9 August 1937

Ezra Pound, Esq.
Via Marsale 12-5
Papallo
Italy

Dear Mr. Pound:

With William Rose Benet I have been editing
the OXFORD ANTHOLOGY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE, and we are
anxious to include in it a section from your PAVANNES AND
DIVISIONS, entitled "A Retrospect." Because of its greater
inclusiveness I should prefer to have it in this form than
as in MAKE IT NEW. Naturally, however, if I could persuade
you to add another brief section which would carry it on so
as to include something of the technical problems behind
the writing of the Cantos, I should be pleased.

For the selections from your poetry I have
been in correspondence with Arthur Pell of Liveright's.
Since he will undoubtedly communicate with you in regard
to that matter, I shall not bother you with those details.
I understand, however, from Eugene Davidson at the Yale
Press that you yourself have retained the rights to the
prose item in question. Could you then, tell me what your
fee would be for its use?

147 Cottage Street
New Haven, Connecticut
U.S.A.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON
233 HGS
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN · CONN

22 Feb. 1953

Dear EP:

Many thanks etc for the letter, which was full of horse-sense; but, for God's sake, don't think that I ever tried to teach Edwards anything. I don't think he's teachable! He came to me when he was doing the biography, and I gave him a few elementary facts of life, which it was a little disgraceful on his part not to have known. Then he had something, I thought, worked up which would be damned useful to me. That was, a checklist of your periodical contributions. Until Paige's edition of the letters came out, these were the only real thing; not just for your own later work but for the hundred paths they pointed to and pointed out. So we agreed to help pay for the cost of making this preliminary list available. He sent it on to me, and -- Keeerist! -- it stunk. It was even more incomplete than it needed to be; the references were often incorrect, etc. So several of us pitched in and checked, corrected as best we could, and added some hundreds more. But I will say, all the same, that he had done a hell of a lot of work on it, and that his results were useful. I'm not a bibliographer, nor do I wish to be. But even this poor beginning of a checklist works in just the way you spoke of in another regard: toward later clearer definitions. Also toward convenience, as I found out when our Tom coulbrin't locate the original appearances of items that had been chosen for the new Faber volume. Reasons, then: not an ultimate in itself, but "it wd help save what is left of the nation" etc.

So that being done as a first step toward a sense of the whole, one is ready for the next step: the use of the material as being equivalent of items, rough drafts etc to be correlated. We have these pretty well now, so far as they appeared in print (with the EXCEPTION of the Italian periodical appearances, which we'll have to get somehow). The matter of the rougher drafts of cantos, usw, will be tougher except as we can locate them. I suppose they are in Rap. and scattered variously. All this will have to go slower, unless you should someday decide it was worth helping with.

But don't you see that the issues, which are the substance of the writing (and its having been worth doing) are all shown to be live, constant preoccupations; even in the present questions to which the photostats you sent, etc., refer, all this has a relevance when it is shown to have consistency and duration. Sure the NAME is for the main points, like the feminine italics to a few words in a letter like this; BUT, the others are part of the whole even when not underscored, kulchur being just that kind of a whole or hole.

Maybe, after month in and month out, we can begin to make these points a little clearer. I know blue-china when it is only a museum piece, or stored on a what-not; I also know it otherwise, as when you show the Adams family and the like to have more uses than as a name to preserve a wooden mansion in Quincy. Remember, you think I'm too damned much of a skolar; most of em here think I'm unreliable. Well, I have to work it my way, otherwise it's just damned repetition of cliches.

Point 2: (and this is no aplogia), I thought I told you when I was in Chestnut Hall, on the new campus, that I voted for Eisenhower. So don't talk about "yr" Adlai, when you refer to me. He's not my cup of tea, as I cd have seen, had I not seen it earlier, on the eve of the election when if ever there was a fish out of water it was that honey boy tv-ed in his office.

As to the present cabinet etc., I take it to be a revolution in the managerial sense; and therefore well worth watching very closely. That is, the appointment of men who theoretically at least do know management; now we can see whether their kind of management can be turned over to govt. Answer: we can only wait; it will be their education, too! This is the coppprate organization all right. I remember during the war being criticised by some big shots as being too "professional." But I don't admire the amateur per se in anything, whether in writing or statesmanship. These new cabinet appointments were at least professionals in what they came from, and have a professional sense by now ingrained in them, I hope. Wd say the same of commentators on the air, in columns and the like.

Wd also say the same of McCarthy, whatever his fundamental motives might be. He doesn't know true evidence from a hole in the ground, and therefore can't distinguish an ass. That's my chief objection to him, tho I gather you like him better than I do, notwithstanding the actual affrontery on his part to some of your own studies. Omit this para if you prefer.

A letter from Hilda, rather painfully pencilled from her bed, asked me to thank you for her letter. She has written only that letter and one to her new grandson, Nécholas, who appeared a fortnight or so ago. She recovers slowly, won't eat properly, and we fear a little another collapse of the nerves like that at the end of the war. But hope it won't be so.

Bill Wms, as you know, has been badgered out of his Library of Congress appointment, on charges of being a commie. I find it odd, since Bill has always seemed the true political naif, which is quite a different thing. It has gotten him hard; Floss writes me that they think of shock treatments, since he has had more attacks and depressions.

Some world!

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

3 July 1953

Dear EP:

Not a letter, just an apology
for silence! I had to make a trip to
Vermont (Burlington) to give a lecture
I had contracted for when I thought I
was to teach at a 2-weeks summer session
(critical) at the University there. Then
the bastards cancelled it, leaving me
flat and without the fee. A little one
for the lecture, but not sufficient to
drag me the length of New England had I
known the ultimate situation. Then I
went on to Concord N.H. to look at papers
of Franklin Pierce (non-descript 14th Pres.
of the U.S.). The evenings spent visiting
Joseph (Mormon) Smith's hilltop birthplace;
ditto for Mary Baker Eddy; and to the last
of the Shaker Settlements—nice old ladies
in lace caps, still dancing to the Lord!
Now off again to Massachusetts for my father's
80th (and possibly last) birthday. Will
write properly next week. Hope your campus
is not such a Turkish bath as this one is.
Unbearable!

3.

A great also on importance of getting together intelligent things said Mr. EP. Creekmore has sent me a list of articles on, Edwards promises list, another from Berkeley says he has been making index of Cantos, and will send. The little group at Northwestern Univ have asked for help with their little sheets (Fang's comments on first four cantos, most helpful), and their editor is to be in New Haven in August and we will discuss.

This does not satisfy me, but pleases me. Long overdue, but the ball begins to roll. The Oxford Anthology began to crack the academic shell when it shifted emphasis from the earliest lyrics to HSM and the Cantos. It wasn't good enough as an act of criticism or anthologizing, but tactically it began to work, even if ludicrously late or delayed.

Yes, all this is depressingly slow. But my intentions are that you shall not be forever alone.

Hilda writes you have written, and she was deeply touched and pleased by the book. I was much worried lest her nerves crack again, as after the war. But she seems en repose; the body lagging behind but regathering its strength. The Lake a good place to watch, and the birds above Kushacht, the clouds, and a few people from tea. You were good to remember her. Each letter since she went, lingers on the topic.

I find the summer somewhat exhausting. Somehow did something silly and pulled muscles in my back, which has meant baking, massage, and dragging around a little; but now it is better.

All best as always.

8 August 1953

Dear EP:

Your letter waiting for me on my return from Boston. For it,
many thanks. If I seem to be returning the LAMPLIGHTER it is only
because I asked them to send it to me ever since the DelMar series
began, and so had a copy. You may want this for another. Don't know
the Bing: not with a whimper but a BING, I gather. But she makes some
sense, both in letter and speech. Do things make any progress? I
have my views about the only way likely to succeed, but they probably
wouldn't work either, and probably wouldn't satisfy you, which I could
understand.

As of Boston, running along the shelves of an antiquariat, I
saw the volume which I asked them to send you with my compliments. It
is geshenk, not lean. I have no idea whether it has any interest, but
it might get the mind going. A little hard on the eyes, perhaps, with
all the black letter etc. Perhaps a phrase or two.

No, I don't know Read's address, but thought I might write him
in fall c/o the University, where I understand he teaches physics or
something like that. Actually his sister married a young cousin of mine,
and they have just moved to New Haven. I can ask her when I see her;
that isn't often. Have written Emery to see how I can get hold of his
opus, and have ordered the good Sister's metamorphosis, which should come
thru regular channels. Also written your Captain, without using your
name, for the copies. Will send all but one on to you. Much interested
in what he has to say.

Never really got into old Swedenborg or the New Jersualem, except
as one dabbles thru Emerson, Blake usw. And a little thru old W.Y., but
then I never tried to be an expert on his spirit world. I am always
reading thru it rather than taking it as scripchews; and for that the pomes
are self-contained enough.

Am now being summit badgered by a person up from Bill Wms,--doing
Bill's blog, he says. Well, I am willing enough for him to read Bill's
letters to McAlmon, as Wms requested, but don't see why I should give him the
dirt, tho I did try to tone the picture of Hilda which Bill always draws
in caricature. The basis of caricature no doubt there, but Bill doesn't
make a pome out of it. Seems somehow jealous, I dunno.

Let me know when you knew where Paige is.

22 September 1953

Dear EP

Many thanks for notations on k-erections. I do
have copy of English editions of the 70 cunni, and will
make proper insertions with your help.

Do not have the English Pisans, alas, but can make
those separately on sheets. I agree much easier for the
others to mark a copy, however.

I enclose a few more, of which 1 or 2 have some
importance, and we might utilize a few of the others if
we turn up nothing better. I think I shall put stewdon's
to work primarily on Americanos this year, since they
are more directly full of historical things and the chance
for typographical errors was greater. The problem of Greek
transcriptions and stylization of names seems on the whole
more fitting to tackle as a unit, and possibly in terms of
the final ones when finished. Uniformity not absolutely
necessary of course, but perhaps worthwhile eventually, in
order to make variations for effect carry more weight.

Is there a deadline for this issue. Think we should
hold sending over until the last moment. Also have not really
canvassed Kenner, itts, usw for anything they may have picked
up in way of misprint, not wanting to double on possible letters
from you. Ditto Fang. Wd be glad to write, and then sort and
send to you. Wd certainly save duplication of effort on cher
maître's part.

Forget whether I told you that in getting copy of prospectus
from Cap Abbot, and asking for extra copies (intended for you, but
not spoken of as such) he wrote: "Since I have only four copies left,
I send you only one; I live far from Salt Lake where the copies
were made. I have no secretary." Neither do I, but when force
began to reassemble for beginning of term I got departmental secgie
to make copies for you, which I enclose. Sorry about pedantic
sic. I suppose she thought it was a ms of Shakespeare. Anyhow
hope you can use as is.

Enclose a letter which arrived in this PM's post, which thot
might interest you because of Bonn circle. If OK with you I'll
send him to St Lizzie's when he makes his inevitable trip to the
Washington Monument. Please return, since I should acknowledge.

11 October 1953

Dear EP

Forgive absence of letters reply to yours. Have
been stuck with having to do a preface on Richard Henry
Lana, Jr.'s autobiographical fragment, which friends of
mine are publishing. Cannot quite seem to make it go--
that is, I can't. Ergo, all else laid aside.

What has happened to Cul'n Carter? I gather he
has quit, or been excused from *Shenandoah*. What I
feared, as you may guess from my remarks. But *he* has
the talent; the magazine itself doesn't, and I fear
much good beginning will be lost.

Someone said you were reading Lanier. I always
thought of yr ANTHEIL and hs SCIENCE OF ENGLISH VERSE
together (as group, not historical influence on yuh).
Lanier was one of first this side of Atlantic to see the
germ in Old English poetry (buried, like Egyptian cornseeds,
in vases admired only for decor, forgetting latent life from
past within). By the way, by all means look at hanier's
verse fragments. Not properly known, and by far and away
better than most crap written in his age. viz:

N O R M A N
H O L M E S
P E A R S O N

2 3 3 H G S
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN · CONN

3 November 1953

Dear EP

Forgive me for interruptions in EPistles. Slump
chiefly in that direction. Otherwise at least busy,
nodding yes and no to students, getting work organized for
year usw. Graduate seminar, having been already one month
on EP about to swing into cantos tomorrow. 23 enrolled
this year. Too many for any real seminar life, but am
glad of interest. Am trying to spike em up.

You spoke of wk by Frobbenius pupil on mythological
beasts. Knew it. Like it. Sent one to HD who found it
her cup of tea.

Sussman has sent copies of your letters to Paris
ed of Chicago Tribune, which am glad to have. Want copies
at least of ALL. Despite morguelike atmosphere of most
libraries, think it important there should be at least one
--and that a big one -- where anyone can go to weave real
cloth.

Letter from Edwards announces (vaguely) plans for
a circle, and I approve so long as it aint like the Browning
Clubs and doesn't get off onto the wrong things as they did.
Browning Clubs ended up serving brown sugar at tea. Not
sure anyone could consider _that_ the real point.

Glad to see announcement of new work in fortucoming
HUDSON.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 H G S

26 November 1953

Dear EP

Thanksgiving morning. At my office. C hief reason
for thanksgiving: no one else in the building; no knocks at
the door; no one stopping in for a "good"(unquote) talk.

Also chief thanks for sending along the Fiera Letteraria.
Much interested, and did not know (as should have known) that
the Italian sun shone so brightly on Catholic University. Nice
to know that not everything in that line stems out of Ireland.
I suppose Ireland did "preserve" (i.e. "can", to use N.E.
verb) the middle ages, but on whole have done little lately
to deserve continued praise for earlier service. Anyhow,
Languasco very moving in tribute. Tribute and praise in this
case much deserved by true preserver. Salut!

Emory has passed on as from Kenner two documents for
circulation, which will circulate further. Yr comments on
flyer gave life to an otherwise ambiguous statement, tho
interesting in possible implications. Glad to see the bk
of translations is going down well. It should.

