2110-3-6-38

EDGERSTON, JEDBVRGH, SCOTLAND. October 27th 1919. Dear John, I enclose herewith a translation by Henry Johnstone of 69 Northumberland Street, Edinburgh, of a passage alluded to in your history. Apparently you dared translators to translate it. Having no classical knowledge, I can't offer an opinion as to its merits, but Henry Johnstone is one of the best people in the world. I hope your family has recovered from its ailments. I don't suppose you are installed yet at Elsfield. I hear you have a temporary place at Oxford to which I am addressing this letter. We propose returning about the 7th November. Willie and his family have been with us for the last few weeks. He has had a very bad shake up and finds it very difficult to accomodate himself to mild exercise. We have been rather anxious about him while he has been here.

He is also hoping to go south about the end of next week. They expect to sail on the 19th and Beatrix proposes to go with them. I hope it won't be long before we meet. Yours F. S. Oliver

"Haec est in gremio . . . ." Claudian, quoted in Buchan's History of the War, Vol XIII, p 10.

She to her breast hath clasp'd, as hath none other, The conquer'd, given her name to every race, Called them her sons - no mistress, but a Mother - And bound them in kind bonds, defying space: Her peace is ours; we owe it to her grace That, wandering still, at home we still abide, Dwell as of night in many a distant place, Light hearted seek lone isle and desert wide, Drink of far streams, and all are one, whate'er betide.