THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

[July 1942]

My Dear

I write on this fine note paper out of economy!
I am so thankful your foot is getting better – I could not bear to think of your pretty foot all swollen¹ & I was afraid it might develop into something worse. But what a hard time you’ve had – Yes we will meet soon & drown our cares in beer.
I am pleased with the film music² on the whole – though it was all rather against the collar.³ Of course I will take you to it my dear.
Is dill a sort of feathery plant? If so some of it is coming up.⁴
Hens do an average of 2 a day which I suppose is all one can expect. Today I’ve been spreading their droppings out in the sun to dry.
I’ve been reading Patmore⁵ lately in a certain place – v good and each poem takes about the right time.
[No signature]

1. UW had had a broken needle removed from her foot.
2. UVW’s note says The Loves of Joanna Godden (Catalogue of Works 1946/2) but Coastal Command (Catalogue of Works 1942/1) seems more likely for 1942. The film was to receive its premier in October.
3. a ploughing metaphor.
4. See VWL1663.
5. Coventry Patmore, the Victorian poet.