Seminar here well into cantos, and poofiting thereby.
Much too large: 28-30 regularly attend, which is no seminar.
People able, but not so interesting in minds as last year's
group. However one or two who I may send to you. viz: a
John Montague, Irish poet, reviewer etc, who apparently like
all good Irishmen thinks Ehe Eire is smoggy and stinks intellect-
ually; also one German, from Bonn, who for two years sat in
that voluntary EP circle on cantos I told you about. A rather
frightened Italian whom I don't know much about yet; plus
another German a little too accedamic.

Have yu hed a chance to go ova last set of cantoqueeries?
Know it is boring, but record of opinyun kneeded to set petty
minds at rest. RIP.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

5 December 1953

Dear EP

Many thanks for addition of Corriere clipping (you had
sent one; I return) to file as evidence; but it adds nothing
to take the place for Gothamites of temporarily (or permanently)
defunct NYTimes or NYTribune. Was glad to know of translation
of Cantos, tho have not seen. Daresay at any rate a beginning.
The double trubble for reviewer included his not knowing much
about earlier cantos, and he said nuthin except misconceptions
based on thin air (not derived from Pisan skies, however). Really
a pity. Maybe he shd get a fellowship and enter my seminar. I
make mistakes but not this kind of them.

Incidentally, a message from Nirje, the young Swede I
sent you last year) said that there was a new Swedish transla-
tion of your work out. But do not know whether or Cantos or
other poems. At any rate it immediately sold out, and is an
immense critical success I gather. Real excitement. Nirje has
been asked by Bonniers mag for an article on your work. I hope
he will do a good job. Please me, naturally, as an antena from
seminar. Bonniers has also taken a poem by him in English. I
saw, was not impressed by its genius, but is competent and
rather a tour de force. He is also doing broadcasts to Swedes
from Paris on French theatre, which at least gives him an allowance
for tickets. He might be meaningful to his peninsula.

Also nice letter from Norwegian Anderssen, whom I also
sent; but no news, mostly gratitude. Dutch boy silent so far,
but will perhaps hear from him at Christmas.

The "In Circuit" arrived last week, evidently delayed
somewhere. It came from Emery to me. Have now given to Lebeck
and will send on. To Fang? Edwards? Do not know whether Forrest
Read is still in circle or not. Got no word out of Square Dollar
press when I tried to order class copies of Fenollosa. But not
first experience this way with them.

Incidentally can you give me cues as to suggested reading
in connexion with Canto XVIII now bintesting a graduate student
here born in Abysinnia, brought up in mid-east including Cairo,
who has taught in Hawaii. Good background for an American. Doesn't
know where to go for data on rr's and Menelik (presumably the one
who died 1912?). Presume Giddings and Hamish not necessary to
identify except for reason of exclaiming "By God it was so!" I
always believe there are many doors into cantos; let them choose

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON
233 H G S
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN · CONN

the one they want so long as they go in.

May try later in season with seminar to give them
Bill Wms' Paterson as experiment. What do you think? Opinion
not for quotation of course.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

24 December 1953

Dear EP:

At least the students have left. Maybe it's a holiday fur them, it aint fur me. However I am jumping around and a few things get done and when they get done, if I am not undone, I shall breathe.

IN CIRCUIT was sent instanter to Fang who has acknowledged. Agree completely with you in re an original ten, but it just warnt so that when data cum up frm Florida "the list of names was clearly on it." Aint arguing with you on this score, but just remarking that the list dropped by the wayside somewhere. Think it might be a good idea if each of ten had a permanent list or at least a permanent name of next recipient. Eargo, if you want to send me list I'll send on to the included, or at least name of the next. If you want missives saved as reference group, put me on list as last.

Many thinks for information about Menelek. Did consider local history department, but no one here with savvy about that particular area, worse luck. Besides which, as you said, your data came in best of all possible ways, that is: direct.

Doubt very much if Corriere article worth being dignified by answer, considering nature of paper. But was pleased to receive group of 3 from Drummond which arrived yesterday. Unhappily in nasty condition as though dropped in some sewer, en route. Apologies for condition by some official written on cover. They are now drying out and deodorizing before I read. Text however not impaired.

Gather you know that Pound-party at English institute to be celebrated by devoting next annual to it. They needed some substitute papers, and so suggested Sister Bernetta, who sent enlarged version of what appeared in WESTERN REVIEW. Her dissertation chapter. A little loosely constructed in parts, but on being asked I said I preferred longer version to what appeared in mag. Hope they will agree. Also suggested Read, who is sending them something. He is apparently now doing newspaper work, and was difficult to find.

The Kirgo, of Kirgo Books, about to set off on 29th(I believe) for Yurrep to buy some books, possibly stopping at Rapallo. Any missions for him; I can write him overseas.

Will not put holly wreaths on edges of letter, but all reasonable best to yu and Mrs P. Hope the new year will let me get down to Lizzie's for anuther visit.

NHP pupliography neatly defended . and usefully minor
but when the

the HELL ar yu goin ter take the rivet out of grandfather's
nekk
and look to the major issues ??

what is literature FOR ? scolarship FOR ?

follow up on N.York beano / to FOCUS on main ideas , main
drives/
reform of curriculum / new scared bk of the arts/

or in specific field of scholarship / IMPROvement of "ETHOD/
methodology / as in E.P's Cavalcanti foto-variorum /

in the comb/ out of the hundred bks fer books / NO item in
goddam poragm chosen to show anything in particular

NO real hierarchy / any morethan with the enc/ boob / in fact
with a lot less/

The hierarchy of values worth being penalized FOR ?

H.D. reports she is much better /

if they hd/ read Dant and Sophokl they wd/ NOT have stood for
filth at the top.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN • CONN

6 January 1954

Dear E.P.

Do you have Drummond's address? I seem to have mislaid it, as of the envelope which enclosed the newspapers he sent, and of course wish to thank him.

Papers themselves, now being dry, albeit stained, have been read. Much obliged to you for probable suggestion to him to send. D'Agostino had some perceptions about H.S.M. and perhaps best on early M section. Do not agree with what he calls stenographic notation; generally seemed less sensitive on style than on mterical qualities--tho this not unexpected and is forgiveable. Had not thought of "Fox" Ford section in relation to Yeats' "Lake Isle". Cd bee. Identifications inevitable for conservatrix as yu.c, but always (privately) held to be r friend and fair Richd not Maud Bonne despite inevitable association in Paige's ed of yr letters to her as conservatrix. On whole however know of nothing much better in English on this perticular pome. Best thing about it is increased interest. These wops ketch on to Amuricans better than any other mebbe inclewding us-selves. Obviously however a little skeered of recent histerya.

Had not know of yr greetings to Venice conference. Gut a copy of it I can have fer riferunce? And if published in sum jurnal, I shd know for improved (ultimately) boobliography.

Much pleased, on whole with the Rossetti-Agresti. She seems sensitive and sensible.

Note references on all sides. Enclose clipping from
Listener, by Pearce, in case you hadn't seen. Approve of calling
attention to breadth of contacts and contribs.

Amused to see in latest number of a teacher's mag, follow-
ing query. "Has 'The Rturn of Ezra Pound any relation to the
Eriny's, as might be inferred from the diction and imagery. If such
is the case, to what does the title refer? I would appreciate any
explication of the poem. -- M.M." I presume M.M. is not Marianne
Moore!

22 January 1954

Dear EP

Too great an elapse of time, due to undergraduate examinations: a stupid system, except that once mine are over I can have a few free moments. Perhaps.

Edwds' sheet fortunately need not follow sheep-ship shift of pronunciation. It was better than I had dared hope. With a leetul guidance believe it can be kept on track. Much cd be accomplished, I think. No, he shd NOT have sd yu were working with me on correct text, and I didn't know such a thing was to mentioned or wd have put him straight. Nacherly I am keen on getting a correct text evntually, and wish you would get at last group of queries sent you by me, but these results are against future. Quite different from officialdom which is an abwhorence. Don't worry about my quoting. I don't.

But I shall be keeping in touch with Edwds, for self-preservation if nothing else; and if you wish steering slip me the word and I will do what I can. Also will suggest he regularly send me some extra copies, on basis of turning them over to visitors from abroad usw., but if yu will let me have list of names you wish to have it seen by, not as of subscription list, I will see they get it.

Will certainly put bees in public bonnet re yr getting to see items, tho suspect some (not including Watts) might have held back from fear of intruding. Works both ways: remember E.M. Forster saying how much he admired Trilling for not having ever communicated with him before or after latter's book on M.

Agree: don't see any liberals at all, let alone those with ideas.

By the way, hope to persuade Laughlin next summer to let me have at least films of EP printed contribs not already locally available but in his collecion in country-house. But he is off again, this time to Japan, fortunately he can aFFORD it, so for another time he has put it off. What do you think of an occasional reprint in Edwd's sheet?

Possible similar solution for some of material mentioned in yr next-to-last. Even two good solid sheets of paper wd accomplish something!

24 January 1954

Dear EP:

Recent EPistles (to, not from) have been so rushed
I have not mentioned my delight in yr "Women of Trachis."
It was a great refreshment the only translation which
balances the weight between Herakles and Daianeira; usually
it is unequal as it is insipid. Which is to say that it
does what a translation should do, and it is made new. One
no longer, perhaps never did, get much from elegant versions
except a kind of deference to "classics". I am glad to see
you unquote the referent, and bring drama back. The choruses
also came alive for the first time; they usually read like
a Sunday-school declamation program, to be followed by handing
out potted geraniums to the students. There were nice touches
of the earlier lyric strain in that on p. 492: very beautiful,
but are even more subtly done elsewhere.

Have sent a copy to Hilduh, who will not doubt respond.

Have been having a little period of translations, just
having tidied up copy of one which DeClW did with his ma of
Quevedo's THE DOG AND THE FEVER. He, obsessed with death, as
you know, had set his heart on having it out, largely for her.
So I got a little press here to do it. And it's not bad either.
Ammurica won't have had so many adages since Poor Richard. Be-
lieve they translated from a fable copy you once left at his ma's;
they did it together, to keep her busy, after she began to grow
blind.

Saluttd

P.S. Korean translations in same issue with u, were done by
a little protege of mine. What did u think of them?

31 January 1954

Dear EP

Busy week. A couple of times in New York, which is unusual for me; and have just put John Gould Fletcher's wife on train from here. She is just back from a whirl of Italy, and a spin to Africa where she visited Schweitzer and was much begeistert.

But have written Edwards, and asked for six extra copies of
Poundletter, on excuse of handing out to visiting firemen from abroad
who come to see me and are much interested. Wacherly. When these
come, and in future, will send direct to list as requested. Gave
him list of some of articles in fur-in papers, as sent by you recently
to me. Sorry I haven't seen Weltwoche or Die Tat. Mebbe Hilduh kin
git.

Younger Viereck one of my pet abominations. Uncleanness physical
as well as intellectual. Is coreless; how the hell he ever got ole
Bobbie Frost to give his pomes such a send-off I can't figger out. They
are damned bad! His ideas are damned bad, and uncertain.

Fitzgerald not an abomination, but cannot see for a pig's abse,
his translating Odyssey. Like him, but he is gelded. Well, not alto-
gether, I guess, since he has begotten five children since his conversion
as an R.C. But I mean otherwise; Odyssey requires guts, else what's
it got? That is, without virility of re-newal it won't exist. Daresay
it can be done in verse, but equally daresay Rouse has accomplished for
the moment as much as we will get. Fitzg... was one of Fitts' buoys
at the Choate school, and they did some of the plays together at my
New Haven apartment one winter when I was in Chicago hospital; but Fitz
ohne Fitts doesn't seem to me to get even as far as they were able to.
Fitts now about to translate Martial, and says he is dedicating it to
me. It might turn out all right, I dunno; at least he sometimes has
a certain wit, though not altogether sufficiently cored at heart.

Dunno whether I wd really have much to give Peck; tho I don't
see why you should repeat yr pioneering with Rouse all over again.
Other things important for you to do; Binyon needs starch; does it
go with diapers? Maybe would scratch!

Saw Bill W in New Yawk, Tuesday, with Floss. Both looked much
better, and Floss says he is taking reading lessons, to learn to focus
again, and with some success. Spirits certainly seemed improved.

["NORMAN\nHOLMES\nPEARSON\n233 HGS\nYALE UNIVERSITY\nNEW HAVEN · CONN", "4 Feb 1954", "Dear EP", "Had meant to write after Quinlan's appearance, bearing\ngreetings. Seams like a nice boy, gd manners, but not surry\nbrite; at least made no impression on me whatsoever as one of\n225 listeners to my spiel on 20th-cent Amurrican prose. Do not\nhave chance to tawk about poetry to undergraduates: that is well\nstaked out preserve of Cleanth Brooks. He gives good course I\nimagine, but nacherly we differ summat in tastes.", "Who in god's name is the Pinck 'un? Gather from note in\neditor's column he is now in garage busyness, but think him more\nof a plumber. At least do not follow editor's comment on calling\nattenshun to services rendered to literature by E.P.", "category": "Text", "text": "attenshun to services rendered to literature by E.P.\narticle definitely did NOT do. Do not see Reporter usually; this\nwas called to my attenshun and horror.", "Much interested in Nazione's article; and hope Bunting will\nsend. Asked him to send all similars, and hope he will. When\nvurry gd, and with signal from you, what do you think to persuading\nEdws to print translations of such-like in issues of Ezrology.\nMight do sum gd, and get around, since references not of much use\nto average recipient.", "By the way, what do you think I shd do about Edwards' gratuit-\nous offer, as from me (nower given by me) to send copies of annotations\nof cantos everywhichwhere. My desk now covered with solcitations for\nthem, including thre-cent stamps to cover cost of postage. Present\nnumber of sheets in partial sets well over 100 pages. Point is,\nthese not originally intended for anything but getting grad students\ninto doing reading. Has worked well that way; they do read. And to\ngive them home sense of sharing, said I would give each what others\nin class had done. Probably many mistooks in annotating, and never\nheld them as definitive or OK'd. But if you think they will do good\nwidely in getting Cantos properly understood, will try to comply.\nHope you understood too that all Edwards references to me were given\nquite on his own, including that re corrected text. Still hope to\ndo this, but not OFFISHULLY. This is etwas for future edition, simply.", "Did not see note about stolen bust. Significance?", "Had also meant to write, cheering that Haavud Press was at\nlast coming thru. Eager to have copy in my hands and before my eyes.\nBelieve the Faber essays are now out--at least a copy has been\nreceived by a friend from TSE, but have not yet seen. Am very\nanxious to have this for class next year. Altogether looks good."]

