SWINBURNE, Algernon Charles (1837-1909). Poet.
Two Autograph Letters Signed, one (and the other almost certainly) to the classical scholar R.D. Archer-Hind, 3 page 8vo, The Pines, 4 August and 11 September 1898. Giving permission for Archer-Hind to print some verses, and congratulating him on his version of The Garden of Proserpine in Greek elegiacs.

'I am heartily ashamed to be so late in thanking you for your great kindness in sending me a transcript of the exquisitely beautiful version you have done me the honour to make of my "Garden of Proserpine". I waited to do so till I had made a thorough study of it ... . Your Greek seems to me quite as musical - whatever you say to the contrary - as my English can possible be considered: & the wonderful & subtle felicity of rendering repeatedly struck me with astonishment as well as delight. I wish I were scholar enough to make my praise & admiration on that score worth having: but I am not, I hope, quite incapable of appreciation as well as gratitude.'

Richard Dacre Archer-Hind (formerly Richard Dacre Hodgson), 1849-1910, received his early schooling in Latin and Greek from his father, the horticulturist Thomas Hodgson (1814-1911). He continued his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he won the first chancellor's medal for classical learning and became a fellow, lecturer and tutor.
[No: 25251]