Item 6 - Letter from W. K. Clifford to Frederick Pollock

1 folded sheet

Trinity College, Cambridge.—Praises Pollock’s review of Willis's biography of Spinoza (cf. A1/20), and imagines an amusing exchange with 'a typical Cambridge rector'.

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Transcript

Trin. Coll. Camb.

Mr W. K. Clifford requests the pleasure of the Master of Trinity and Mrs W. H. Thompson’s company at an evening {1} They can’t come. Oh no! it couldn’t have been that, you know! Can’t find another sheet of paper;—they are all full of gymnastic programmes: Vaulting horse. Single Trapeze. Parallels. Double Trapeze. Horizontal. Rings. Climbing. The whole to be preceded by an elegant exemplification of the rapier, with buttons. My sweet Fred! as if I ever slept in that miracle of folly called bed! I balance a leaf of my table on two chairs (to be out of the way of cockroaches!) and sleep as softly as if it were a slab of marble. Pryor, educ[ationa]l value of classificatory sciences or else imminent social crisis. Your Spinoza is splendid: sets people right on exactly the points, and nearly tempts one to become theological. I am told, however, that I swear too much already. Picture to yourself a typical Cambridge rector in hall, descanting upon the lovely bells he is going to put up, hinting subscription; me (appealingly) What, sir, is the least sum that you will take to put up dumb bells? New scene made for Ghanfortera; turns it into high old edification; poetic justice satisfied by providential jimmy. {3} We fear Keary won’t be a success. Vaya con Libertad.

May the eternal freedom that creates all living things and inspires every good work preserve you from obeying any law rule convention or precept ever sanctioned by God or man.

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{1} The first sentence, which is written in purple ink, was evidently the beginning of an abortive invitation.

{2} Pollock’s unsigned review (headed ‘Spinoza’) of R. Willis's Benedict de Spinoza (1870) in the *Spectator, No. 2184 (w/e 7 May 1870), pp. 589-91. Cf. CLIF A1/20.

{3} The meaning of this sentence is unclear.