2

re Kirgo, will talk to Kirgo. As is, present situation hopeless. Cд not get copies even of Fenollosa for graduate students. Is a little like Russell who will not send, apparently, to local bkshops, and Rota reported to Kirgo who was on point of seeing him in England to tell Russell for gawds sake to send money pamphlets he had long ago ordered. Everything else bought by Kirgo on recent trip now received, but not, gar nichts, from Russell.

Yu ask about economics dept here. Once there was a time, before my days, when economics group at Yale had ideas. Then apparently became frightened by time I was student, and they concentrated on methods of book-keeping. Not yet recovered from that, so far as I kin see, tho I do not always see very far from my nose. At least no tempting smells come to my nose, they being so dead as no longer even putrefying.

Please repeat question re Franklin Pierce. If asked of me, have forgotten. Went thru his papers last summer in Concord, New Hampshire.

Have done with Fordie's bk; much admire etc. Consider necessary to knowledge of what happened to prose.

And fur love of Pete, do continue writing about STYLE. That is what you started to write. Contemp. Amurrican prose in absolute doldrums. No themes, no styles, no guts. Mebbe it's just me in post-menopause mood. I dunno. Anyhow younger writers don't even hate their elders, which is perhaps important to do.

Lemme know more about Adams-Waterhouse letters.

Know little about Gerald Johnson, but no aficionado.

Am not surprised at news of Viereck's flattering approach to
ole Ez. Me, being sometimes an anthologist, Viereck all but climbed
into my lap at one party where I met him; then for years sent me
copies of everury pome, evfurry article of his caming into print.
And a hell of a lot of them there were. Finally, none being
acknowledged, he dropped out of sight.

Have sometimes thought one benefit to J.G.F. wd be to reprint
some of critical articles, which did have insight. In many ways,
with the exception of yrsylph, JGF more devoted to arts (as a whole)
than any in our time. Does not mean he was always at best, but had
real quality of devotion, which is a lot. Also did have sense early
in game to realize importance of French, even tho his particular
models were not what wd have best for his too-loose lines. Wish,
anyhow, I had an account of how much more he actually did know about
Frog-verse, than others around him. Had the bks anyhoo.

Will see if anything can be done re Mayy F.'

25 April 1954

Dear EP:

(First must thou go the road to hell -- but I am speaking to myself of course!) Dammit! I have not written a letter to anyone for weeks. Hope you understand. Better a clerk in Woolworth's basement, than this kind of an academic life. The idea of reading a book is a joke: I only sign schedules, go to affairs given by undergraduates to celebrate their (supposed) comings of age of one sort or another) .... me prega. Anyhow, no point in details. I will catch up. I hope!

Edwds' # 2 in, and extra copies just arrived. Will send out as per yr instruckshuns this week. Edwdd being very agreeable. On the whole think the job he's doing is useful. Makes a nuclear chore, from which things can spread. Am overwhelmed by number of letters I have received asking for copies of annotations. From all over the world. Wd you like to see letters when I have finished sending out stuff? Rather interesting, sum of 'em anyhow.

Had hoped to be able to stop in at St Lizzie's on way back from Virginya, where I took my wife, in answer to her urgent pleas, for a week's holiday. But when I put her on train for a meeting in S.C. there was only time to step on gas and beat it back to Nude Avon for first post-vac lecture. Purheps I can get down after school. Did have pleasant visit however to Tidewater country, and much impressed by relics of 18th century in such spots as Mount Airy (inhabited by three 80-ish dames sitting in cracking grandeur and ask me what I really thot of Jack. Jack who? Why, Jack Dos Passos.) Westover, Sabine Hall, Brandon, Berkeley, Shirley, etc. Nice sense of using the land, good "prospects" for the view, if nothinq else.

Have noted error in Mauberley; know it is a bore to make record of these, but still think imperative and hope eventually to convince you too.

By the way. Can D.P. give me Anchesi's address. He sent copy of LIRICA, but I have lost torn corner of wrapper with address on it. Must thank. Copies of the *Lavoro* and the translations of cantos in. Most grateful. Also newspapers from Drummond. Hilda managed to get me the Swiss reviews. The resources grow. Wrote and got article on EP und Wabash, from THE WABASH BULLETIN. Sheer crap. Guess it ain't changed much since yr day or hour there. Doubt if you want to see, but will send if it amuses you.

perfect concluding paper. The applause was real. My hat was off to him. You'd better promote him to a colonelcy!

Altogether I was happy about the affair. People learned, and the audience for the Cantos was enlarged.

Omar, a very nice guy, and intelligent. We had a lunch a deux and the chance for some rapport, I hope. He will no doubt report in turn. Told him to come over some time from Hamilton and talk with the Arabic people here. They might be useful to him.

Pleased also to meet Fang. Discussed the matter of the text, and we will meet again in Cambridge and put heads and textual notes together. He is very devote, and very informed. Worth knowing, and thanks for supplying the Cantos as hyphen.

Saw Willyums on Friday at Rutherford. He looks better than when I saw him in early June, but still shattered and a little shivering. The biographical hound took me over, so we had a little conversatione for his benefit, while he sat taking notes. A little unnerving. W unable to read, since his eyes will not focus, and Floss has been reading him some bks on the dissipation of natural resources. Bill much worried, but thot he knew about waste as well as waists long since. Also seems to think his life one long sin, and fifth part of Pattison is devoted to explaining to Floss why he done what he did. Mebbe it was, but it seems exaggerated. It might make a theme, but hope he can generalize it, not bring the limits in.

Hilda apparently much better, and back at work on a new series of poems. A very good letter from her.

5 June 1954

Dear EP:

Students begin to leave Yale; I
begin to live again. Will soon be bom-
barding you with EPistles, and thanks for
recent arrivals as from your hand. Mean-
while, a favor(?).

Dudley Fitts called me by phone
the other night to talk about a new collect-
ion of Greek plays in translation he is
making. Wants vurry mooch to include yr
WOMEN OF TRACHIS. Evidence of good sense
on his part. Wd you permit? Fees of course.
Pearsonally I think, all else being equal,
that it might be good tactics to get it around
in them circles. Wd give a breath of air in
humid milieux.

Read Aldington's new memoir of Norman
Douglas on train to New York. Douglas not much,
but R.A. really a shit. Hilda verry lucky in
long run.

10 July 1954

Dear EP:

Bloody long silence on my part, and wouldn't even have
the chance for this beginning of catching up if it were not for
coming back to the office this Saturday afternoon. Have been
holing up in library during weekdays, trying to get a few licks
in on stupid job I began ten or twelve yrs ago, which I must get
out of way before I can do enmything et al. Bro up and atom.

I have told Fitts your decision. He weeps. But sends
me samples of a new translation of FROGS to follow his
*Lysistrata*.
Also gather he is transgrunting Martial.

Spender being one of my gripes, personally as well as
literary, am glad you did not give it to him. Simply an opportunist
and willing to seek any hole, before or behind, which presents
itself. Remember so well, during war, seeing him intrude "Our
Tom" who was talking on Whitman. Spender in fireman's uniform --
kamerado. Also once at Dame Edith Sitwell's. There, in onionform
of Home Guard. Don't think much of his new mag, which, dammit,
ain't no substitution for the early days of the *Christierion*.

Deelited to see that Robt Penn Warren gives a boost to
EP and Kung! Noticed it just efter u rote. Warren has most natural
taste, I think, among his gang; is generous where they are nut. Is
in Rome for summer, but look forward to lunches with him in fall
again.

Am passing on *Il Caffe* as desideratum for Yale adliberty;
if they don't I will.

Many thanks for kerrection on Pisan 79. Will note. You ask
what has got to plan for kerrexions--u still have sum not returned,
but have been storing up and will send. As u now know, it warn't
me who tried to make enmything offishul about project. Only "dwd's
rushing into print. But now well stopped, and I fir wun am keen to
see that everything be in order before canto 100 sees lite of daze.
Gawddamned newsence you have to be bothered with it, but don't see
how it kin be dun otherwise.

Many thanks for sending along the Agassiz and "enton bks,
which I had not seen. Cyarter asked me to do a review of the whole
Square Dollar series, which I have said I would. They've done a
good job. Any advice on how you'd like review steered. Hope it
will help.

Also thanks for various Eyetilian papers, and will prepare some kind of digists for Edwards. Presume he is wending his way around Europe now, garnering. Seems to have circulation. Am not yet up to completing sending out sheets of annotation to the flock of requests which came in, but am working on the list as I can. From everywhere: south amurrica, mid-east, continent, god knows where. Never intended them for such, and will be bankrupt before it is through. But if it helps, it helps. Unanswered correspondence on my desk still overwhelming, but it decreases. Thank God no students around.

Letters from Bill Willyums, who seems in better health. Has now gone to the seashore, presumably near here as always. By the way, he has an idea of someone's (not me) doing a collection of his letters, such as Paige did for yours. But would have to have some of his early ones to you. Are they in Papallo, or did the ubiquitous J Locklin bring them over with TSE's and JJ's. He once asked me to find out. How can I except thru you. (I seem to be middleman to the world!)

News item: all papers of John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Charles Francis Adams being microfilmed for distribution to chief lieburies. At least summat available this way.

Have been handed graduate student who is to do his dissertation you and Browning, somehow. Will make him jump off from R.B. into some more general problems.

By the way had an unusually interesting paper by a little schoolmarm graduate student of mine this year on Gautuer's "L'Art" and H.S.M. Seems never to have modern poetry before, but woke up with a start. Very lively. Any interest on yr part in seeing?

Enclose a couple of sample kerrections (?) on Cantos. Ok or deny change, and send one or both copies back to me for muniment.

24 July 1954

Dear EP

Yes, I see. verb "can" in "plates can be changed" meant
only to signify technical possibility. Don not doubt in slightest
that Lockling (thru a mirror Lockling) will have all Scottish
thrift suddenly emerge to block devices for rendering reference to
Centos easier. Thank God, however, that Canto soetwas retains its
own number in any pagination. Suspect J's heart now chiefly in
Ford Foundation giveaways. What Nude Erections needs is a rutting
season.

Many thanks for verified sheet. My references are to the
edition of 1856, same as yrs; believe only good one. 1856 definitely
has barber's boy instead of yr baker's boy (who puts in his thumb and
pulls out a bun. Why not change to Adams' classification of occupa-
tion, unless you can give me a good reason for change. Will add it
to list being enclosed with this, for your papal authority.

Actually, some of Edwards cohorts in Berkaley are making an
INDEX to cantos, which will be immensely useful, as you suggest.
I have feeling that in consequence some of those who only read
graphs will see certain lines and vibrations in structure of cantos
emerge through the pattern of repetition. They hope to have ready
for mimeographing some time in fall. Am in constant touch, since
certain spellings of names in Adams cantos are in question; and will
see that you get copies instanter of the index. Am on whole quite
encouraged with the effects which the early annotation of cantos
here has had. These lead, as I pled before, to other more central
benefits.

We give much to see NOH in Venice, but instead am driving to
Ohio next week for 4/5 days to see grandson of Nath Hawthorne's uncle
and guardian (latter put N.H. thru collidge). Yrs agone I got myself
involved in editing N.H.'s letters, and must get them out of the way.
I get musty while they are in progress. Most of my days now spent in
library on them.

Still a leetul vague about Ric St Victor, despite Yankowski's
desire to translate. Elucidate?

Will no doubt send you postcards en route, and will look for
canto keeructions in postbox when I return end of next wk.

Hotel Curtis

DAN EMMETT GRILL

MOUNT VERNON, OHIO

14 Aug 1954

HOTEL FORT PIQUA
PIQUA, OHIO

Dear EP:

Silence due to week in hotel above while I worked on some 19th-century lit'ry papers connected with Hawthorne. Hotel had verry good balcony porch, behind rail at lower right-hand corner of bldg as you face it, where one cd sit with feet on railing and watch the square of the town. No straw to suck, though.

HOTEL CLARENDON
ZANESVILLE, OHIO

HOTEL CURTIS
MT. VERNON, OHIO

On way out, I stopped to see Rafe Hodgson, now snuggled away, sans bull pups, in a farmer's cottage. Rather like Ford Madox Ford as in HSM, only without particularly good food. All very strange, but he most affable and impoverished. His wife works in a wax paper factory. He looks at old city directories out of 19th-century England, and also old photograph albums of unknown worthies.

HOTEL ROGGE
ZANESVILLE, OHIO

Since then have read 600 page ms of not very good book on Amerurriken poesie written in 1890's (for which anyhow I got a fee); then a 500 page life of Hiram Powers (the Greek Slave artifactor), also not very good; and then wrote a requisitioned article on a short story by Faulkner, of which Yale has just gotten the ms. Kinduv interesting to see changes in the three versions.

HOTEL PHOENIX
FINDLAY, OHIO
(AN AFFILIATE)

Otto John seems to have stirred up Eruption. Looks like hellandgone in a hack, with nobuddy crying Geee or Whoa.

