How is it I have not heard from you these two months? Surely, I was the
last who wrote. I was told you had influenza, or cold: but I suppose
that is all over by this time. How goes on Sanscrit, Athenaeus, etc. I
am reading the sixth Book of Thucydides--the Sicilian expedition--very
interesting--indeed I like the old historian more and more and shall be
sorry when I have done with him. Do you remember the fine account of the
great armament setting off from the Piraeus for Sicily--B. 6, ch. 30,
etc? If not, read it now.
One day I mean to go and pay you another visit, perhaps soon. I heard
from Miss Barton you were reading, and even liking, the Princess--is this
so? I believe it is greatly admired in London coteries. I remain in the
same mind about [it]. I am told the Author means to republish it, with a
character of each speaker between each canto; which will make the matter
worse, I think; unless the speakers are all of the Tennyson family. For
there is no indication of any change of speaker in the cantos themselves.
What do you say to all this?
Can you tell me any passages in the Romans of the Augustan age, or rather
before, telling of decline in the people's morals, hardihood, especially
as regards the youth of the country?
Kind remembrances to Miladi, and I am yours ever,