THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

10 Barton Street

April 28th [1905]

Dear Randolph

– it was nice to see y^r handwriting again.  Y^r letter evidently puzzled the Shakespear Club but it got here at last.  I send you a notice of the masque – Ralph had hard work in getting the chorus & band into order, everything was so unprepared but I think it went well on the whole & Ralph got through it with credit but he had some bad moments for the wind w^d turn over the leaves of the score in the most critical passages.  What do you think of our being asked by the Mayor to take a glass of wine with him on Sunday afternoon.  He had a fine collection of choice spirits round his table – racing men with red mottled faces & the drinking of a magnum of port was a very solemn affair.¹ Ralph is now safe back at his hymns!²
We dined with the Davi the other night – Charles carved with great spirit & was amusing when his brothers gave him a chance – he rebuked Crompton for using so coarse a word as ‘sweater’ to me. Crompton had just come back from Yorkshire – he & Theo asked much after you.  They are keen to hear what you think of America & they hope to see you in June.³
We shall look forward eagerly to your impressions – & experiences. Your visit here made me happier – but I do not mean to give up my right to feel anxious sometimes.  That doesn’t mean that I have any doubt about your future.  I rely upon its being as great as I wish & that is very great indeed. Ralph sends his love with mine –
Your very affectionate

AMVW

1. The VWs had been in Stratford-upon-Avon for the performance of Pan’s Anniversary, Catalogue of Works 1905/4, on 24th April.
2. VW was mainly occupied at this time in editing the music for the forthcoming English Hymnal.
3. The brothers Charles, Theodore and Crompton Llewellyn Davies. Crompton LD was the Vaughan Williams’s solicitor at this time.