HOTEL OHIO
WOOSTER, OHIO

HOTEL STRATFORD
PARKERSBURG
WEST VIRGINIA

Member OHIO HOTELS ASSOCIATION — AMERICAN HOTEL ASSOCIATION

4 September 1954

Dear EP:

Sorry for delay. Have been deluged with visiting firemen, wishing to look at Hawthorne material; and in finishing up chores before my assistant (good little guy, and friend of Lebeck) leaves for year's Fullbright in Rome with Praz. Also have for moment been reading proof on Bill Wms' translation of Quevedo, done with his ma from the copy you left with him. He has done a nice and long introduction about mama. Will send you a copy if the Bard of Rutherford doesn't do so himself.

Edwards was here, having just popped from plane after his Epoch-making trip. Have forgot whether he was to have seen you before returning to coast. At any rate he appears to have done a good job of it, within possible limits, and I rather gathered that he had matured somewhat. Some new items for boobliography, particularly in the musical line. I think trip embarrassed no one, though I held him off from Hilda. She, by the way, is about to take off from Lugano to Rome for a few days in mid-month. The Perdita to be there; also her brother. Hope she will go thru with it. Last winter rather rugged for her.

Gave Edwards various synopses of newspaper articles etc for his newsletter, and felt encouraged about his plans for next issues. I found the section on Douglas, in the last issue, most helpful to recommend as primer for a primer, and suggested we go on thru paideuma, with some extras: viz., Van Buren, Brooks Adams, and at least some more on Foobenius.

By the way, am trying to encourage Kaspar to do a vol of gists from F'robenius. Dammit, Yale Library still cannot get a set; and, as I wrote you some time ago, someone (too keen on getting knowlidge?) has stolen vol V from New York Public Library.

Rotten hurricane here last week, and have been spending PMs picking up stones hurled up on lawn, driftwood and sea-trash strewn everywhere; and removing doorsteps, kitchen cabinets, chairs, etc, from destroyed cottages, which the storm deposited in my care.

Enclose a few more corrections from history cantos for your OK. This ends it for the moment, tho with beginning of term a few more may turn up.

• By the site of the Elm where George Washington first took command of the American Army, July 3, 1775 •

The
Commander
HOTEL

CAMBRIDGE • MASSACHUSETTS

28 October 1954

Dear EP

Trouble is: I owe you a long letter. This can't be that, however, because I am due at Harvard Library to go over some Longfellow papers. (Just to add another dusty feather to the head that sports a garland of Howells.) But I don't want the 30th to pass by without my salute to you, if you will accept it.

Any objections to my beginning to make plans for an exhibition of your writing, to celebrate a year from this 30th? The 70th will be an event, and I would try to make a worthy show to accompany it. Babb, the Yale Librarian, is enthusiastic. I think it would work well in the line we want to take. Let me know.

Didn't have much chance to talk with Edwards on his wing thru New Haven last month, so couldn't really judge what he was up to; though he sure got around. I always thought him better at putting one datum next to another datum in chronological sequence, than at interpretation of phenomena or situations. Better, ergo, at Ezrology of events tiptoeing one after the other, than at Ezrosophy of ideas. Doubt, however, that in long run he will do much harm.

Thanks for note about Howells broadcast. The only good thing about it was the one hundred bucks they paid me. Bryson is very glib at saying nothing, but is very adept at wiggling his finger to indicate when one is supposed to take up the chit-chat. Certainly the program is at best an invitation to something besides larnin'.

3

but that probably renaissance would have appeared in Byzantium as in Italy.
Emotionally provoking.

Had much talk at Debek about the ms resources lying hidden in records
of Istanbul, in archives of Greek church etc. But am told that Roman Church
doing all within its power to keep them hidden. Do not want early history
of this sort brought to light, since would upset too many theories now pro-
mulgated.

Was held up at Athens by breakdown of British plane, and so had a
morning on the Akropolis, where I had not been since the 20s. Much work
done around the base, including the Agora, and the theatres, and more columns
used propped up on akropolis itself. British service airwise impossible, so
jumped British plane and went on by Greek airlines. Quite OK. Did however
come back by British airways to Rome, sighting Olympus from the air.

Final day and a half in London, but mostly business, except for a
hurried visit to the City to take a squint at the temple of Mithra uncovered
by excavations following the bombing.

Limbs ache but mind am refreshed, even tho flurried; and Yale a little
more tolerable because of memories.

Will write again in a few days. Plans are marching for the exhibition
here next fall for your 70th. Will try to assemble some morceaux choisi.

28 January 1955

Dear EP

Up for the moment from the dark woods of error. Hope I
can remain.

Many thanks for sending along the young Grab. He seems
like an intelligent sort. Wants to do his senior honor's thesis
on your work, under me. Don't usually do much of this with under-
graduates, but liked him and so will do. Present plans, since he
is reading in the classics, and wants to get as much dope as pos-
sible into his bean, is for him to start out, at least, on the
ideogram of Greek kulchur as it fits into your scheme. Much of
Latin kulchur also, selbtsverstandlich, for reasons of comparison
usw, but the Greek seemed more compact for him to handle as particu-
lar focus. May turn out differently, but he should cover the chief
classical foci in the course of it.

Returning next week is the graduate student who is doing his
dissertation on Browning's schemata and intentions as indicating
shift between his period and your own dittos. Am not fantastically
keen on this, nor quite sure of the man's abilities; but when he came
over to me, he had been at work on glossing the cantos (all of 'em)
for Cleanth Brooks. Job too big for him, and quite different from the
usefulness to seminar students as an exercise in reading when I esk
them to gloss a single canto. But perhaps we can make something out
of it.

Have a good young German, in comparative literature, who is
doing a long paper for me, trying to get at implications of your
translations from Heine. More than meets the eye, I think. He's
first-rate; his paper is more or less already accepted for publica-
tion even before he begins it.

Deeelighted, of course, to see 85 in the Hudson. No fat on
it, and the brush strokes are clean, with all life in the relation-
ships and juxtapositions. Presume it proffers plan and some building
blocks for Dioce. I am eager to see the next two.

By the way, or not that, precisely, since it is not incidental.
A couple of intelligent undergraduates, biliosed by the tawdry efforts
of the Yale Dramat are trying to establish a theatre of protest.
Everything to be done simply, with emphasis on the things presented
and their significance. Their first idea, in which I encouraged them,
even by suggesting it in the beginning, was to do your translation of
<u>The Women of Trachis</u>. They wrote to the Hudson, but the latter seem
not quite sure whether you said OK or NO. Wish you would say the former,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

5 February 1955

Dear EP:

Thank God there are no visiting hrs on a Sunday after-
noon in my office. Have my beever teeth out, gnawing away at
accumulated driftwood on my desk, or rather intend to do so,
but much prefer writing to HQ.

Many thanks for peemishun to buzzards to put on TRAX.
Will do m'best to see no violasli>nning. At any rate their hearts
are initially in right place, and perhaps their muscles can be
trained to coordinate. Have written Hudson. I see by Newsletter
that they might possibly bring out pamphlet.

Newsletter very full, and was glad to see Kenner, the good
sister et al, jump down the throat of the Berkeley bastard (actually
a nice guy, but sadly lacking). Also that index for cantos progresses.
This should be invaluable, in calling attention to structural nuances
of the whole: the thematic carrying out of design. Will give indica-
tion of what old Fenolossa meant by design through spacing in Jap
Art. By the way, believe I have good graduate student to take up
problem in his dissertation of the N.E. strain towards the East from
1860s on. I mean following after the trade routes, not to be confused
with them. To include Sylvester Morse, the student of Aggasiz who
went out first, and get F to follow as professor of rhetoric at Jap
university; then Sturges Bigelow, Percival Lowell, the sons of Henry
Cabot Lodge etc., even including Mrs Jack Gardner. From this, as you
know: revived interest of Japs in own art, restoration of brush work
in Jap writing, the Dow system of teaching art, the collections of
oriental art at Boston Museum of Fine Arts and Freer, and the sense
of the ideogram to coincide with post-Aristotelian logic. He knows
something about written characters in Chink and Jap, and could, I
think, manage a beginning. What do u think of it?

No recent bullins about condition of Cape Ann's Possum.
Can't say as how I consider nussin homes much better than Little
Giddups as refuge from cares of world or body.

On hearing you had not received HUDSON, sped my little feet
to corner bookshop and bought copy with canto to send on to you,
special. Hope it above.

Trouble with paper series like Kinehart's is that they tend,
as with Huse Dante to become papier mache. Anchor series better but
tends towards flossy rather than fundamentals. As for square bucks,
I try to get students to buy them, and they do. But one trouble always
the same--the I understand the reasons because of the twins' other
jobs. But, to take F item as example, I had Kirgo order in late August

20 March 1955

Dear E.P.

Mother of God, what has happened to the days since I
last wrote you! I feel all conceivable frustrations, and could
recount them one by one, but that would be the medium all over
again. There is nothing to it, but that I should run down in
May or June when Yale is out to see you. If you'll permit?

I enclose a flyer for the <u>women</u>. I am told the rehearsals
are going well, and that the music doesn't offend. Actually a
vurry talented, tho not vurry vurry talented, young man (plays
fiddle purty good) in the moosic schule, and ain't so pussyfessorial
as his title indicates. I'll send details on score when I've heard
it. Am going on Wednesday nite to premeer, and will duly record
impressions for yr eddifaction.

Hilda done real good by me and sent over (it arrived yester-
day, and so not yet read) the Holthusen kritik in MERKUR. Also in
NEUE SCHWEIZER RUNDSCHAU an article by a Rudolf Hagelstange: "Ezra
Pound und die Fallstricke der Politik," which you had not menshunned.
I usually have to count on you, tho now a little I can depend on
Poundpartypaper, for keeping in touch.

Kid Grab, the little one you sent, works like a beaver on
his senior thesis, reading away, and pretty soon will be ready to
begin to THINK. Much obliged; he responds well. I daresay he will
be seeing you at St Lizzie's during his Easter vac which begins on
Aperulè secund.

Hope flowers begin to spring up outside, and you can git into
open air, afternoons.

Yalta papers may not say much we didn't guess at before, but
surely indicated that FDR was no great improvement on Parsifal as the
simple one. Better get the stuff out anyhoot, and perhaps one can
start afresh. Am wading through the shites of newsprint about it,
but find it hard going. Simply merde-erous!

Forgive brevity of this here letter. Got to run home and go
to Filipino dinner.

2

It really did go off well. Everyone had worked hard on the production, and it was really a sincere effort. I had two chief criticisms, from an absolute point of view, one of them the producers' or rather director's fault; the second, not. The director did a very fine job with his groupings and the movement on the two levels of stage. However, and especially considering the size of the room, he either stimulated or permitted occasional shouting on the part of the leads, which is like overplaying. The opposite is just as a bad, of course. The second problem was not his fault, but the composer's. Apparently having started out simply, he became so enthused with your choruses that he made them more and more complicated so that it required an almost operatic series of voices and too elaborately large an orchestra for the size of the room. As a result, none of the actors could themselves sing the parts, which were recorded and played during a dimmed or darkened series of interludes. They were, I thought, almost too musical and the pauses too emphatic as interludes, breaking the line of the drama. The records were also played somewhat too loudly, and the damned fine lines you had written were as a consequence often smothered. However, no one but my wife and I seemed to feel this strongly, so I may be exaggerating. In any event, the composer at my request is having a disc made of the choruses for me. Would St Lizzle's permit a phonograph where you could hear it? I am sure that some of your friends would have one to bring, or if it is done in time, I could have young Grab carry it down in ten days when his spring holidays begin, and get hold of one for you. You can then judge for yourself, and the record is for you and Mrs P if you'd like it. Or send it back by Grab, and I'll store it for you against *der Tag*.

The boys have asked me again to send you their gratitude. Which is real. As is mine. The whole thing has been the first breath of fresh dramatic air in there here ivy-walled courtyards for God knows how long. Thanks to E.P. for doing it. In the acknowledgement in the program, I had them leave off anything but the statement of copyright, so that you wouldn't be badgered directly by anyone and everyone who might want to put it on, and so that you could keep your control of it better. Otherwise, requests might say that pince you did it for New Productions, why not for us? usw. I hope I interpreted right. If not, my apologies for unintended gaucherie.

11 August 1955

Dear EP:

Looked up at the doorway of my office, and there was the pastorella: Mlle Gege Cazort, aus Leetle Rock, in Ark. A good sort. She brought me two milkweed pods on a single stem, which now hang testiculate from a bookcase shelf. Very enlivening, and I enjoyed visit. Had a nice kind of quality when she settled in, and will do all right in her southern convent. She had birch-bark postcard for you, which I hope arrived.

Some little research in Yale liebury has uncovered vol you seek. LE LIVRE DU PREFET, ou L'Edit de l'Empereur Leon le Sage sur les corporations de Constantinople. Texte grec du Genevensis 23, avenc une traduction Latine. Jules Nicole. Geneve 1893. Is vol XVIII of Memoires de L'Institut National Genevois. Faulty carding did not list under Nicole, but Library of Congress card gave clue which finally uncovered. Now: do you want me to send, or can you get from L.C. Glad to send this, if you will say whether direct to Saint Lizzie's, or via Grab. Grab at any rate can bring back, if you are through with it, when he returns to Deadwood-on-the-Green.

David Lattimore pleased with good sense of your letter to him, and I have urged to go on with his translation of Mencius. Shd think it cd be published when finished; in any event of inestimable value to his as instrooxion. I agree with you on deletion of don'ts usw. By the way, Mlle Gege showed me her letter mentioning David (not Owen). But pass on for your info that Owen is pere. One reason why Mng a good cleansing tutor. Gather boy not overjoyed with Yale chinkerie which is definitely unliterary. But daresay he will have picked up elements of langwidge which will remain useful. Daresay only recent good accomplished by NMP locally is an occasional goosing; or pat on the back, as with D.L.

Many thanks for collaboration with Grab. He is most grateful for the summer; so am I to you for helping him. Main thing is to cram a little education into his noggin.

Summer has been hell, and have accomplished gar nichts.

