing as little as possible in London this month, so does not 'feel up to ' meeting there; sure he was right not to come to the Shiffolds, as he 'felt far too often like weeping or screaming'; supposes operations are more exhausting that one realises, but is 'mending', and thanks Bob for his friendly concern. They must try to meet later.