Letter from Edward Thomas to his wife, Helen Thomas. Archival reference: 424/1/1/1/1/169
Lincoln College
15.v.1900

My dearest friend

This is only to say that I am alive and in no danger of being dead yet. As a matter of fact I am doing rather more work and have even begun revision, but my state was never so morbid. I feel as I could barter all the real good of life for a few smiles from Elsey. As however, he won't give those smiles there is no fear of such a bargain.

Morgan is coming again on Saturday and I am going to ask him to dine with us that night. He writes more cheerfully and hopes for a second at least

" Arbuthnots Works" and see if I have marked a passage relating to a human child suckled by a bear or a wolf ? and let me know.

The College photograph is an excellent one and I am having it framed for preservatation, Have you yet had Merfyn's taken ?

With kisses, my dearest one ,
Ever and wholly yours
Edw
WithThe Deacon sends me his silver wedding card and half a crown for tobacco!

Haynes accepted my invitation for after Schools (when he may meet Gwen), and talks also of coming up at Whitsun. What a bad time I shall give him. I am as dull as a wall. Still he is the most stimulating friend I ever had by far.

Pray write too me soon dearest one : by the way please send me

1 Sir Thos Browne's works
2 My blazer

3 Maines " Waste Paper Baskets " in M.S. in the top drawer of my desk. Use the key of the children's wardrobe and beware of curiosity yet a little longer.
I am giving the Browne to Maine. I have given Davies my Boceocis, O Brien my Cowper, Hodges my Ben Tonson, Elsey my "Essays of Elia”, each a more or less fitting device.

Will you look up the two yellow half volumes of