Send instruction on Byantine Prefet.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

27 October 1955

Dear EP:

It will be close to 28 Oct<sup>R</sup> before I finish this and take it
to the post office. The office is pleasantly empty of students. That
is why I had to come back tonight. But I could not let the 30th come
without a salaam aleikum.

There is no good at the moment trying to answer the particular
letters now on my desk from you. That will come. And I needn't say
how it pleased me that you liked the square-buck review, that it did a
little of what needed to be done, if only it will make a dent in a corner.
Virginyah oder Austeritalia, don't matter which, so long's somepin gotta
give.

I enclose a couple of guides to a part of your birthday party
in Nude Haven. It's rather impressive: chiefly the works themselves,
the rocks, the successive ideograms, what has been put in order. The
ground floor plan of the lieburied (only this time it ain't!). The students
come in as the arrow indicates, walking up the steps and going thru doors
at the spot where the white areas rear like Scylla and Charybdis. Then
down the long nave-like center is a series of five cases, (glassed), each
about five feet long, by three and a half wide. When one reaches the
high-altar desk where books are given out like holy wafers, on each side
are two more similar cases filled with EPistles. The other large corridor
to the right (per arrow) is a sort of glassed in cloister made into summat
sparkling by five large upright cases against the upper wall (the other
side is a courtyard) in which there is still more EPiana. And grand Piana
it is! Thanks to you for writing it.

Yes, sir! It is really impressive to see the long period of creativ-
ity unrolled before one. We did it chronologically, so that it strikes out
at any moment in many directions. To compartmentalize it: section I, economics
section 7, music; sect 11, criticism; would miss the point of the complete
man. Nach<sup>LY</sup> we didn't try to include every periodical appearance which we
have been impossible. But I think every book was there, with the exception
of four translations from the Wop which we ain't got (I remember I said, by
God there was going to be one place where it all could be found), and some
of the music we have only in photostats. Enough mss around to keep it
lively without turning it into a gossip column or censor's office. The MSS
of Personae, the original draft of your proposal for the Bel Esprit; Max
Beerbohm's sketch of you at Rap. in '32, and little things from the papers
of the Dial which are at Yale; Furioso (Angleton's paper); Hound & Horn. USW.
The files and correspondences of the mags, these and some others, are at
the Collection. And used, when they ain't just poisonal.

The proof seems to be in the pudding. The students go in and out
of the library several times each day. Each time they pass a case, they
stop at another point, or look again at where they were before. There

are always people leaning against the cases looking. God only knows what
they get out of it: an ideogram of accomplishment, maybe. That's something;
that's a good deal!

The graduate seminar has gone pretty well, though I find myself too
tired to give them any real verve. We are in the cantos now, and the 25
of them are responding properly. Perhaps that's the trouble: 25 are too
damned many to be teaching in a so-called seminar. That's your fault for
being the subject matter.

However there is a kind of pattern to the birthday, the exhibition,
the seminar, and the radio program which Grab and the others are readying.
And I like it.

The graduate student who is doing his dissertation on Fenollosa and
that group begins to uncover things which should be good. Following up the
lead of the second Mrs F's death notice, he located the daughter in Alabama
(on the Gulf) went down, and found some mss of F's: unpublished workings
on more vols on Chink and Jap art; some sheets of transliterated poems
such as she must have given you; 22 vols of journals kept by Mrs F while
in Japan with him, and elsewhere; etc etc. And I have uncovered for him
some unpublished journals kept by T.C.Mendenhall, the physicist, who went
out to Japan with Fenollosa. Chisholm (grad. student in question) is really
able guy. When proper time comes I may send along to you. He is not, repeat
not, interested in gossip. But the more I think of the subject, the better
it seems. The angles proliferate: I did not know that F was a philosopher
by profession. It all ties in, like the rocks on Penikese. You introduced
me to F.; I introduce Chisholm to you and to F. Iron filings. You make a
good magnet.

And so, greetings on your 70th year of magnitude.

29 October 1955

Dear EP:

Grab here in office, reporting on
latest developments re EPic broadcast by
WYBC in honor of a good guy. Had written,
at my suggestion to Hairverde to see if he
could borrow readings of poetry; and they
say OK but that the better maker has got to
give letter of approval. I quite agree with
EP that it aint fittin' to make special readings
for one's own birthday party; but feel mebbe
it's different when guys like Grab make the
effort on their own to bring together things
not originally planned for a sequence of this
sort. Is this OK by you? I told Grab I'd
write since he feels embare-assed. All this
non-usurious soon my part, since I ain't asking
for privilege of having a copy made for me
privately, the someday I hope it will be available
for ginks like me. Could u let me know about
Grab since they are nearing orgasm of excitement.
Letter enclosed to me could be forwarded to
Charles River, and save you bother. If you feel
better not (as I hope you won't), I'll explain
comfortingly.

By the way, if Hilda don't write birthday
gruss it will be because she has phobia about
teaching 70 next September.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 H G S
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN • CONN

30 Oct<sup>r</sup>

Dear EP

It is rrrrrreally rrrrrraining here
today. Hope it bein't that way by you for
THE day.

Only consolation here that it gives me
a chance to get at my desk. Yesterday's
letter writ whilst Grab was sitting by my
desk. Really a nice kid whom you have helped
to wake up. He's working awfully hard on the
broadcast. He keeps coming for suggestions
and encouragement and a now-and-then lift
in the way of using my name as intro to Doktor
Billy, eecummings, the leashed Archie, Mary
an' the moore, etc.

Present letter of mine written to learn
more about Irving Alpert of whom you inquired
from the Grab. Don't know the guy, tho the
name seems familiar (anyhow it's a familiar
sort of name). No one thus monnikered is on
faculty, or listed as student. Phone book lists
only an Isaac Alpert at 110 Dwight. But can
check for you if given a little more lead.

Glad to see the Pea made new in J's 15;
might even prove a new direction, which is more
than can be said for most. Any advance clari-
cation on announcement of *Frivolities*. Sounds
real good.

station won't have any money anyhow, and perhaps since not to be printed
it doesn't matter. I suppose however, if you think it's OK not to cut
out the portions when you read, that I'll have to have another note from
you giving that particular permission. Sweeney, at the Harvard Collection,
is a nice guy, a very nice guy, but wants to be sure he's not going to be
caught off base.

Having started this letter earlier this morning, the Yale News
has come with an article on you which I also enclose. (By the way, Tate
didn't appear on the tape.)

My senior colleague in American literature has been ill for the past
few weeks with what looks like leukemia. Anyhow I've had to give his
lectures in addition to my own, which accounts for scantness of correspond-
ence. A copy of _Tempo_ with excellent photo, from Drummond. Article seems
to be OK.

Have to be off tomorrow to Ohio until end of week on biz. Will
see Rafe Hodgson en route. Presume you remember the guy and his terriers.
Lives in a farmhand's cottage off in the country, supported by a young wife
who now works in a wax paper factory to keep them going.

After next week is thru, so will Yale be until until January. Will
write then, but wanted to get this off to you.

YALE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

Hall of Graduate Studies
New Haven, Connecticut

December 6, 1955

To whom it may concern:

It gives me great pleasure to recommend Mr. Noel Stock for serious consideration in his application for a fellowship to study at Stanford University. Mr. Stock and I have corresponded frequently in connection with problems of modern American poetry and criticism, and I feel sure that the alertness of his mind, its directness, and the quality of both his prose and his verse, which have already attracted the attention of several of our most competent critics, would make him welcomed at Stanford. I should consider it a privilege, were he to be granted a fellowship, to introduce him by letter to my many friends on the Stanford faculty and at the University of California in nearby Berkeley. And I should of course hope that he might be able to visit the East Coast during his stay in America, so that I might enable him to have as wide as possible an acquaintance with literary scholarship and criticism as it is now practised in this country.

NHP:jc

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

22 December 1955

Dear EP:

Forgive silence; I think the worst is over. The last month has been much mangled by leukemia on part of senior professor of American literature, and I have been doing his lectures in addition to my own. I like to shoot off my mouth, God knows, but this has been a little too much. Theoretically, he returns after Christmas; if he doesn't, then it can be somebody else's turn.

Then a fortnight ago I had to go out to Ohio, with side visits on the way back at Pittsburgh and Lancaster. Ohio was for Rafe Hodgson, living on a farmhand's cottage -- he is 86 now -- with the memory of his bull mastiffs. Doubt he was your cup of tea. And in Pittsburgh I had to see Harold Doolittle, Hilda's brother, whom you may remember from Philadelphia days. Rather surprisingly like Hilda in the eyes and lankyness; his poetic instincts, however, expressing themselves in terms of rapture at the industrial growth of his city, the beauty of which escaped me as I drove through it.

Then last weekend to Boston to the wedding of a niece, all this being complicated by the fact that my wife slipped on the marble stairs of the Fogg gallery just before the ceremony at the Harvard Chapel, so that she tore the ligaments from her ankle and was mamed, while on the way back that night, my car conked out, and we had to spend the night wearily in Worcester.

I am exhausted, but recovering.

Sorry, but I could not resist getting and sending you this little carte de visite of Agassiz, with his signature, as a kind of Christmas card. Of one rock-driller to another! Have you seen a copy of Shenandoah with the review in it. One just sent me, and presume others will come along. Took 'em long enough. They had promised proof, but it did not come at all. Fortunately it seems to be as written. Have ordered several copies of the Vanni, from the New York shop, but ain't heard nothing in confirmation. Nacherly, I am eager to see; and will send one on to Hilda. (By the way, she was much pleased at your letter.

Drummond back in the game with the article from Tempo. Splendid! So was photograph. Any chance of getting a couple of copies of the original. Would like Hilda to have one, also one for the muniment room in my office. Will pay of course.

I did tell Hinchliffe you might be willing to see him. A young Englishman here on a fellowship, who goes back to England to teach about Amurrika. Very nice boy with good manners, who seemed to be able to follow the work in the seminar. Zwischen uns, not very bright, but a man of good will. He comes sincerely. Also hope to be able to send down a young Finn,

2

who may already have sent you an article on EP he wrote for a Finnish
newspaper on the Royal Birthday. Also a good seminarian. He wanted me
to send it, figuring it should be done thru echelons; I said no, send it
yourself.

Finally discovered that the Howard Boatwright who did the music
for the Women actually had sent you the recording, but --damn fool -- did
not send a letter along with it. Curious thing is, he was actually too
shy! If you haven't a convenient way to hear it, get the Grab to bring in
a machine when he comes with the tape. Boatwright also writing you about
permission to use two stanzas from THE SPIRIT OF ROMANCE in a book of
musical exercises he is doing. You might menshem the recording when you
reply. The guy did actually have several cuttings made of the disk before
he was reasonably satisfied in the one he sent you. Works hard at things.
His wife has a damn good, and improving voice, and sings around the country.
Does particularly well with the songs of Charles Ives. Know his work? An
original.

Sorry to hear that Robert McA is spitting out. Don't know how even
**he** can stand that Deer Park Desert Hot Springs. Chief error: his love of
acorns qua acorns. Chief lack: voluntatio.

Apparently, for the moment, I am off the goodwill list of Californi-
cator Edwds. At least he was reported in these parts (at least New York),
but did not put his head in here. Still think his newsletter has done some
good especially in amplifying boobliography, and listing books and articles
about EP. Chief error: self-merchandizing. Chief lack: critical sense.

Did Grab do anything about books you wanted by Jo. R. Rock? I can
always get and mail anything of this kind if you want.

Leger is dead, as Grab will perhaps have told you. Percy McKaye
lives forever.

Do not imagine Yule spirit very strong at St Lizzie's, but if I
were Pope I'd send you my blessings.

Gilbert Murray 90th Birthday Fund

SIR H. IDRIS BELL, C.B., O.B.E., F.B.A.
President, Classical Association

PRESIDENTS:

DAME KATHLEEN COURTNEY, D.B.E.
President, United Nations Association

Hon. Treasurer: THE RT. HON. SIR OLIVER FRANKS, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., C.B.E.

Hon. Secretary: MISS E. V. LAZARUS

25 CHARLES STREET • LONDON • W.1

TELEPHONE: GROSVENOR 2784

TELEGRAMS: FREENAT • AUDLEY • LONDON

January 1956

Dear Professor Pearson,

In January 1956 Dr. Gilbert Murray is to celebrate his 90th anniversary and many of his friends will desire to give him a birthday present. We wish to put forward a plan that we think will give him pleasure because it is designed to further the two objects which his own life's work has done so much to advance - Greek studies and international co-operation.

It is our intention to collect a fund, to be known as the Gilbert Murray Fund, which should serve both these objects. Its Trustees and their advisers will be asked to insure that payments are made in equal proportions on the one hand, towards the study of ancient Greek literature and thought, and the propagation of Hellenic culture, and, on the other, to promote with the help of travelling fellowships or other means those educational, social, political and ethical purposes of the United Nations with which Dr. Murray has been so deeply concerned.

We hope this appeal for the Gilbert Murray Fund will be made widely known, for among the countless men and women whose lives Gilbert Murray has enriched, whose thoughts he has spoken, and whose consciences he has saved, there must be many who will wish to contribute their gift, large or small, to a fund in his honour that will remain a lasting memorial to a great scholar and a great citizen.

Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to the Gilbert Murray Fund. Address: 25, Charles Street, London, W.1.

Yours sincerely,

is the gross boobishness and boorishness

of the murkn on edge of licherchoor more apparent than in
persistent ref/ to Gertie in accounts of Ez/

the result of the lib on the n.y. three weakly advertising
media.

