“As soon as this hateful season is over (the spring season is always so hard on me--engaging actors, getting manuscripts together, etc.) do let me come over and talk over ‘King Henry IV.’: meanwhile, I must read it again, as parts of it are very faint in my memory. I do not believe in combining the two parts. I had thought of ‘Julius Cæsar,’ which I consider the greatest play in the world; but it is so well known that it invites comparison. It is much better to produce a Shakespearean play but little seen.... “With many thanks, all good wishes--and looking forward to seeing you and talking over a Shakespearean production, I am, “Faithfully yours, “DAVID BELASCO.” (_William Winter to David Belasco._) “New Brighton, Staten Island, “March 8, 1917. “Dear David:-- “Your letter of March 2 has reached me. “I was glad to hear from you, and I thank you for your kind wishes. I improve but slowly: still--I improve. “The work goes on--but _not_ well. It goes slowly. But still--it goes. I do not remember ever experiencing so much difficulty in putting biographical matter in order.... “As soon as the weather settles, and the pressure of your business will permit, I shall be glad to have you come to see me here. We can then resume talks about your adventures; and we can confer about ‘King Henry IV.’ The more I have reflected on the subject the more I feel that you would do well to revive that play. It requires editing, of course,--but it is a superb work. Besides _Falstaff_, _King Henry the Fourth_, _Prince Henry_ and _Hotspur_ are all splendid characters (_I_ prefer the _Prince_ to _Hotspur_: actors usually do not), and several of the others are almost as good. “The plan of combining the two Parts has some merits: but (in my judgment) to produce the First Part is the ‘eftest scheme.’ We will talk of it when you come.... “Faithfully yours, “WILLIAM WINTER.” (_William Winter to David Belasco._) “46 Winter Avenue, New Brighton, “Staten Island, New York, “May 18, 1917. “My dear David:--