ROBIN ALLEN. Mr. Briton Rivière: FLAXLEY, 82 FINCHLEY ROAD, N.W., _December 11, 1879_. DEAR SIR FREDERIC,--After hearing your admirable address last night, I came home in despair, for what little basis of thought is contained in my lectures (more especially in the second one) is built chiefly upon two or three of the lines of argument that you have already expressed so beautifully: Sincerity in the student--The effect of his own time upon him--That time in its relation to the time of the Old Masters, and the temper of mind in which the Old Masters should be studied; on these points my lectures are but a feeble echo of what I heard last night. My first thought was to change my whole line of battle, and re-write them, but the extreme limitation of my powers of work would make this too great a sacrifice. To throw them up altogether, which I should much like, is impossible, for I am pledged to the Academy to do my best. Clearly, I must go on, but I shall do so more easily now that I have explained my position, so that if any one who hears me should tell you that my lectures were only a parody of what you had already said so well, you will believe that it has been the misfortune and not the fault of yours very truly, BRITON RIVIÈRE. Don't trouble to answer this. Matthew Arnold:-- ATHENÆUM CLUB, PALL MALL, _April 19, 1880_. MY DEAR LEIGHTON,--You have been _better_ than your word, for I see you have made me the actual possessor of your "address." From the glance I have already taken at it, I see that I shall both like it and you with it; but of this I might have been sure beforehand. A thousand thanks, and believe me, always sincerely yours, MATTHEW ARNOLD.