Tosay I talked with Picabia. Jean de Gourmont ( Remy being dead)
that I saw once or twice Hennique and DesCharmes . dare say it was
only once each, that I saw Mockel , Spire , Cojoteau

Mockel the best as friend , Van der Pyl , " Willy " was
not in Paris.

but why drag in that old sack of potatoes, save that it
reflects the ignorance of the reporting journalists , parroted
by victims of brainwashing.

and that after 12 years in London I did NOT gravitate
to the dishwash of the nrf.

nhp 2 Jan 56

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

31 January 1956

Dear EP:

My silence regrettable, but unfortunately my father had
a cerebral hemmorrhage early in January, and his been unconscious
ever since. Should have died long since, except for his Vermont
granite which involucrately will not give up, and for the paradoxical
and perhaps even dubious triumph of medicine which keeps him going
thru intraveinous feedings etc. Since he is in mid-eighties, all
this is not unexpected, and would not tell you except in explanation.

Many thanks for the bundle of mags, newspeppers usw which the
Grab brought back with him. Italy especially rises to the cause
nobely, thank God! Even with some twisting of the robes, they help
to keep the warmth in.

Have returned the tapes of your readings to Harvard, along with
a duplicate tape for their files, in thanks for letting us use it.
Rules for rebroadcasting are that permission should be gotten this year
from WYBC (after that from me, since their personnel changes), with
charges for use of your poetry if a commercial station uses it. I had
thought of offering use of tape to Stock for down under.

Also sent typescripts of program to the Possum and to Nude
Erections, but have not heard in reply from either. The boys are now,
at my suggestion, having it mimeographed. Not yet done; but will want
to get this widespread: to Stock, Drummond, believe Mary de R has one
from Grab, Agresti certainly. Think we can do much with these.

Had already sent one copy of Shen to Horton, and as of your
card sent a second. Copies of ROCK DRILL aint yet arrived. Letter
from Kenner says he's not seen it yet neither. Damn it! Stewdon'ts
most anxious to examine. Grab showed me his copy of Vanni tribute.
Do you think they'd send me twenty or so. Could sell here to the
circle for them; and am ankshuss for the Hilda to get one. Is it for
sale?

You asked about Daly and Johnson who worked with Grab on the
broadcast: Daly just did reading, is an English major, does profession-
al announcing at local city station and in Iowa, and wants to become
a radio announcer. Johnson an interesting guy: majors in architecture,
but now wants to be a writer (he says after taking my undergraduate
class (may be dubious tribute) and go to Yurrup to gain "atmosphere."
He and Grab did most work and wrote script. My only contribution that
of suggesting names, letting them use mine in letters, and touching
up script now and again; but complete credit is theirs, and all done
con amore.

2

Grab finished and turned in senior essay on EP and Greek tradition. Came out better than I thought, and no doubt but that he learned helluva lot by what he read. Has begun to understand dimenshuns. Not sure what his future will be, but at least more orderly than it wd btherwise have been. Shd put in future curriculum vitae that he has studied at St Lizzie's!

By the way, Blakiston letter (circular) not yet arrived. Shd I eventually expect?

Grab has seen Benton Award announcement. Money thanks!

Ramon Guthrie, former Left-Banker (non-usorious, nom-Commie) with interest in litter-chewer, but didn't accomplish much, and is now teaching French at Dartmouth. Admirer of EP, and wrote poem which I gether from Grab, EP has seen. If not can send copy. Heart is in right place, but not much blood pumped. Still, adds civilizing touch to New "ampshire Indian territory."

Red Warren nice guy, doesn't emasculate approach to writing by cutting himself off from anything not mattyphysic, and does try to write (not always badly) in Southern high rhetoric.

(At that pt broken in by couple of Howard Univ--yr neighborhood -- and then by necessity of writing letters of recommendation: law schools, Pears Roebuck and other intelektool beeneries. Meanwhile yours of 29th arrived). Warren just resigned from Yale where has been teaching writing of drama. Why? Don't think he hez gut mooch feeling for theatre, which is not the same thing as dramatic rapes and decapitations in his novels. Presume, therefore, that he wishes to turn out more Literary Guild novels; or, hopefully, something to which he really gives what he might give. Anyhow, damned sensible on his part not to continue wet-nursing those whose highest ideal doing scripts for television ads. We'll see whether he's been washed in the blood of Charles Lamb!

Cape Cod series of broadsides, which I have been getting regularly, only codpiece which isn't stuffed with cotton to simulate virility. Hope it arouses something beside interest.

For yr recud: Brooks Adams has been part of reading of NHP's seminary for sum yeers, but until now without benefit of new paperback edition, which makes ezier. Undergraduates to whom I shoot off my big mouth in lectures get told to. Hard to know what happens, tho.

Thot yu mite be remotely interested that Yale liebury has added to Joyce collection, (best in worrold) a bunch of books including yr presentation copy to him of Qua Pauper, an well as his copies of Lathay and the ... Metrics and Poetry. Just nice to have here, rather than washed upon shore anywhere. Am damned annoyed at moment that someone in Knew Yok did not know Yale wd want EP's letter to Louis Zukofsky, and this only came to attention when we were offurred and bot Z's letter from Billums Willums. EP's quoted to California, but time limit lapses within a few days, in which case Yale has said to send up quick. Letters probably of interest to pausterity, but most immediately invaluable are a number of lit sups to Wop paper (edited by yu?).

4 February 1956

Dear EP:

Just a weekend bowloftin to say that efter awl we
managed to get the batch of Zukofksy letters from ewersylph.
Califunnier did not reply within two weeks deadline, and I
called New York dealer to be sure they got to the right muniment
room. NRSVP on this score; but me, personally, I'm glad!

Editor of back sexshun of News Weekly cum in ter see
me on Thursday, and since he wuz an old poopil of mine, I gave
him copy of Yale tribute to admired poet so that he could look
at it and mebbe give it a few lines. I'll wait and see. Doughnut
think News Wk sways the nation, but cannot see any harm in their
widening circle of informed, unless you happen to hear that Uncle
Ez duz; in which case please to relay to me.

As you know, do not normally ask you questions, and certainly
not for publication, but last issue of thing called The Explicator
has little artycle with intriguing suggestion that in yr Hugh Selwyn
Mauberry To kalon decreed in the market place, carries reference to
Tokalon "the trade name of certain of the less expensive cosmetics
manufactured and advertised in England since 1912." Pleasant irony
from several gas burners on at once. But intended? Deelited if you
could advise.

7 February

Dear EP

Being always interested in "process" and the description of what volcanic fire has made new in the way of rocks on Penikese, I am delighted this morning to observe for the first time the geographical stata evident in EP's supreme ending to canto LXXXI, when a false clue to Chaucerian touch, made me turn to *Pocket Book of English Verse* and the opening maladjustment by Van Dyke of the "Dallade of Good Counsel." God, what a triumphant revenge on Velveteen Henry! And what metamorphosis! I ain't talking about sources, mind you. I'm only, Agassiz-wise, referring to manner in which a Dyke spreads silt over a spirit, and how *the* man can come along and clear it away and construct something that shines.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

14 February

[1956]

Dear EP

Glad to know, for sake of record, that tokalon stinks. Latest issue of midwestern little Maggie has what is known as "Further Notes on Mauberly," by one Buffalo lad named Connolly. Hast seen? Could send if u r curious. Seems OK so long as u tuk 'im by the hand; thereafter concentrated on prolonged rutting season which is hard to follow.

No news from News Weakly; mebbe they will think LIFE jumped them with recent editorial. My poorpuss still to keep everything stirred up from as many directions as pussable. Letter in response to Yale Poundcast script from MacGregorroff New Directions thanking for same, and holding with possibility of using. Gives curiouser and curioser reasons, not asked for, for not receiving Wop Rock Drill copies. But asks what methinks of having committee for working on typographical errors in present printing of Cantos. I told him what was being done, and, incidentally, have a stack for your OK if you give me the word to send. Or perhaps at Easter could bring down. Imagine an hour or two and we could get thru them. Or say, leave with you at one 5 pm and pick up next afternoon. Chief point in my mind, if Laughlin means busyness, would be, wifout involving u by name) to request thru final issue of Newsletter to have people in future send NHP any detected errors. Fang always, uv coarse, to be responsible for ideogrammar. Nothing to be done without imprimatur of senior professor of St Lizzie's. My function to be letter drop, cut-out, or whatever undercover terms seem best. Publicly, I can pull Burgess and Maclean, and strongly deny that self ever worked under-kivver for anyone.

Z's letters from EP here, c 80 of 'em, and especially very useful and sometimes hitherto unknown clippings from The pen. Think price was about three hundred bucks, or somewhat less, which is high but worth seeing them in muniment room for posteriority. Incidentally there wuz 2 hundred letters from the flagpolesitter of Rutherford to Z, which brought 185 bucks.

Letter from Possum's seccie, acknowledging receit of Poundcast, but saying St Thomas of Charing Cross now ill.

Undergraduates here about to bring me piles of mimeographed copies of script. Let me know where to send. Eva Hesse, Drummond, usw, one presumes. Probably nut to Viola Jordan.

Letter in last night from Bob McAlmon's sister. He died feb 2 of pneumonia. "He was frail and tragically ill from tuberculosis. His one remaining lung was mortally infected and there was no hope of recovery. It is a very sad end to his life." And so it was, though the life had been sad for a long time. Always believed that no one could be corrupted who warn't corruptible, but things sure helped in his case. Don't know whether one can do much for the memory or not.

6 March 1956

Dear EP:

Typing this on nite-shift (dammit! no pay-and-a-half for overtime),
but days have been too filled for amenities. Forgive.

Will have copies of Rustichello made and sent you. Definitely wuth
saving and distributing. Hopefully pronto.

Several messy-lanious items included for your delectation. Hope the
"correspondent" got a decent share of the price of the lettuce for himself.
Much as would like to acquire for the 'ale liebury, I must say the price is
purity steep fur sacred relicts. Also page listing Yeats' Revenues which
somehow got on market. Also page with an Aldington offer. They'll be
listing you on Gotham stock exchange before the year is out. Why not
incorporate.

Also for your (possible) amusement: a canto done for our 15th
wedding anniversary (by a nice guy on the faculty named Louis Martz). Ergo
Canto 15. Only possible annotation: that my father was named C hester; my
wife's father, Winchester. Summer cottage at Branford. My wife a good
horticulturalist: begonias and orchids. My edition of Hawthorne's letters.
The size of my lecture classes (elephantiasis). So be it!

Any possible interest on your part in reading volume two of the
new blog of John Quincy Adams? Delighted to send. Done by Samuel (Wave the)
Flagg Bemis, in an office a few doors down the hall from me.

Was given Santayana letters for Amas, but not had time to read them
yet. Have had to spend time getting ready for press Hilda's account of her
time with Freud. (Don't curse!) Labor love for her. French-Freud libidos.

Copy of Meanjin finely come from Australia, so that issue with 90
in it (a honey) could be impounded. But agree that Davenport's article on
Frobenius chief ray of light in a murky winter. That and his contribution
to New York Poundparty at English Institute, first step since EP's recognition
and monument to him in Cantos. Yale still unable to get a set or E.E. from
continent or elsewhere. Someone said Davi got one from F's widder. Any
suggestions. To give inkling of crap that goes on here, however, the anthro-
pology dept is doing survey of Africuntinent but is not disturbed because
bowsprit of Stuttgart's tomes not here. 'ale library is worried however.

Yes, I was a FOUR PAGES supporter, and have a set. Praise be. A
Foundation stone.

Send along an extra Asso di Bastoni, if you hev a spare.

No copies at hand yet of Poundcast. Aids say the stencil has bin cut,
but nothing run off so fur. Will let you know when. Will see that Viola is

["NORMAN\nHOLMES\nPEARSON", "233 HGS\nYALE UNIVERSITY\nNEW HAVEN · CONN", "11 March 1956", "Dear EP", "Treasury-package from DP arrived yesterday, only gleam in what\nwd otherwise have been yesturday. For which infinite thanks. Will\nof course read. Only deterrent now is necessity for spending Sunday\nmorning in office going through 156 page introduction to Jonathan\n\"dwards\" Freedom of the Will; i.e. voluntas, used non-usورiously. Am\none of the editors getting out a complete edition of his works. No\nprinting of Freedom, for example, since a hundred years ago, and then\nit was modernized, shaken-up, deformed. Yet academic twarts continue\nto cite it as a great Amurrikin buch without seeing to it that anyone\n(including themselves) could read it. Hard going, but what isn't.", "Disorder of minor sort also indicated by fact that Milda ain't\nhad a selected or keyrected edition of her poems for thirty years, tho\nshe is faithfully included (same old poems) in all short-cut anthologies.\nTrying to do one for her seventieth this fall, but am running into snag\nwith dead (but not buried) firm of Boni Liverwrong, who refuse to give\nup inclusions in earlier volume. Looks like necessity of law suit, for\nwhich I ain't got time really. Zwischen uns, publication will not be\nepoch-making, BUT simple decent respect owed to an artist of integritea.\nAnd wd like to correct impression (a) that she is dead; and (b) that\nshe \"remained faithful to the imagist, B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B

20 March 1956

Dear EP:

Spring holidays for Yale about to begin the end of this week,
though banks of snow outside the window belie frühling which was reported
due at 10:40 this morning.

Query? Will you set me straight as for present schedule of
visiting hours chez St Lizzie, and days of week when I might appear
if I took night train down from Haven for an afternoon (following) with
EP. Query: would it be worthwhile, on basis NHP could be there only
on an off-day, settling on some offday so as not to horn in on EP's
other visitors. Am not sure at moment when I can get down, since I
must start trying to get the law on Liveright and Hilda's Keylickted
Pomes away from them. But much too long a time since my visit last.

Have pile of Poundcasts from the Grab. Do you wish me to send
some? Had intended (per your suggestion): the Viola, Agresti-Rossetti,
Drummond, Stock. Should I send to Nudelitter in Califunnier for their
final i-shoe? Supply limited, and would like to go the right spots.

Letter from Hilda this A.M. says: "Remember me to Ezra when
you write."

27 March 1956

Dear EP

Looks like no Wash for next wk, what with prospect of trip
or two to New York for sessions with lawyer about wedging Hilda's
book free from Livewrong. Stupid business, but necessary.

