BR TO IRINA STICKLAND, 22 MAY 1947
BRACERS 57205. ALS. McMaster
Proofread by K. Blackwell

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TRINITY COLLEGE,
CAMBRIDGE.
22 May 1947

My dear Irina

Thank you very much for your letter and the delicious poems. The one about Troilus and Criseyde is very calculated to stir amorous feelings. It was very clever of you to remember my birthday, and very nice to get a birthday letter from you. But alas my age is three-quarters of a century, and I suppose before long I shall begin to experience the Psalmist’s “labour and sorrow”, which, according to him, ought to have begun five years ago, but didn’t.

This is my last time here till the autumn, so I can’t hope to hear from you again till October. You will be glad to hear that Derek seems to be doing good work, so there is considerable likelihood of his fellowship being continued.

Virginia’s death is delicious!

Very best wishes for your literary success, and love to the twins and yourself.

Yours ever
BR