2110-5-10-28

[H. Broadfoot]

The College Library Eton

9 March 1932

Dear Mr Buchan

I thank you for your book on Scott of which I have I think read every word. Scott and Lamb are the two writers for whom I feel a personal affection.

I remember my emotion when the Journal came out. I like what

you say thereon, especially as to the English style.

With your judgements, in my small way, I am in general agreement. I approve what you say of the lyrics. "A weary lot &c" is worth reams of modern verse

Now as to the enclosure, with which I reward you.

W. Johnson (Cory) of Ionica was a brilliant scholar. I never saw him, but have

heard and read much of him. About 1871 he produced 'Lucretilis', an elementary book on Sapphics and Alcaics, still used in the School. The 'Key' I had never seen till last year when G. Madan gave it us; it had belonged to A.C.Benson. It is no doubt practically unprocurable now; but can easily be reproduced from the English which has copious notes.

Johnson sent a copy to H.A.J.Munro: I had

heard of M.'s judgement, and the other day the autograph letter was given us with a copy of the King - Munro Horace given to Johnson by Munro, with a dedication

"Guilelmo Johnson

qui Lucretili suo

Horationam artem

unice representaverit

H.A.J.M. d.d.l.m"

followed by an Alcaic stanza

The letter, dated 'Trinity College 4 Nov. 1871

2)

says,

"I don't mean to flatter you (whatever you may think of it) when I tell you that in my humble judgment, they are the best & most Horatian

Sapphics & Alcaics which I am acquainted with, that have been written since Horace ceased to write".

I have copied out the ode on the voyage

to Italy. The 'geminos latrones' of [course] are R.H. and R.R.

If you get hold of it an old book 'Arundines Cami' you will find a lovely version in Greek elegiacs by W.J.