Have just sent my check for 30 quid to A.V.Moore, asking him
to get Russell letters and send to me. Libary broke at end of their
fiscal year, and not so interested as they would have been had not
Russell sold batches of earlier letters to Buffalo. Have found out
otherwise that Hollings bought letters from Pertram Rota, London
dealer, who was hawking them for thirty pounds. So presumably Hollings
right in saying that was what he paid for 'em, though he may have hushed
what is the usual dealer's discount, one t'other. Agree with you and
Moore that it's better to buy these up and take off market. Will
give to Yale later, or can send you for yr inspecshun to do whatever
you want with. I have birthday coming up next month, and usually get
given a check or two which count be better used than for this. If
you prefer to destroy letters (don't see why, after safe disdunce of
time) glad to swap for something else.

Grab off to Florida for holidays. Students can, perfessers cant.
But will see that you get a batch on his return. Have ten at the moment,
and will send out in a day or two as per yr list.

7 April

(Oh, to swallow pizen now thet
Aperul's here)

Dear EP

Letter from A.V.Moore just in, and I send u a copy along
with a copy of mj answer to him. I ain't perturbed a bit. Quite
proper that he should want to be careful in what he does, altho I
did quote the relevant passage from your letter to me, which I warnt
capable of making up.

Will you clarify to him as you choose to.

The Grab popped his noggin in after his return from Florida,
nicely tanned and healthy looking in contrast to my white and wan
face after ten daze of trying to put my desk in order before the
spring floods of students who want to make out schedules for next
year. The next fortnight always one real hell, with lines of them
outside the door. (Grab will send 20 copies of of Poundcast to you.
"et me know if they don't arrive).

Immediate prospect makes me considerably happier that I shall
not be teaching next year, but finishing up dregs of editing etc in
order to clear path for something a little more interesting. And on
return to teaching the year following, I will not repeat not be doing
tri-weekly vaudeville act to large class but try to see if I can't
get a bright one or two to lavish attention on while I do some kind of
writing.

EP cdn't be more keerect that NHP has wasted too much time with
irrelavancies.

C O P Y

4th April 1956

Dear Mr Holmes Pearson:

Thank you for your letter of 27th March enclosing cheque for
L30 sterling, and I will arrange to see Hollings regarding the letters
of Mr Ezra Pound which he has for sale.

I understand you come into this business with the approval of
Mr Pound as I have had no definite instructions from him on the subject,
and you will understand that I hold the L30 which you have sent, to
your credit, as I feel having been let down by young men who have
professed friendship for Mr Pound that I must be very careful no one
can use these letters in any way.

I have been informed the letters in question are still with
Hollings, and I will endeavour to get him to reduce his price, and
as much as I agree this is far above the usual market price, I do
not want to create a precedent which might give other unscrupulous
sellers the opportunity of asking fantastic prices simply because
Mr Pound does not wish his letters to be circulated or published.

I cannot afford to place either Mr Pound or myself at the mercy
of these people in an future demands that may be made, and I want to
retain the threat of proceedinfs against Hollings for publishing
extracts of these letters, before coming to any firm dec ision to buy
them at his figure.

Have you been able to ascertain to whom Peter Russell sold these
letters, and whether he has disposed of any others? I cannot reassure
Mr Pound until this is sorted out.

If I should purchase the letters from Hollings I would like to have
some assurance that Mr Pound is agreeable to my sending them to you as
you request, and I trust you will understand my asking for this in
the circumstances.

7 April 1956

A.V.Moore, esq.
8, John Street
Bedford Row
London, W.C.1

Dear Mr Moore:

Thank you for your letter of the 4th April regarding
the matter of the letters from Mr Pound to Peter Russell which were
advertised by Hollings for sale.

I quite understand your reluctance to act without
full assurance from Mr Pound that the transaction has his full
support, and I am, therefore, taking the liberty of forwarding a
copy of your letter to him, and asking him to communicate directly
with you on the matter.

Of the history of this particular batch of letters to
Russell I can tell you nothing more than that it was offered for
sale privately by Betram Rota, of London, for the sum of thirty
pound, and assume from that that Hollings would have purchased the
batch from Rota at that amount, less the dealer's discount of from
10-20%. Rota presumably paid about half that amount. There is a
substantial batch of letters from Mr Pound to Russell, now in the
collection of the University of Buffalo (New York), but these were
presumably purchased through private negotiation between Mr Russell
and them. This sort of transaction is, as you of course know,
perfectly legal, quite distinct from any question of decorum.

Very truly yours,

26 June 1956

Dear EP:

re Farlow of Norton, Eq. (whom I
ain't met nor known hitherto by name) my only
conaction is by way of Boatwright the young
composer and member of the Yale moose-sick
school, who did the incidentals for the WOMEN.
Said he had written you about permishun to
include two verses by EP, translations from
Provencal, included in (as I recall when I looked
it up) SPIRIT OF ROMANCE, and used by him in
a discourse (not anthology) on setting words to
music, in which he cited these as good words in
distinction to crap one usually finds. Told me,
on phone, that you had sure and to get from the
pooplisher whatever he could as fee. He asked my
advice, so I said (on basis of your "could get")
(and since this warn't so to speak aimed in the
manner of anthologies to gain coin for one's self
by strip-teasing better bodies than one's own in
publicity) ten bucks each for U.S. and Canadian
rights, fifteen each for world rights. My recollec-
tion: they ain't full poems, just stanzas from two.
Maybe distinction between anthology permisions
and for what Boatwright is seriously doing in another
field wasn't right; it was only a suggestion. Just
write Fartlow, and tell him I was crazy.

Almost finished with brief hist of Am Lit
for commercial encyclopedia, but am running out of
cliches.

2

near which the dwelling-house and buildings have been erected.... There are several springs of fine fresh water, and present accommodation, in the shape of buildings, for the party who may be expected to associate themselves with you during the first season.... It would be a source of extreme gratification to Mr. Andersen to be so far instrumental in providing a habitation for an institution destined, it is to be hoped, in the future to disseminate throughout this great country that love of scientific investigation, of the advantages of which you display in your own person so brilliant an example." Thus the letter of offering. "It seems to me impossible to do otherwise than accept the great gift you offer. It changes at once an experiment without fixed location or stable foundation into a permanent school for the study of nature, such as the world has not seen before." So, Aggie in reply. And to the students, by circular: "I must make hard work a condition of a continued connection with the School...I do not propose to give much instruction in matters which may be learned from books. I want, on the contrary, to prepare those who shall attend and observe for themselves...." "Our object is to study nature, and I hope I may lead you in this enterprise so that you may learn to read for yourselves. "We should make nature our text-book; whenever we read books we are removed from the things we could be better acquainted with; instead of the things themselves we appropriate the interpretation of some one else; and, however correctly we may have done this, we invariably return to the study of the things themselves, whenever we wish to make real progress; and I hope to live long enough to make text-books useless and hateful, without even implying a reflection upon the services text-books may have rendered in past times...." The faculty for the second season, 1874, includes Morse of Salem, who sent "enollosa to Japan! "I wish I'd known that when I wrote the square dollar review. It's another water-worn neck of land connecting.... All this from the REPORT OF THE TRUETEES for 1873, which I dug out of the library. Two seasons, then nothing. In 1907 Penikese: a leper colony; then abandoned. Briefly, no date, an experiment in raising game; then abandoned. Now, only on the perimeter of a bombing range!

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

[1953]

11 Septem

Dear EP

Nach-ully the lights wuz out, when the charter was
snitched. What happunned is legend, but such authorities
as there are: (working from local accounts, plus a reward
given to Capn Joseph Wadsworth, as one particularly concerned
with the charter and securing a duplicate of it): go like
that in THE CHARTER OF CONNECTICUT, A Study(Hartford, 1932),
by Albert Carlos Bates, historian of Conn Hist Soc., who quotes
from Benjamin Trumbull in his History of Connecticut, published
1797: Trumbull calls it "tradition"

"The important affair was debated and kept in suspense until
the evening, when the charter was brought and laid upon the table,
where the assembly were sitting. By this time, great numbers of
people were assembled, and men sufficiently bold to enterprise
whatever, might be necessary or expedient. The lights were instantly
extinguished, and one 'captain Wadsworth, of Hartford, in the most
silent and secret manner, carried off the charter, and secreted it
in a large hollow tree, fronting the house of the Honorable Samuel
Wyllys, then one of the magistrates of the colony. The candles were
officiously relighted, but the patent was gone, and no discovery
could be made of it, or of the person who had conveyed it away."

Bates' book is the chief charter authority. Can send if you
like. But Jo's the boy.

All this done on the run, as am still busy cutting 'ryad's cake
for her. The greetings did reach her in Swissland before departure.
Seams in good spirits.

Thanks for yesterday's letter also.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

23 Septimber

[1958]

Dear EP:

Sorry to have let litters slip,
but Hilda's visit is a full time job even
though she has been this week in New York
seeing grandchildren. Tuesday I take her
in the car to Bethlehem and her old Moravian
haunts, and then to Lancaster where she
wants to see an old Bryn Mawria named Mary
Herr. She is much torn between past and
present, and even considers coming back to
the States in a year or two. Goes back on
the 3rd or 4th, but will probably be over
next spring for another visit.

Nice letter in from Stock, in reply
to my subscription for EDGE, which I look
forward to. Appears to be DOING something
down under. More than I can say for self,
and feel down under in more realistic sense.

Hope the Charter Oak dope was okay.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

16 Oct.

Dear Ez:

Yr cyard in this 3:00 p.m. mail;
at 4:20 ditto the two bks are already en
route to you, packed my own fair hands
and sent out by slingshot as befits the
Rock. Reason for und customary haste is
fact that tomorrow, Mrs NHP and I fly to
Cincinnutty where on Saturday we take
paddlewheeler down the Ohio and Mississippi
to Nude Orleans. ("Huck Finn, bless the bed
that I lay on.") If you hanker for pralines
or local info, I can be reached from Oct 27th
until Nov 5th, c/o Hotel Maison de Ville,
Toulouse Street, New Orleans. Glad to run
regional errands in between white pillars of
spanish-mossed plantations. More or less new
territory for me, and need a rest. Dryad
full of jumpings beans, but exhausting. She
flew back on Sunday last. Liked the exhibition
in 'homage' of her 70th, and the selected poems
of hers I'll bring out next spring. Will write
somewhere along the way, and pick up traces on
return. Bravo on the home stretch of the Rock.

S. S. DELTA QUEEN

Main Street at the Ohio River
CINCINNATI 2, OHIO

8th Novem.

Dear Ez:

Forgive Yankee thrift which preserved
paper intended for letters not written during
Huck Finn episode. Flown back on the 6th from
Nude Oileens, passing over Washington at 16,000
feet, hopefully a high enough altitude to give
some perspective on the ebb and flow.

The new Del Mar selection in Square Buckram
waiting for me. Looks excellent, even with unex-
pected but not personally objectionable presence
of the postscript. Glad to have it get a little
wider circulation; it might help to air condition
mismics.

Also Academia #2, which is GOOD! (Only I
never did see #1. If you see Gordon will you inquire?
Seems to me this begins to do something active; what
the Newsletter might have done if not so acadamnick.
Tho I daresay the Newsletter did some good in some
corners. Zweck's definitions (as from EP) are
excellent. Can I assume them as from the mouth? And
if so isn't this first appearance as such (inquiry
as for new bibliography). If not, can I have
keerected or amplified version or vision, for mimeo-
graphing next year for students when I start teaching
again.

Will be seeing the Laughlin a week from Sunday
Any inquiries or relevant sleuthing to be done for
ST Lizzie's H.Q.?

Saluti,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

20 November 1956

Dear Ez:

Things mighty confused and complicated lately, for which
reasons no choruspunting on my part.

Returned from deep south, as per my postcard, and pre-
pared to go to Andover (my whilom prep school, where I am on a
Board of some kind) for a meeting. Set out on the 9th to go by
way of my parents home in Massachusetts for lunch, and arrived there
to find my father had died that morning -- almost to the minute of
when I sat down in my car. So I stayed, returning only to New Haven
for a change of wardrobe, until Wednesday when everything was
finished--and we had gone through the various ceremonies connected
with the death of a leading citizen of a small city. I think I told
you he had had a cerebral hemorrhage early last January, and had
been unconscious since, thanks to the unhappy skill of modern medicine.
So it was a period to have over for him and for my mother --both 83 --
and one does not grieve except for the end of something.

Just before leaving that Friday I had a letter from Switzer-
land saying that Hilda had fallen and broken her leg, close to the
hip. A stupid sliding rug on a newly waxed floor of the sanatorium.
The bastards! She has had a pin put in, and now must be confined to
her room for eight weeks, after which a month or two of exercises usw.
And Hilda ain't what one would call a good patient. Send her a
greeting if you spare a moment.

Returned last Wednesday, as above, to have to have a sudden
large sebacous cyst removed from my temple, which had suddenly risen
to two-bit-size and basically manufacturing poisons. Slight delays there-
after as a consequence. And here we are.

The Michigan delay is my fault. The request is on my desk.
But now the attached situation has arised, and the Michigan delay may
be as well. I leave the decision to you. Imagine the kid acted in
good faith, though I could sock him one for thinking any fees would go
in my pocket. The arrangement was, if you recall, that any fees would
go to the painter friend, or as you directed. This on occasions when
program was being commercially sponsored. But no need to go into all
this in detail. The letters speak for themselves (except for my actual
temper!). No need to write Johnson, at any rate until I hear from him.

The three books are all at hand, for which thanks. Any more
needed?

R. B. J.

- 2 -

November 27, 1956

nature of the mimeographed script, on the title page of which you will recall
the statement: "No reproduction of this program will be permitted without the
written consent of the producers, Frederic D. Grab and Reid B. Johnson, or of
Professor Norman Holmes Pearson of Yale University."

