Letter from Florence Henniker to Thomas Hardy, 21 November 1920
[Page 1]3 Sussex Place
Lancaster Gate, W.2
Sunday
Nov 21/20-->
My dear friend –
I think you must have felt pleasure in having written that very fine poem? There is so much in it – one has to read it often -
I read it aloud several times to Mrs Blake &
Anna, – who both had the good sense & intelligence to appreciate it – I think the ve^st^anzas that appeal
[Page 2]
to me most are 5-6 8. & 9 – The concluding lines of 5 are lovely – & 8
is a beautiful stanza. I am so grateful to you for mentioning the dear horses –.
There is as much in 2 or 3 lines of this poem – as in a complete one by many people – I should think, isn't there?
[Page 3]I am hoping to hear that Florence will come & stay here for a day or night – & see [Mr Harsaut]? –
The Gosse ceremony was a great success. Mr Balfour's speech, –(though I believe he had risen from a sick bed), was admirable, & my brother's was very humorous. – A great many people turned up; but perhaps the room ^or the light^ made them look their worst –. I thought they were, physically, a very plain audience, although no doubt bubbling over with intelligence!
[Page 4]The John Drinkwaters (whom I met at a pleasant luncheon given by Mrs Clifford) stood out as being good-looking. He spoke with great enthusiasm about you –. I daresay you think well of some of his verse? –
I went ^not long ago^to hear Sir Henry Newbolt lecture on Mr de la Mare. It was a charming address, & he read a well chosen number of [the] poems, showing de la M. in his different moods. After the lecture – I, – (in a pushing manner–) forced myself on Sir Henry's acquaintance, & [Page 5] we, also, talked about you. I think from what he said, he will give another lecture on your poetry. I hope so. -
I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your Dorchester plays? I saw an account in 1 or 2 papers -. Have you had any more guests lately at Max Gate?
I am sorry this great cold has come on [Page 6] so early. I hate the winter in London, on account of the slippery streets for the horse traffic –. I think some of ones distresses get more acute as one grows older –, unfortunately.
Best love to F.
Yr. affec friend
[Ps]
I fear the Nobel prize has been given to a Scandinavian – hasn't it?