Pièce 13 - Letter from George Macaulay Trevelyan to R.C. Trevelyan

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Hotel Todi, Thierfehd, Glarus, Switzerland. - Will have to 'break the golden rule' Bob gave him last year, that the person at home should write first to the one abroad. [Charles] Buxton has gone home after their extensive travels together; George is staying for a fortnight's study. Enjoying his best health for a year; describes his daily routine; is reading Homer and Vergil 'in the original at last', and talking with one of his fellow-guests in French, a young lady 'whose heart he has won' by bringing her back some golden lilies from the hills. Has realised 'the horror of distance': would not be able to bear the distance from 'one's country' if it were not for 'swift locomotion'. Often thinks 'the poem of the greatest horror remains to be written': it would describe a man propelled to the moon who can see the earth but is unable to return. Wonders whether Bob is working on his novel at Wallington.; he is very interested to see what his brother will eventually do; is sure he will 'work out his own salvation' and does not want advice, but wishes he would 'take to "one sided" history', that is 'telling the story of some great movement sympathetically, not critically or scientifically'. Is writing another lecture for Cambo about England in the 14th century; much enjoys writing 'for an uncritical audience after Cambridge'. Expects to hear that Charles has been elected [as MP for Lambeth North] tomorrow; thinks Charles's health is now good enough to 'allow of his success in life'.