BR TO ROLLO RUSSELL, 21 MAY 1893
BRACERS 53655. ALS. McMaster. SLBR 1: #6
Edited by N. Griffin. Proofread by A. Duncan and K. Blackwell

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May 21. 1893

My dear Uncle Rollo

I hardly know how to thank you for your letter: it is so much too kind, so much kinder than I deserve. I can only hope and endeavour to be worthier of it in the future. — I think I am less morbidly introspective than I used to be; I have my time so much busier and more occupied than I used to that my thoughts are perhaps too much taken up with the work or pleasure of the moment; but I still try to know myself as well as I can, both for the sake of my own improvement and because I think it leads to a better understanding of, and a readier sympathy with, other people. — I have just come back from home where I spent two nights after finishing the 1st half of my Tripos. I found Auntie very far from recovered in mind, though in body she seems much better than before she went. But it is terrible how almost impossible any effort of mind seems to be to her still. — Granny is not at all strong yet, but will I hope be well again soon especially as Auntie is home again. — I found at home to my very great surprise a book of poems!1 What a secret you kept it! I read several of them with Granny and was extremely struck with them. — I would have written to you before this term only that I have been so exceedingly busy, working for my Tripos. I have had hardly any opportunity of comparing myself with the others in the 1st 3½ days, but so far as I can tell I have done about as I expected to do. I have still a week’s hard work and then the 2nd 3½ days which is the really important part, the 1st being more or less elementary. I have no notion where I ought to be, except that I am not likely to be in the 1st 10. — I hope you and Aunt Gertrude are well. I had a letter from Arthur the other day: please give him my love and say I will write to him when I am not quite so busy.

Your affec nephew
Bertrand Russell.

• 1

  book of poems Presumably Rollo’s Break of Day, just published.