I am indeed sorry to know that you should think that my pride in
what you and Fred accomplished in reality was a disguise for my attempt to
profit financially from the broadcast. If I may state my intentions as I my-
self understood them, they have been only to protect you both, and WYBC, from
violating copyright laws, and at the same time to see that Mr. Pound is helped
in every rightful way. When a radio program is financially sponsored, the use
of his copyrighted poetry should have its share of any profit.

These matters were discussed with Fred Grab in my office, but it
is obvious that our three-way communication somehow fell apart. The impor-
tant thing now is to clarify the arrangements for the future in general and
for Michigan in particular. Since it is apparent that, insofar as the
rebroadcasting of Pound's poetry is concerned, it is a matter for Mr.Pound
himself to decide, I am sending him copies of the correspondence with Dick
Goldman, your letter to me, and of this one to you. I shall send them similar-
ly to Dick Goldman and Fred Grab, and also to WYBC, so that they will not be
left in the dark. I had a letter from Fred a few days ago, and he seemed to
be relishing his year in Hamburg.

For the sake of the record, could you let me know whether you
know of any other broadcasts of the tribute. You can always, of course,
broadcast the program with the omission of Pound's own reading, but permission
for that must be obtained if it is to be included.

I shall look forward to hearing from you.

NHP:LLH

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

25 November 1956

Dear Ez:

Still vurry much on the run, but this
week (after visit to Massachusetts re my father's
estate) should see me in clear.

Ash-lie Brown a dizzypuntment to me,
since daze when he wuz a gradulately stewdon't
of mine. Disappeared into the sotth and arms of
what was left of the Southern group. Real fire
behind Shendandosh was Carter, who also lies low,
teaching high school or something of the kind
when he might be using the real talent he had.
Another ex of mine, Marshall Fishwick, keeps in
touch with Shen, as is on the faculty of Wash
and Lee; but the livest thing on that campus
seems to be the stuffed skin of Gen' Lee's horse,
Traveler, and the horse never moves. No mag,
big or little, any damn good -- as you know --
without somebody behind it with balls.

Missed new ed of Fenolosa. Whu put it
out. Will try to get Nation Europa, through
Grab (who writes happily from Hamburg, where he
is beaning Greek. Source for Pisaner Gesange?

Card from Hilda, saying she is "fortunate
but frustrated." TSE and the Faber gang turned
down her Selected Poems; but gather Possum never
keen on her pomes anyhue.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

YALE UNIVERSITY

NEW HAVEN • CONN

16 Dismember 1956

Dear Ez:

Glad 1956 is falling apart. Too much of the wrong kind of thing, poisonous and peewlitical. R.I.P.

But much to cover among unassorted peaces.

Viola Jordan has let Yale acquire your letters to her, as you no doubt know by now, with the money to go to Mary. They were too valuable for me to acquire out of a poorfessor's pocket, and I was pleased that Yale would mortgage some of next fiscal year's budget to see they were safe. Budgetary raisins for dividing payment between instanter and after 1 July when more is available. Hope this is OK. $250 now; $500 after next July 1. But to be absolutely sure, will you give me Mary's present address where first check can be sent.

Gather that Petering Russell has sold latest batch of missive from E.P., which are for sale by a New York dealer. Idea being to finance his move from Tunbridge Wells. Not being advertised this time.

Much encouraged by the fine quality of Dave Gordon's translation, which makes most contemptuary carryings-over of tongues sound as though latter were written with a hot-potato in the mouth. Gordon seems to understand what one means by diction. Give him my saluti!

Much heartened by knowledge of Mexican production of Pisan cantos. But where is a non-Commie, Mexican't like myself to acquire copy for local muniment room (personal). Want to have description for the full-dress bibliography of E.P. which Gallup is working hard on, as companionpiece to his similar opus on the Possum. The Edwards thing which I got out was only a beginning. This will do the job for them as must know, ought to know, what EP has said, especially since I have confidence that E.P. has not retracted. Hope not anyhow.

Am passing on copy of Chao's curriculum vitae to Kennedy in chink department here, on hope something will turn up locally or that Kennedy is in touch. Stinking shame that Chao should be wasted. But situation tough all over for easterners. I have a Korean protege -- some translations of his in various issues of Hudson -- name: Peter Lee -- shows some promise as poet, who is wandering from Switzerland to Italy to Belgium to Italy, and now

in Munich, with no future and talents wasted. I can be samurai
for him up to a point, only.

Kennedy, by the way, showing some signs of life. Told me
that he had been translating chink sections of ROCK DRILL, and is
using book, and others of E.P. with his chinkanzees! Has promised
me copy.

Archie McL seems to have stirred, viz this mawning's NY
Times Book sexion. Has a good heart, even when his metrics are
showing.

By awl miens quote remark about Lee's horse Travaler to
the Carter. But gather he ain't got nothing to do wif Shenandoor.
Hope to get noose about lingering possibilities for the mag. EDGE
hasn't arrived yet, though I paid subscription months ago, long enuf
for sea sludge to drift across one would think. But am patient.

Meant to tell you that letter of apology came from the
Aid Johnson of local station, that is whilom, so that all is okay
in that corner. Was working out of loyalty to you, though a damned
fool to think I was testing definition of usury. So all is in order
to proceed at last with Michigan. letter. Will write them once
Christmas mails stop being flooded with kitchie-koo.

Didn't realize that Doyle was no in Rome. Will try to get
in touch.

Gather that preface to Cantares Pisanos might be good for
Shen. What about Edge also. Can copy and send out if you want.
Airmail, natch.

Sun shining at last after dirty lowering ten days of
drizzle. Soul reviving,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

24 December 1956

Dear Ez:

Hope tomorrow not intolerable, and that New Year will
bring summation.

Glad to see Rattray, and will write him post Weinachten.
The Saint Sophia man is now in Washingdung at Lumbarton Oaks,
and can be seen there. However the one who told me most about
medieval greek ms usw is still in Istambul, teaches at Robert
College, knows Greek pope, and I see no difficulties in Rattray's
getting somehene with him.

Nice card from Chao. Hope we can help him.

Send along Grab trans/ of Nation Europa. Much interested.
Will return.

EDGE appeared in this mawning's malepusst. Looks good,
especially Frog metamorphoses which dance.

Have u complete address for Morale bugger in Mexican't,
plus first name. Will write on offeeshall peper.

Mul okay; many thanks.

Mirgo hopeless. Nude Erectionsleft hold bag. Unpleasant
spectacle. Kirgo did send me some more copies of the boobliography,
but, dammit, I paid for their publication, so the least he could do.
Otherwise not a peep, while he writes crap for television.

Mind started wandering this A.M., in midst of book-skimming
when I recalled H.S.M. and "E.P. Ode pour l'election....", in reading
about Ezekiel Pope, said to have been always among first citizens
mentioned in West Tennessee history, and destined to become source of
a great deal of bother to the loyal supporters of his grandson, James
K. Polk, during latter's presidential campaign in 1844 "because of
his unusual philosophy," which he summed up in his epitaph on his
tombstone":

Here lies the dust of old E.P.
One instance of mortality
Pennsylvania born, Carlina bred
His youthful years he spent in pleasure
His latter days in gathering treasure;
From superstition liv'd quite free
And practised strict morality,
To holy cheats was never willing
To give one salitory shilling.

He can foresee, and for foreseeing
He equals most in being
That church and state will join their pow'r
And misery on this country show'r;
And Methodists with their camp bawling
Will be the cause of this downfalling
An era not destined to see
It waits for poor posterity
First fruits and tenths are odious things
And so are Bishops, Priests and Kings.

The reference to "Methodist" is today chiseled out.

Saluti to present E.P. and Mrs P.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

13 January 1957

Dear Ez:

Well, ole Possum sure pulled a fast one, showing conseed-
er-ably more than I thought likely, the last few papal years being
taken into consideration. Am full of admiration at the 6:15 A.M.
ceremonastic; the early bird catches the worm, and the Anglo-Catholic
one can get in breakfast before the eggs get cold.

Have been doing a little more research on the other E.P.
Lived at a place formerly called Mecklen which he built, now called
Brooks Place, near Bolivar, Tennessee, in Hardeman County. "One of
the first settlers in Hardeman County, he harvested crops here in 1822 by
sending hands in advance of his arrival. Three years before his death
he wrote an epitaph that was to be carved on 'durable wood,' because
'there are no rocks in this country fit for gravestones.'

Here lies the dust of old E.P.
One instance of mortality,
Pennsylvania born, Car'lina bred;
In Tennessee died on his bed,
His youthful years he spent in pleasure,
His later days in gathering treasure.
From superstition liv'd quite free,
And practised strict morality.
To holy cheats was never willing
To give one solitary shilling;
He can foresee and, foreseeing,
He equals most in being.
That church and state will join their pow'r,
And misery on this country show'r,
And Methodists with their camp bawling
Will be the cause of this down falling;
An era not destined to see,
It waits for poor posterity;
First fruits and tenths are odious things,
So are bishops, priests and kings. M

"The line about 'Methodists with their camp bawling' was used against James K. Polk in his race for the Presidency. Feeling ran so high during the campaign that some members of the family are said to have chiseled the line from the tombstone which has been moved from the grave in Hatchie Cemetery and is in the front yard of the house."

Otherwise noted that he was said during the Polk campaign to have
been a Tory during the Revolution. "The Washington Globe and various
northern papers repelled the charge, and the Nashville Union printed
many letters and affidavits from persons who had certain knowledge that the

15 January 1957

Dear EP:

A kind of justice at last, I presume, in the enclosed answer from
YOU ASKED FOR IT in response to my (your) suggestion for a visit to Santa
Sophia. Must admit however the receipt of the card yesterday puzzled me
at first, until I realized that it was peanut butter with which we were
going to spread Holy Wisdom. Yet I am console d at the thought of this Art
(Beauty?) Baker as "every couple of weeks or so I sit down with the SKIPPY
folks." "SKIPPY FOLKS" is a nice phrase, very suggestive,-- folklorish in
a way, and one thinks of them dancing about a woodland ring. But perhaps
we had better skip them altogether. I send it to you for your memory book.

Dear Pound, I do owe you an apology for seeming to ignore letters from
you recently, which in fact mean a very great deal indeed to me as they
arrive. My explanation had thought to delay until the situation here was
better arranged (faute de mieux), but it drags on, and probably it is better
to indicate what has disturbed equilibrium for the past few months and reached
a kind of crisis about Christmas time. Our younger daughter--23--(my step-
daughter) has had a nervous breakdown, and we are now waiting ( she and my
wife and myself at home) until a spot is available in an institution where
she can go for treatment. The complications involve everyone, and although she
wants to go, life has not been easy as you will understand. How often I think
of Confucius and the chain of orderly being, sometimes with nostalgia, sometimes
with volition, usually with frustration. Meanwhile one is at best an equilibrist.

But your letters are by me, to be answered even though you will have
forgotten the referents.

I am delighted that your copies of the anthology reached you safely. It
was made with care, although the selections from the early Yeats had to be
truncated endlich because of the necessity of conforming to the limitations in
the final gathering which were evident after it had been set up. There is no
possible conflict between your new collection and this. It is not the particular
poem which makes an anthology, but the arrangement, the rationale. Nor is there
any competition. I'll help with yours as I can--AND I haven't forgotten the
copies that I'll make of the things you wanted according to your earlier
instructions.

How come the connexion with Auden? We met before the last war after he
came to this country, through a German woman I had known when she lived in Munich,
whom I helped to bring over, and who he had met through a common friend (his and
mine) who was at Magdalen College, Oxford, when I was a student there. Being
reasonably well read on both sides, and since I was not a poet and do not trade
on my friendships, we enjoyed talking. Viking wanted him to do the collection;
he wanted someone who knew the American field better than he, asked me to collab-
orate after I came back from the war, I thought it was a good chance to reread
English and American poetry straight through, and said yes. "I each read every-
thing on both sides, got together once a week, and proceeded by dialectic. If
there is a common influence on both of us it was presumably the Oxford English
Schools, since each of us had taken the field for our undergraduate degrees.

We are good friends, correspond every other year, keep out of each other's hair and arms, and remain in common good grace.

The most cheering news in these months has been the info in your recents of the progress with the Cantos. I am deseeelighted and delighted. And hope Merchant will not be too long with his press, about which he told me and which I said I would help him with. He had mentioned possibility of having a short translation or two of yours, but had not breathed the possibility of more. Glad you give him this boost. A good man with a good mind and a good spirit. I liked him.

What developments with M de R and her travel plans. Had a nice letter from her after I wrote as per yr suggestion, but am not sure just when she comes.

I have to come down to Washington in March to give a lecture at Howard University (their affair of the year), which will mean I can come down to see you at the same time. 'his is at least cheering for me.

19 January 1957

Dear Ez:

Wen u finish with summer Meanjin, send along so I
can see article on Mathews. Will return to you for your
files. Much innerrested, and will try to discover what the
story is.

Nice letter from Eva H saying she wuz sending copy
of her latest. Pisan.

And many thanks for De Moribus Brachmanorum. Which
is a beut! Vanni is shure running rings around the boys on
this side. Wish he wuz closer to hand.

Letter from Encyclopedia Americana, for whom I dun
them 15000 words last summer on survey of Amurricane litera-
ture, asks "We should appreciate your rewriting the article
on Ezra Pound for an April 1st deadline. ... We are grateful
for your help in improving the Americana." Had an idea that
a once-over would do no harm, and suggested I would be glad
to take a look at your entry and Hilda's. Hilda's came first
and stunk as they had it. They set a limit for EP of 350
words, but will make them enlarge.

Letter from Edwards, of Caulifunnier, in response to
my request to know what had happened to the Index for the
Cantos, said it would need subsidy of a million and more lira
before the group could put it out. Damned nuisance. I wanted
it before next year when I start teaching again. Believe the
thing runs to 500 pages, which ain't surprizin'

Trust washingung climate is more salubrious than here.
Hilda writes she is beginning to walk again, but very restless.