Item 9 - Letter from Theodora Roscoe to R. C. Trevelyan, with poem, "The Giant Buddha"

1 letter and one poem in manuscript

Horn Hill Court, Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks. - Thanks Trevelyan for "From the Shiffolds": has reread his 'beautiful poem' to [Goldsworthy] Lowes Dickinson. Is sure the 'wisdom' and 'light of the spirit' does not 'go out' at death, and this 'world of beautiful spirits' 'may be very near' the living, part of the 'mystery of life' which man may 'fathom one day. Nobody knew about 'ether waves a hundred years ago' though they were 'always there'. Or, as Trevelyan says, it might be that 'words & deeds' will not die, but continue to work in secret in 'the hearts of men unborn' (to quote his poem to Marjory Allen). However, she thinks she has felt goodness and evil 'emanating' from people, signifying 'some unmaterial power' in the world. Discusses memory and capturing of moments in poetry. Trevelyan's poetry always brings her 'tranquillity'. Adds a postscript to say she is enclosing a poem she wrote 'many years ago', which she fears is 'very imperfect'.

Separate sheet with Roscoe's poem "The Giant Buddha (At the Chinese Exhibition)"