Memoirs of the Life and Correspondence of Henry Reeve, C.B., D.C.L.: In Two Volumes. Volume II.Reeve, Henry
History
Memoirs of the Life and Correspondence of Henry Reeve, C.B., D.C.L.: In Two Volumes. Volume II.
Reeve, Henry
Journalists -- Great Britain -- 19th century -- Biography; Reeve, Henry, 1813-1895; Reeve, Henry, 1813-1895 -- Correspondence
The arrangements you suggest for the Duc d'Aumale will suit very well. Of
course it is running it rather fine to arrive at 11.13; but we will see
about this as the time approaches. Meantime I must ask you and the Duke's
friends not to say anything about the matter at present. I shall have to
give notice to our Council in May. A fortnight after, his name will be
submitted to ballot; and though there can be no reasonable doubt that
H.R.H.'s name will be received with acclamation, they make a great point of
secrecy till the ballot takes place.
Perhaps about the beginning of May you will be so good as to send me a
complete statement of H.R.H.'s claims to an Honorary Degree. I know much
about them, but should be glad to be fully equipped.
_From the Duc d'Aumale_
_Chantilly_, 9 _juin_.--Bon! tres cher ami, nous irons, s'il plait a Dieu,
ensemble a Oxford, le 17, par 9.55 en cravate blanche. Je compte arriver le
14 au soir a Claridge's, ou je serai present le lundi, 15, de 10 a midi,
et de 6 a 7; le mardi, 16, de 10 a midi. Si vous pouvez venir m'y voir,
je serai tres heureux, car j'ai encore besoin de quelques renseignements
complimentaires.
Vous m'avez offert l'hospitalite du Dean, et je lui ai ecrit que je
l'acceptais. Mais en quoi consiste cette hospitalite? Simple luncheon suivi
d'un depart, ou diner et coucher au doyenne? Je ne voudrais pas manquer de
courtoisie; but above all I would not intrude--et je suis _tres dispose_
a me retirer de tres bonne heure. Seulement j'aimerais a etre fixe pour
prendre tous mes arrangements.
The Journal simply notes that on June 16th the Duc d'Aumale dined at The
Club; and on the 17th 'with Duc d'Aumale to Oxford, where he was made
D.C.L. Lunch at All Souls; very pleasant day.' Reeve left early and
returned at once to Foxholes.
_From the Duc d'Aumale_
_Chantilly_, 1er _juillet_.--Apres votre depart de Christ Church [Oxford]
le 17 nous avons eu le ou la 'Gaudy.' Ainsi que vous l'aviez prevu, j'ai du
dire quelques mots a peine prepares. Comme il n'y avait pas de _reporter_,
et que je n'avais aucune note, et comme l'auditoire, y compris nos
Seigneurs les eveques, avait accueilli mon _speech_ avec bienveillance, je
l'ai note sur le papier--comme disent les musiciens--avant de me coucher.
Vous avez ete presque mon parrain a Oxford, je vous en dois bien la copie.
C'est, en tous cas, un temoignage de ma fidele amitie.
The speech which follows, although delivered under circumstances which
necessitated a complimentary tone, is a more than usually graceful tribute
to our old Universities, and the introduction of the little analogue is
singularly happy. The Duke, whose letters to Reeve are all in French, wrote
this _verbatim_ as here given, in correct English, perfectly well spelt.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account